How to Use Airline Miles to Save Thousands on Your One-Way Move to France

When I talk with Americans planning their move to France, one expense comes up over and over again, the cost of a one-way airline ticket.

That always surprises me.

I would have expected many of my clients to use their frequent flyer miles for the flight, but most simply budget for the cash cost of the ticket. In many cases, that's leaving hundreds or even thousands of dollars in savings on the table. While one-way tickets are usually 75% of the cost of a round-trip, using miles is usually half price versus the round-trip ticket price.

If you're planning your move to France, here's how you can use airline miles to save your relocation ticket.

Below I will explain the top airlines you can use your miles on for your trip to France. I do not discuss Delta Airlines here as it usually costs over 50,000 miles in economy for a one-way ticket based on my experience, which I don't find as great value unless you already have a large stash of Delta miles.

Air France Flying Blue Miles

One of the best programs for moving to France is Air France's Flying Blue program.

I recently searched for one-way award flights from Minneapolis to Paris and found the following pricing:

• Economy: 25,000 miles

• Premium Economy: 40,000 miles

• Business Class: 60,000 miles

You might need to look around for different dates or try different cities to get this pricing as the lowest price mileage tickets aren't always available.

These rates can provide exceptional value, especially considering that one-way international tickets are often priced much higher than half the cost of a round-trip ticket.

An additional benefit is the Bank of America Air France credit card. It frequently offers welcome bonuses between 50,000 and 70,000 Flying Blue miles after meeting the minimum spending requirement.

The card also typically includes 100 XP (Experience Points), which grants Flying Blue Silver Status. Silver status includes valuable perks for anyone relocating, including one additional free checked bag—a significant benefit when you're moving your life overseas.

United MileagePlus

United Airlines also offers decent redemption opportunities for flights to France.

I recently found one-way award pricing from Chicago to Paris at approximately:

• Economy: 40,000 miles

• Premium Economy: 50,000 miles

For just an additional 10,000 miles, Premium Economy is often the better value.

Not only do you enjoy a more comfortable seat for the long flight across the Atlantic, but United also includes two checked bags in Premium Economy. For anyone relocating to France, those additional baggage allowances can easily save hundreds of dollars.

American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

American Airlines miles continue to be one of the most valuable currencies for flights between the United States and Europe.

Typical one-way award pricing from Chicago to Paris includes start at:

• Economy: 30,000 miles

• Premium Economy: 40,000 miles

• Business Class: 57,500 miles

One important tip: avoid flying British Airways across the Atlantic when redeeming American Airlines miles whenever possible.

While the mileage requirement may look attractive, British Airways often adds substantial fuel surcharges that can turn a nearly free ticket into one costing several hundred dollars in fees.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan remains one of my favorite airline loyalty programs.

One standout redemption is:

• Chicago to Paris in Premium Economy for only 35,000 miles plus approximately $19 in taxes.

That's an outstanding value for anyone making a permanent move to France.

Alaska occasionally offers welcome bonuses of up to 80,000 bonus miles on its credit cards, making it one of the fastest ways to accumulate enough miles for your relocation.

The Best Credit Card Offers for Flights to France

The easiest way to earn enough miles for your move is through credit card welcome bonuses.

Some of the best offers frequently available include:

• Air France credit card: often 50,000–70,000 Flying Blue miles

• Alaska Airlines Ascent card: occasionally up to 80,000 bonus miles

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: currently offering 100,000 bonus points after meeting the spending requirement.

I recently wrote a detailed article explaining the current Chase Sapphire Preferred 100,000 points offer here:

https://www.mybestmoneylife.com/chase-sapphire-preferred-earn-100000-bonus-points-after-dollar5000-spend-limitedtime-offer

Those 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to both United MileagePlus and Air France Flying Blue, giving you tremendous flexibility when searching for award flights to France.

If you decide to sign-up for the Chase Sapphire card, please use my referral link here:

https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19x/C088LHZZBA

Why Award Travel Makes Sense When Moving to France

Using airline miles for your one-way flight offers several advantages:

• Save hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

• Stretch your relocation budget further.

• Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class for a more comfortable international move.

• Take advantage of increased baggage allowances that can reduce moving costs.

• Preserve cash for housing, visa expenses, and settling into life in France.

For many people relocating overseas, using miles is one of the smartest financial decisions they can make.

Need Help Booking Your One-Way Flight?

I regularly post updates about the best U.S. credit card offers, airline promotions, and mileage deals in the USA section of my website.

If you're planning your move to France and have questions about earning miles, transferring points, or booking your one-way flight, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to help you find the best award options and make your move to France more affordable.

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