Fancy stretching out in a lie-flat seat on your way to Europe without stretching your wallet? Believe it or not, you can book transatlantic business class flights for as few as 33,000 points one-way. Deals currently available include cities like London, Copenhagen, Dublin, Madrid, and Zagreb from just 33–69K points per person.
For example, you could fly Orlando (MCO) to London (LHR) in Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class for 41K Virgin points – but thanks to a 25% Chase transfer bonus, that’s only 33K Chase points! Other standout redemptions include Washington, DC (DCA) to Madrid (MAD) for 45K points, San Francisco (SFO) to Dublin (DUB) for 55K, and Seattle (SEA) to Copenhagen (CPH) or Denver (DEN) to Zagreb (ZAG) for 69K points.
These aren’t random budget flights – we’re talking lie-flat business class seats on quality airlines, bookable through a few powerful frequent flyer programs.
Below, we’ll break down how to snag these deals via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Alaska Mileage Plan, and Avianca LifeMiles, and which credit card points transfer to each program.
Fly to London in Virgin Atlantic Upper Class (From 33K Points)
If London is calling, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers one of the cheapest ways to answer. After Virgin Atlantic moved to a dynamic award pricing model, some huge sweet spots emerged. You can fly U.S. to U.K. in Virgin’s Upper Class (business class) for as low as 29,000 points one-way from East Coast gateways, or about 41,000 points from the West Coast.
For instance, the Orlando–London route prices at 41K Virgin points each way in business. Even better, Virgin is a transfer partner of all major credit card programs (Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou, Capital One, and Bilt). That means you can easily top up your Flying Club balance with whichever points you have – and even stack transfer bonuses.
Right now, Chase is offering 25% extra Virgin points on transfers, dropping the effective cost of that Orlando–London flight to only 33K Chase points. Considering a cash ticket in lie-flat business could cost well over $2,000, booking for 33K points (plus ~$200 in taxes/fees) is an excellent use of points.
Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class features a roomy seat that converts into a fully flat bed, access to the swanky Clubhouse lounge in London, and onboard perks like fine dining and champagne. It’s a luxurious way to cross the pond, and at these points prices, it’s within reach for many travelers.
Transfer Partners
To book these awards, you’ll use Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles. You can transfer points at a 1:1 rate from Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt. In fact, Virgin Atlantic partners with every major transferable points currency, so whichever card points you have, you can likely convert them to Virgin points instantly. Keep an eye out for transfer promotions (like the current 25% bonus from Chase) which effectively discount the mileage price even further.
Also note that Flying Club redemptions on Virgin’s own flights have moderate surcharges (around $200–$250 one-way from the U.K., much less from the U.S.). Even with those fees, paying 33K points + ~$200 for a bed to London is a steal. In short, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is your ticket to ultra-cheap luxury flights to London and beyond.
Fly American Airlines Lie-Flat to Europe for 45K (via Alaska Mileage Plan)
Another points bargain to Europe comes via Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, a lesser-known but extremely powerful frequent flyer program.
Alaska recently revamped its award charts to distance-based pricing, and it now offers business class to Europe from just 45,000 miles each way for shorter routes. This creates an amazing sweet spot: you can book lie-flat American Airlines Business Class seats from the U.S. East Coast to cities in Western Europe for 45K Alaska miles + minimal taxes (around $19).
For example, Washington, DC (DCA) to Madrid (MAD) was spotted for 45,000 miles one-way in AA’s business class, and San Francisco to Dublin for 55,000 miles. These flights are on American’s own aircraft – the same cabins that American might charge 57.5K (or often much more with dynamic pricing) if you used AA miles.
But Alaska’s award chart locks in the cost at 45K–55K, which is often cheaper than using American’s miles and comes with no fuel surcharges. Getting lie-flat transatlantic on a top Oneworld airline for 45K is a fantastic deal – one that few other programs can match. Alaska Mileage Plan even allows a free stopover on one-way awards, so you could potentially stop in another city en route for no extra miles (a unique perk if you craft a creative itinerary).
