The Best Ways To Fly to Paris With Points and Miles

Europe is always a popular destination for Americans, and Paris is arguably the biggest draw of all. If you’re heading to the City of Light, you’ll want to make sure you know the best programs for flying from the U.S. to Paris.

In this guide, we look at some of the best ways to fly to Paris using miles. We take a look at economy, business, and even first-class flights to Paris that you can book with points instead of cash.

Let’s look at the best ways to fly to Paris with points and miles.

Hot Tip:

Don’t forget to read our extensive travel guide to Paris and check out the best Paris hotels to book with points before you go!

Quick Overview: Best Ways To Fly to Paris With Points

If you’re looking to book an award flight to Paris, you’ve got plenty of options. The cheapest way to book an economy flight to Paris is using the Air France-KLM Flying Blue program, with economy flights around 25,000 Flying Blue miles per ticket. However, Flying Blue generally levies carrier surcharges of around $200 per ticket. To avoid these high fees, consider using the Air Canada Aeroplan program. Aeroplan has competitive pricing on Star Alliance partners and no carrier-imposed fees on most partners.

The cheapest business class pricing currently available is using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points to book Air France. This starts at 58,500 points one-way. If you’re looking at other programs, Chase Ultimate Rewards and American Express Membership Rewards both transfer to Flying Blue, Aeroplan, and Virgin at a 1:1 ratio.

It’s also important to realize that Paris has several airports. Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) is the main hub, and most award flights land here. Paris Orly Airport (ORL) and Beauvais (BVA) are other options.

Best Programs for Booking Flights to Paris Right Now

• American Express^® Gold Card: The Amex Gold card earns 4 points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets. You can transfer your points 1:1 to Air Canada Aeroplan and Flying Blue for business class flights to Paris starting at 60,000 miles one-way.
• Citi Strata Premier℠ Card: ThankYou points transfer 1:1 to American Airlines AAdvantage and Air France-KLM Flying Blue, with AAdvantage a fixed-rate partner with business class to Paris starting at 57,500 miles one-way.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Capital One miles can transfer 1:1 to Avianca Lifemiles. That lets you book one-way business class to Paris starting at 63,000 miles, with no fuel surcharges.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card: Ultimate Rewards Points can transfer 1:1 to Air Canada Aeroplan and Air France-KLM Flying Blue. This can help you book one-way business class to Paris for as few as 60,000 miles.
• Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card: A sleeper, the Wells Fargo Autography Journey card earns 5 points per $1 on hotels. Your points can transfer 1:1 to both Flying Blue and Avianca Lifemiles, allowing you to book business class to Paris from 60,000 and 63,000 miles, respectively.

Best Programs for Booking Award Flights to Paris: At A Glance

Fortunately, there are a ton of award programs that you can use for flights between the U.S. and Paris. First, here’s an overview of each of the best programs, with their one-way award costs (in miles) and transfer partners.

*You must book round-trip partner awards with SKYPASS, but we have provided one-way pricing (half the cost of round-trip awards) in the table for the sake of comparison.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Since we’re talking about flying to Paris, it only makes sense to start with Air France-KLM. Air France and KLM share a frequent flyer program called Flying Blue. The program offers a ton of value when it comes to award redemptions.

Both Air France and KLM are members of the SkyTeam alliance, which also includes Delta Air Lines, Korean Air, and Virgin Atlantic. This means that you can use Flying Blue miles on Air France and KLM flights as well as on any of their partner airlines.

The program is relatively good when it comes to award availability, and rates are competitive when compared to other programs.

Book Awards With Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue has dynamic pricing on its award redemptions. However, the program has also introduced an award calculator that shows what the lowest award prices can be between cities, along with an award calendar that makes it easy to find the cheapest dates. The award calculator is only for flights operated by Air France and KLM, not their partners. The calendar lists base prices, meaning flights can cost significantly more between two given cities because of the program’s dynamic pricing model.

Economy class tickets start at 20,000 miles one-way, while premium economy starts at 35,000 and business at 50,000 miles. Although Flying Blue has some of the best award rates for flights between the U.S. and Europe, the program does pass along some carrier-imposed surcharges on award tickets.

Still, the fees are significantly less than what you’d find with other programs such as British Airways Club or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. You can expect to pay about $240 in taxes and fees for a one-way business-class award redemption booked through Flying Blue.

In addition to its already great award redemptions, the program also offers Flying Blue Promo Rewards. Each month, Flying Blue allows you to book some routes at a discounted award rate, sometimes up to 50% off normal award pricing. The discounted pricing is only available temporarily but provides some of the best rates available from any program. Eligible routes change each month but include flights to and from both Paris and Amsterdam.

