Finding business class award availability at good prices is often the hardest part of the points and miles game. There are a number of tools that can help you find award availability more easily than in the past. However, options remain slim on many airlines and routes when it comes to scoring good-value international business class awards.
If you’re having trouble finding the business class award you want on United Airlines or another Star Alliance airline, be aware that some routes are much more generous with award availability than others.
If you can’t find what you want to your desired European destination, it may be worth looking into award flights from some United hubs, such as Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and O’Hare International Airport (ORD). They have flights to many European destinations such as Amsterdam, Munich, and Frankfurt. Availability of Saver business class flights may be significantly better to and from those destinations.
If you can fly through or from Newark on your way to London, there are plenty of date options; business class award flights are readily available from 80,000 to 88,000 MileagePlus miles one-way on many dates.
Pro Tip: Here are some of our favorites Favorite tools to find prize availability on your own.
Below are some routes to look for if you want to find great Star Alliance business class availability (based on data backed by Out of control) that you can book with United MileagePlus miles, or sometimes through Star Alliance programs with even better prices as Air Canada Aeroplan.
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High availability of business class flights to Amsterdam until April 2025
From Chicago to Amsterdam
We’re seeing plenty of award flights available starting at 80,000 miles plus taxes and fees from ORD to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in early 2025. This January nonstop roundtrip itinerary is an example. It costs 160,000 miles plus $101.60 in taxes.
From Houston to Amsterdam
There is also good availability for one-stop flights in February 2025 from Houston to Amsterdam. You can fly roundtrip (with a stopover in each direction) from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to AMS for 160,000 MileagePlus miles, plus $107.20 in taxes.
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If you have a good reserve of points with a Star Alliance membership Air Canada Aeroplan In November, you can book business class seats from Houston to Amsterdam via Munich or Frankfurt. The starting price is 70,000 miles, plus taxes.
From Washington, DC to Amsterdam
You can also book a roundtrip business class flight from IAD to AMS on United in March for 160,000 miles plus $101.60 in fees. Again, some of these flights are nonstop and some are connecting (often via the cities mentioned above, such as Frankfurt and Munich).
Related: The best ways to travel to Europe using points and miles
High availability of business class flights to Munich and Frankfurt until April 2025
From Los Angeles to Munich
In spring, good award availability can be found in business class from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Munich International Airport (MUC). Flights cost as little as 88,000 miles each way.
From Chicago and Detroit to Frankfurt
There is good award space in February for flights from ORD to FRA for the same award price.
Through April 2025, there are business class seats in the 80,000-88,000 mile range from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to FRA on flights operated by Lufthansa. These same flights can often be booked for 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles. (Remember, many types of credit card points are available.) Transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan.)
Related: The best websites to check Star Alliance award availability
Good availability of business class flights from Newark to London
It can be harder to find strong business class award availability on United flights to London from some of the airline’s hub cities. Flying from Newark (or via Newark) can make things much easier. We saw good availability through April 2025 on this route.
Sometimes the flight with the best availability is one of our favorites: the one that leaves very late at night. It’s ideal if you have a fully reclining seat and can go straight to sleep.
Another thing you may notice is that the price for United cardholders is sometimes much lower than for non-cardholders. This is a good reason to make sure you have a United credit card in your wallet.
Related: These are the best hotels in London
In summary
While these availability trends are common, they can of course fluctuate. If a deal catches your eye, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of it. This is especially true if you book with a program like United that allows you to It’s easy to change or redeposit award flights.
Earning points and miles is fun, but turning them into a dream business class award flight is even better. With this list of routes as a good starting point, you’ll be on your way to Europe (in comfort) in no time.
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