Major programs and partners
Alaska Mileage Plan miles can be a bit trickier to acquire, but there are ways. Unfortunately, Chase, Amex, Citi, and Capital One do not transfer to Alaska. The key transferable partner here is Bilt Rewards, which lets you convert Bilt points 1:1 into Alaska miles. (Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer to Alaska at a 3:1 ratio with a bonus for 60K Marriott = 25K Alaska, though this is a less lucrative route.)
If you’re a renter earning Bilt points or you’ve accumulated Marriott points, those can fuel your Alaska Mileage Plan balance. Otherwise, consider Alaska’s own Visa credit card or flying on paid Alaska tickets to earn miles. Once you have the miles, Alaska’s partner awards on American are a gem – just 45K miles for East Coast–Europe and 55K for longer routes, far undercutting many competitors.
Availability can be the only hurdle (AA is notorious for limited award seats), but the best chances are on routes like NYC–London, or connecting flights via AA hubs. When space is there, grab it – you’ll be flying lie-flat to Europe with free-flowing wine and multi-course meals, at economy-class mileage rates.
Star Alliance Business Class to Europe for 69K (LifeMiles)
Prefer Star Alliance airlines like United, Lufthansa, or Swiss? Avianca LifeMiles is your friend. LifeMiles is known for often offering lower award rates than United’s own MileagePlus program, and it doesn’t add fuel surcharges. Under recent pricing, expect to pay around 69,000 LifeMiles for a one-way business class to Europe on Star Alliance carriers.
In fact, LifeMiles’ award chart for US-to-Europe typically ranges from 63K up to ~78K depending on routes, but ~69K is common for many itineraries.
For example, the deals we saw include Denver (DEN) to Zagreb (ZAG) and Seattle (SEA) to Copenhagen (CPH) at 69,000 LifeMiles each way in business class. Those trips were actually combinations of United flights connecting to European partners (Croatia Airlines, SAS, etc.), yet bookable seamlessly through LifeMiles.
While 69K isn’t as rock-bottom as the 45K or 33K deals above, it’s still very good – especially when you consider United often charges 70K–75K (or far more dynamically) for the same seats, and programs like Lufthansa Miles & More levy huge fees. With LifeMiles, 69K points and reasonable taxes (usually under $100) can put you in a flat-bed seat across the Atlantic on airlines like United, Austrian, SAS, or even mixed partners in one ticket.
The absence of hefty surcharges is a big plus – those annoying $500+ fees some programs add on business class tickets are not a problem with LifeMiles redemptions.
Earning and using LifeMiles
LifeMiles is one of the easiest programs to load up on because it partners with multiple bank currencies. You can transfer points 1:1 from Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Points, Capital One Miles, and Bilt Rewards directly into LifeMiles. (Chase is the one major program missing here – Chase doesn’t transfer to LifeMiles, but with the others available, most people have options.)
This flexibility means you can quickly top off the 69K if you have, say, 20K Amex, 30K Capital One, and 19K Citi points – combine them and you’re set. LifeMiles also frequently sells miles at a deep discount; savvy travelers sometimes buy miles during sales to reach an award faster. But even without buying, credit card transfers and bonuses make it straightforward to get what you need.
Once you have the miles, you’ll search and book through Avianca’s LifeMiles website. It can be a bit quirky – availability may not always show all Star Alliance options – but if you find the seats, you can book entirely online (no phone call needed) and immediately confirm your tickets.
At 69K for a $3,000+ business class ticket, the value per point is outstanding. Plus, you’ll enjoy flat-bed comfort on reputable airlines, whether it’s United’s Polaris business class or a European partner with excellent service. LifeMiles, in short, opens up tons of possibilities to fly to Europe in style at under 70K points, and it’s easy to collect via multiple credit card ecosystems.
Why These Redemptions Are So Valuable
All of the examples above represent “sweet spots” – unusually cheap mileage prices for flights that would otherwise cost a fortune. In cash terms, a round-trip business class flight to Europe often runs $3,000–$5,000 (or more), especially in peak summer. By using points strategically, travelers are getting these tickets for just the taxes and fees.
These deals are also great examples of using partner award programs to save miles. Flying the exact same flights, different programs charge different prices. American Airlines might charge 57.5K (if you’re lucky) or dynamically 100K+ for a business class seat to Europe, whereas Alaska Mileage Plan charges 45K for that AA flight. United might charge 70-77K for a Star Alliance partner business seat, while LifeMiles charges 63-69K for the same.