Nonstop Routes Bookable With Air France-KLM Flying Blue Miles

Flying Blue miles can be used to book nonstop flights from several cities in the United States. Remember, if you need to connect from your home airport to one of these gateway airports, you don’t need any additional miles.

Air France’s nonstop U.S. routes fly between Paris and the following:

You can also use your Flying Blue miles to fly on Delta Air Lines, which flies to Paris from the following U.S. cities:

Earn Flying Blue Miles

It’s incredibly easy to earn Flying Blue miles, as the program has a revamped U.S. credit card and is a transfer partner with most of the major transferable points currencies.

Air France KLM Visa Signature^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Air France KLM Visa card helps you earn more miles and get closer to Flying Blue elite status with each purchase.

Air France KLM Visa Signature^® Credit Card

The Air France KLM Visa card helps you earn more miles and get closer to Flying Blue elite status with each purchase.

Welcome Offer

Earn 70,000 bonus miles plus 100 XP after spending $3,000 on purchases within 90 days of account opening.

70,000 miles + 100 XP

Annual Fee

$89

APR

19.49% - 27.49% variable

Why We Like This Card

The Air France KLM Visa card is helpful if you want to earn more Flying Blue miles and qualify for Flying Blue elite status.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x miles on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam member airline purchases
• 3x miles on dining purchases
• 1.5x miles on all other purchases

Cons

• Charges an $89 annual fee
• Doesn’t earn transferable rewards

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Card Highlights

• 3x miles on Air France, KLM, and SkyTeam member airlines’ purchases
• 3x miles on dining purchases
• 1.5x miles on all other purchases
• 5,000 miles every year on your account anniversary after you spend $50 or more on purchases within the anniversary year
• 20 XP every year on your account anniversary, plus an additional 80 Experience Points (totaling 100 XP) after you spend $15,000 or more on purchases within the anniversary year, and another 60 XP (totaling 160 XP) after spending at least $25,000 on your card in a calendar year
• $89 annual fee
• Visa Signature perks
• No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.49% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Flying Blue is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Rove Miles, and Wells Fargo Rewards. You also can transfer Marriott Bonvoy hotel points to Flying Blue.

Perhaps the most popular way to earn Flying Blue miles is to transfer Chase points, as there are several credit cards with lucrative bonus categories.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

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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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

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

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Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 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 card application.

Excellent

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.

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

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Chase 5/24 rule is one of the major reasons we often recommend people start with Chase credit cards, but American Express credit cards also offer great ways to earn Membership Rewards that can be transfered to Flying Blue.

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BEST LOUNGE CARD

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

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

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), 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
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
• Access to Amex transfer partners
• No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

 

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

 

 

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
• $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
• $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

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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 ins and outs 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

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 100,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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

• You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• 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 get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
• $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. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
• $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.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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

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American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip:

Look out for frequent transfer bonuses to Flying Blue from programs such as American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada Aeroplan is a great program for Star Alliance partner awards between the U.S. and Paris. The program offers a ton of value through its numerous partners, published award chart, and letting you book stopovers, including with one-way awards.

For partner award redemptions, Aeroplan uses a zone-based award chart. However, in addition to the zones, Aeroplan also factors in the total distance flown, meaning that award pricing can vary even between regions.

According to its award chart, Aeroplan divides the world into just 4 regions: North America, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and South America. The U.S. is in the North America zone, and the entirety of Europe is in the Atlantic zone.

Here is the award pricing between the North America and Atlantic zones:

Nonstop Routes Bookable With Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Although Air Canada does not operate nonstop flights between the U.S. and Paris, its partner, United Airlines, does from the following cities:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)

As mentioned above, the distance flown determines the award pricing between regions. Nonstop flights to Paris from both Newark and Washington, D.C., are less than 4,000 miles each way. This means that you can book award flights on United for 35,000 points one-way in economy or 60,000 to 80,000 points one-way in business class.

Flights from both Chicago and San Francisco to Paris are more than 4,000 miles each way, which means they fall in the next distance band (4,001 to 6,000 miles). These nonstop awards can be booked for 40,000 points one-way in economy or 70,000 to 80,000 points one-way in business class on United.

Earn Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan points is also relatively easy, as the program has a lot of transfer partners. Air Canada Aeroplan is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All programs transfer at a 1:1 ratio to Aeroplan except Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio to Aeroplan, and for every 60,000 Bonvoy points you transfer, you get a 5,000-point bonus.

