Quantcast

Using rewards: A cost-effective European Christmas journey

Southwest's layoffs dent its worker-first culture
Abu Dhabi's long-haul carrier Etihad Airways sees record $476 million profit in 2024
Jet2 warns of profits squeeze from rising costs and late bookings
Hong Kong Airlines launches daily Sydney flights
Airline to launch new bunk beds in economy on long-haul flights next year
How Airline Employees Are Coping After Deadly Washington Crash
Major airline reverses in-flight menu change amid outcry
British Airways frequent flyer scheme changes: everything you need to know
Airline introduces world-first hand luggage ban on popular travel gadget
Air Canada Delays Boeing 767 Reentry
Flight Centre tips ‘price war’ as first direct Melbourne to LA Delta flights go on sale
FAA reverses course on meeting prohibition, blaming rogue employee
British Airways tweaks frequent flyer scheme after backlash
Delta flight from New York to Florida diverted to North Carolina due to ‘odor in the cabin’
EASA Certifies Safran’s First Electric Motor
US court blocks Biden administration's airline fee disclosure rule
JetBlue Issues Dim Outlook But Execs Remain Confident in Turnaround Plan
Delta to Resume Tel Aviv Flights April 1
Boeing CEO Ortberg outlines 2025 priorities after heavy losses
Storm Eowyn: Thousands of trains, flights and ferries cancelled as 100mph wind batters UK
Indian carrier long haul: IndiGo returns to profitability, plans long haul flights
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
Delta Adds Another Alaska Route
Southwest to Reduce Pilot Head Count at Several Bases
Dublin Airport savings boost for holidaymakers – but passengers need to be quick
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
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

British Airways is the leading foreign long-haul airline serving the United States.

Jun 5, 2025

United Airlines has completed a deal with the Chicago Department of Aviation to acquire five additional gates at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

Boeing has reached a production milestone, achieving a monthly output of 38 737 MAX aircraft for the first time since 2020.

Jun 5, 2025

At 14:12 local time on June 2, an Allegiant Air Airbus A320 experienced engine failure shortly after taking off from Huntington Tri-State Airport.

Jun 5, 2025

The UK government has initiated a comprehensive airspace modernization program, marking the first significant update since the 1950s.

Jun 5, 2025

Global Airlines has addressed speculation about its future operations, denying any intention to operate as an ACMI carrier using Airbus A380 aircraft.

Jun 5, 2025