AwardWallet receives compensation from advertising partners for links on the blog. The opinions expressed here are our own and have not been reviewed, provided, or approved by any bank advertiser. Here's our complete list of Advertisers. Offers for Bank of America cards mentioned in this post have been updated as of 05/23/2025
The name of the game in award travel is paying less for things that would otherwise cost a lot. And when you pay significantly less (or redeem a tiny number of miles) for something that usually has a big price tag, that’s what we call a sweet spot.
One sweet spot I keep coming back to isn’t flashy, but it’s criminally underrated. It’s the ability to hop around Europe for as little as 4,000 miles in economy or 8,000 miles in business class. Here’s why this is one sweet spot you won't want to overlook if you’re heading to Europe anytime soon.
Page Contents
Why Book Intra-Europe Flights With Points and Miles?
If you’ve ever booked a ticket on one of Europe’s ultra-low-cost carriers — like Ryanair — you know those dirt-cheap fares can get expensive fast. That sub-$20 flight from Country A to Country B quickly snowballs once you factor in checking a bag, selecting a seat, or even bringing a normal-sized carry-on.
One of the easiest ways to avoid all the nickel-and-diming is to use miles to book a legacy carrier. That’s how you skip the à la carte experience of flying a budget airline and choose your seat, bring a carry-on, and typically even check a bag.
For example, you can fly Air France between Krakow (KRK) and Copenhagen (CPT) for just 4,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points in economy — or 8,000 in business class — with only about $35 out-of-pocket. This one-way award can save you hundreds compared to what Air France charges in cash and lets you avoid budget airlines entirely. And the savings really stack when you're flying a big group of people.
That’s just one example, and it offers pretty good value. But there are several other routes that deliver even better value for your points.
Cheapest Intra-Europe Award Flights
No two award programs are the same. Some charge fewer miles but tack on higher taxes and fees. Others charge higher mileage rates but lower taxes and fees. And some land somewhere in the middle. Below, we've rounded up the best options.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 4k miles in economy or 8k in business
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers some of the cheapest all-in rates for flights within Europe. Through Flying Club, you’ll find plenty of intra-Europe awards starting at just 4,000 points in economy or 8,000 in business class. Many of these flights are operated by Air France, KLM, or a combination of the two. But you might also come across options on other SkyTeam airlines like TAROM.
More often than not, these awards offer excellent value. For example, 4,000 Virgin points plus around $35 in taxes for an economy flight between Nantes (NTE) and Amsterdam (AMS) can yield over 4 cents per point. And you’ll get all the perks of a “Standard” KLM fare — from seat selection to checked bags — that might otherwise cost over $200 if you paid for the flight.
Business class, meanwhile, can deliver even better value. Redeeming just 8,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points and $62 beats shelling out $914 — should you want to splurge on this short flight.
The best way to explore your options is by checking out Seats.aero. There, you’ll see tons of examples of ultra-cheap award flights. Some examples include:
- Bordeaux (BOD) to Amsterdam (AMS) for 4k points in economy or 8k in business class, plus $34 in taxes and fees.
- Oslo (OSL) to Copenhagen (CPH) for 4k points in economy or 8k in business class, plus $40 in taxes and fees.
- Paris (CDG) to Nuremberg (NUE) for 4k points in economy or 8k in business class, plus $45 in taxes and fees.
- Rome (FCO) to Geneva (FCO) for 4k points in economy or 8k in business class, plus $55 in taxes and fees.
However, just be mindful of the taxes and fees. Depending on where you’re flying from, they can exceed $100 or more per way. Sometimes it’s still worth paying extra out of pocket for an award if you’re saving big compared to what the airlines (including budget airlines) would charge in cash. And sometimes it isn’t.
Stock up on Virgin points
If you're short on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to book an award ticket, the fastest way to boost your balance is by transferring points from a flexible rewards program. Virgin Atlantic partners with several major programs, including:
United MileagePlus: 6k miles in economy
United MileagePlus probably isn’t the first program that comes to mind when you think of award sweet spots, but it actually offers solid rates for intra-European flights. Well, at least in economy.
Several Star Alliance member airlines operate short-haul routes across Europe, and you can book flights between select cities for as few as 6,000 United miles in economy. That can be a great deal if you’re looking to avoid more basic and restrictive fares on carriers like Lufthansa, SWISS, or Aegean.
For example, you can snag an award between Athens (ATH) and Istanbul (IST) for 6,000 MileagePlus miles and $34.80 in taxes and fees. And that includes a checked bag and complimentary seat selection. It’s also a lot less out of pocket than the $130+ Aegean regularly charges for a ticket with the same inclusions.
