How To Book Intra-Europe Jumper Flights With Points and Miles

Taking a multiple-stop trip around Europe can be the vacation of a lifetime. From London to Prague to Helsinki, there are countless cities European cities to explore on your next trip. And if you’ve already booked a flight to Europe, you might as well see another 2 or 3 cities if your schedule allows.

Of course, there are many ways to city-hop your way around Europe. A train or a bus might be the first that comes to mind, but if you’re operating on limited time and want to visit cities in different parts of Europe — for example, traveling from London to Riga — you might find that a plane is the only way to get between your city pairs efficiently.

But don’t fret: You can often fly between European cities on the cheap or redeem points and miles for your jumper flight between the 2. Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to book intra-Europe flights with your travel rewards and when it makes sense to just pay cash.

Best Programs To Use for Flights Around Europe

There are dozens of airline loyalty programs you can use to book flights around Europe, but some are better than others.

Some loyalty programs are better for specific types of flights. For example, you often find more flexibility using British Airways Executive Club Avios for flights from London to mainland Europe when compared to other programs thanks to British Airways’ large route network from London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW).

At the same time, using Air Canada Aeroplan can be advantageous when flying from Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), Vienna (VIE), and other Star Alliance hubs. The right program to book with depends on where you’re traveling to and from and the types of transferable credit card points you already have.

There are times when it’s better to pay cash for a flight, too. I’ll discuss this in depth later in the article, but as a general rule, if you can find an ultracheap flight between 2 European cities — which isn’t uncommon with budget airlines like Ryanair — or if there’s a convenient connection not bookable with points, you should consider paying cash instead.

Even so, intra-Europe travel can get expensive when booking at the last minute, over holidays, and during conferences and other events. These are a few of the best ways to book these flights with points.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan has long been one of our favorite loyalty programs — and for good reason. Aeroplan points are easy to earn, and the loyalty program has excellent redemption rates, especially on short-haul flights.

Air Canada is a Star Alliance member, so you can redeem Aeroplan points for flights on European airlines like Aegean, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SWISS, and TAP Air Portugal.

Flights within Europe are priced based on Aeroplan’s award chart for within its Atlantic zone. Flights that are 1,000 miles or less in distance cost just 7,500 Aeroplan points in economy or 15,000 in business class. Taxes and fees are moderate, and booking a partner flight with Aeroplan incurs a CA$39 (roughly $30) fee.

Here’s the full award chart for intra-Atlantic Zone flights:

Thankfully, many intra-Europe flights are under 1,000 miles. For example, this flight from London Heathrow (LHR) to Warsaw (WAW) is 916 miles, so it falls under the 7,500-point price band. Just note that you have to pay $75 in taxes and fees.

You can book Aeroplan award tickets on Air Canada’s website. Make sure to check the Book with Aeroplan points box to see award prices.

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Thankfully, Aeroplan points are easy to earn — even if you live in the U.S. You can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio. Most transfers to Aeroplan are processed instantly.

You can also earn Aeroplan points when you fly with Air Canada and its partners or when you spend on Aeroplan’s cobranded credit card.

Aeroplan^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Aeroplan^® Credit Card

The Aeroplan card is a great option for Air Canada flyers looking to earn more points and receive automatic elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.

Up to 100,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Flyers based in the U.S. may think they wouldn’t have a need for a card like the Aeroplan^® Credit Card, it might be much better suited for you than you think.

Not only does Air Canada offer fantastic award redemptions, but adding the card to your wallet makes the program even more rewarding by offering elite status, more points, travel coverage, and more. Let’s take a closer look and see why the Aeroplan card might make a lot of sense for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x points per $1 on Air Canada purchases, at grocery stores, and dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month (up to a maximum of 1,500 bonus points)
• Receive Aeroplan 25K status for the remainder of the calendar year, plus the following calendar year, and continue to extend it beyond that by spending $15,000 on the card per calendar year

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 100,000 bonus points
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, 25,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases in the first 12 months.
• $95 Annual Fee
• Redeem points for both international and domestic flights with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card.
• Fly to another continent and travel the world with the Aeroplan^® Credit Card.
• Earn 3X points for each dollar spent at grocery stores, on dining at restaurants, and Air Canada directly. Earn 1X point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month - up to 1,500 points per month.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Marriott Bonvoy points also transfer to Aeroplan at a 3:1 transfer ratio, with a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer. This means 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points equal 25,000 Aeroplan points.

British Airways Executive Club

British Airways Executive Club can be a good option for booking flights operated by Aer Lingus, British Airways, or Iberia. These carriers primarily serve their hubs in Dublin (DUB), London (LHR, LGW), and Madrid (MAD), respectively, with extensive route networks around Europe.

