business travel for europe

Trends report ranks top 10 cities for European business travelers

March 14, 2024

Amsterdam and New York were the most visited cities for European business travelers last year, according to BCD flight and car rental data in 2023 in a range of markets. The findings have been compiled into BCD’s Cities & Trends Europe 2023 Edition. The report ranks the top destinations for European business travelers with insights into how they travel.

Why read this report?

The trends in this report may be useful predictors of emerging business hubs, popular destinations, and up-and-coming markets. Together with the travel management company, travel program stakeholders should apply the information to business travel planning. By analyzing these trends, you may be able to better manage air, hotel and car rental spend and identify cost-effective destinations.

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“Risks like geopolitics and rising crime, new sustainability legislation and remote work continue to impact business travel volumes and where travel budgets are directed to,” said Michèle Lawley , BCD’s president of Europe. “Airline capacities once sufficient might become scarce. A destination once safe might have become dangerous for travelers . These are some examples of why travel programs quickly need to adjust to new circumstances. We support our corporate clients by keeping them abreast of any developments, advising them on supplier negotiations, managing risks, and providing travelers with tools they like to use.”

Top 10 business travel cities

Overall, business travel spend in Europe in 2023 recovered to 96% of pre-pandemic (2019) levels. Western Europe is clearly a preferred destination, with eight of 10 cities on the intra-European list. The return of face-to-face meetings and events and the rebound in international business travel capacity and volumes may have lured travelers there. The rest of Europe is recovering slower, challenged by the war in Ukraine among other reasons.

The U.S. dominated the list of intercontinental cities, with seven cities in the top 10. Dubai took third place. Singapore and Shanghai rank ninth and tenth respectively, signaling growing activity for APAC this year.

“While global business travel rebounds, the pace of recovery in China has been more gradual,” said Jonathan Kao , managing director of North Asia. “Beijing has dropped off the list from its 2019 position as the eighth most visited intercontinental city for European business travelers, and Shanghai has fallen from second to 10th place. Despite this, we’re encouraged by the recent visa exemptions for travelers from certain European countries, and overall, more lenient visa procedures. We anticipate a significant resurgence in business travel to China in 2024, evidenced by the early increase in travel volumes we’ve seen in the first two months of 2024.”

2023 top business travel countries: Germany and U.K.

Germany is the most visited European country, followed by the United Kingdom which dropped from first place in 2019 to second in 2023. Post-Brexit, EU and Swiss citizens need a valid passport to travel to the U.K. and can no longer freely enter the country with a national ID card. Nevertheless, it remains a top destination for business travel. The Netherlands, France and Italy follow in third, fourth and fifth place, respectively.

The U.S. leads the intercontinental ranking, followed by the United Arab Emirates, India and China. This demonstrates the strong trading relationship between Europe and Asia.

Top 10 business travel routes

The most frequently traveled routes for intercontinental flights from Europe depart from London and Frankfurt, together accounting for eight positions in the top 10. Amsterdam and Paris complete the list of European departure hubs in ninth and tenth place.

The top 10 arrival hubs for intercontinental routes are largely dominated by the U.S., with New York City being the most popular. Shanghai is the only APAC arrival hub in the list.

Business travelers prefer business class for intercontinental flights

When looking at the cabin class European travelers booked for intercontinental flights in 2023, business class leads with 47%, followed by economy class with 42%. Premium economy accounts for 10% and first class for only 1%. This is slightly different from the results in a soon to be published report with insights about U.S. travelers, where business class and economy class make up for respectively 53% and 36% on intercontinental flights.

Direct vs. connecting flights

When traveling for business in Europe, 84% of booked flights are direct with only 16% as connecting flights. However, for intercontinental travel, the breakdown is almost equal: 51% of booked flights are direct, 49% are connecting flights.

“The chosen service class, type of flight and even the route have a direct effect on CO2 emissions,” Lawley added. “For example, direct flights offer a shorter route and use less fuel on landing and take-off than connecting flights. By analyzing their emissions data, companies can hone in on what behaviors or policies they want to influence or change to support smart and purposeful travel.”

More cars were rented in Germany than anywhere else

For 21% of all air bookings in Europe, travelers book a rental car with an average of four days. Germany leads the ranking for car rental with five cities in the top 10: Munich, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Berlin. Other top 10 car rental cities include Paris, London, Amsterdam, Milan and Barcelona.

According to a recent BCD car rental survey of more than 900 business travelers worldwide, most business travelers rent a car to visit their company’s office, meet with clients or provide onsite service. The most common reasons for renting a car instead of using other means of transportation are convenience, speed, lack of alternatives and price. Intermediate/standard cars are rented most often, followed by compact/economy.

BCD annually tracks the rise and fall of business travel volumes as they can reflect the level and health of economic activity within a region or country. The Cities & Trends U.S. 2023 edition will publish soon.

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Top 10 business travel destinations in Europe

Discover the top European business travel destinations. From the streets of Berlin to the charm of Rome, these European business hubs await.

Embarking on a business trip to a new city offers the perfect opportunity to inject some excitement into your regular work regimen. Whether you’re in the fashion, finance, manufacturing or automotive industry, Europe offers fantastic destinations for business travelers .

Below are our top 10 most popular destinations for European cities with thriving business sectors, impressive event venues and plenty of leisure activities to be enjoyed during your free time.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 best business travel destinations in Europe .

1. London, England

London – where Canary Wharf's financial prowess meets the creative pulse of Camden and Shoreditch – is the unrivalled epicenter of European business brilliance. A huge amount of the UK's economic output thrives in the realm of services, spanning finance, tech, hospitality and the arts, all flourishing within London's dynamic ecosystem.

World-class venues like ExCeL London, The Shard and Olympia London inspire success, while annual events like the Business Travel Show and Going Global Live fuel networking and growth. London City, Heathrow and Gatwick are among the key airports that make getting to the city easy.

In your downtime, explore iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, enjoy the best of theatre the West End offers or take a tranquil Thames-side stroll. As evening falls, experience the city’s diverse culinary scene in Covent Garden before taking to the vibrant cobbled streets of Soho to revel in London’s infamous nightlife.

2. Paris, France

Paris, the ‘City of Love,’ enchants in the heart of Europe, making even a business trip a passionate affair. Discover top-notch business events venues like the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles and the elegant Maison de la Mutualité, where networking, conferences and exhibitions become more than just a productive use of time but an experience.

Paris hosts vibrant annual events like Viva Technology and Paris Retail Week, connecting you with global visionaries with a rich story to tell. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, access to this urban oasis is as smooth as the country's fine champagne, thanks to Charles de Gaulle Airport and Orly Airport.

Beyond business, explore treasures like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre Museum. Business or no business, what's a trip to Paris without sampling the local bread, wine and cheese? Wander along the Seine's banks to discover hidden gastronomic gems and cosy cafés.

3. Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, beckons business travelers with a unique blend of innovation and history. As one of the top business cities in Europe, it’s a dynamic hub for tech startups and creative industries. Key venues like the Messe Berlin with its world-class facilities make it an ideal destination for business opportunities and general inspiration.

The Express Train FEX, connecting the regional airport to Berlin Central Station, covers the distance in just 30 minutes. It departs from Terminal 1's railway station every half hour. So whether your business compass points to any corner of Berlin, rest assured you'll arrive effortlessly.

When your work schedule permits, don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in Berlin's rich history, from the remnants of the Berlin Wall to the magnificent Brandenburg Gate and the cultural oasis of Museum Island. If you have time to spare, consider getting lost in the lively neighborhoods of Kreuzberg and Prenzlauer Berg, where Berlin's true soul comes to life.

4. Madrid, Spain

Madrid is a prime destination for a business city trip, offering a mix of modernity and tradition that caters to professional needs and leisure pursuits. The city boasts brilliant business event venues like IFEMA – Feria de Madrid and Palacio Municipal de Congresos, ideal for conferences of any size. Madrid also hosts renowned annual business-related events such as the Madrid International Real Estate Exhibition (SIMA) and Madrid Fusión, a global gastronomy summit.

The Spanish capital is a hub for various industries, including finance, technology, fashion and tourism. Business travelers can easily reach Madrid city center from the airport by taking the efficient Airport Train (Cercanías Line C-1), which stops at major train stations such as Chamartín and Atocha.

Businesspeople can engage in networking opportunities while enjoying its vibrant culture. Outside of work, you can explore historic sites like the Royal Palace and Prado Museum, savor culinary delights in Michelin-starred restaurants or unwind in the picturesque Retiro Park.

5. Munich, Germany

 Munich, located in southern Germany, is a business traveler's dream. Known for its economic strength and technological innovation, the city hosts significant events like EXPO REAL and BAUMA, perfect for industry networking and growth. The ICM Munich and Messe München provide top-tier venues for businesses worldwide.

Munich's Franz Josef Strauss Airport ensures convenient access, and the city's cultural scene offers leisurely exploration. During your downtime, visit Nymphenburg Palace and Marienplatz to soak up some culture. Indulge in Bavarian cuisine and raise a stein in one of Munich's famous beer halls. While many locals speak English, learning a few basic German phrases can go a long way in establishing rapport. Locals often appreciate the effort, even if your German is limited.

6. Warsaw, Poland

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, is rapidly emerging as a European business hotspot. The city offers modern conference facilities, with the Warsaw International Expocenter and Ptak Warsaw Expo leading the way. Annual events like the Warsaw International Economic Meeting attract professionals from various sectors.

With Warsaw Chopin Airport close by, reaching the city is simple. And once you’ve arrived, Warsaw boasts an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses. Consider purchasing a Warsaw Card for convenient access to public transport, which will make getting around the city stress-free.

Beyond business, delve into Warsaw's rich history by exploring the Old Town, Royal Castle and Wilanów Palace. Polish cuisine awaits with hearty pierogi and delectable pastries, offering a taste of authentic local flavors.

7. Rome, Italy

Rome, known as the ‘Eternal City,’ combines history with business opportunities. It offers venues like the Fiera di Roma and Palazzo dei Congressi, along with events like the Rome International Film Festival. Consider connecting with local professionals or expatriate communities – joining industry-specific groups or attending local business events can significantly expand your network.

Business discussions often unfold over dinner, providing a chance to try Rome's authentic regional dishes like Cacio e Pepe or artichokes alla Romana. When dining with clients or colleagues while on a business trip in Rome, observance of local dining etiquette is vital, with the host typically initiating the toast.

Rome has two airports – Fiumicino and Ciampino, serving more than 45 million passengers annually, making Rome the busiest Italian city in airline traffic. Getting to and from Fiumicino and Ciampino airports in Rome from the city center is straightforward. You can use the Leonardo Express train for Fiumicino Airport, which takes you directly to Termini Station. For Ciampino Airport, various bus services, like the Terravision or SitBus, offer convenient transportation to the city center too.

For convenient navigation throughout the city, consider purchasing a Roma Pass. This pass provides unlimited access to public transportation and offers discounts on entry to various attractions to gain inspiration before your next meeting. Be sure to visit the Roman Forum or explore lesser-known archaeological sites like the Baths of Caracalla or the Appian Way. These locations offer a quieter but equally captivating glimpse into Rome's fascinating history.

8. Milan, Italy

Milan, Italy's vibrant hub for fashion and finance, lures business travelers with an enticing blend of sophistication and commerce. Here, you'll discover top-tier business venues, exemplified by Fiera Milano and MiCo-Milano Congressi, equipped with cutting-edge facilities for conferences and exhibitions. Milan's dynamic spirit extends to its annual highlights, notably Milan Fashion Week and Salone del Mobile, drawing global influencers and industry leaders from various sectors. Whether your focus is on fashion, finance or technology, Milan offers a fertile ground for professional advancement.

Milan's airports, Malpensa and Linate, are strategically located for travel convenience in Northern Italy. Additionally, it's hassle-free to travel to Rome from Milan via high-speed trains, making it a seamless journey between the two major cities.

When business demands allow, check out what else Milan has to offer. Explore picturesque landmarks like the stunning Duomo di Milano or delight in the world of opera at the historic La Scala Opera House. Dining in Milan is a sensory journey, with a plethora of gourmet restaurants to choose from, serving exquisite Italian cuisine. Take a leisurely stroll through charming neighborhoods like Brera to unveil the city's charm in all its glory.

