How to Fly Business Class to Italy Using Points and Miles

Podcast: Takeoff: A Points and Miles Podcast by 10xTravel (LS 49 · TOP 0.5% what is this?)
Episode: How to Fly Business Class to Italy Using Points and Miles
Pub date: 2026-03-11

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Dreaming about sipping espresso in Milan, exploring the lakes of Northern Italy, or wandering the historic streets of Rome without paying thousands for airfare? In this episode, Travis is joined by Matt and Emily to break down some of the best ways to fly business class to Italy using points and miles. From nonstop routes to creative partner bookings, they explore multiple strategies that can help travelers reach Italy in comfort without paying business class cash prices.

Join My10x: Manage your points and miles in one place

You will hear about airline alliances, sweet spots across different loyalty programs, and unique routing ideas that can open up more award availability. If flights are the biggest hurdle in planning a European trip, this conversation will help you understand how to approach your search and uncover opportunities you might have missed.

Programs and redemption examples discussed:

• Flying Blue business class to Europe starting around 60,000 points
• Avianca Lifemiles business class awards around 63,000 miles
• Virgin Atlantic partner awards around 75,000 miles
• Alaska Airlines awards around 55,000 miles
• Delta One via partner programs for significantly fewer miles than booking direct

If Italy is on your travel wish list, this episode will help you start building the strategy to get there using points.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome

00:40 Olympics Curling Chat

03:52 Italy Business Class Setup

10:26 Why Italy Is Worth It

16:18 Flight Options Overview

19:33 Repositioning Stories

20:40 United and Flying Blue Deals

24:48 Air Canada Cautions

25:05 Avoid Overpaying Segments

25:31 Reposition East vs West

26:55 Emirates Fifth Freedom 

28:47 Delta One via Flying Blue

30:03 More Programs to Check

30:52 Lifemiles and Ethiopian Routes

32:57 Virgin Atlantic and Alaska Deals

36:47 Booking Timing and Fees

43:35 Cash Fares from Montreal

46:54 Final Takeaways 

Links and Resources from this Episode:
Take Our Free Points and Miles Course
https://10xtravel.com/free-tools/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sn&utm_campaign=Episode_72&utm_content=

New To Points and Miles? Listen to Episodes 1-6 of the podcast
https://10xtravel.com/new-here/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sn&utm_campaign=Episode_72&utm_content=

10xTravel+: Upgrade your travel by becoming a member today
https://10xtravel.com/10xtravel-plus/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sn&utm_campaign=Episode_72&utm_content=

How to Plan Your Points Redemption to Italy
https://10xtravel.com/mapping-points-redemption-to-italy/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=sn&utm_campaign=Episode_72&utm_content=

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