Another Reason These Redemptions Shine
Many of them have low out-of-pocket fees. Programs like Virgin Atlantic and LifeMiles either avoid or significantly reduce fuel surcharges compared to other programs. Alaska never passes on fuel surcharges for American or Aer Lingus flights, etc. That means you’re not only saving points, you’re saving cash. For example, booking American flights via British Airways Avios would levy $700+ in fees, but via Alaska it’s under $50. These savings make a huge difference in the overall value of the trip.
Lastly, consider the experience: lie-flat business class to Europe means arriving rested and pampered. You get lounge access before your flight, a spacious seat that turns into a bed, multi-course meals, free-flowing drinks, and priority service throughout. Being able to access this level of comfort for 33K, 45K, or 69K points is exactly why points-and-miles hobbyists hunt down these opportunities. You’re leveraging rewards to unlock experiences (and convenience) that would normally be out of budget for many travelers.
Earning Points Faster (So You Can Fly Sooner)
Hearing that you need 45,000 or 69,000 points might sound daunting, but remember, credit card rewards make it very achievable. Many of the top travel credit cards offer welcome bonuses in the 60K–100K point range, often just for meeting a few months of spending requirements.
In fact, some cards have had special offers of 100K+ points – for example, the American Express® Gold Card has seen bonuses as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards points (enough for a round-trip business class flight to Europe!). That means a single new credit card’s bonus could potentially cover two one-way tickets in business, or a round-trip in one of these deals. Even standard bonuses of ~60,000 points (common on cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred or Citi Premier) are not far off from these award prices.
Beyond sign-up bonuses, maximize your category spending to earn points quickly. Use a card that pays 2X or 3X points on travel and dining, since those are common expenses you can charge and rack up rewards. Cards like the Chase Sapphire series and Amex Gold excel here.
Also leverage things like online shopping portals (earn bonus points for shopping through your card’s portal), and make sure you’re using the right card for each purchase to get the highest multiplier. If you pool points across cards, it accelerates your earning – e.g. Chase Sapphire Preferred + Chase Freedom (for 5X rotating categories) + Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5X on everything) all earn points that combine into one Ultimate Rewards account.
Similarly, Amex Platinum and Amex Gold together can supercharge your Membership Rewards balance with their 5X airfare (Platinum) and 4X grocery/dining (Gold) bonuses.
Top Credit Cards for Earning Points to Fly Business Class
To take advantage of 33K–69K point business class flights, you’ll want cards that earn flexible points or partner miles quickly. Here are some of the best travel credit cards (and their key perks) that can help you build up balances in Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Alaska Mileage Plan, or LifeMiles:
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A favorite beginner travel card with a strong welcome bonus (often 60,000 points or more). It earns 2X points on all travel and 3X on dining (plus 5X on travel bought through Chase’s portal). Points are Chase Ultimate Rewards, which transfer 1:1 to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (as well as United, Air France/KLM, etc.). With a modest $95 annual fee, this card “packs a ton of value that easily offsets its fee” and is an excellent tool for earning the points needed for these redemptions.
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
A premium card ($550 annual fee) with upscale benefits like airport lounge access, this also earns Ultimate Rewards points – but at an even higher rate of 3X on travel and dining. The Sapphire Reserve usually comes with a hefty welcome bonus (50K–60K+ points) and offers a $300 annual travel credit. If you spend a lot on travel/dining, the extra earning rate can accelerate your points accumulation. Like the Preferred, points transfer to all Chase partners (Virgin Atlantic, United, etc.), and if you ever choose to use the Chase travel portal, Reserve gives 1.5¢ per point value on redemptions. But for our purposes, transferring to airline miles for these 33K-69K sweet spots will yield far more value per point.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
This iconic card comes with a very large welcome bonus (commonly 80K–100K+ Membership Rewards points) and unparalleled travel perks (Centurion Lounge access, airline fee credits, hotel elite status, etc.). Its earning structure is 5X points on airfare and prepaid hotels (through Amex Travel), which is great if you have big flight purchases. Membership Rewards points transfer to Virgin Atlantic and LifeMiles (among many other airlines) at 1:1. The Amex Platinum’s annual fee is steep ($695), but if you utilize the benefits, it can be worth it. Many people get the Platinum primarily for the sign-up bonus – which alone can put you in business class to Europe and back – and then keep it for the perks and ongoing 5X earning on flights.
