Quantcast

Using rewards: A cost-effective European Christmas journey

Using rewards: A cost-effective European Christmas journey
Research
Webp ir2ww3r8glsrseydb2gszilkkdjz
Caroline Lascom Senior editor | The Points Guy

When The Points Guy's senior writer, Ben Smithson, informed a colleague about Air France-KLM Flying Blue's July Promo Reward sale, offering flights from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Europe starting at 15,000 Flying Blue miles each way, it was an opportunity too good to pass up. This particular deal was noteworthy because such offers typically depart from either the East or West Coast, and the individual in question is based in Colorado.

The decision was made to fly from Denver to Europe for 30,000 miles round-trip later in the year. However, due to personal financial commitments related to a wedding and honeymoon planned for October, the trip would only proceed if it could be funded almost entirely with points and miles.

"We ultimately narrowed down the list based on which dates worked best for us and which cities had plenty of hotel options that we could book with our Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt points," said the traveler. European train routes were also considered as there was a desire to experience an overnight train journey.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The itinerary included flying into Prague before Christmas and departing from Brussels a week later. Three days were planned in Prague to explore its Christmas markets followed by a journey on the European Sleeper train to Brussels for two days. "As an Agatha Christie fan, I was particularly excited to explore Brussels," they noted.

The total cost for flights was 30,000 Flying Blue miles plus $298 per person. These tickets included free checked baggage and carry-on items. Interestingly, part of the return journey involved traveling from Brussels South/Midi Train Station (ZYR) by train to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

Despite not being a frequent flyer with Air France-KLM and having no Flying Blue miles initially, they utilized Chase Ultimate Rewards points and Capital One miles — both transfer partners with Flying Blue — for this redemption.

In terms of accommodation in Prague, two well-reviewed Hyatt properties near downtown influenced their choice of destination. They booked three nights at Andaz Prague using 83,000 World of Hyatt points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards account.

For lodging in Brussels, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card free night certificates were used at The Dominican Hotel. "Since cash rates were around $580 on those dates, that welcome bonus saved us over $1,100," they stated.

Other expenses included a European Sleeper train costing approximately $465 booked with Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for additional benefits like earning extra points per dollar spent on travel.

Flexibility played a key role: "Either way staying flexible in your travel plans can help you get most value from your points."

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Etihad Airways has announced the launch of a new route connecting Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa.

Oct 27, 2025

United Airlines has unveiled its Summer 2026 schedule, which includes new flights from Newark to Bari, Split, Santiago de Compostela, and Glasgow, as well as from Newark to Seoul and Washington, D.C., to Reykjavik.

Oct 27, 2025

Ethiopian Airlines has announced a limited-time 20% discount on fares between Addis Ababa and Porto.

Oct 27, 2025

Avianca has announced that passengers are encouraged to register for the Biomig biometric migration system to avoid lines and delays at participating airports in Colombia.

Oct 27, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced an upgrade to its mobile application, enhancing travel convenience ahead of the holiday season.

Oct 27, 2025

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has announced the closure of Terminal 5 to commence significant renovations aimed at enhancing the passenger experience.

Oct 27, 2025