9. Frankfurt, Germany

When it comes to top European destinations for business travelers, Frankfurt is an absolute must-consider. Positioned as the financial hub of Germany, Frankfurt magnetizes professionals in search of opportunities and connectivity. The city's impressive skyline, dominated by sleek skyscrapers, reflects its status as a global finance center. Key venues like Messe Frankfurt and Kap Europa offer exceptional spaces for business executives.

Frankfurt hosts significant business events like the Frankfurt Book Fair and Ambiente, drawing professionals from various industries. The city's strategic location and efficient transport infrastructure, including Frankfurt Airport – one of the most connected airports in Europe – make it easily accessible for international travelers.

During your downtime, explore cultural gems such as the Städel Museum and the historic Römer square. Enjoy traditional German cuisine at local taverns or discover international flavors at Michelin-starred restaurants.

10. Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, the port city of Germany, brims with maritime heritage and contemporary business opportunities. The city is one of the best business travel destinations in Europe, boasting outstanding business event venues like the Hamburg Messe und Congress and the Elbphilharmonie.

Business travelers can engage in networking at events like the Hamburg Summit, which showcase the city's innovative spirit. Hamburg's accessibility is facilitated by its well-connected airport, known in German as Flughafen Hamburg.

In your free time, explore Hamburg's maritime history at the International Maritime Museum, stroll along the scenic Alster Lake or taste fresh seafood at the bustling Fish Market.

The top 20 business travel destinations in Europe:

Methodology.

The research for this article is part of the Booking.com for Business 2023 Business Travel Destinations project. It is based on bookings made by travelers for business purposes between August 2022 and August 2023.

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Business travel predictions for 2024: efficiency is the key

Dec 7, 2023

Companies are changing their approach to business travel faster than ever.

Businesses put each trip under the microscope to estimate its potential value against economic uncertainty, tense geopolitical situations, and climate change.

To prepare yourself and your company for work travel in 2024, our travel experts share their insights and forecast the trends shaping the upcoming year.

Jump straight to the region most relevant to your business:

• Around the world .
• The United Kingdom .
• South Africa .
• East Africa .
• West Africa .

10 business travel predictions for 2024

Some business travel trends cross borders, shared by businesses in countries across the globe. Here are 10 predictions that are likely to impact your company, no matter where you’re based:

• Tighter spending allowances.
• Sustainability will climb the priority list.
• Scheduling rides will change the ride-hailing industry.
• Continued erosion of the traditional fleet model.
• International travel will take off again.
• Planning time-efficient business trips.
• More travel throughout the working week.
• The use of micromobility for work will rise.
• A desire to bring remote workers together.
•  A safety-first approach to travel.

Read more about each prediction below. 👇

1. Tighter spending allowances

The first thing businesses look at is where they can cut spending. And when you start the process of reducing costs, business travel is often the first to see budget costs.

Travel budgets have been low for so long that they aren’t going to rise overnight. Taking fewer business trips is now engrained in behaviour, and businesses aren’t tolerating costs — especially when lower-value meetings can occur online. 

In 2024, companies will fine-tune their approach to balancing video conferencing with meeting clients in person — all to keep travel costs down.

“We’re going to see tighter travel policies that prevent people from travelling further than needed — which will cut spending.” Tom Stevenson, Country Manager, UK and Ireland, Bolt Business

If the company is fine with many business trips, its management will likely cut costs in other areas, such as accommodation. Considering the rising hotel rates, fewer businesses will cover their employees’ stays in 5-star hotels when other options are available.

“Many companies will minimise their accommodation budgets — they realise spending big on 5-star hotels in the city centre is unnecessary. You can get a perfect experience at cheaper hotels.” Cassandra Kelly Albertine, Regional Sales Manager, Bolt Business

2. Sustainability will climb the priority list 

A drop in business travel has led to declining emissions over recent years. So, when approving business trips in 2024, you don’t want to see a significant spike in emissions — especially after introducing sustainability targets.

To keep emissions down, companies will rethink their approach to business travel by using services they can adjust to fit the trip’s purpose. 

“Companies will focus more on how their travel policy fits into their sustainability efforts. After a couple of years where the spending and CO2 emissions have fallen, businesses don’t want to see them spike again.” Tom Stevenson, Country Manager, UK and Ireland, Bolt Business

Every business trip must prove its worth as the pressure to keep emissions down grows. Nobody will stop you from booking a long-haul flight for a personal vacation. But business travel has its own level of scrutiny.

“Business trips are under much more scrutiny than in previous years regarding sustainability. If there’s not enough value in the trip, it won’t happen.” — Nick Powell, Vice President, Bolt Business

3. Scheduling rides will change the ride-hailing industry

Being able to schedule a ride to your workplace, a client meeting, or the airport several days in advance is a game changer for the ride-hailing industry. The convenience, reliability, and peace of mind you get from knowing that you’ve arranged travel in advance is something business travellers appreciate.

“Scheduling a work ride removes the thought process from your journey and frees your mind to focus on the things that will drive business results.” — Amy Hackett, Regional Director, Bolt Business

With Bolt Business, you can schedule work rides up to 90 days in advance either in the Bolt app or with Ride Booker.  Compare them and choose!

4. A continued erosion of the traditional fleet model

One of our business travel predictions for 2023 was an erosion of the traditional fleet model. Based on what we’ve seen this year, it certainly came true. And in 2024, even more companies are set to move away from leasing company cars.

“The days of a company car being a perk from the top to the bottom of a company’s hierarchy are ending. Mainly because fuel prices and insurance costs are rising.” Tom Stevenson, Country Manager, UK and Ireland, Bolt Business

If your company’s based in Europe, there’s more on this later in the article.

5. International travel will take off again

International travel is resurging and will probably get even bigger in 2024 . With this rise comes a higher demand for seamless experience in different countries.

As an employer, meeting this demand means finding a travel provider accommodating mobility across borders.

“Companies will see the benefits of having a multinational contract with a travel provider or ensuring  employees have access to a mobility service, like Bolt Business, where business travellers can use the same app in countries around the world.” Andrew Short, Senior Projects and Partnerships Manager, Bolt Business

6. Planning time-efficient business trips

Many businesses are looking for ways to optimise their processes and use their time efficiently — especially regarding business travel.

Moreover, sometimes getting a ride to a meeting is the only way to get there neatly, calmly, and on time — not something public transport can guarantee.

“ Companies are striving for increased efficiency and productivity. Providing employees with an easy-to-use mobility app for work rides, like Bolt Business, can help you achieve exactly that. ” Amy Hackett, Regional Director for Europe, Bolt Business

7. More travel throughout the working week

In 2023, Friday was the most popular day to travel for work — climbing up the rankings after being the third in 2022. Monday remains consistent as the least popular day for work trips.

But Monday’s share of weekday work rides grew by 1%, matching Friday’s most significant rise between 2022 and 2023. These numbers show that people travel more throughout the working week — perhaps indicating that workers want to spend more time with colleagues and clients.

8. The use of micromobility for work will rise

Between 2022 and 2023, the number of people commuting on Bolt scooter or e-bike rose by 160% . Proving that business travellers have a clear appetite for efficient and flexible alternatives to driving.

As car costs continue to rise, Bolt scooters and e-bikes are convenient for shorter urban trips.

9. A desire to bring remote workers together

While remote work has plenty of benefits, there comes a time when employers will want to bring the team together — an event, team-building session, or when onboarding new hires. 

And here comes business travel.

Having a widely distributed workforce makes getting everyone together a real challenge. And you can’t underestimate those logistics.

But as you’ve seen from this article, employers can make life easier for employees in many ways. One example is to give your team access to a mobility service, such as Bolt Business , where they can get a work ride in minutes.

10. A safety-first approach to travel

Safety isn’t new for 2024, but it should always remain top of mind for businesses.

Technology that keeps your team safe while they travel continues to advance. The Bolt app has  many safety features, including: 

• Emergency assist button.
• A Women only ride type.
• Share trip details. 

But it’s not just the rider’s safety. It’s also the driver’s safety, which at the same time increases the passenger’s:

• Thorough identification verification.
• Driving time limits. 
• Visible driver ratings.

Business travel trends in Europe

A push for sustainable business travel and keeping budgets tight are changing the way people travel for work across Europe.

These are the trends that will shape travel for European businesses in 2024. 👇

1. Car manufacturer emission targets to impact fleet owners

Car manufacturers across the EU must meet strict emission targets for their vehicles. Each gram of CO2 above the target turns into a fine.

Achieving these targets brings higher costs for manufacturers. These costs get passed on to those purchasing the vehicles. As a result, leasing vehicles for businesses in the EU will get more expensive.

Electric cars are a perfect way to meet the EU’s emission targets. But it comes at a cost: purchasing an electric vehicle in the EU is around 73% more expensive than a car that runs on petrol or diesel.

“Company fleets are becoming more electric as manufacturers aim to meet their emissions targets — driving up the cost of leasing agreements.” Sergio Patricio, Regional Sales Manager, Bolt Business

2.  A rise in mobility budgets

Travel budgets benefit both companies and workers. The former sees increased employee retention, while the latter gains access to e-scooters, car-sharing, ride-hailing, and other travel options.

“ An employee may use the company car for personal reasons even more than for work trips. However, fuel, repairs, and insurance costs remain the company’s responsibility. Mobility budgets unlock travel options that benefit employees and give employers visibility and control over spending. ” Sergio Patricio, Regional Sales Manager, Bolt Business

Business travel trends in the UK

2023 was a year of major travel disruption due to strikes across the UK. In 2024, businesses will want to ensure their team can travel with the necessary reliability.

Prepare for business travel in the UK by noting our 2 predictions. 👇

1. Companies to prioritise time management

Airport, train, and underground strikes have become an integral part of the travel landscape across the UK. And they look set to continue into 2024.

With this in mind, time management and planning will be essential for every business traveller. 

“ In 2024, flight delays aren’t going to get much. Making your connection or an early-morning flight is risky due to delays. Companies need to plan ahead if flights are delayed or cancelled .”  Cassandra Kelly Albertine, Regional Sales Manager, Bolt Business

Learn how to find reliability during travel disruption in this article .

2. Faster moving airport queues

New technology will allow you to pass through airport security without removing liquids and electronic devices from your bags — you’ll also be able to carry liquids over 100 millilitres. UK airports must fit this new technology by June 2024 , so expect to get through the airport much faster in the year’s second half.

Business travel trends in Germany

Travelling for work by scooter and e-bike is taking off in Germany. This is something we expect to grow into 2024.

1. Higher uptake of mobility budgets

Mobility budgets allow your employees to travel for work how they please — and they’re tax-free in Germany up to €50 per month (monthly budgets above €50 are taxed at a flat rate of 30%).

As an employer, you’re giving your employees a benefit, potentially attracting top candidates to apply for roles, and promoting sustainable travel.

These mobility budgets are supporting a rise in sustainable commuting across the country. Which brings us to our next prediction for Germany. 👇

2. Micromobility use for work to continue growing

Germans travel for work using Bolt scooters and e-bikes more than anywhere else. Backed by increasing mobility budgets, this dominance will continue into 2024.

Business travel trends in the Baltics

Baltic countries experience extreme seasonality, which businesses need to start considering as part of their travel plans. One way business travel is changing drastically across the Baltic countries is car-sharing.

Here are 2 predictions showing how business travel will change across the Baltics. 👇

1. Businesses will take a seasonal view of business travel

Driving in winter might be stressful and dangerous. Only a few people are ready to take the responsibility of driving a company car on dark and icy roads.

“ During the Baltic winter, ride-hailing is more comfortable, convenient, and safer than a company car. ”  Gerhard Spitsak, Country Manager for Estonia, Bolt Business

By taking a seasonal view of business travel, companies give their employees a suitable way to travel all year round. During the winter, you can get picked up by a driver. In summer, you can make the most of the warm season by scooting or cycling.

Bolt Business offers a range of mobility options to companies across the Baltics .

2. Fleet reduction, rise in car-sharing

There was a 225% rise in people using Bolt Drive for work across the Baltics between 2022 and 2023 (Q1-Q3) .

Easy access to a fleet of cars without paying for fuel, repairs, and maintenance makes business travel seamless. And companies will continue to make the most of this in 2024.  

“Companies in the Baltics want to part ways with their company cars — leaving them with more flexibility. And by flexibility, I mean being able to use on-demand travel to suit the purpose of the trip. Whether that’s ride-hailing, Bolt Drive, or micromobility.” Gerhard Spitsak, Country Manager for Estonia, Bolt Business

More about car-sharing for businesses

Bolt Drive gives companies all the benefits of a company car without having to buy or lease. Your employees can find an available vehicle in the Bolt app, unlock it, and drive to their destination. Then, they can park up and forget about the vehicle. 

