The 13 Best Ways to Fly Business Class to Europe on Points

Amongst North American Miles & Points enthusiasts, flying in business class to Europe remains one of the most popular travel objectives. After all, Europe is always a great destination to visit year-round, since it offers so much diversity in a relatively small geographical area.
In this article, we’ll outline the best airlines for redeeming points for a luxurious flight across the Atlantic. For each airline, we’ll look at ideal points currency to use, which routes to search for, and the general availability patterns.
What ranks a transatlantic airline among the “best”? Well, all of the airlines listed alphabetically here allow you to fly from North America across the Atlantic in a lie-flat seat, in such a way that provides a good value for miles that you can easily collect.
1. Air Canada
Air Canada offers the most options for flights from Canada to Europe, with direct flights from hubs in Montreal , Toronto , and Vancouver .
If you’re travelling from the United States, it’ll be an easy connection to one of the Canadian hubs before heading onwards.
Most of the long-haul routes offer lie-flat pods in Air Canada Signature Class , meaning that you’ll be entirely comfortable for the ride across the Atlantic.
The easiest way to earn and redeem points for flights with Air Canada is with Aeroplan points. 
Aeroplan points may be earned by transferring on a 1:1 ratio from American Express Membership Rewards , or through one of many co-branded credit cards , such as the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card .




Aeroplan Co-Branded Credit Cards






Credit Card
Best Offer
Value












CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card


70,000 Aeroplan points

$599 annual fee


70,000 Aeroplan points
$399


Apply Now











TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card


Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†

$139 annual fee


Up to 40,000 Aeroplan points†
$735


Apply Now











TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card


Up to 20,000 Aeroplan points†

$89 annual fee


Up to 20,000 Aeroplan points†
$434


Apply Now











TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card

TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card


Up to 75,000 Aeroplan points†

$599 annual fee


Up to 75,000 Aeroplan points†
$714


Apply Now











CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card


Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points†

First Year Free


Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points†
$714


Apply Now











CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card


Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†

First Year Free


Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points†
$609


Apply Now











CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card


10,000 Aeroplan points†

$0 annual fee


10,000 Aeroplan points†
$210


Apply Now











American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card

American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card


Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points

$599 annual fee


Up to 100,000 Aeroplan points
$819


Apply Now











American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card


90,000 Aeroplan points

$599 annual fee


90,000 Aeroplan points
$611


Apply Now











American Express Aeroplan Card

American Express Aeroplan Card


45,000 Aeroplan points

$120 annual fee


45,000 Aeroplan points
$720


Apply Now








In the United States, Aeroplan is a transfer partner of American Express US Membership Rewards , Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles , and Chase Ultimate Rewards . Furthermore, there’s the Chase Aeroplan Card , which comes with many unique features.
Flights to Europe are priced in four distance-based bands on Aeroplan’s “Between North America and Atlantic zones” chart.

When redeeming for Air Canada business class flights with Aeroplan, you’ll need to consider both the actual distance flown and the dynamic pricing structure.
Many flights to Europe from Toronto or Montreal fall within the first distance band of 0–4,000 miles. Dublin, London, Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon all clock in at fewer than 4,000 miles, too.
With dynamic pricing, you may be able to book any of these routes for as few as 60,000 Aeroplan points  in Air Canada business class; however, you may also see the cost rise to the other end of the spectrum at 160,000 Aeroplan points or more.

For travellers based in Western Canada, flights to Europe fall within the second distance band, meaning that the price starts at 70,000 Aeroplan points in business class. Again, the cost may rise to well above that price, depending on demand.

As we’ve covered in detail, one way for anyone with Aeroplan Elite Status to reduce the cost of flying in business class with Air Canada is to book an Economy (Latitude)  and then use eUpgrades to instantly confirm a seat in business class, based on availability. 




Read More









"Latitude Attitude": The Best Way to Use eUpgrades for Business Class







Fortunately, Aeroplan redemptions aren’t subject to carrier-imposed surcharges, so you won’t have to break the bank to fly with Air Canada. Depending on your airport of origin, you can expect to pay around $100 in taxes and fees . 
If the price of the flight you’d like falls on the more expensive end of the dynamic spectrum, it may be worthwhile to consider other options that will both save you points while still affording you a comfortable flight. 
Your best chance of finding Air Canada business class flights at the lower end of the dynamic spectrum is by booking far in advance or close to the date of departure.
Fly Air Canada Signature Class from North America to Europe




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2. British Airways
British Airways is another reliable option when it comes to redeeming points for transatlantic business class flights.
While there are definitely pros and cons to redeeming Avios on British Airways flights, the program has made some tweaks that make it more attractive than it has been in the past.
On the earning front, Avios can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio from both American Express Membership Rewards and RBC Avion . You can also earn Avios directly through co-branded credit cards, such as the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite† .




Credit Cards for Earning Avios






Credit Card
Best Offer
Value












RBC® Avion Visa Platinum†

RBC® Avion Visa Platinum†


Up to 55,000 RBC Avion points†

$120 annual fee


Up to 55,000 RBC Avion points†
$1,080


Apply Now











RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†

RBC® Avion Visa Infinite†


Up to 55,000 RBC Avion points†

$120 annual fee


Up to 55,000 RBC Avion points†
$1,080


Apply Now