SkyTeam Biz Class to Spain or Italy from 117k Points
Hello from France! Specifically, a train from Reims to Paris. I'm currently on the honeymoon I had originally planned for last October.
Since I'm on the train, I figured I'd share a fun fare deal while I have a little time in transit. Don't worry, I'm still taking in some great views along the way.
So, the deal.
I'm seeing some solid fares on SkyTeam members Air France, KLM, and Delta between Boston and Spain plus Philadelphia to Italy. You'll find the cheapest flights on Delta, but for only ~$50 more, you could fly Air France or KLM.
So far, 80% of Premium members have filled out the welcome survey. If you haven't, submit your preferences so I can keep an eye out for the destinations and flights you want. This will be especially important as the world opens up.
Now, let's get into it!
Straight To The Points:
Routes: BOS-MAD/BCN, PHL-FCO/MXP
Operating airline: Air France, KLM, or Delta
Class of service: Business class
Dates: October 2021 - February 2022
Seats available: 4+
Cabin layout: 1-2-1 or 2-2-2
Book with (per person, round-trip):
Example for BOS-BCN:
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: From 124,343 points
- Chase Sapphire/Ink Preferred: From 149,212 points
- Amex Business Platinum (35% rebate): From 117,165 points
- Amex Business Gold: From 139,425 points
- Amex Membership Rewards (Other): From 180,255 points
- Capital One Miles (Venture/Spark Miles): From 185,500 miles
- Cash (Amex IAP): From $1,803
- Cash (Amex Travel): From $1,859
- Cash (KLM or Air France): From $1,866
Don't forget to let me know if you book and how you did it!
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Maybe we'll get lucky and KLM will swap out the A330 for a Dreamliner.
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DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the COVID-19 situation and the resulting travel restrictions could prevent you from traveling. Additionally, please make sure you understand the cancellation and change fees before booking.
Flight Experience
The experience will vary by operating airline and aircraft. If you've followed me for more than a minute, you know my preference is KLM. How can you not love a Delft Blue house souvenir?
Here's a quick rundown on the business cabin layouts you'll find:
- Air France: Boeing 777, 1-2-1 reverse herringbone
- KLM Airbus: A330, 2-2-2
- Delta:
- Boeing 767, 1-2-1 staggered
- Airbus A330, 1-2-1 reverse herringbone
As travel picks up, there's a chance these aircraft could be swapped for others. Make sure you keep an eye on your booking just in case there's a change so you can get the best possible seat.
With the current options, I'd take the Air France reverse herringbone option to optimize privacy, though I might consider KLM for the return just because I really enjoy flying with them.
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How To Book
If you're booking a cash ticket, those with the Amex Platinum or Business Platinum will have a slight advantage. If you don't have one of those cards, you can book directly with Delta or Air France.
If you're booking with points, the Business Platinum is that best option at ~117k Amex points (after the 35% rebate). However, ~124k Chase points with the Sapphire Reserve might be easier for some as you need fewer points upfront.
Here's are two Google Flights links to get you started.
Why I Like This Deal
SkyTeam can be tough when it comes to award tickets. That's why I like to find cash deals that can beat the SkyMiles award rate and/or the Flying Blue rate when you factor in the steeper surcharges.
For some context, let's look at a few examples of how many miles you'd need to fly round-trip Boston to Barcelona:
- 172,000 SkyMiles + ~$55 taxes/fees on Delta
- 125,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$522 taxes/fees on Air France
- 144,000 Flying Blue miles + ~$55 on Delta
Amex is currently running a 25% transfer bonus to Flying Blue which brings the necessary points total down to 100,000 on Air France and 116,000 on Delta.
While 100,000 points for a round-trip biz class award is great, we need to consider the $522 taxes/fees? With the Amex Biz Platinum or CSR, I'd probably prefer to use 17,000 or 24,000 points, respectively, to save $522.
Even at 116,000 points with only $55 taxes/fees to fly Delta, you might prefer to use the Amex or Chase portal to earn redeemable miles since the points required for an award is so close.
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A beautiful evening in Madrid.
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Where To Credit The Flights
Since these are cash tickets, you can earn redeemable airline miles so make sure you attach your desired loyalty program number to your booking.
If you're not sure which program to use, check out Where To Credit to see which option will earn you the most miles. You can use GCmap to calculate the total flight distance of your trip.
The transatlantic and domestic segments will be in Z class. If you have an intra-EU flight from Amsterdam or Paris, that segment will be in J class.
If you don't have elite status, consider which programs you can supplement with flexible points programs. If you have status with a SkyTeam program, this could help you requalify.
Bottom Line
While not quite as exciting as the crazy $1k SkyTeam deal to Scotland earlier this year, this is still a great way to fly to Europe when you consider award booking options, cash savings compared to those award options, and the ability to earn redeemable miles.
Happy booking!
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