You only pay for the distance travelled and rental time. We handle everything else — fuel, parking, insurance, and more. Now, with a more long-term option, you can rent a Bolt Drive for a month at a time. 

It’s currently available to businesses in Latvia and Lithuania, with more countries planned.

Business travel trends in South Africa

There’s been a certain resistance to change by many companies across South Africa for some time. But those companies — even the ones that have been in operation for decades — are waking up to a new way of doing things. 

Here are 2 big predictions for 2023. 👇

1. An erosion of the traditional fleet model

Companies across South Africa are breaking free from the cycle of investing and reinvesting in fleets. And this will trend will continue to grow in 2024.

A fleet of company cars wasn’t a ‘nice to have’ for companies across South Africa; they were a must-have. In order to operate, they needed a company car to get the job done.

There’s a certain resistance to change in business — it’s human nature. Many companies are happy to take the same approach and ignore the downsides — even if those downsides hit your bottom line. 

But things are changing.

“10 years ago, investing in company cars and fleets was the only option for many businesses. But times have changed, and you no longer need to reinvest in these depreciating assets whenever they need a replacement.”  Cyndi Levendale, Country Manager, South Africa, Bolt Business

2. Business will wake up to parking costs

The cost of parking quietly weighs down on the finances of many businesses. Airport parking, in particular, is expensive in South Africa — and the cost continues to rise. 

When someone from your company travels by plane for work, their company car sits in the airport parking lot, racking up costs.

“When businesses gave the green light for parking expenses, it was their only option. Are you still paying for your employees’ parking?”  Cyndi Levendale, Country Manager, South Africa, Bolt Business

A Business trip to Johannesburg meant driving yourself to the airport and parking there. And because it’s for work, the company had to cover those expenses. There’s no need for this today when there are other options.

Parking also ties into safety. 

“Many businesses find it hard to part ways with their fleet or using a car rental service. But when you consider where your fleet is parked at night and whether your team get home safely after a night shift, ride-hailing services give more peace of mind.” Alexander Skea, Account Manager in South Africa, Bolt Business

Business travel trends in East Africa

Most of our business travel predictions in East Africa for 2023 came true — and they’ll continue to develop into 2024. 

With technological advancements, economic instability, and a growing urgency around climate change, businesses have much to consider. And your approach to travel feeds into all three. 

Let’s dive into our predictions for business travel in East Africa. 👇

1. Controls on spending

There will be a lot more control over spending in 2024. Economic challenges are having an impact on every continent, bringing about global economic instability and uncertainty.

Concerning global economic challenges, there’s a need for companies to put controls on spending. Bolt Business supports companies to ensure travel is always within budget. 

2. A bigger focus on sustainability

Sustainability will continue to be a key focus for businesses in East Africa. Taking a green approach was on companies’ radar, but the first Africa Climate Summit , hosted in Kenya in 2023, accelerated things.

“The focus on sustainability in Africa is growing quickly. During the Africa Climate Summit, the President of Kenya spearheaded the adoption of electric vehicles, as opposed to fossil fuels.”  Peris Wandeto, Country Manager, Kenya

3. Continued adoption of the hybrid working model

Businesses are moving away from the traditional working model where everyone must be in the workplace 5 days a week. Instead, employees are more widely accepted to spend 2-3 days a week in the office and spend the rest of their time working remotely. 

As more businesses accept this new way of working, the travel habits of business travellers across East Africa will shift.

Business travel trends in West Africa

1. companies will put tighter restrictions on spending.

Any company needs a robust set of travel policies to control spending during economic instability. Laying out strict spending allowances lets your employees know exactly how much they can spend. 

Taking this step will be crucial in 2024 as companies aim to balance the benefits of business travel with cost minimisation.

2. Tricycle use will accelerate

As businesses look to cut costs, three-wheeled vehicles offer a convenient, fast, and affordable way to travel for work. They’re likely to become more popular.

Tricycles are currently available in cities in Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

“There will be a higher adoption of low-cost Bolt tricycles in 2024 as businesses look to cut travel costs.” Frank Dibia, Senior Business Development Manager, Bolt Business

3. Carpools and ride-hailing will thrive

Parking, congestion, and rising fuel prices are 3 of the biggest problems people face when travelling for work. But you can solve all of these issues with carpools and ride-hailing.

With carpools, several people travel to work in the same vehicle, meaning fewer cars on the road, more available parking spaces at your destination, and fuel savings.

Meanwhile, ride-hailing services don’t involve even driving. While sharing a car with colleagues is just as fine as with carpooling.

The benefits mean businesses across West Africa are adopting carpool initiatives, turning to ride-hailing services, or using a combination of both. 

“Carpools and ride-hailing services will continue to thrive because employers are now more cautious of how transport costs impact their balance sheet. So, they’re looking to manage their team’s mobility in a way they can make cost-savings.” Frank Dibia, Senior Business Development Manager, Bolt Business

Will artificial intelligence impact business travel in 2024?

Everybody wants to harness the power of AI in one way or another. And it’s set to play an ever-increasing role in our daily lives.

“Nobody knows the full capabilities of AI yet. Everybody’s trying to catch up. There will be changes in 2024, but they’ll take time to implement. Once implemented, they will ramp up rapidly.”  Tom Stevenson, Country Manager, UK and Ireland, Bolt Business

Technological advancements are already making business travel management easier. Some time ago, you’d have to book everything through a travel agent. Now, you can arrange everything online without speaking with a person.

Take Bolt Business as an example. Being able to book a work ride using an app on your phone was unheard of but has ramped up in recent years and is now part of the norm.

“AI will take over in the next 12-24 months. It’s capable of making business travel much more efficient and seamless. But there are still lots of components to fit together.” Andrew Short,Senior Projects and Partnerships Manager, Bolt Business

Make business travel more efficient in 2024

Now that you know what to expect from business travel in 2024, it’s time to start planning. 

Tighter spending allowances are one of the biggest trends that will be a focus for companies worldwide. And with Bolt Business, you can set spending limits that your team can’t go over — making sure business travel is always within budget.

Once you’ve added your employees and set spending limits, they’ll see your company as a payment method in their Bolt app. Then, they can book a work-related trip that meets your company’s travel policy.

Create your company’s Bolt Business account online today.

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Business travel in Europe - statistics & facts

Business trips and travel expenses in europe, impact of the coronavirus (covid-19) pandemic on european business travel, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Global business travel spending 2019-2020, by region

Business travel spending in Europe 2019-2020, by country

Highest-priced business travel destinations in the EMEA region Q4 2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Business Travel Spending

Most expensive European cities for business travel 2020, by daily hotel costs

Outbound business trips in the European Union 2012-2019

Further recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Global business travel spending 2019-2020, by region
• Basic Statistic Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Europe 2019-2023, by type
• Basic Statistic Travel and tourism spending share in European countries 2022, by type
• Basic Statistic Business travel spending in Europe 2019-2020, by country

Business tourism spending worldwide in 2019 and 2020, by region (in billion U.S. dollars)

Distribution of travel and tourism expenditure in Europe 2019-2023, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in Europe in 2019 and 2023, by type

Travel and tourism spending share in European countries 2022, by type

Distribution of travel and tourism spending in European countries in 2022, by type

Business tourism spending in Europe in 2019 and 2020, by country (in billion U.S. dollars)

Business trips

• Basic Statistic Domestic business trips taken European Union 2012-2019
• Basic Statistic Outbound business trips in the European Union 2012-2019
• Premium Statistic Share of Europeans planning trips in Europe 2023-2024, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Leading European countries for the next business trip among European travelers 2021

Domestic business trips taken European Union 2012-2019

Number of domestic business trips taken in the European Union (EU-27) from 2012 to 2019

Number of outbound business trips in the European Union (EU-27) from 2012 to 2019

Share of Europeans planning trips in Europe 2023-2024, by purpose

Share of European travelers planning to take an overnight trip in Europe in the next six months as of May 2023, September 2023, and April 2024, by purpose

Leading European countries for the next business trip among European travelers 2021

Leading European countries for the next business trip among travelers in Europe as of September 2021

Meetings industry

• Premium Statistic Meetings industry market size worldwide 2019, by region
• Premium Statistic Convention industry visitor spending in Europe 2019-2027, by type
• Premium Statistic Convention industry visitor spending in Europe 2019-2027
• Premium Statistic Estimated change in operating profits of European exhibition companies 2019-2020
• Premium Statistic Operation of the exhibition industry in Europe 2020-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of trade shows in Europe 2019, by industry
• Premium Statistic Number of trade shows in selected European countries 2019

Meetings industry market size worldwide 2019, by region

Market size of the meetings industry in selected regions worldwide in 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)

Convention industry visitor spending in Europe 2019-2027, by type

Visitor spending in the convention and event industry in Europe in 2019 and 2020, with a forecast until 2027, by type (in billion euros)

Convention industry visitor spending in Europe 2019-2027

Visitor spending in the convention and event industry in Europe in 2019 and 2020, with a forecast until 2027 (in billion euros)

Estimated change in operating profits of European exhibition companies 2019-2020

Estimated change in operating profits of exhibition companies in Europe in 2019 and 2020

Operation of the exhibition industry in Europe 2020-2023

Operation of exhibitions and trade shows in Europe from 2020 to 2022 and predictions for 1st half 2023

Number of trade shows in Europe 2019, by industry

Number of trade and public exhibitions in Europe in 2019, by industry

Number of trade shows in selected European countries 2019

Number of trade and public exhibitions in selected countries in Europe in 2019

Travel expenses

• Premium Statistic Highest-priced business travel destinations in the EMEA region Q4 2022
• Premium Statistic European cities with highest rise of daily business travel expense Q4 2021
• Premium Statistic Most expensive European cities for business travel 2020, by daily cost of food
• Premium Statistic Most expensive European cities for business travel 2020, by daily hotel costs

Most expensive cities for business tourism in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in 4th quarter 2022, by average daily costs (in U.S. dollars)

European cities with highest rise of daily business travel expense Q4 2021

Annual change of average daily costs in selected European business travel destinations in 4th quarter 2021

Most expensive European cities for business travel 2020, by daily cost of food

Most expensive cities for business travel in Europe in 2020, by daily cost of food (in U.S. dollars)

Most expensive cities for business travel in Europe in 2020, by daily hotel costs (in U.S. dollars)

COVID-19 impact

• Premium Statistic Predictions on the format of exhibitions in Europe 2022
• Basic Statistic Most important issues facing the exhibition industry in Europe 2021, by country
• Premium Statistic Opinions on resuming business travel during the COVID-19 pandemic as of April 2021
• Premium Statistic Expected change in business travel spending over pre-pandemic levels in Europe 2022

Predictions on the format of exhibitions in Europe 2022

Expected future format of exhibitions in Europe as of December 2022

Most important issues facing the exhibition industry in Europe 2021, by country

Most important business issues facing the exhibition industry in selected European countries as of June 2021

Opinions on resuming business travel during the COVID-19 pandemic as of April 2021

Is your company planning to resume travel to the following destinations?

Expected change in business travel spending over pre-pandemic levels in Europe 2022

Expected change in travel spending over pre-pandemic levels among business travel buyers in Europe in 2022

Digitalization

• Premium Statistic Type of fairs projected worldwide 2021, by region
• Premium Statistic Main digital processes adopted in the global exhibition industry 2021, by region
• Premium Statistic Main digital processes adopted in the exhibition industry in Europe 2021, by country

Type of fairs projected worldwide 2021, by region

Distribution of fairs projected worldwide in 2021, by region

Main digital processes adopted in the global exhibition industry 2021, by region

Main digital processes implemented in the exhibition industry worldwide as of June 2021, by region

Main digital processes adopted in the exhibition industry in Europe 2021, by country

Main digital processes implemented in the exhibition industry in selected European countries as of June 2021

Further reports

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We are the European Network of Business Travel Associations and we call ourselves BT4Europe | Business Travel for Europe  for short.

Across Europe business travel is of vital importance to businesses, public institutions and NGOs. We are the voice of those who buy business travel services and those who travel.

Our mission

In Europe the leading National Business Travel Associations are united through BT4Europe to empower the local, regional and pan-European representation of the business travel industry with a clear focus on the customer journey of the business traveler. 

We represent buyers and users of business travel services on an European level. We give a unique voice to thousands of corporations which buy business travel and millions of business travelers across Europe.

