Take Your Pick: Get Business Class to Europe for 53,000 Points Round-Trip or Just $1,567 in Cash

How anyone can get a Business Class ticket to Europe for about the price of Premium Economy (or less)

Imagine soaring through the skies, and reclining back in a Business Class seat — all for the price of a cramped, less luxurious Premium Economy seat. This might sound like a dream reserved for the jet-set elite, but with a bit of savvy, you can make it your reality. Just as a shrewd sailor navigates the seas using the stars, you too can navigate the skies by strategically purchasing miles.

Iberia Airlines’ mileage program is among FCF’s favorites because it offers the cheapest Business Class flights between the U.S. and Europe that points can buy — and it’s a transfer partner with Amex and Chase (and Capital One indirectly; see below). Instead of overpaying on another airline, save your money for a special bottle of Rioja, or a suite upgrade, or use Spain as a stepping stone to your European odyssey.

Navigating the Air Miles Seas

Not everyone has a vault filled with miles and points. This means you need to be strategic to stretch your points as far as possible. Luckily, there’s a golden opportunity on the horizon. Through September 30, Amex is offering a transfer bonus with Iberia’s partner British Airways. It means Iberia Plus members can get a 30% bonus on the transfer through British Airways, by combining your Avios. If you’re considering booking anytime soon, this deal is like finding a treasure map, leading you to a cache of discounted Business Class tickets.

Ain’t Got Iberia Miles? Go Get ‘Em!

• Iberia is an Amex and Chase points-to-miles transfer partner (and via Capital One’s British Airways partnership)
• Transfer British Airways Avios to Iberia Avios
  • You must be a member of Iberia Plus for 90 days “Combine my Avios.”
  • There is no limit to how many or how often you can transfer Avios.
  • Transfers are usually instant.
  • Details here on transferring British Airways Avios to Iberia

Charting Your Course: Where the Birding is Good

To take advantage of this opportunity, you need to get your ducks in a row. Iberia operates on a flight-distance award chart, which means the number of miles required depends on the length of the flight. For example, with the 30% bonus, you could transfer:

• 53,000 low season / 77,000 high season round-trip:
  (Normally 68,000 / 100,000)
   Madrid to/from Boston, Chicago, New York, and Washington, DC
• 66,000 low season / 97,000 high season round-trip:
  (Normally 85,000 / 125,000)
   Madrid to/from Dallas and Miami
• 79,000 low season / 116,000 high season round-trip:
  (Normally 102,000 / 150,000)
   Madrid to/from Los Angeles and San Francisco

Diving into the Details: Business Class Costs

For those lacking an ample stash of miles, the 30% bonus is the equivalent of buying them at 1.92 cents each (normally 2.5 cents), therefore a round-trip Business Class ticket from Boston, Chicago, New York, or Washington, DC, to Madrid costs just $1,567, including approximately $242 in taxes.

Considering you can typically pay anywhere from $1,439-$1,919 for a Premium Economy ticket and Business Class typically goes for $3,220 from New York to Madrid that means you’re getting R/T Business Class oftentimes for the price of Premium Economy.

Mapping Out the Savings: Example Routes

The Final Countdown: Availability

Availability varies, so it’s essential to check with Iberia before transferring miles. Here’s a snapshot of current availability:

• Boston: Up to two seats available outbound from January to April and from January to June on the return.
• Miami: Up to two seats outbound in January and February and from January to March, May, and June, on the return.

If you’re not in one of Iberia’s U.S. hub cities, you can still take advantage by positioning flights from any of Oneworld’s U.S. departure cities.

Going Beyond: Extending Your Journey

Keen to explore more than just Madrid? You can also get a stopover in Madrid and then continue your journey to other fabulous destinations. For instance:

• Travel Near Madrid: 9,000 off-peak miles one-way to cities like Barcelona, Lisbon, and Seville.
• Travel Far Beyond Madrid: 15,000 off-peak miles one-way to cities like Amsterdam, Berlin, and Rome.

This strategy opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to see multiple cities for a fraction of the cost.

Seize the Opportunity

You can use this Iberia play to launch a spectacular low-cost deal we call The Leg Stretch Strategy. If you’re planning to visit Europe and South America in a 12-month window, you’ll take to these Iberia one-ways like a duck to water.

This Iberia deal is a rare gem, offering a chance to fly Business Class for the price of Premium Economy. By strategically buying or transfering points and taking advantage of the bonus, you can transform your travel experience. Whether you’re visiting Europe or beyond, this strategy is your ticket to a luxurious journey. So, spread your upgrade wings and soar through the skies in style.