How I Flew First Class to Europe for 70,000 Points

Let’s play a quick game of Would You Rather. Would you rather drop $6,000 on a first class ticket to Europe, or use 70,000 points and pay a fraction of the cost? I think we both know the answer.

That is exactly how I got to Europe and back. I used American Express points to fly first class from Chicago to France, and then from Rome back to Chicago. The total cost was just 70,000 points. That is less than what most people waste on everyday spending when they do not use the right cards strategically.

Here is how I did it. I earn the bulk of my points through the American Express Gold Card, which gives me incredible multipliers on dining and groceries. Add in the sign up bonus, and it did not take long to rack up enough points to book this trip. The American Express Platinum Card played a supporting role with travel protections, lounge access, and concierge services that elevated the journey. And because Europe is not always American Express friendly, I had a Visa Black Card as my safety net with no foreign transaction fees and wide acceptance.

What made this trip unique is how smooth everything was. I did not have any surprises because I put in the research ahead of time. For example, I knew to expect taxes and fees on award tickets which are unavoidable, but I offset those costs by saving thousands in airfare. Lounge access kept me comfortable during layovers, and Global Entry shaved hours off the customs process. That is a level of convenience money cannot buy, or maybe it can, but why spend it when you do not have to?

Using points strategically is all about perspective. Some people use points to stretch out as many flights as possible. They might book three economy trips instead of one first class. That is a valid strategy, but I prefer to use my points for experiences that feel special. Sitting in first class on a transatlantic flight is one of those moments. It is not just a seat, it is a memory, and it set the tone for my entire trip.

If you are serious about travel, the biggest takeaway here is that points are not just about free flights. They are about freedom. You get to decide how you want to use them, whether that is maximizing quantity or quality. For me, this trip was about quality. And the best part is, anyone can do this. The key is picking the right cards and being intentional about your spending.

I recommend starting with the American Express Gold for everyday earning, then moving to the Platinum for the perks, and always keeping a Visa on hand as a backup. Focus on hitting sign up bonuses and using your cards where they earn the most. Before you know it, you will have enough for your own European adventure.

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