We are a non-profit membership association.

On behalf of our members – business travel associations across Europe – we build a bridge between users of business travel and decision makers in governments, legislation, and other institutions. 

BT4Europe is fully committed to constantly promoting and  supporting European legislation to better enable sustainable business travel with its undeniable positive effects on the European economy. 

BT4Europe wants to enable and promote business travel’s digital transformation into a more sustainable future. Knowledge sharing between the associations and education for the members of the national associations are other key pillars of BT4Europe’s foundation. 

Diversity and inclusion matter to BT4Europe. BT4Europe is committed to making a difference in the areas we impact the most. That’s why BT4Europe supports the specific UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

BT4Europe is delivering its values to ensure its stakeholders become stronger, more skilled, more agile in order to adapt to the fast-changing world. 

Our objectives

The members of the European Network of Business Travel Associations all have focus on the buyer-perspective of business travel and wish to influence decisions that involve issues related to this. 

Our actions in 2022 will be focused on 4 areas; laying the foundation to research the facts and figures of business travel in Europe, support the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, promote sustainable business travel and digital transformation of our industry.

Focus areas for 2022:

Facts & Figures

Restart from Covid-19

Sustainability

Digital Transformation

Our direct members are business travel associations in European countries. Please see the ‚About Us‘ section for our current membership.

We are open for new direct members who qualify as buyer-led business travel associations in Europe.

We are also open for business partners outside of the direct member category to support BT4Europe.

These business partners can become partners or affiliate members of BT4Europe.

Our partners and affiliate members support our work financially and through their expertise

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Enjoy Your Business Travel to Europe: Top Tips & Tricks

Voyage to europe in comfort.

Europe is home to several business powerhouses. Frankfurt in Germany, London in the United Kingdom, and Zurich in Switzerland are all home to international headquarters for some of the world’s most impactful organizations. 

Because Europe is home to so many fantastic business destinations, American workers find themselves traveling to these destinations for face-to-face business meetings, client introductions, and international branch management or audits. 

Restrictions from the pandemic are no longer impacting corporate travel as before, allowing more employees to undergo business voyages. If you find yourself in a position where you’re traveling to Europe for business, you might have some concerns.

This article attempts to ease some of those concerns by breaking down business travel eligibility and tips that make the journey more enjoyable. 

Don’t spend your business trip flying in Economy. The industry insiders at Business Class Experts can put you in a business class cabin at a considerable discount. Call us today to find out how affordable your next business class trip can be.  

Can You Travel to Europe on Business?

Europe is a hot-spot destination for business, with several countries serving as bastions of industrial procurement and production. Diplomatic relations in the European Union allow for open and unrestricted, visa-free travel, also known as the Schengen Area . These countries include:

• Belgium 
• Switzerland

In addition to these countries, several European Union member states and a handful of other European countries don’t have visa requirements for business travelers. However, travelers from the United States will still have to manually submit a business visa form and have their passports stamped by the incoming country. 

On the other hand, several countries are under the ETIAS, which requires waivers to travel on business. These waivers include a 90-day stay within any 180-day period. These countries include:

• The United Kingdom (excluding Ireland)
• The United States

Starting in 2024 , 59 countries that previously enjoyed visa-free travel will now require ETIAS waivers to travel for personal reasons, business, or transit. While this requirement puts a strain on visa-free travel, the application and entry process is available online, eliminating the need for manual passport examination and stamping. 

Top Tips for Traveling to Europe for Business

Some people love corporate travel, while others loathe the idea. Regardless of how you feel about it, you can make your next business trip to Europe more enjoyable in several ways. Here are our favorite tips on making the most of your next out-of-office adventure. 

Use a Travel Management Agency

International travel is challenging enough without adding business requirements and objectives to the list. That’s why many frequent business travelers utilize a travel management company (TMC) or agency. 

These agencies, like BCD Travel, handle the booking of flights, accommodations, ground transportation, and the occasional other travel services. Although these one-and-done solutions provide a limited-stress approach to global business travel, it can be a pricier way to book. 

Instead of relying on a company to handle all of your travel arrangements, Call Business Class Experts to help you find the lowest pricing on airfare. Our insider partnerships allow us to locate business-class tickets at up to half-off competing methods.  

Travel in Comfort and Style

Traveling to Europe in economy class is a fate we wouldn’t wish on our worst enemy. Having to fly for business deserves a step up in comfort and style. Business class offers improved seat improvement, even converting into a bed in some cases. Passengers also enjoy elevated menu options, more privacy, and amenities kits to arrive feeling refreshed. 

Many airlines offer work-centric amenities for business-class passengers. These amenities can include larger tray table spaces, available in-flight Wi-Fi, and power outlets for laptops, tablets, and mobile devices. 

Upgrading to first class aboard some airlines opens additional offerings that might be attractive to business fliers. These first class amenities can be private suites, in-flight social spaces, or dedicated personal assistance while at the airport. 

Upper class passengers have access to lounges at airports worldwide. Many of these lounges have bar service, food offerings, workspaces, spa showers, and high-profile business and travel news, like BTN Europe or the Wall Street Journal. 

Business class is more affordable than you might imagine. Business Class experts can help you find two-for-one business-class tickets , a friendly solution for expense management, and travel spending limits. Call us today to see how much you can save on upper-class tickets for your next business trip!   

Ensure Your Documentation is In Order

Before you depart, you will need to have all required documentation in order. That means ensuring your passport is current, visa applications (if applicable) are completed and approved, travel insurance policy documents are packed, and any other essential documents are ready. Be prepared to bring most of the following: 

• A valid passport and accompanying personal data
• Round-trip itinerary
• Travel insurance policy
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of financial means
• Proof of paid visa fee
• Cover letter
• Letter of intent or letter of invitation 
• Employee contracts

Depending on the arrival country, the required documents may be thoroughly examined or briefly scanned. Regardless, have your ducks in a row and be prepared for anything to happen. 

Head to the Bank

Your business trip to Europe will require money in Euros or British Pounds. Before you leave, you’ll want to plan how you will pay for things. That could be a currency exchange or a debit or credit card. 

You will need USD cash if you plan to do a currency exchange. Make a budget of how much you plan to spend on travel expenses or other items and estimate the currency exchange rate. The Federal Reserve website lets you plan the exchange rate minus transaction fees. Many airports and major banks can help you perform cash currency exchange. 

Likewise, if you plan to use your debit or credit card, make sure you don’t have any restrictions. As a general disclaimer, Visa and Mastercard enjoy more accepted establishments in Europe compared to American Express. Alert the credit company or bank of your travel plans to avoid blocked transactions.

Purchase Electronic Convertors

Much like how the metric system makes things challenging for U.S. calculations, the electric grid supports different voltages, plug shapes, and amperage ratings. That means, in order for your equipment to work, you’ll need electronic outlet converters. 

Many laptop chargers will handle the difference in power delivery when traveling to Europe. However, you will need an adaptor to fit the plug. You can find these adaptors through major retail centers like Best Buy or online through outlets like Amazon. Or, you can purchase one at your destination, but likely at an upcharge. 

Your cellphone and some mobile tablets can use USB charging; just be sure to plug into a compatible charger or platform to avoid unwanted damage to your device. You can also ask your hotel or host if chargers are available to support European sustainability efforts. 

Find Affordable Airfare to Europe with Business Class Experts

Europe is a prime destination for international business. With those close ties come business trips. While business trips are a common occurrence, there are some visa-related restrictions to research before you book accommodations and airfare. 

Once you clarify your eligibility, use a few of our insider’s favorite tips to ease the stresses of business travel. Kick-back in a business-class cabin with plenty of room to work, elevated meals, and amenity kits stuffed with essential toiletries to land refreshed. 

Flying business class doesn’t have to break corporate travel budgets, either. With Business Class Experts, you can find affordable upper-class tickets for a fraction of direct airline or TCM pricing. Call us today for the best business-class deals .  

About the author

Anthony Cherkas

Started in 2009 as a dream of providing business class & first class travelers with better service, cheaper international ticket prices , and more value than any other discount business class company on the Internet.

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Corporate Travel Management: What Is It and Why Use It?

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Business Customs

For information on business customs, please consult the relevant Member States’ Country Commercial Guide.

Travel Advisory

AnchorAnchorFor information on any travel advisories, please consult the  Department of State’s Travel Website .

Visa Requirements

Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security evaluations are handled via an interagency process.  Visa applicants should go to the Department of State’s Visa Website .

For information on visa requirements, please consult the relevant Member States’ Country Commercial Guide .

The euro was adopted as the currency of the European Union on January 1, 2002, and it is used by the institutions of the European Union and the nineteen Member States belonging to the eurozone: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain.  Croatia adopted the euro on January 1, 2023.

The official languages of the European Union are Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, Gaelic, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Maltese, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Slovak, Slovene, Spanish, and Swedish.

Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays

The European Union generally follows the holidays of the Member State in which its institutions are located.  During August, most European Union organizations are staffed with minimum personnel.  For information on local holidays in EU Member States, please consult the relevant Member States’ Country Commercial Guide .  As some EU institutions are located in Brussels, the following is a list of official holidays observed in Belgium in 2023 and 2024.

The U.S. Mission to the European Union is closed on most U.S. and Belgian holidays.  For individual Member States’ local time and business hours, please consult the relevant Member States’ Country Commercial Guide .

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For more information on the temporary entry of materials or personal belongings, telecommunications and electric issues, transportation, and health, please consult the relevant Member States’ Country Commercial Guide .

Appointments with the Commercial Service

Business travelers to the European Union seeking appointments with officials in the U.S. Mission to the European Union should contact the U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union in advance of their travel.

Find Business Class Flights to Europe

Latest business class flight deals to europe.

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to Know - Business Class Flights to Europe

Faqs for europe business class flights, what sorts of amenities are offered for business class flights to europe.

Your experience will vary from one airline to another, but business class service to Europe generally feature much larger seats, such as on British Airways, where the leather seats in Club Europe feature a 30” (76 cm) pitch. Business Class passengers also can anticipate complimentary beverages and improved dining options, such as on United Airlines’ Polaris long-haul international flights to Europe.

Which airlines offer premium lounges on their business class flights to Europe?

One World alliance carriers such as British Airways or Swiss Air offer Business Class lounges for passenger use regardless of frequent flyer status. Additionally, Star Alliance carriers, such as Lufthansa or Scandinavian Airlines, also offer private lounges for premium passengers, such as those with Business Class tickets to Europe.

Which airlines offer fully flat bed seats on business class flights to Europe?

You can find airline carriers which offer fully flat bed seats in the Business Class seating areas for flights to Europe from the United States such as Scandinavian Airlines and Swiss Air. These airlines operate within the One World Alliance and Star Alliance group of carriers respectively. Domestic airlines, such as American Airlines Flagship Business, also offer fully flat bed seats for flights to Europe.

What is the most popular airline offering Business Class flights to Europe?

Among KAYAK users, American Airlines is the most popular airline offering Business Class seats on flights to Europe.

Which airlines offer Business Class tickets on flights to Europe?

Traveling to Europe and want to offer yourself a Business Class experience? Depending on the origin, the following airlines offer seats in Business Class: American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue and British Airways.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on Business Class tickets to Europe?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Europe for economy class as well as Business Class travelers.

How much is a business class flight to Europe?

Business class tickets to Europe differ in price depending on the departure airport. On average, business class fares cost $2,878 for a return trip to Europe, while the cheapest price found on KAYAK in the last 2 weeks was $600.

What is the best airline for business class flights to Europe?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering business class flights to Europe is Delta, with an overall rating of 8.0.

Top tips for finding business class flights to Europe

• Flying business class to Europe is an excellent way to balance comfort with convenience. For example, business class ticket holders can often enjoy priority check in and aircraft boarding at the gate in addition to larger seats and better dining options on their flight to Europe.
• Delta Airlines offers a business class service called Delta Premium Select on long-haul flights to Europe which includes an amenity kit featuring eye shades, socks, and other basic necessities for a comfortable journey overseas.
• Flying business class to Europe can mean a speedier customs experience, such as the fast track program for premium class passengers offered at the Terminal 2 and 3 arrivals at London Heathrow Airport (LRH).
• To get a below average price, try to book at least 1 week in advance of your departure date.