American Airlines AAdvantage

American Airlines carries more passengers every year than any other airline in the world. Its frequent flyer program, American AAdvantage, has undergone major devaluations over the years but still provides a ton of value.

Book Awards With American AAdvantage Miles

American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance and is the only airline in that alliance that offers nonstop flights between the U.S. and Paris.

American Airlines employs dynamic pricing for award flights on its own metal, though it has an award chart for partner redemptions. Award space on flights operated by American Airlines can be found and booked relatively easily online, and, despite the dynamic pricing, the airline still offers decent redemption rates — especially if you find awards at the “starting at” price.

Using AAdvantage miles, you can find flights to Paris starting at the following rates:

• 19,000 miles in economy
• 40,000 miles in premium economy
• 57,500 miles in business

Need help booking? Check out our step-by-step guide to booking American Airlines business class.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide on some of the best ways to redeem American Airlines AAdvantage miles for max value.

Nonstop Routes Bookable With American AAdvantage Miles

American Airlines operates nonstop flights to Paris from the following U.S. cities:

• Charlotte (CLT)
• Chicago (ORD)
• Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)
• Miami (MIA)
• New York (JFK)
• Philadelphia (PHL)

Earn American AAdvantage Miles

Earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles is relatively easy. There are several co-branded American Airlines credit cards issued by Citi. Additionally, you can transfer Citi ThankYou Points to American Airlines miles at a 1:1 or 1:0.7 ratio, depending on the Citi credit card you have.

American AAdvantage is also a transfer partner of Marriott Bonvoy, with transfers happening at a 3:1 rate. Typically, transfers from Marriott Bonvoy take around 2 business days.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

Another excellent program for Star Alliance partner awards is ANA Mileage Club. Perhaps not the frequent flyer program you would expect to use when flying to Paris, ANA Mileage Club has some of the best redemption rates to get there. By using ANA Mileage Club, you can fly nonstop to Paris on United Airlines from several airports in the United States.

Book Awards With ANA Mileage Club Miles (Online)

If you’re looking to use the fewest miles possible on an award flight on United Airlines, ANA Mileage Club is likely your best bet. You can search for and book award flights on United directly from ANA’s website.

When it comes to partner awards, ANA Mileage Club has a published, zone-based award chart. The exact mileage required to redeem an award depends on the departure and destination zones and the class of service for ANA partner awards.

However, thanks to the award chart, you know exactly how many miles are needed. It’s important to know that ANA does not allow one-way award redemptions — you must book round-trip awards. The program does allow for open-jaw bookings.

Here is the round-trip partner award pricing for flights between the U.S. and Paris:

ANA does pass along fuel surcharges, but they are lower for United-operated flights than they would be with many other Star Alliance partners.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide on some of the best ways you can redeem ANA Mileage Club miles for maximum value.

Nonstop Routes Bookable With ANA Mileage Club Miles

As mentioned above, United flies nonstop to Paris from the following U.S. cities:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)

Earn ANA Mileage Club Miles

ANA Mileage Club is a transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. Amex transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio, and Marriott Bonvoy transfers occur at a 3:1 ratio. You also get 5,000 extra ANA miles if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at once, meaning you end up with 25,000 ANA miles overall.

It’s also possible to earn ANA miles through the airline’s U.S. credit card, the ANA CARD U.S.A. Plus, though its welcome offer tends to be quite low compared to other credit card welcome offers.

Avianca LifeMiles

LifeMiles is the loyalty program for Avianca Airlines, the flag carrier of Colombia and a member of the Star Alliance. Avianca can be a great program for flights to Europe, since they have access to flights from United and Air Canada, plenty of transfer partners, a fixed award chart, and no surcharges on partner bookings.

You can redeem Avianca Lifemiles in economy starting at 35,000 miles one-way. Business class ranges from 63,000 to 80,000 miles one-way, and first class costs 130,000 miles one-way. The best part is that no fuel surchargers are added and you can expect to pay around $30 to $50 in taxes and fees for many Star Alliance partner bookings.

Avianca Lifemiles can be used to book the following nonstop flights to Paris on either United or Air Canada from the following cities:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Montreal (YUL)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Toronto (YYZ)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)

Earning Avianca Lifemiles

American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards (with premium Citi cards) transfer to Lifemiles at a 1:1 ratio. Citi ThankYou transfers at 1:0.7 with no-annual-fee cards; Marriott Bonvoy transfers at a 3:1 ratio. Wells Fargo Rewards also transfers to Lifemiles at 1:1.

