Quantcast

Using rewards: A cost-effective European Christmas journey

Report: JetBlue, United Mulling Partnership
Flight tickets from Srinagar remain exorbitantly high despite aviation ministry request
RTX Q1 Earnings & Sales Beat Estimates, Increase Year Over Year
Delta faces federal investigation as it scraps hundreds of flights for fifth straight day
Coalition pledges to remove EV tax break two days after Dutton ruled out scrapping it – as it happened
Adani’s airport unit seeks $750 million loan from global banks
GE Aerospace affirms outlook; CEO met with Trump to discuss tariffs
Flight made emergency landing in Denver after reported animal strike and engine fire
General Dynamics says G800 jet receives FAA, EASA certifications
Archer unveils plans for NYC air-taxi network in partnership with United Airlines
United Airlines doubles down on Chicago roots with new O'Hare billboards
Gatwick airport strikes, Easter 2025: will my flight be cancelled?
Boarding passes and check-in could be scrapped in air travel shake-up
European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
Qatar Airways accelerates Starlink wifi implementation
Southwest Airlines extends flight schedule through early April 2025
Cathay Pacific reaches 3,400 pilots this year, with low resignation rate of 2.9%
Qatar Airways Nears Boeing 777 Fleet-Wide Starlink Upgrade
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
50 New Routes Launching In April 2025
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
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

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) anticipates that Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production will reach 2 million tonnes, equivalent to 0.7% of total airline fuel consumption by 2025.

Jun 1, 2025

Emirates Airline has entered into a partnership with Al Ain Football Club, which will see the airline become the Official Airline Partner for the club during the 2025/26 season.

Jun 1, 2025

IATA has called on governments to eliminate barriers preventing airlines from repatriating revenues from ticket sales and other activities.

Jun 1, 2025

IndiGo, Delta Air Lines, Air France-KLM, and Virgin Atlantic have announced a strategic partnership aimed at connecting India with Europe and North America.

Jun 1, 2025

As the aviation industry recovers in 2025, airlines face critical decisions when expanding their fleets.

Jun 1, 2025

In the United States, five airlines are currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Jun 1, 2025