Top 5 airlines flying to Europe

On time take off and early arrival, what else can one want

My last few flights with Emirates have always been delayed at least a half an hour. When my layover is only an hour and a half to two hours, 30 minutes makes a big difference. I’m going to check out other airlines.

we bought trip insurance from you and could not use it. 'underrated' only return 50 % of trip cost. my doctor told me i have stage 4 cancer and that I might not live till the end of the month..

Flight got canceled without any prior information and it caused lot of trouble

Staff were friendly, and provided great service. The food was plentiful and delicious. Food could have been hotter.

I was traveling business purposes and I only had one carry on and a personal computer back pack . My carry on was 8.5 kg little more than allowable. At jfk airport check in they did not let me carry it . I was little disappointed.

More leg room and comfortable seats at least for long flights

The entertainment selections are amazing. But the live TV is sometimes spotty. If you’re going to have it, then have it. If you can’t make it consistent, then, perhaps it’s better not to have it. The crew are always cordial when approached, but they seem to do the minimum and sit around, talking to each other in the back of the plane during the flight. I realize that delays are not always predictable, but I missed my flight in Dubai because we left 90 minutes late from Washington. I will say that Emirates took very good care of me in Dubai. But I would rather not be delayed.

Probably the best flight I’ve ever been on. Emirates first class is leagues beyond British airways and Lufthansa’s.

Great flight. Comfortable seats, courteous service, and excellent selection for entertainment.

Ticketing and scheduling was a nightmare. The flight itself was very pleasant

Awful. Flight was continuously getting delayed and gates kept changing without any reason. Flight was delayed for more then 3 hours

Half the bathrooms assigned to economy were out of action

The plane was FREEZING SEATS UNCOMFORTABLE Otherwise smooth Thank you

Boarding was chaotic. I didn’t finish dinner because I went to bed early. Breakfast omelet was overcooked and tasteless but croissant was better than usual. Plane was dirty—crumbs in every seam and lavatory was poorly maintained (paint peeling, etc.) and toilet paper had not been refreshed before takeoff. No cubby for storage in first and seat was narrow.

I'm a larger, athletic guy (6'2", 260lbs powerlifter) and I found the seats incredibly uncomfortable with minimal leg room, especially in a window seat. Now, I full understand that being smaller may change my view but even if I was 80lbs less, my legs would be the same size and I was sandwiched between my seat and the seat in front of me.

This flight was ridiculous. I had to have a connecting flight from New York to orlando Florida??? The flight left late and because it was a short flight there was no first class amenities. I had one alcohol drink. The flight crew was fine, but it sure did not feel like first class. Delta to me dropped the ball by giving me a connecting flight. By the time we got to Raleigh we would have missed the next flight. Lucky for me the flight never came so now I was stuck waiting for a later flight that came in late also.

Seat back monitors and outlets were dead and not working.

The crew, food, and entertainment were all good. But my screen had some sort of bug where if I turned it off, it would turn back on after 2-5 minutes. At full brightness. It made it very hard to get any shut-eye on the overnight flight. Also, the older Boeing plane, while nicely cared for (and no doors fell off 😅👏) doesn't have the nice air quality of newer planes. So I felt a bit greasy by the time we landed in Sweden.

Service was good for such a short flight. Small plane but smooth flight.

The flight was again delayed for more then 2 hours with some lousy explanation regarding the reason of the delay. Although the flight was delayed for more than 2 hours, no refreshments were offered (according to EU regulations). Last 4 flights on KLM - always at least 2 hrs late. So be prepared that you cannot plan anything with KLM.

The flight was delayed for 2 hrs. Because they didn’t have a crew to fly. And it is not a first time for klm to do that. Last time they cancelled my filght and rebooked me 3 days later. Not reliable airline

We left one hour late because of technical difficulties. The economy comfort seats are great for the price. The crew was mediocre, they do not provide a pleasant experience, they just deliver food and drinks and give orders, not very amicable, no service and hospitality focus.

Booked connecting flights with KlM. My serving flight was the furthest part of the airport. On arrival in Zurich. My two cases arrived but only one carry on belong to my son. His three suitcase didn't arrive. After enquiring we discovered they were still in Amsterdam. We landed at 11.12. We eventually left the airport just after one.

Seats are fair enough for medium tall people. Good food all the trip. Fight attendances are warm

I thought KLM was the best airline but the Lima - Amsterdam was 1 hours late, the Brussels - Amsterdam was 2.30 hours late and the Amsterdam - Lima was 30 minutes late

no issues at all... Kudos to the food. This time was really really good

Overall a good experience. We were disappointed when we had to check our carry on due to the plane being full. KLM hadn’t notified us and we had valuable items in the carry on but they still made us check it. Some of the food was great and some was mediocre. Crew is really kind and funny.

One of the vstewardeses wanted to bump me of the plane for absolutely nothing. There is CCTV in the plane ans everything can be verified. Very disappointing , you all will see, o other 5 years and the passangers who does not smile to flight attendent will be bumped off...

The worst airline. Cancelled flight 30 min before boarding and rebooked on flight after 3 days.

Not great. Flight attendants were aloof, food was mediocre, seats that I paid $150 were given to someone else without any concession. I will probably never use kayak again. Terrible experience from start to finish.

All good- I love BA and the professionalism of the crew and pilots.

Great flight- smooth, nice crew, nice clean aircraft, departed a little late but arrived 10 early.

It was listed on my ticket as Finnair but there was no indication that the flight was Finnair. In fact the number was even different. There were no employees there until exactly 2 hours before so we had to wait in line at Iberia and hope

Sorting on line would have been appreciated Onward information on flights missed No ability to get seating arranged before we got to gate Very unfriendly at gate

The flight was Finnair but there was no indications anywhere that the checkin was for Finnair also. There was no one to ask. I think at a minimum they should list the code shares so people don’t stand in the wrong line for an hour.

I booked the flight with Finnair, which made the arrangements for downloading a boarding pass unnecessarily complicated. I wouldn't do that again. Instead I'd book direct with AA.

Flight ok, but me and other two passengers didn’t have connection with the entertainment in our seats. So, no movies, no games, no music… for 9 hours. The crew just told us that there’s nothing they can do but I noticed during the flight that there were empty seats, so they could have offered to us to change seats. Customer service could be better.

Had a nice flight to London on BA will fly with them again in the future

Finnair cancelled my flight 12 hours prior to leaving for Helsinki. They stated there were mechanical problems. I had to scurry around to find a new flight that would meet my needs for arrival in Helsinki. Luckily I was able to find alternate transportation through Lufthansa/United.

Wonderful experience! The crew was outstanding and amazing from check in to gate to flight crew! Amazing. Thank you!

I arrived 59 minutes before the flight in Tampa due to Massive traffic jam and the flight was closed and I was told that I’d simply have to “book a new ticket on line myself and the gate agents couldn’t help me”. Even though the flight was delayed over 30 minutes, (leaving one hour and 29 minutes before departure, they refused to assist in any way explaining that it’s automatic and there can be no exceptions. Horrible experience due to poor management at gate. I fly this option 2-3 times a year and have a good experience with the cabin crew etc. But, Tampa agents are not trained or allowed customer service. I once was a gate agent for USAir, I know times have changed, but forcing me to purchase a new ticket and complete indifference and inconvenience. No thanks

Crew members were good. Seats were packed and too tight .

Carry on luggage size for economy passengers significantly smaller than other airlines, so nearly all ecomy passengers had their bags taken and checked.

Didn’t get my luggage from layover in Zurich until 3 days later even though my luggage was marked priority and short layover, but my husband got his when we landed

Had a short layover in Zurich, luggage marked expedite and short layover but still didn’t get luggage when arrived in Split until 3 days later even though husband got his.

On time flight, I requested wheelchair in Zurich , when I arrived they were no where to be found, I had one hour between flights I had to walk with great difficulty.

We had issues with upgrading our seats. The flight itself was fine.

Horrible experience. They "GAME" with seats they decided to play where you can`t select or get seat during check-in without paying and then forcing you to stay long line at the Customer Service at the gate to get a boarding ticket with seat assigned is pathetic. Will never fly with United again!

SO disappointing. I spent so much money on this ticket, for them to cancel and not be able to rebook me in time. They were very unhelpful, and condescending throughout the whole Swiss airport. Will not be flying again.

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Travelers are booking open-jaw flights to Europe to save money and extend trips. A travel advisor explains how it works.

• Travelers can save on airfare by booking open-jaw flights for European trips.
• The flights land in one city and depart from another, making it easy to visit multiple destinations.
• Open-jaw flights offer flexibility and are typically cheaper than round-trip options.

When traveling through Europe , many tourists like to maximize their trip by hitting more than one destination. It's easy to visit multiple countries in one trip thanks to the continent's massive, convenient train system .

According to Sonia Bhagwan, the owner and senior travel agent at Dreaming of Sun — Dream Vacations , vacationers can save a lot on airfare by booking open-jaw flights — a method of traveling where you fly into one city and out of another, rather than booking a round-trip flight and returning to the first destination.

"In past years, round-trip flights were the most economical," she told BI. "But in the past nine months, open-jaw flights have been less expensive and offer additional flexibility for seeing multiple destinations without being rushed."

Bhagwan told BI that she often suggests open-jaw flights for clients, especially those traveling to Europe. She said they're most popular for trips to England, Spain, and Italy.

"A solid 75% of my families traveling to Europe use this method to maximize their time and money spent," Bhagwan said. "Most times, it will save them a few thousand dollars."

How to book an open-jaw flight

When searching for an open-jaw flight, don't hit the "one-way" tab. Instead, on most search engines, you'll find an option labeled "multi-city."

BI previously reported that these flights are typically cheaper than one-way flights .

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According to a Google Flights search for about six months in advance, it costs about $700 with the multi-city tool to fly from NYC to Rome and then from Barcelona back to NYC. But with the one-way tool, it's nearly $1,000. And a train from Rome to Barcelona may cost around $80, according to Rail Europe , so open-jaw flights would save $220.

Some savings can be even greater. In another search in the same timeframe, flying from Indianapolis to Paris and then from Madrid back to Indianapolis would cost about $930 with the multi-city tool and $1,600 with the one-way tool. Factor in a $65 train ticket, according to Rail Europe , and you'd save about $600.

Considering that these prices reflect just one person, it's easy to see how families can save thousands.

How to maximize money saved

According to Bhagwan, the best way to book an open-jaw flight is to start searching between four and six months in advance.

"Eyeball the flight prices for a few days to get a sense of the going rate. Then start looking at those same routes weekly," she said. "You will get a sense of when prices increase and decrease."

Bhagwan says it's usually cheapest to book on a Sunday night.

"This is when new flights get added into the rotation, and prices typically are at their lowest — but not always," she said. "If the price seems high, wait a week and search again."

Bhagwan also suggests booking flexible or refundable rates directly through the airline's website.

"This is best because that allows you to change flights if you see a price drop a few weeks later," she added.

Traveling to Europe can be expensive, but open-jaw flights can make them more affordable when visiting multiple cities.

Watch: Marriott International's Tina Edmundson tells Insider that the travel mindset has changed since the pandemic

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What you need to know about European travel this summer

With headlines warning of everything from flight delays to wildfires, summer travel is changing. Here’s how to make sure your trip this summer goes smoothly.

Record numbers of tourists are expected to visit Europe this summer. In the first three months of 2024, the number of international arrivals has already risen by 7.2% compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Commission , with 120 million international tourists visiting the region in that time. Yet while this is welcome news for the tourism industry, some challenges remain for visitors, especially during the summer’s busy peak season, when potential flight delays, high temperatures, new laws and major events could all impact travel. Here’s what you need to know to make sure your European trip this summer goes smoothly.

1. What you need to know about flight disruptions

Increased passenger numbers, staff shortages and strikes meant there were 106.7 million delayed air passengers in Europe during peak summer months last year. More than 700,000 passengers were affected over the August bank holiday in the UK alone following a technical meltdown at air traffic control. This year, EasyJet has had to cancel over 100 flights from Paris due to a no-fly zone during the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. Ryanair has also cut flights from its summer schedule after the delivery of several of its new Boeing aircraft was delayed. If you’re due to fly, visit the airport’s website for the latest information, and check social media for real-time updates from other travellers. Remember that you may be owed compensation if you face disruption, but rules vary, so take out a travel insurance policy as soon as you book flights.