This loyalty program refers to its currency as “Avios” instead of the usual “miles” or “points.” Some other Oneworld airlines — namely Aer Lingus, Finnair, Iberia, and Qatar Airways — also use Avios. This is worth mentioning because you can transfer Avios between your accounts.

British Airways has a distance-based award chart, so the further you fly, the more you pay. For Aer Lingus and British Airways flights, the following award prices apply. The airline no longer publishes an award chart, but these prices have held true in our testing.

Meanwhile, you pay the following for short-haul Iberia flights. These prices are the same if you book with British Airways or Iberia Plus Avios. Taxes and fees may vary slightly between the programs, though.

These award charts can yield excellent deals. For example, you can book this off-peak economy flight from Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG) on Aer Lingus for just 4,000 Avios and $10.50.

British Airways charges per segment, so connecting flights cost more than direct flights. It’s usually best to avoid using Avios if you need a connecting flight within Europe since this can easily double the cost of your award ticket.

Earning British Airways Avios

You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards to British Airways Avios at a 1:1 transfer ratio. You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-Avios bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.

BEST LOUNGE ACCESS

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

80,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,760

Annual Fee

$695

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $695 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards^® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card^® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market. As of 03/2023.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card^® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card^®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card^® Members can get out and about and explore their local area with $15 in Uber Cash for US rides each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings. Simply download the Uber app and add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to get started. Available to Basic Card Member only. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues.
• Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck^® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card^®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card^®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

BEST FOR DINING

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

American Express^® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$325

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Gold Card is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants, up to $50,000 per calendar year, and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, up to $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $325 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards^® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
• Earn 1X Membership Rewards^® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year. Effective 11/8/2024, an Amex Card must be selected as the payment method for your Uber or Uber Eats transaction to redeem the Amex Uber Cash benefit.
• $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations.
• $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express^® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
• Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. Eligible charges vary by property.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $325.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

United MileagePlus

United Airlines’ loyalty program, MileagePlus, is another good way to book short-haul European flights on Star Alliance airlines. United no longer publishes an award chart, but it typically charges between 6,000 and 16,000 miles, plus taxes and fees, for short-haul, intra-Europe flights in economy class.

You’ll find the cheapest flights on short-haul flights between cities in the same general region of Europe. For example, flights within Western Europe, like this one from Paris (CDG) to Frankfurt (FRA), cost 6,000 miles plus $35.40 in taxes and fees.

With this in mind, United can be the best way to book short-haul, intra-Europe flights on Star Alliance airlines. Just make sure to compare the mileage cost and the cost of taxes and fees with buying a low-cost ticket outright. More on that soon.

Earning United Mileage Plus Miles

Beyond flying with United and its partners, you can use United miles with the airline’s cobranded credit cards. Further, you can transfer Bilt Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 transfer ratio. Transfers process quickly.

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Explorer Card

With priority boarding privileges, no foreign transaction fees and more, MileagePlus members will definitely enjoy their partnered card.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

60,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$720

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

You travel United all the time, but you have heard that there could be ways to make your travel experiences even better, including priority boarding, free bags, and more miles.

You should consider the United℠ Explorer Card, because this card does all that and more!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x miles per $1 on United purchases, dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays
• 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
• First checked bag free for you and up to 1 traveling companion

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
• 2x miles on United^® purchases, dining, and hotel stays
• 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
• 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Explorer Card
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

LIMITED TIME OFFER

United Club℠ Infinite Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United Club℠ Infinite Card

Perfect for frequent United flyers who want premium perks like United Club access and free baggage benefits.

Welcome Offer

Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 miles

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,080

Annual Fee

$525

APR

21.24% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

The United Club℠ Infinite Card is a premium card designed for the most dedicated of United frequent flyers who are looking for a card that provides the opportunity to earn extra United MileagePlus miles and receive lounge access via a yearly United Club membership.

United frequent flyers will find that the United Club Infinite card provides an enhanced experience on their United flights thanks to the money saved on each flight and the conveniences it provides.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x miles per $1 on United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on travel and dining purchases
• Complimentary United Club membership (up to $650 value per year)

Cons

• $525 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited-time Offer: Earn 90,000 bonus miles
• 4x miles on United^® purchases
• 2x miles on all other travel and dining
• 1x mile on all other purchases
• United Club℠ membership - up to $650 value per year
• Free first and second checked bags - a savings of up to $360 per roundtrip (terms apply) - and Premier Access^® travel services
• Earn up to 10,000 Premier qualifying points per calendar year (25 PQP for every $500 you spend on purchases)
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to United at a 3:1 ratio. Thanks to United and Marriott’s RewardsPlus partnership, you get a 10,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer to United. This means 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points equals 30,000 United miles.

