by Krish Patel / aviationwithkrish.com

 If you are planning on visiting Paris this fall or winter, you’re in luck. Air France has discounted Business Class award availability on flights between several major U.S. cities and Paris. Typically, award pricing for Air France Business Class flights can cost 200,000 Air France-KLM Flying Blue miles. If you take advantage of this redemption immediately, when award availability is significantly discounted, you can snag a seat for 50,000 Flying Blue miles or 48,500 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points for a one-way redemption.

Details on the Award Deal

In this case, Air France is the airline that’s offering discounted Business Class award availability. You can find availability on routes to Paris from various North American cities, such as Boston, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, Toronto, and Detroit. Based on the route, award availability varies. Generally, you can expect to book your award Business Class flight for a travel date between October of 2024 and January of 2025. You can use either Air France-KLM Flying Blue or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to check for details on pricing and dates with award availability.

Booking

To get the lowest price in points and miles, you’ll want to book through Virgin Atlantic, but bear in mind that the flight itself is operated by Air France, which is a SkyTeam alliance partner. A one-way flight to Paris booked via Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is going to cost 48,500 points and somewhere around $280 in taxes and fees, which is significantly less than a cash deal for the same Business Class flight. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer directly to Virgin Atlantic at a 3:1 ratio, making it not the best option for transferring points to book a flight. On the other hand, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards transfer to Virgin Atlantic at an even 1:1 ratio.

Generally, a nonstop one-way Business Class fare to Paris on Air France can cost at least 100,000 Flying Blue miles and sometimes over 250,000 miles. Award pricing with Air France is for as little as 50,000 Flying Blue miles and somewhere around $270 or $280 in additional fees.

The Air France website explains the benefits of flying Business Class, such as Sky Priority check-in and boarding, two complimentary checked bags, and complimentary lounge access to lounges operated by Air France or a SkyTeam partner. There are several points programs that transfer to Air France, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One miles transfer to Air France at a 1:1 ratio.

If you have a credit card such as the Platinum Card from American Express, the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, or the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can transfer points or miles directly to Flying Blue.

Overall Thoughts

If you’re headed to Paris this fall or winter from a North American city, you should consider booking with points and miles, as award availability is significantly discounted. Air France offers an impressive long haul Business Class experience compared to most other European airlines, which makes this deal worth it in terms of both pricing and experience. There are several points programs that transfer to Flying Blue and Virgin Atlantic, so if you have flexible dates to travel, now would be a great time to book your flights.