( What should you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled? )

2. Why you should consider travelling by train

Keep your carbon footprint low, avoid airport hassle and see even more of Europe this summer by taking advantage of a whole host of new and expanded routes across the continent. New services include a high-speed route connecting Barcelona to Madrid and Seville , a sleeper train from Brussels to Prague , a daily train between Vilnius and Riga , a relaunched night train between Paris and Nice and a sleeper train from Rome to the Dolomites . Following the success of Germany’s €49 unlimited monthly travel pass last year, France has also introduced its own nationwide rail pass for the same price. However, this is only valid for those under 27 and excludes high-speed TGV trains and travel in the greater Paris region of Ile-de-France.

( 6 of the world’s best coastal rail journeys .)

3. What to do you if you’re affected by wildfires

Following unprecedented high temperatures, wildfires swept through some of Europe’s most popular tourist spots last summer, scorching parts of Tenerife, mainland Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. This year, protective measures have already been put in place that aim to prevent a repeat of the disaster, with Greece banning all outdoor fires from April and increasing investment in fire detection and water tankers. To ensure you’re protected if the worst happens, arrange travel insurance at the time of booking, then keep an eye on official travel advisories for up-to-date information. If you’re affected by wildfires or any other natural disasters when you’re away, follow the advice of the emergency services and evacuate when instructed, then contact your tour operator or airline for help getting home.

( What to do if you’re caught in a disaster while travelling. )

4. How big events could disrupt your travel  

From Taylor Swift’s tour across Europe to the UEFA European Championship in Germany, Europe is limbering up for a summer of major cultural and sporting events. The Olympic Games in Paris are expected to attract three million more visitors than usual . This is likely to mean a greater demand for accommodation, higher prices, crowded public transport, unexpected road closures and even increased security checks in response to the heightened risk of terrorist attacks. If your holiday does coincide with an event, try to explore beyond the city itself, visit nearby tourist attractions that could be quieter than normal, or just enjoy the inevitable citywide buzz surrounding the main event.

( How to explore Paris this summer beyond the Olympics. )

5. Why you should think about overcrowding

While many destinations welcome a return to pre-pandemic levels of tourism, others are actively trying to deter visitors. In Barcelona , tour groups have been capped at 20 people, while entrance to Athens’ Acropolis is now limited to 20,000 tourists each day. Dubrovnik has already cut the number of souvenir stands by 80%, while thousands attended an anti-tourism protest in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in April. All are concerned that overcrowding leads to skyrocketing prices for locals and causes environmental damage, with increased plastic pollution, erosion of heritage sites and traffic congestion. Consider less-visited destinations instead, swapping Santorini for Folegandros an hour’s ferry ride away, Dubrovnik for Šibenik with its medieval centre and fortress, or Barcelona for the Spanish seaside city of Valencia.

( What’s the problem with overtourism? )

6. How to deal with heatwaves

2023 was the hottest year on record globally, with temperatures in Europe above average for 11 months of the year. The Mediterranean was the worst area affected, with temperatures soaring above 40°C across Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus and Greece. Consider travelling outside the hottest months, between July and September, or visiting destinations further north such as Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Lithuania or Ireland which should escape the most intense heat. If temperatures do climb, wear high-factor SPF, avoid being outside in the middle of the day and wear light-coloured clothes made from breathable materials. Avoid alcohol and drink plenty of water, and keep a close eye on vulnerable people, including young children and the elderly.

7. How to avoid being caught out by local laws and taxes

Do your research before travelling to make sure you don’t fall foul of new laws. A €5 tax for day-trippers was introduced in Venice in April, for example, and will be enforced on selected dates until July. It can be paid online in advance, and those staying overnight are exempt but do still need to register. A second tourist tax of €1 to €5 per night is already applicable to overnight stays and should be paid at your hotel. Be aware that some Airbnbs ask that this is paid in cash. Other new rules in parts of Mallorca and Ibiza ban drinking on the street and prevent shops selling alcohol at night, though you will still be able to buy drinks in bars and restaurants.

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Why You Should Consider Train Travel in Europe

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Train system in Europe

Europe train map, booking train travel in europe, 3 ways to make your european train fare cheaper, smart money move: earn points on train travel, train travel in europe recapped.

If you’ve been dreaming about visiting Europe this summer and eating gelato in Italy or visiting the Basílica de la Sagrada Familia in Spain, good news: Airfare is down 8% compared to this time last year, according to Hopper’s 2024 Summer Travel Outlook.

And once you’re in Europe, you may be able to save money if you travel by train. Traveling by train in Europe is convenient and sustainable. Plus, some trains, like the Glacier Express in Switzerland, are designed to travel through scenic destinations so you can sightsee while you relax.

If you’re considering incorporating train travel into your European itinerary , here’s what you need to know about getting around and how to save money on tickets.

There are several train companies in Europe. Some only offer regional train service, while others offer trains between countries. As you plan your trip, familiarize yourself with the train companies that serve your intended destination so you can determine if traveling by train makes sense for you.

Here are some train companies that serve different countries in Europe:

Eurostar trains travel between the U.K., France, Belgium, Netherlands and Germany. (Although the U.K. is not in Europe, it's a popular destination on its own and often coupled with a European itinerary.) 

NS is the leading train company in the Netherlands. 

Renfe is the national train company in Spain. 

Deutsche Bahn (DB) offers long-distance and regional trains in Germany.

SNCF Connect offers high-speed train travel in France.

Trenitalia is the state-run train company in Italy.

Glacier Express offers scenic trains within Switzerland.

Some of these train companies have partnerships with each other to offer convenient connection options. For example, DB-SNCF is a joint venture between DB and SNCF that links travel between Germany and France.

If you Google search “Europe train map,” you’ll find many different maps based on regions, countries, or travel throughout the continent. Here’s a European train map offered by Trainline, which shows different destinations accessible by train.

The interactive map on Trainline’s website highlights popular routes across the country. If the country you’re looking for isn’t featured or you want to see regional trains instead, make your search more specific to check availability.

Buying train tickets in Europe is fairly straightforward. You can purchase your tickets through:

An online travel agency (OTA): Several OTAs that sell train tickets in Europe include Trainline, Rail Europe, Eurail and Omio.

The train company: If you know which train company serves your destinations, consider booking directly on the train company's website in case you need make any changes, since booking travel through an OTA adds an extra layer of complexity . 

At the train station: If you don’t know (or plan) your schedule in advance, you can purchase a ticket at the train station. Keep in mind purchasing at the train station is running a risk that the train time you want might be sold out, or more expensive, since it’s a last-minute purchase. 

Depending on when and where you buy your tickets, there are a few ways to save money on train travel within Europe.

1. Comparison shop

If the train company and an OTA offer tickets, compare prices to see where those seats are cheaper. We searched for a train from Paris to Amsterdam in August 2024 on the Eurostar site and on Trainline to see which option is cheaper.

Booking directly with Eurostar (price in U.S. dollars and euros)

Booking a Eurostar train on Trainline (price in U.S. dollars and euros)

If you pay in euros, tickets on Eurostar and Trainline are the same price (60 euros). But if you pay in U.S. dollars, the fare is slightly cheaper on Trainline ($68.30 versus $70). If you don’t have a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, you’d want to book the ticket from Trainline in U.S. dollars.

Generally though, if you’re going to Europe — or really anywhere outside of the U.S. — consider using a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees , because these pesky fees are usually between 1% to 3% and can quickly add up.

2. Take advantage of discounts

There are often discounts available for students, seniors and families.

For example:

Spanish train operator Renfe, offers up to a 30% discount on tickets for those ages 14 to 25.

Eurail offers a family discount, a 10% senior discount and up to 25% off for travelers age 27 or below. 

Eurostar offers discounted rates for those under age 26 and 60 and up. 

Other discounts or sales may be available, so be sure to shop around. Booking early can also score you a deal. For comparison purposes, we searched for a ticket from Rome to Milan on Trenitalia one week and three months out. Most of the available tickets a week out were priced at $108, while the tickets three months in advance hovered around $48.

3. Consider travel insurance

According to NerdWallet’s annual summer travel survey , an impressive 84% of Americans plan on vacationing in 2024, with 45% of Americans going on a summer trip (June-August). Summer travelers plan to spend $3,594, on average, for their flights and hotel stays.

When considering an expensive vacation, travel insurance can be a good option, particularly if your trip plans are nonrefundable and you want overseas medical coverage. Even if you have a credit card that offers complimentary travel insurance , most U.S.-based medical plans don’t protect you for medical care abroad.

In addition to travel medical coverage, a comprehensive travel insurance plan includes benefits such as trip cancellation , trip interruption , baggage delay and lost luggage coverage . If you don’t need travel medical insurance, and the coverage provided by your travel credit card is sufficient, you may not need to purchase a standalone travel insurance policy.

» Learn more: How to find the best travel insurance

If you have a credit card that earns extra points for travel, using it to buy train tickets makes sense since trains are part of the travel category. Here are some popular cards that earn additional rewards for travel and don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

on Chase's website

• 2 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 3 points per $1 spent on travel, including train travel.

• 2 miles per $1 on every purchase.

• 3 points per $1 on transit, including train travel.

Terms apply.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.

» Learn more: Best travel credit cards

Traveling around Europe by train can be a great way to explore one or several countries, all while avoiding the hassle of the airport or renting a car. There are many options for finding train tickets, but generally, purchasing tickets in advance and directly from the train company can save money.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Since its launch in 2012 our exclusive hosted buyer programme has grown year-on-year and now brings over 270 senior travel buyers to the show. Designed for busy travel buyers, the programme provides an enhanced attendance method allowing its participants to benefit from travel, accommodation, a dedicated pre-show conference, exclusive content and multiple networking events as well as a 1-2-1 meetings diary to pre-arrange meetings with exhibitors on the show floor.

In 2019, Business Travel Show Europe joined the BTN Group, allowing the brand to evolve and improve its offering to the corporate travel community, starting with the launch of Business Travel Show America and Business Travel Show Europe Kick Off.

At the start of 2022, Business Travel News Europe (BTN Europe) was launched as the go-to source of news, insight and analysis for the European business travel community.

In light of these new launches and the event’s position within the community, the brand and name have been updated to Business Travel Show Europe.

Business Travel Show Europe 2023 was co-located with TravelTech Show and The Meetings Show , bringing a whole new energy to the show floor. 

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Traveling to Europe using points and miles in 2024

May 23, 2024 • 17 min read

Read on for the best miles and points conversion to stay at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam © Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers. 

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Since pandemic-era travel restrictions have lifted, tourists have been flocking to Europe all summer. While summer has always been a popular time to visit cities like London, Rome and Paris, this resurgence in travel demand has been unprecedented. If you’re looking to travel to Europe at any time this year or next, you’ll see a marked increase in airfare and hotel prices. An excellent workaround for dealing with steep prices is by collecting points and miles . 

Not only can you save money by using points for your next trip to Europe, you can fly in premium cabins and stay at some of the best hotels in the world. All at a fraction of the cost of a budget vacation. Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Europe using points and miles.

How to make a travel budget using points and miles

The cheapest award flights to Europe

Flying to Europe can be expensive, but points and miles can save you a substantial sum – especially if you’re flexible with your travel dates. The cheapest award flights to Europe are typically found during off-peak travel season (typically winter and early spring). Airlines like American, British Airways and Air France offer discounted award tickets during these times, saving you money and points.

But even if you hope to travel in the summer, you can find decent award space by booking far in advance. Meanwhile, Lufthansa has been known to release award space within 1-2 weeks of travel for business and first-class travel. Knowing these things can make booking flights to Europe with miles a less stressful experience. 

Here’s a look at the cheapest award flights to Europe and how to earn enough miles for a redemption:

• Cheapest economy class ticket to Europe: From 20,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles round-trip to the UK.
• Cheapest business class ticket to Europe: From 68,000 Iberia Avios round-trip to Spain.
• Cheapest first-class ticket to Europe: 165,000 ANA Mileage Club miles round-trip.

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Award space to London is usually plentiful due to a slightly annoying reason: fuel surcharges. Airlines like Virgin Atlantic and British Airways add these pesky fees to flights passing through UK airports like London Heathrow (LHR). Fuel surcharges are egregiously high on business and first-class tickets (which can go well over $1,500 round-trip). However, they’re not too bad on economy flights or flights originating in cities outside of the UK.

A popular way to avoid fuel surcharges is by flying into London and then returning from Paris, which has much more reasonable taxes. Virgin Atlantic offers the cheapest economy flights to London, at just 20,000 miles roundtrip. 