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic is a recent addition to the SkyTeam alliance, which also includes European carriers like Air Europa, Air France, ITA, KLM, and TAROM. However, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club has different award charts for each of its partner airlines, and not all partners are bookable with Virgin Points.

You’ll find the best deals on Air France, KLM and SAS flights. Air France and KLM share a distance-based award chart that starts at just 4,000 points for a one-way, short-haul ticket, plus taxes and fees. Here’s a look at the full award chart for Air France and KLM flights:

And if you’re looking to book SAS flights with Virgin Points, refer to the following award chart:

These are all great redemption rates, especially for short-haul flights. You can book Virgin Atlantic award tickets operated by Air France, KLM, and SAS online.

Unlike with British Airways Avios, you are not charged extra for connecting tickets. This means that, for example, London Heathrow (LHR) to Copenhagen (CPH) via Amsterdam (AMS) costs the same as a direct flight.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points

It’s easy to earn Virgin Points, thanks to its vast array of transfer partners. You can transfer points from all major transferable points programs, including American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards.

BEST BEGINNER CARD

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 bonus points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.74% - 27.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.74% - 27.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.74% - 28.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.74% - 28.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Of course, Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, too. Points transfer at the standard 3:1 transfer ratio, with a 5,000-point bonus awarded for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.

When To Pay Cash for Intra-Europe Flights

Flying within Europe can be very cheap, especially if you book with budget carriers like EasyJet or Ryanair. For example, this EasyJet flight from London Southend (SEN) to Amsterdam (AMS) is just $23 before bags and other extras.

Similarly, you can book Prague (PRG) to Paris Beauvais (BVA) for $24 before bags and extras on Ryanair.

Of course, intra-Europe flights aren’t always this cheap. Fares can be significantly higher during events and holidays or when you book close to the day of departure. At the time of writing, the cheapest flight nonstop from Frankfurt (FRA) to Copenhagen (CPH) is $269 on Christmas Eve.

Further, you might prefer to fly a full-service carrier for a more comfortable experience or when you need to bring a bag with you. Bags can often cost more than the actual ticket when you fly with Ryanair or EasyJet, so take this into account before you book.

Hot Tip:

Not sure if you’re getting a good deal? Refer to Upgraded Points’ valuations to see how much we estimate each loyalty program’s points and miles are worth.

With that in mind, do your cost-benefit analysis before you book intra-Europe airfare. If all you need is to get from Point A to Point B as cheaply as possible and you don’t have luggage, booking a low-cost ticket on Ryanair or EasyJet often makes sense if fares are low.

Meanwhile, you might book a ticket with miles if you need to bring a bag with you or when fares are expensive. Budget airlines often use secondary airports, too, so you might use miles to book a full-service carrier to fly into a more convenient airport.

Booking Intra-Europe Flights With Credit Card Portals

But just because paid flights are cheap doesn’t mean you have to pay for them out of pocket. You might consider using your credit card’s travel portal to book flights with your points at a fixed value. Examples include AmexTravel.com, Capital One Travel, and Chase Travel.

You typically get more value from your points when you transfer your credit card points to a transfer partner. However, the added flexibility of a credit card portal can help you pay fewer points when flights are cheap, give you a larger selection of airlines to choose from, and allow you to avoid having to worry about finding award space.

Chase Ultimate Rewards are especially useful here. If you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, you redeem Ultimate Rewards points at 1.25 and 1.5 cents per point, respectively, toward paid travel in the Chase Travel portal.

For example, Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders can book this $54 Norwegian flight from Copenhagen (CPH) to London Gatwick (LGW) for 3,554 Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

Alternatively, you can cover travel expenses charged to a Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card at 1 cent per mile. This means a $50 flight costs 5,000 miles. This means you can reap the benefits of booking directly (namely, more flexibility) with the airline and still use points and miles to cover your flight.

A quick caution: Not all budget carriers are bookable through credit card travel portals. Even worse, pricing can sometimes be more expensive than booking directly. Compare prices before you book to ensure you’re getting a good deal.

Bottom Line:

Consider paying for your flight or booking through a credit card portal if your flight is cheap. This way, you can save your points for a future trip.

Final Thoughts

While trains and buses can be good options for intra-European travel, they’re not always practical.

If you’re traveling from one side of Europe to the other — or if there’s no convenient ground connection between 2 cities — airplanes can help big time. As you learned in this article, you can book flights within Europe cheaply with points and miles.

That said, always check the cost of paid airfare, too. Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet often have incredibly low prices but do not include carry-on bags and other extras. Factor these costs in when you’re doing your cost comparison.