Maximizing Rewards and Points for Cheap Business Class Tickets to Europe
Introduction
Rewards programs are one of the best ways to make business class travel affordable. Here’s how to maximize points and miles to book business class tickets to Europe for less.
Leverage Airline Loyalty Programs
Many major airlines have loyalty programs that allow travelers to earn miles redeemable for business class tickets. Programs like American Airlines AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, and British Airways Executive Club offer rewards flights for European routes. Frequent travelers benefit from earning points with one airline, which leads to perks and eventual upgrades.
Transfer Points from Credit Card Programs
Credit card programs, like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One, offer transferable points that can be redeemed with various airlines. These points allow for greater flexibility, letting you choose the best deal for your destination. Sign-up bonuses from travel credit cards can often cover a large portion of a business class ticket.
Use Points for Partial Fare Reductions
Some airlines and credit card programs allow you to use points to cover a portion of your fare, reducing the out-of-pocket cost of business class. With programs like Delta Pay with Miles, you can use a combination of points and cash, making luxury travel more accessible without needing a large points balance.
Take Advantage of Companion Tickets
Many credit card programs, including those with co-branded airline cards, offer companion tickets as an annual perk. This benefit allows you to bring a guest at a reduced fare, sometimes even free. For business class travel, companion tickets can provide significant savings, especially when flying to Europe from the U.S.