If you want to upgrade to business class, All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club offers a bargain of just 88,000 miles round-trip. A first-class ticket will set you back 165,000 ANA miles. At this rate, you’re better off sticking to business class for a flatbed seat that offers plenty of comfort on the transatlantic flight. Here are the best rates by class for travel to London: 

• Economy class: From 20,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles round-trip
• Business class: 88,000 ANA Mileage Club miles round-trip
• First class: 165,000 ANA miles round-trip

How to earn miles for a flight to London

Virgin Atlantic miles are easy to earn, thanks to transfer partnerships with American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and the Citi ThankYou rewards.

If you’re not a Bilt cardholder, you can transfer points to Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio with the following credit cards:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express *:  Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• Platinum Card® from American Express *: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• American Express® Business Gold Card *: Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Gold Card *: Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• American Express® Green Card: Earn 40,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first six months of card membership.
• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Meanwhile, ANA Mileage Club only partners with Amex Membership Rewards. You can transfer points earned from the Amex Platinum, Gold and Green cards.

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Between the art scene of Barcelona and the sandy beaches of Majorca, Spain has much to offer travelers. Iberia Airways offers one of the best ways to fly to Spain on points and miles, with direct flights to Madrid and Barcelona. 

Iberia Airways offers especially great deals on air to Spain in the off-season. Even award tickets are incredibly affordable, with round-trip business class costing the same as most airlines charge for one-way business class awards. 

• Economy class: From 34,000 Avios round-trip on Iberia Airways
• Business class: From 68,000 Avios round-trip on Iberia Airways

How to travel to Spain using points and miles

How to earn miles for a flight to Madrid

The Iberia Plus program earns Avios, which you can transfer from your British Airways or Aer Lingus account. This also means you get access to a vast network of transferable currencies you can tap into to earn those miles. Iberia Plus is a 1:1 transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, so you can earn points from cards like the Amex Gold or Chase Sapphire Preferred. 

Iberia also has its own Iberia Visa Signature® Card, which has a $95 annual fee and features a time offer to earn 85,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 within the first 12 months of account opening.

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If you have dreams of visiting a fashion-forward city , exploring the picturesque countryside and refilling your water bottle in a historical fountain (just kidding, don’t do that!), then Rome is a great place to start your European adventure . Thanks to ANA Mileage Club, you can fly to Rome on a Star Alliance carrier like United or Lufthansa from just 55,000 miles round-trip. Business class is your best bet at 88,000 miles. It’s worth noting that ANA doesn’t allow one-way award redemptions, so you need the total miles for a round-trip to be able to book these flights.

• Economy class: 55,000 ANA miles round-trip
• Business class: 88,000 ANA miles round-trip

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How to earn miles for a flight to Rome

You can earn enough miles for a round-trip flight to Rome by transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to ANA MileageClub at a 1:1 ratio. With the welcome bonus from The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , you can cover up to two round-trip economy class tickets or one business class. 

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Amsterdam or Paris

Thanks to Air France and KLM’s joint Flying Blue loyalty program, using points for flights to Amsterdam and Paris is fairly easy. The program prices out award flights differently based on distance, but there isn’t a massive difference in price for West Coast vs. East Coast flights. Flying Blue’s rates are already affordable, but you can save even more with Promo Rewards . These discounted fares are updated monthly and offer savings as high as 50%.

• Economy class: From 30,000 miles round-trip
• Business class: From 113,000 miles round-trip 

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How to earn miles for a flight to Amsterdam or Paris

Transfer partnerships allow you to stock up on Flying Blue miles for award tickets to Amsterdam or Paris. Flying Blue is a 1:1 transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou rewards. With the right credit card, you can easily cover at least one round-trip flight with points – maybe even two. 

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 in the first six months of card membership.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
• American Express Business Gold Card : Earn 70,000 points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of card membership.
• American Express® Gold Card : Earn 60,000 points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of card membership.

Should you book travel with cash or points?

Iconic hotels you can book with points 

Now that airfare is covered, it’s time to focus on hotels. No matter where you travel to in Europe, the continent has a massive hotel market, so you’re bound to find something for your budget and travel needs. When using points, you can’t go wrong with IHG, Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott – these chains have thousands of properties worldwide, including some of the most iconic hotels in Europe. These hotels are especially attainable if you sign up for a new hotel credit card .

If you’re looking for an upscale experience and don’t want to pay the high price tag, there are lots of exceptional hotels to choose from. Here’s a look at some of the most upscale European hotels you can book with points and miles :

10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London

The St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London is a landmark property that opened in 1873 and combines grandeur with convenient access to everything the city offers. The hotel shares a building with St. Pancras station, from which you can hop a train to Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and more. It’s an ideal base to explore Europe without stepping foot in an airport.

Guests can enjoy resort-like amenities, including the on-site gym, spa, pool, sauna and steam room. For 44,000 Marriott points per night, you can book a Deluxe room in the Barlow House wing with soundproof windows and beds fitted with down mattress toppers and Egyptian cotton sheets.

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How to earn points

You can earn Marriott points by transferring them from Amex Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Marriott also has six different credit cards offering welcome bonuses as high as 150,000 bonus points:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card : Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card : Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™ credit card: Earn 85,000 points after you spend $4,000 in the first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card :  Limited Time Offer: Earn 5 Free Night Awards, valued at up to 50K points each for eligible stays. Offer ends 7/10. Resort fees & terms apply.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card : Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® credit card : Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months from account opening. Plus, earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.

St. Regis Rome

When in Rome, you might want a hotel that provides the opulence of a 19th-century palazzo. The award-winning St Regis Rome delivers just that. Built in 1894, the hotel offers lavishly appointed rooms with marble bathrooms, nightly turndown and butler service. Rates start at 80,000 points per night. While steep, you can save 20% by taking advantage of Marriott’s fifth-night free benefit on award stays.

The hotel is within walking distance of the National Gallery of Ancient Art and close to tourist attractions like the Trevi Fountain and Colosseum.

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The Principal Madrid

Hyatt has some great hotel options in Madrid at very reasonable rates. The Principal Madrid Hotel hotel is a great choice, with rooms starting at just 21,000 Hyatt points per night. Standard rooms are relatively small at just over 200 sqft but boast plenty of natural light. The Principal has the distinction of being the first five-star hotel in Madrid’s famed Gran Via, close to shopping and tourist attractions.

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How to earn Hyatt points

Earning Hyatt points for a stay at The Principal Madrid is as easy as transferring Bilt or Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can also top up your account with one of Hyatt’s co-branded credit cards, which can cover up to three nights at this hotel.

• World of Hyatt Credit Card:  Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card: 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

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Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam

The Waldorf Amsterdam strikes a perfect balance between embodying the city’s renowned charm in a luxury setting. The hotel is located inside six 17th and 18th-century palaces on the UNESCO heritage site of Herengracht Canal. The hotel boasts two Michelin-starred restaurants and provides easy access to the city’s main tourist attractions, like the Hermitage Museum. Guests are also just a 12-minute tram ride from the city’s Centraal Station, making getting around the city and to the airport easy. 

Award rates start at 110,000 Hilton points per night for a Superior Room, which is spacious by European standards at 301-355 sqft. Superior rooms are outfitted with Egyptian cotton sheets, a marble bathroom and large windows to let in lots of natural light.

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How to earn Hilton points

The Hilton Honors program is a 1:2 transfer partner of Amex Membership Rewards, though this isn’t the best use of points. A better way to boost your Hilton points balance is by acquiring one of the Hilton credit cards. You can piece together multiple nights with the welcome bonus, annual spending bonus and generous earn rates on everyday spending. You’ll even get valuable elite status perks that can translate to room upgrades, complimentary breakfast and other enhancements to your travel experience.

• Hilton Honors Aspire Card: Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after you spend $6,000 in purchases in the first six months of card membership.
• Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card :  Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.
• The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5/24.
• Hilton Honors American Express Card : Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points plus a Free Night Reward after you spend $2,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors American Express Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/31/2024.

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Intercontinental Paris Le Grand

Paris has no shortage of exceptional hotels that provide grandeur and comfort. If you’re looking for old-world luxury with a historical background, you can’t go wrong with the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand. This hotel opened in 1862 (sans the Intercontinental brand) and hosts the famed Café de la Paix, the preferred hangout spot for renowned writers like Ernest Hemingway and Victor Hugo.

Award rates at this iconic property start at 66,000 IHG One points per night for a 215 sqft. “Cozy room” with a courtyard view. The hotel boasts an excellent location across the street from Palais Garnier and a short walk to tourist hot spots like the Jardin des Tuileries and the Louvre. Whether it’s your first time visiting The City of Lights or your tenth, the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand is an excellent choice for a point stay.

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How to earn IHG points

If you want to earn enough IHG points for a stay at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt points to IHG at a 1:1 ratio. Alternatively, you can pick up an IHG credit card to earn 140,000 points and elite status perks. Cardholders also get the fourth night free on award stays, along with other valuable perks.

• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card : Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card : Earn 140,000 Bonus Points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Bottom line

Travel to Europe is more expensive than ever, but you can reduce the cost with points and miles. A European vacation can fit anyone's budget with flights starting at just 20,000 miles round-trip and luxury hotel options like the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand.

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* Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

This article was first published Sep 8, 2023 and updated May 23, 2024.

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The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles

E urope is a popular option for award travelers thanks to its rich history, diverse cultures, excellent beaches and gourmet cuisine. However, with new routes, mileage devaluations and airline partnerships, keeping track of the top ways to fly to Europe with miles can be challenging. Still, there are excellent travel options for your credit card points.

Regardless of your budget for your next trip, this guide will help ensure that you can obtain great value from your point redemptions for your European vacation with proper planning.

Related: Hotels sold out for the Paris Olympics? Here's where to stay instead

First class

For the ultimate way to travel to Europe in style and comfort, here are our tips for booking first-class seats with points and miles.

Lufthansa's first-class product is one of the best in the sky, offering a fantastic onboard experience, including caviar, canapes and fine wines. If you're traveling from Frankfurt Airport (FRA), you can access Lufthansas's special first-class terminal; it has private customs and immigration facilities, a top-tier lounge and a chauffeur who will take you from the terminal directly to the tarmac next to your plane.

Unfortunately, Lufthansa's first class is also known for being one of the hardest airline tickets to purchase with points. Lufthansa generally only opens up award availability for first-class tickets to partner airlines around 14 days (or less) before departure; in most cases, it will likely only become available a few days before departure. Because Lufthansa only operates this cabin on some aircraft (Boeing 747-8s, Airbus A380s and a handful of A340s), first-class redemptions can be scarce.

The airline operates a variety of these aircraft on routes between the U.S. and Germany:

• Between FRA and the following airports: Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD), Houston's George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) near Washington, D.C.
• Between Munich Airport (MUC) and the following airports: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LAX, MIA and EWR

Lufthansa's new Allegris first-class seat should commence flying on select Airbus A350 aircraft later this year.

Redemptions are a great value if you can find them last minute. You can use the following partner miles to book it:

• Avianca LifeMiles : You'll need 87,000 miles and low taxes and fees of only $30.60 for a flight from San Francisco to Frankfurt. Avianca LifeMiles is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards , Bilt Rewards , Capital One miles , Citi ThankYou Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy .
• United Airlines MileagePlus : Expect to redeem 140,000 miles and spend about $140 in taxes and fees for a flight from Newark to Munich. United MileagePlus is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards , Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy.
• Air Canada Aeroplan : Plan on needing 90,000 miles from the West Coast or 100,000 miles from the Midwest and East Coast, plus around $50 in taxes and fees, for a flight to Germany; taxes and fees for a flight from Europe to the U.S. will cost less than $200. Aeroplan is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles and Marriott Bonvoy.

British Airways

While British Airways' first-class product doesn't have as many bells and whistles as Lufthansa's, booking with points and miles is much easier.

British Airways operates first class on most of its transatlantic fleet, including the Airbus A380, the Boeing 787-10 and most Boeing 777s. If you are flying from London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) in first class, the Concorde Room is one of the best airport lounges in Europe.

First class can be easy to find on flights from JFK and EWR, where the airline operates more than a dozen combined services each day. However, it can be harder to find on routes with only one or two daily services, like ones from MIA and Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas.

First-class flights on British Airways to London start from 68,000 British Airways Executive Club Avios on off-peak dates for shorter flights from the East Coast, 80,000 Avios on peak dates for shorter flights from the East Coast, 85,000 Avios on off-peak for longer flights (such as those from California) and 100,000 Avios on peak dates for longer flights, including those from the West Coast.