There are also the Avianca Lifemiles American Express^® Card and Avianca Lifemiles American Express^® Elite Card, which earn Lifemiles directly.

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.49% to 27.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card is a great all-around travel rewards card that allows you to earn big rewards on a variety of purchases like air travel, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and more, along with flexible redemption options, all for a modest annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked through CitiTravel.com
• 3x points on air travel, other hotel purchases, restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, and EV charging stations
• $100 annual hotel benefit

Cons

• $95 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening, redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com.
• Earn 10X points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on air travel and other hotel purchases, at restaurants, supermarkets, gas and EV charging stations.
• Earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• $100 Annual Hotel Benefit: Once per calendar year, enjoy $100 off a single hotel stay of $500 or more (excluding taxes and fees) when booked through CitiTravel.com. Benefit applied instantly at time of booking.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.
• No foreign transaction fees on purchases.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Citi Strata Elite℠ Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is Citi's most premium card built for frequent travelers and foodies.

Welcome Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,200

Annual Fee

$595

APR

20.49% to 28.49% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata Elite card is a great option for frequent travelers, foodies, and those who are fans of the Citi ThankYou Rewards ecosystem thanks to its combination of bonus categories, perks, and annual credits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points on hotels, rental cars, and attractions booked through Citi Travel
• 6x points on airfare through Citi Travel
• 6x points on dining on Citi Nights (Friday and Saturday nights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) and 3x points on dining at all other times

Cons

• $595 annual fee
• Boosted dining rewards are limited to 2 nights per week

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus ThankYou Points after spending $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening
• 12x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on cititravel.com
• 6x points on air travel booked on cititravel.com
• 6x points at restaurants, including restaurant delivery services, every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET, and 3x points any other time
• 1.5x points on all other purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Up to $300 annual hotel benefit
• Up to $200 annual Splurge credit
• Up to $200 annual Blacklane credit
• 4 American Airlines Admirals Club passes every calendar year
• Transfer Citi ThankYou Points to partners like American Airlines
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership
• No foreign transaction fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.49% to 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Citi Strata℠ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Citi Strata℠ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 20,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

20,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$320

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.49% to 28.49%.

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 card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Strata card offers a fresh way to earn Citi ThankYou Points with a $0 annual fee, allowing you to maximize your spend at gas stations, supermarkets, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com
• 3x points at supermarkets, select transit, gas and EV charging stations, and an eligible self-select category of your choice (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salon or pet supply stores)
• 2x points at restaurants

Cons

• Doesn’t offer the best transfer ratio to Citi’s airline and hotel partners
• Charges foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• Earn 5x points per $1 spent on hotels, car rentals, and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com.
• Earn 3x points per $1 on supermarkets, select transit, gas, and EV charging stations, and an eligible self-select category of your choice every quarter (fitness clubs, select streaming services, live entertainment, cosmetic stores/barber shops/hair salons, or pet supply stores).
• Earn 2x points per $1 at restaurants.
• Earn 1x point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, and then a variable APR 18.49% to 28.49%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Citi Double Cash^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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.

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Citi Double Cash^® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

Welcome Offer

Earn $200 cash-back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening.

$200 cash-back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.49% to 27.49% 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 card application.

Fair to Excellent (580-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Citi Double Cash^® Card has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points. This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No annual fee

Cons

• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou^® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• Earn a total of 5 ThankYou^® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rental, and attractions, excluding air travel, when booked through the Citi Travel^® portal.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers; after that, the variable APR will be 17.49% to 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness. Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.49% to 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase

Rewards Center

Citi ThankYou Rewards

United Airlines MileagePlus

While it is often easier or cheaper to book United Airlines flights to Paris with one of its partners, such as Air Canada, ANA or Avianca, you can also book these flights using United’s own program, MileagePlus.

MileagePlus no longer has a defined award chart, so the pricing for using United miles to Paris varies, starting at 30,000 to 40,000 miles one-way in economy and 60,000 to 80,000 miles in Polaris Business class. Keep in mind that if you are a United cardholder or elite status member, you have access to flights to Paris at a reduced cost.

As we have mentioned before when talking about Star Alliance flights, you can use United MileagePlus miles to book the following nonstop flights to Paris on either United or Air Canada:

• Chicago (ORD)
• Montreal (YUL)
• Newark (EWR)
• San Francisco (SFO)
• Toronto (YYZ)
• Washington, D.C. (IAD)

Earning United MileagePlus miles

You can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards and Bilt Rewards to United MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio. United also has several co-branded credit cards with Chase that allow you to earn MileagePlus miles directly.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.24% - 27.49% 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

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

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 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
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.24% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 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 points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,500

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 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 card application.

