Quantcast

Using rewards: A cost-effective European Christmas journey

These Frequent Fliers Are Done With Loyalty Programs
JetBlue accepting Venmo as payment method for flights purchased through mobile app
United Airlines stock rallies on results, as growing demand wasn’t just about premium seats
American Halts CRJ-200 Operations
Shanghai Airlines to Launch Casablanca Route
Delta employees to receive an average five weeks of pay in annual profit sharing
Akasa Air faces DGCA heat for lapses; warning letter issued to airline's accountable manager
Indigo Eyes European Market Amid Intensifying Competition with Air India
Air India to operate daily Delhi-Prayagraj flights for Maha Kumbh
Engine maker agrees to compensate WizzAir for grounded planes
Turkish Airlines’ flights are riddled with bedbugs, passengers say
British Airways frequent flyers react to Executive Club changes
Inside the short-lived, men-only flights where kids and women were banned but cigar and pipe smoking were rife
China steps up drive to break Boeing, Airbus grip on plane market
Heathrow’s New York service clings to spot in top aviation routes
Airline praises pilots in crash-landing where both died but nearly half the passengers survived
Mexico state airline to buy five Embraer planes next year
A record number of people are expected to fly over the holidays. That's good for travel stocks, but not for passengers.
American Airlines technical issue sparks travel chaos on Christmas Eve as flights heavily delayed after being grounded
Why United Airlines has had such a stellar year despite being Boeing's biggest customer
JetBlue nixing routes between multiple major cities, reducing several others
Airline Stocks Led The Travel Industry's Record 2024 Rally. Here's What's Next.
It’s beginning to look like another record for holiday travel
Qatar Airways cleans up at the World Travel Awards
All of the strikes at European airports this winter – find out if you are affected
Meet the CEO trying to turn around Air India, the 92-year-old airline with a pile of problems
Skiplagging: Unpacking the Risky Travel Trend That Involves Tricking Airlines
Qantas engineers walk off job on one of the busiest travel days of the year
South Korea to safeguard competition after Korean Air, Asiana merger
China Southern returns to Adelaide
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

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025

Hainan Airlines announced that its Beijing–Oslo flight HU769 landed successfully in Norway.

Apr 2, 2025