If you're a traveler obsessed with getting “maximum value” from your points and miles, then yes, booking business class flights is the going to get you the most bang for your buck – or points. But if you're more focused on booking as many flights possible with your points in economy, you're in the right place.
That's because there are several ways you can book roundtrip flights in economy Europe under for 40,000 points per person this year – and we're not talking about low-cost carriers that charge you for seat assignments or even water. We're talking about flying with American, Delta, Virgin Atlantic, and even Emirates across the pond for ultra-low rates you may not believe.
With rates like these, you and a traveling companion – or even the whole family – can get to Europe for some for cheap in 2025 and 2026. Here's where we've been looking as we round up the very best deals for our Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal alert subscribers every day.
Virgin Atlantic to the U.K. from 12K Points Roundtrip
Virgin Atlantic did something strange recently. They actually made some of their fares cheaper than ever before.
While the rest of the industry is following in the “pointsflation” path with higher and higher rates, Virgin switched to a dynamic pricing model, meaning the price in points goes up and down with demand. Of course, that can mean sky-high fares, but it also means fares can bottom out…
These fares, starting at just 12,000 points roundtrip, were mind-blowing. Even all the way from the west coast to London (LHR) you only needed 18,000 points roundtrip!
There is a catch, though. On these fares, you'll need to fork over some heavier-than-usual fees thanks to expensive take-off fees at London-Heathrow (LHR).
Even with more than $300 in taxes and fees, this is a crazy value for your points and miles. You get seat assignment and a free checked bag with all of these fares, too.
Emirates to Italy and Greece for 35K Miles Roundtrip
If you've been reading my stories or listening to me on the Thrifty Traveler Podcast, you're probably tired of hearing me talk about what I consider to be the best deal in travel: Flying Emirates to Milan (MXP) or Athens (ATH) for just 35,000 points roundtrip, or 17,500 points each way!
Here's an example from New York (JFK) to Milan (MXP), showing the cost in points and taxes and fees. Considering Emirates offers one of the best economy experiences on earth, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than this deal. Each one of these fares comes with a free checked bag and seat assignment starting at just $27.
You can transfer Emirates Skywards miles in from Citi right now, and normally you can do the same from Amex and Chase, although both those banks will pause transfers to Emirates May 28. (So act fast!)
If you're more bougie-inclined, you can make the same trip in business class for just 108,000 miles roundtrip, too!
You might be thinking: “This flight departs from New York, and I'm based elsewhere.” And you're right. But with how good of a value this redemption is, I think it's worth a positioning flight to NYC to put yourself in the way of a points redemption this sweet.
Air France & KLM to all of Europe for 38K Points Roundtrip
If you have FlyingBlue miles – the points program from partners Air France and KLM – you have perhaps the best way to fly to anywhere in Europe. Not only are the nonstop flights to Amsterdam (AMS) and Paris (CDG) incredibly cheap at just 38,000 miles roundtrip, but you can also book onward connections to the rest of Air France and KLM's vast European network for the same price!
Right now, Air France/KLM Flying Blue has a transfer bonus from Chase Ultimate Rewards, meaning just 30,000 Chase points will turn into the 38,000 FlyingBlue miles you'll need to secure these seats. That puts a family of four on their dream trip to France, Italy, and beyond for just 120,000 Chase points roundtrip!
The strength of this deal comes from Air France and KLM's networks. Flying to almost every city in Europe from their AMS and CDG mega-hubs, this deal can really get you almost anywhere in Europe … or even Africa. The last time I used this deal, I flew to Stockholm (ARN) the week after Christmas!
These fares are also Main Cabin, meaning you get a free carry-on and checked bag. Seat assignment is about $30, or you can select it for free at check in, too.
Delta SkyMiles Flash Sale to Dublin from 30K Roundtrip
There's nothing simpler and easier than a good o'l Delta SkyMiles flash sale – especially when it's on a convenient nonstop flight to Dublin (DUB).
Delta quietly released this flash sale a few weeks ago and never advertised it. Our Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal analysts caught it and sent it out to our members in a matter of minutes – allowing travelers from Boston (BOS), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis (MSP), and New York (JFK) a shot at flights to Ireland under 41,000 SkyMiles roundtrip!
Boston (BOS) got the best of this deal, coming in at just 30,000 miles roundtrip when you use your Takeoff15 discount by holding a Delta SkyMiles credit card.
Sadly, Delta sells basic economy as its lowest fare. The Main Cabin rates on these fares are 16,000 SkyMiles higher. But even at 46,000 SkyMiles roundtrip, this is a steal for nonstop flights to Ireland.
American to Europe from 38K Roundtrip
The flash sales we listed above are all great, but most come with caveats. Delta's fares book you into basic economy, FlyingBlue fares have a cancellation fee, Emirates requires a connecting flight to NYC, and Virgin has high taxes and fees.
What's the “but” for American AAdvantage miles deals to Europe?
I haven't found one yet…
These American Airlines miles deals to Europe are sublime. For 38,000 AAdvantage miles roundtrip, you can fly Main Cabin, from almost any airport AA serves, to almost all of AA's European gateways for somewhere between just $50 and $200 in taxes and fees.
And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. From Bismarck (BIS) to Boston (BOS), you can fly AA economy for a clean and easy 38,000 points this year or next. For best results, aim for the shoulder seasons (fall, winter, and spring) to have the best chance at finding these totally refundable 38,000-point fares on AA. You won't be disappointed.
Bottom Line
You don't need to fly business class to get a good deal using your points and miles. Flying economy, you'll be able to take more trips and have an easier time booking the whole family over to Europe.
Don't let your points and miles sit in the bank, never to be used. If you want to fly to Europe and the cost of tickets is keeping you from doing so, try booking one of these economy awards to get you over there to explore the old world.
Great article. Thank you!!