Excellent

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.

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

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
• 5x points on Lyft rides
• 4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

• $795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Get more than $2,700 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
• Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
• Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
• Get complimentary Apple TV+, the exclusive streaming home of Apple Originals. Plus Apple Music — all the music you love, across all your devices. Subscriptions run through 6/22/27 — a value of $250 annually
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United℠ Explorer Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs 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 up to 80,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after spending $3,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account, plus a $0 annual fee for the first year (70K + 10K more miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months).

Up to 80,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.74% - 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 card application.

Good to Excellent

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

• 9x total miles per $1 on eligible United flights
• 3x miles per $1 on all other eligible United purchases
• 2x miles per $1 on dining purchases (including delivery services), and hotel stays when booked with the hotel

Cons

• $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150
• Does not earn transferable rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
• NEW! 9x total miles on eligible United flights and 3x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases.
• 2x miles on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel. 1x mile on all other purchases.
• Free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip. Terms Apply. Plus, priority boarding on United^® flights.
• 2 United Club one-time passes per year - over a $100 value
• Over $500 in partner credits each year
• NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

United MileagePlus Frequent Flyer Program

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Another common way to book SkyTeam flights is using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points. Despite recent changes to Virgin Atlantic’s partner award charts, the program still offers some great rates for award flights to Europe. However, it also charges high fees on particular routes.

For SkyTeam partner redemptions, Flying Club has an award chart. However, it has unique award charts for each partner airline, and pricing depends on where you’re flying. Virgin Atlantic requires fewer points than other SkyTeam airlines when you’re redeeming nonstop flights between the U.S. and Paris.

Here is the award pricing for nonstop Delta flights to Europe (excluding the U.K.):

This is great pricing, especially for Delta One. Delta regularly charges more than 200,000 SkyMiles for the exact same seat.

For partner awards on Air France-KLM, you need to look at both the applicable award chart as well as the zones you’re flying between. Virgin Atlantic divides the world into 10 zones, and award pricing depends on your origin and destination zones.

Pricing varies between zones and travel season (standard, peak, and off-peak). France falls into Zone 1. Meanwhile, the U.S. East Coast is in Zone 6, while the West Coast and Central U.S. fall in Zone 7. Here’s a look at one-way pricing on Air France flights using Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points during peak and off-peak dates

Nonstop Routes Bookable With Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points

As mentioned above, SkyTeam partners Air France and Delta operate nonstop routes to Paris from the following U.S. cities:

Earn Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Points

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a transfer partner of nearly every major transferable points currency. The program is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Rove Miles, Wells Fargo Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

All programs transfer to Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio except Marriott Bonvoy, which transfers at a 3:1 ratio, and Citi ThankYou Rewards, where the ratio is 1:1 for premium cards and 1:0.7 for no-annual-fee cards. In addition, you get a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.

It is worth mentioning that Capital One miles and Bilt Rewards do not transfer directly to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Instead, they transfer to Virgin Red. However, you can then convert those points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio, and the process is instant.

Before You Book Award Flights to Paris

One of the first things that you should do before booking an award flight to Paris is make sure that there is award availability for the flight you want to book. You can use a tool like Seats.aero or the airline’s own search tool to confirm that a seat is available.

This is especially true if you are planning on transferring points from a flexible rewards program like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards. That is because such transfers are final and cannot be reversed once made.

Another point to remember when booking a flight to Paris is that the number of miles it takes to fly to Paris is not the only factor. Taxes and fees can be a big part of the total cost of any award redemption. It may make sense to pay more miles to save hundreds of dollars in taxes and fees.

How We Selected the Best Ways To Fly to Paris With Points

We used a number of factors in selecting the best ways to fly to Paris with points, including award pricing, partner airline coverage, fuel surcharge policies, number of transfer partners, and overall value for routes to Paris. For a full explanation of the criteria and methodology used to assess travel rewards programs, see our rating methodology page.

Final Thoughts

Flying to Paris from the U.S. is relatively easy, especially for those on the East Coast. Fortunately, there are plenty of nonstop routes to Paris from numerous U.S. gateways. Flying Blue is the strongest option for most travelers, while Aeroplan is a great surcharge-free alternative. Virgin Atlantic is a great one to consider for affordable off-peak business class from the East Coast.