Unfortunately, British Airways imposes large fuel surcharges that total around $800 each way in first class, as well as airport fees and government taxes. As first-class flights are excluded from British Airways' Reward Flight Saver option , paying more Avios cannot reduce these surcharges.

American Airlines AAdvantage award rates are cheaper for first-class British Airways tickets to the West Coast, as American uses a region-based award chart rather than a distance-based award chart. Regardless of the origin in the U.S. or date of travel, American Airlines currently charges 85,000 AAdvantage miles plus taxes and fees for these award flights, so for longer flights to Europe, consider AAdvantage instead. You can also add a short-haul connecting flight beyond London to mainland Europe for no extra cost when using American miles, whereas British Airways charges extra. Keep in mind, a short flight with British Airways will be in the carrier's Club Europe cabin , which is nothing like first class.

Just remember that flights departing from the United Kingdom will face even higher costs thanks to the country's Air Passenger Duty. That's why you should avoid making London the final stop on your European adventure.

Related: Still better than business class: A review of British Airways First on the 777 from London to Washington

Business class

Want a lie-flat bed for an overnight flight that arrives in Europe so you can feel rested and refreshed? Here are our business-class redemption recommendations.

One redemption for Europe trips that has remained strong over the years is Iberia. Iberia operates flights from ORD, IAD, BOS, LAX, MIA, JFK, SFO and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to its main hub at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD).

Iberia's Airbus A330-200, A330-300 and A350-900 aircraft operate transatlantic flights, each offering a 1-2-1 business-class configuration. While the Airbus A350 offers Iberia's newest and best business-class product (including sliding doors and an 18.5-inch, 4k inflight entertainment screen), all three aircraft provide excellent points value on transatlantic flights.

Related: A review of Iberia's new business-class suite on the A350-900 from Madrid to Mexico City

Iberia prices its flights based on distance and whether your travel falls into peak or off-peak dates. Four of its departure gateways offer spectacular value. If you depart from JFK, BOS, IAD or ORD, here's what you'll pay for one-way business-class flights:

• Off-peak dates: 34,000 Avios and about $120 in fees
• Peak dates: 50,000 Avios and about $120 in fees

Tickets on Iberia flights longer than 4,000 miles (any flights departing from Miami or cities west of Chicago) are pricier. However, an off-peak fare to Madrid from these destinations will cost 42,500 Avios, which is still an excellent deal.

Air France-KLM

Another one of the industry's great sweet spots to Europe is booking flights on Air France or KLM through their Flying Blue program . While flights are priced dynamically, they start from just 50,000 miles from anywhere in North America to anywhere in Europe, a terrific deal with both carriers operating great products.

Related: Flying Blue standardizes prices of saver-level redemptions to Europe

Availability during the winter months is usually excellent. During summer, seats at these prices come and go often in waves. Availability from New York is usually fairly easy to find if you are flexible, as there are numerous daily flights, while seats from the West Coast can be harder to find.

Also, remember to keep an eye out for Flying Blue's monthly Promo Rewards , where select routes are discounted by 25%, making the award prices even cheaper.

Related: Private suites and high-tech touches: What it's like flying Air France's new business class

Premium economy

Premium economy provides a sensible midway point with more space and comfort than economy without breaking the bank.

Just like with its attractive business-class redemption pricing, Iberia's business-class cabin rates for flights to Spain are also very reasonable.

If you don't have enough miles to stretch for a flat bed in business class for overnight flights to Europe, consider premium economy instead. It offers a wider seat, a smaller, more intimate cabin, more legroom and recline, and elevated food, beverages and bedding than the economy-class cabin.

Passengers also receive an amenity kit and noise-canceling headphones.

From Dallas, Miami and the West Coast, expect to pay 31,750 Avios for off-peak travel or 43,750 Avios for peak season flights. Tickets from Chicago and the East Coast are slightly cheaper. During off-peak times, you can purchase a premium economy ticket for just 25,500 Avios from New York, Boston and D.C. to Madrid; on peak dates, expect to redeem 35,000 Avios.

Related: 7 things that surprised me on my first premium economy flight

Both Air France and KLM offer premium economy class on most transatlantic routes. While Air France's product has some room for improvement, TPG rates KLM's premium economy as one of the world's best. It provides an elevated experience above economy class, including lobster for dinner on select routes, which is almost unheard of in premium economy.

While Flying Blue prices its awards dynamically, the program has standardized saver-level pricing for all one-way flights between the U.S. and Europe, regardless of origin or destination. This means you can connect at no extra cost from just 35,000 miles in premium economy on Air France or KLM.

Related: Is KLM premium economy worth it on the 787 Dreamliner?

Do you just want the cheapest price to fly to Europe? Here are our economy recommendations for redeeming points and miles for flights to Europe.

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic

You can book Virgin Atlantic- or Delta-operated economy-class flights to Europe with Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points starting at just 10,000 points each way from the East Coast on off-peak dates. Peak dates require just 15,000 points.

Flights from other parts of the U.S. start at just 12,500 points on off-peak dates and 20,000 points on peak dates. Peak date flights from California cost 25,000 Virgin points each way, which is not as great of a redemption.

Admittedly, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club charges more fees, taxes and surcharges than Delta SkyMiles . However, Delta's loyalty program may charge at least 40,000 miles each way from the U.S. to the U.K. in economy, so the miles you're saving can be worth a few hundred dollars.

Also look out for Virgin's redemption discount offers, where, from time to time, the points required are discounted by as much as 50%. This makes it possible to score a flight to London for just 5,000 points plus fees and taxes.

Related: A review of Delta Air Lines economy on the Boeing 767 from London to New York

If you want to fly to Ireland in economy class, redeeming Avios through the Aer Lingus Aer Club program or British Airways Executive Club is a terrific deal.

Aer Lingus routes from the northeast U.S. to Ireland require just 13,000 Avios each way on off-peak dates. This includes flights from JFK, BOS, ORD, IAD and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Fees, taxes and surcharges are reasonable, too, and should be no more than $100. However, peak travel dates require 20,000 Avios each way.

Longer flights from Florida, Washington (specifically, Seattle) and California to Ireland cost a slightly higher 16,250 Avios each way on off-peak dates or 25,000 Avios on peak dates. This could still be a good deal if nonstop cash fares are otherwise expensive.

Related: Airlines you can book using Avios: How to maximize your points

How to earn points and miles to book flights to Europe

The following cards all currently offer strong welcome bonuses with points and miles that you can transfer to some or all of the above programs to book flights to Europe:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Platinum Card® from American Express
• American Express® Gold Card
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Bottom line

Redeeming points for travel to Europe can be confusing. With so many airlines flying on seemingly endless route combinations across the Atlantic, planning a European getaway with miles can quickly overwhelm. If you plan to visit Europe in the summer, booking as early as possible is best to maximize your chance of finding the right flight at the right price.

However, this guide will help you save time (and points or miles) when finding the best flight options for your hop across the pond. Be sure to regularly check out TPG, as we regularly share last-minute award deals from the U.S. to Europe, Asia and beyond.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Airline bosses hit back as Europe seeks a soft landing over green travel

Airlines believe it is unfair of Europe to deprive other economies of the benefits they have enjoyed for decades because of the renewable transition.

Several airline executives have spoken out against a growing European movement wanting to cap travel and flights abroad in order to support the green transition. 

Movements such as flight shaming, pioneered by environmental activist Greta Thunberg have been enthusiastically adopted by some members of the public, leaving consumers who can do so, choosing greener ways to travel to avoid the "shame" of taking flights. 

Airlines, however, are not impressed. The industry has already been struggling since the pandemic, when lockdown prevented most flights and, post the pandemic, soaring energy costs because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the latest conflict in the Middle East has lowered passenger numbers. They are only just recovering. 

The airline industry feels it is now facing more hurdles than it should be as countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium bow to pressure from environmentalists who are trying to cap air travel. 

Anti-airline groups pile on the pressure

So far, about 20 organisations have campaigned for the EU, national governments and some of the biggest airports in Europe to introduce caps on the number of flights, as well as bring in flight curfews.

These organisations have recently filed a tribune, which says, as reported by Stay Grounded: "We, the neighbours of Europe's five largest airports - Paris CDG, London-Heathrow, Madrid-Barajas, Frankfurt, Amsterdam-Schophol - call on our governments and Europe to cap all airports, aerodromes and heliports to halt the uncontrolled growth of air traffic. 

"Air traffic has returned to its 2019 level, and if we are to believe the players in the sector, it could double by 2040. This is a disaster when we know that this increase in the number of flights is compatible neither with our climate objectives, nor with protecting the health of people affected by noise and air pollution. 

"The scientific studies are clear and leave no room for doubt. What’s more, there are rail alternatives for many European destinations. Given this situation, clear and determined political choices must be made, as was recently the case for Amsterdam-Schiphol airport."

Europe-wide problem, not shared by the rest of the world

Willie Walsh, director-general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) was reported by The Telegraph as saying: "This debate around whether growth in travel should be suppressed is a European debate. It's solely a European debate and solely in certain parts of Europe. You don't have that discussion in other parts of the world. 

"When I travel around and meet with airline CEOs and politicians outside of Europe, they have a huge appreciation for the value that new connectivity will bring to their economies. 

"I think we're quite arrogant actually to believe that the rest of the world should follow what Europe is doing. The rest of the world wants to have the benefit that Europeans have had."

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Airlines need more support for the green transition

Airlines have come under immense pressure over the past few years to reduce their carbon footprint, despite them not being responsible for engine production or aircraft manufacturing, in the majority of cases. Nor are they responsible for coming up with low-carbon fuel solutions or refining them. 

However, airports and airlines still remain the soft target of choice, with increasing calls to cap passenger numbers, as has happened recently at Dublin airport, in the name of the green transition. 

This time, the airline industry has spoken out and asked for support, much like other industries, in order to make the move to renewable energy and greener practices. First and foremost, this would mean the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which is still woefully underproduced in several parts of Europe. 

The green transition for the aviation sector is still likely to be slow, without significant government support in both ramping up SAF production, as well as grants and subsidies to procure it. 

Without these support measures, airlines and travel companies are likely to continue facing financial issues, as demonstrated by FTI, Europe's third-biggest travel group which has just filed for insolvency.  

The company has cancelled already booked package holidays but says it is doing its utmost to ensure that they can be completed as previously expected. As of now, it is still unknown how many travellers are likely to be affected. 

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Schengen Visa: Europe Trip Gets Costlier As Fee Hiked By 12% From Today

Reported By : Mohammad Haris

Last Updated: June 11, 2024, 12:04 IST

New Delhi, India

The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. (Representative Image)

Schengen Visa Fee: Under the new fee structure, adult applicants will pay €90 (previously €80), and children aged 6-12 will pay €45 (previously €40).

Schengen Visa 12% Fees Hike Effective Today: Travelers to Europe will now have to pay higher visa application fees as the European Commission’s 12 per cent hike in Schengen Visa fees becomes effective today, June 11, 2024. This increase is applicable worldwide.

This move coincides with the bloc’s efforts to promote tourism in the region.

Under the new fee structure, adult applicants will pay €90 (previously €80), and children aged 6-12 will pay €45 (previously €40). Countries deemed uncooperative with the EU’s efforts to repatriate their citizens will face steeper hikes, with fees reaching €135 or €180.

Currently, one euro (€) is equal to nearly Rs 90.

“The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. This increase will apply globally starting June 11, 2024,” the Slovenian government stated in May.

The European Commission cites inflation and rising civil servant salaries as justification for the increase. The previous fee hike occurred in February 2020.

This decision follows a scheduled review of EU visa fees that took place in December 2023, which occurs every three years as stipulated by the Schengen Visa Code.

The Schengen Area encompasses 29 European countries, offering visa-free travel for short stays to holders of a Schengen visa. These include Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway (not officially a Schengen Area member but applies regulations), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

The development comes as a disappointment for some, particularly Turkish citizens who have long awaited a visa-free travel agreement with the EU.

In 2023, the Schengen region received over 10.3 million short-stay visa applications, reflecting a 37 per cent year-on-year rise. However, this is still below the pre-pandemic peak of 17 million applications received in 2019.

India secured the third position in terms of visa applications for Europe, with a total of 966,687 submissions.

The visa fee hike comes at a time when Europe seeks to attract tourists from around the globe. On April 18, 2024, the European Commission introduced a new visa regime specifically for Indian citizens residing in India, referred to as a “visa cascade”. It included easier access to multi-entry visas, rewarding positive visa history, and the potential for a five-year visa.

• Schengen Visa