You could also fly farther on a carrier like Lufthansa. Think Corfu (CFU) to Munich (MUC) for 8,000 miles plus $25.10 out of pocket. That same “Economy Classic” fare would otherwise run you $275+. It’s hard to argue with over 3¢ per mile.
Seats.aero is a solid tool for finding United awards on intra-European flights, especially those that start at just 6,000 miles.
Stock up on United miles
United MileagePlus miles are pretty versatile, and there are a few ways to earn them quickly so you don't miss out on award space. If you have Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards points, both transfer to United at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer to United at a 3:1 ratio, with a 10,000-mile bonus when you transfer at least 60,000 points.
Another easy way to grow your balance is by applying for a United credit card. Several MileagePlus cards offer a large welcome bonus for new applicants who meet the minimum spending requirement.
- Limited-Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- Enjoy priority boarding privileges and visit the United Club℠ with 2 one-time passes each year for your anniversary
- Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply.
- Up to $120 Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS fee credit
- Earn a $100 United travel credit after spending $10,000 on purchases with your United℠ Explorer Card within a calendar year
- Over $400 in partner credits each year
- Member FDIC
- Rates & Fees
- 2X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United®
- 2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel
- 1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
Related: Step-By-Step Instructions on How To Transfer Chase Points to United MileagePlus
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: 7.5k miles in economy or 15k in business
The third program worth relying on for cheap mileage hops around Europe is Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Alaska uses a distance-based award chart for partner flights, and you can find one-way itineraries under 1,500 miles for just 7,500 Alaska miles in economy or 15,000 miles in business class. Depending on your destination, this can be a fantastic deal.
For example, suppose you're in Helsinki, Finland, and want to head to Reykjavik, Iceland. With Mileage Plan, you can book a one-way award on this route for the minimum number of miles (7,500 in economy or 15,000 in business) and pay around $35 out of pocket. It’s an easy way to save a few hundred dollars and skip restrictive cash tickets altogether.
Another great use for Mileage Plan miles on intra-Europe flights is when you’re traveling to or from airports with seasonal demand. Take Ivalo, Finland, for example. It’s a popular winter destination thanks to reindeer sleigh rides and snowmobile safaris. That’s when cash fares tend to spike, but the mileage cost stays the same.
In other words, why pay hundreds to experience the best of Finland during the holiday season when you could redeem just 7,500 Alaska miles and $36 to fly from Tallinn, Estonia, up to Ivalo?
While 15,000 miles for business class is a great rate, the service on most short-haul Finnair flights isn't worth the splurge. That is, with one exception. If you fly a route that's operated using an Airbus A350, getting the opportunity to fly Finnair's lie-flat business class for just 15k miles is an excellent deal.
Currently, you can find the Airbus A350 flying on four intra-Europe routes between Helsinki (HEL) and:
- London Heathrow (LHR)
- Amsterdam (AMS)
- Brussels (BRU)
- Munich (MUC)
Stock up on Alaska miles
There are two main ways to earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. The quickest way to rack up a large balance is by applying for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card or Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card and earning the welcome bonus.
- LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER-60,000 Bonus Miles + a 30% Flight Discount Code!
- Receive a 30% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account. Additionally, earn 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after making $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don't expire on active accounts.
- Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account.
- Free checked bag and enjoy priority boarding for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card - Also available for authorized users when they book a reservation too!
- With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska's Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
- This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases
- Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
- Get 60,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $4,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Earn another Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
- Free checked bag for any cardholder and up to 6 guests on the same reservation, when you pay for your flight with your card - that's a savings of $70 per person roundtrip!
- Priority Boarding for any cardholder when paying for the flight with an Alaska Airlines Business card.
- Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if your company has an eligible Bank of America® small business account.
- Enjoy 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your new card.
- Get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership purchased with your Alaska Airlines Business card.
- Plus, no international transaction fees and a low annual fee of $70 for the company and $25 per card.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
- Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases
- Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
The second is by earning Bilt Rewards Points and transferring them 1:1 to Alaska Mileage Plan. It's a great way to redeem your hard-earned Bilt Points.
Final Thoughts
Not every award redemption has to be flashy or cost tens of thousands of miles. In fact, some of the best value comes from using the bare minimum number of miles. These awards have saved the AwardWallet team a bundle and helped us skip the ultra-low-cost-carrier experience entirely — and they're absolutely worth keeping on your radar.
For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: The New United℠ Explorer Card (Rates & Fees)
The comments on this page are not provided, reviewed, or otherwise approved by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.