American Express® Gold Card
A powerhouse for everyday spending, the Amex Gold earns 4X Membership Rewards on restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25K/year at supermarkets) – superb for racking up points on food. It also gives 3X on flights booked directly with airlines. With a typical welcome bonus of 60K (sometimes higher), it’s easy to see why this card is a workhorse for points enthusiasts. Those Membership Rewards can become Virgin Atlantic points or LifeMiles with a couple clicks in your Amex account. The Gold card’s $250 annual fee is offset by dining credits and the huge earning potential. If you maximize the 4X categories, you’ll stockpile points for a European business class trip in no time.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
One of the newest premium cards, the Venture X comes with a 75,000 miles bonus (after $4K spend) and earns 2X miles on every purchase (plus 10X on hotels and 5X on flights via Capital One’s travel portal). The beauty of Capital One “miles” is that they transfer to a roster of airline partners, including Virgin Atlantic and LifeMiles at 1:1. So 75K Capital One miles can become 75K Virgin points or LifeMiles. The Venture X also offers a $300 annual travel credit and 10K bonus miles every anniversary, which help offset its $395 fee. If you want a straightforward way to earn lots of transferable points (with a great flat 2X on all spend), Venture X is an excellent choice – and those points will plug right into the programs for these Europe flights.
Citi Premier® Card
Citi’s gem has a ~$95 fee and often a 60,000 point welcome offer, and it earns 3X ThankYou points on air travel, hotels, gas, dining, and supermarkets – a broad array of categories. Citi ThankYou points transfer to both Avianca LifeMiles and Virgin Atlantic among other partners (Citi has no partnership with Alaska, but covers many global airlines). With 3X on big everyday categories, the points add up quickly. Citi often runs transfer bonuses too (e.g. 25% extra to Flying Blue or Virgin), which can stretch your points further. The Citi Premier is an unsung hero for those aiming for Star Alliance or other partner redemptions on the cheap.
Bilt Mastercard®
The Bilt card is unique – it’s the only credit card that lets you earn points on rent payments with no fee. If you’re a renter, this is a no-brainer to have. You’ll earn 1X point per dollar on rent (up to 100K points a year), 3X on dining, and 2X on travel, all with no annual fee. Bilt points are extremely useful because they transfer 1:1 to Alaska Mileage Plan, American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, Air Canada Aeroplan, Hawaiian, Turkish, Flying Blue, Virgin Atlantic, and more. For our purposes here, Bilt is your direct line to Alaska miles (since none of the other bank programs can get you Alaska). It’s also another path to Virgin or LifeMiles if you need it. The card even occasionally runs its own transfer bonuses (it had one for Virgin and Flying Blue on a “Rent Day” promo).
Each of these cards can be a tool in your strategy. You might start with one (say, Chase Sapphire Preferred for broad usefulness), then add another like Amex Gold or Citi Premier to diversify your points. The key is that all the points you earn need to be transferable to the programs we talked about. Chase, Amex, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt collectively cover Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, LifeMiles, and even give indirect or direct access to Alaska or American miles. By accumulating a mix of these points, you’ll always have options to pounce on whichever program offers the best deal for your Europe trip.
Fly Business Class, Pay Economy Prices
Ready to jet off to Europe in business class for economy prices? Start by picking a rewards card (or two) that fits your spending, and set up accounts on tools like PointsYeah and Travel Freely. Use Travel Freely to map out your credit card strategy and track your progress towards that next big bonus. Meanwhile, let PointsYeah scout the flights for you – it will alert you the moment those hard-to-find award seats become available. With the right preparation, you’ll be poised to pounce on the next 33K-point Upper Class seat or 45K-point AA lie-flat to Europe. Don’t pay $3,000 for a ticket – let points and miles take you farther, for (almost) free. Your business class adventure awaits – start planning it today!
