![What’s in Chelsea Handler’s Shopping Cart [Exclusive]](https://cdn.apartmenttherapy.info/image/upload/f_auto,q_auto:eco,c_fill,g_auto,w_660/tk/edit/news/2025/2025-06/a-la-cart-chelsea-handler/alacart-chelsea-handler-lead)
Book United Polaris business class to Europe for just 80,000 miles: Fly to Italy, London and 8 other destinations
United Airlines has launched its largest-ever schedule to Europe this summer, with a series of new destinations and routes. The popular U.S. airline offers lie-flat Polaris business-class seats to numerous European destinations. Plus, if you book this hot ticket, you can enjoy additional perks such as Polaris lounge access; priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling; …
United Airlines has launched its largest-ever schedule to Europe this summer, with a series of new destinations and routes.
The popular U.S. airline offers lie-flat Polaris business-class seats to numerous European destinations. Plus, if you book this hot ticket, you can enjoy additional perks such as Polaris lounge access; priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling; direct aisle access; luxurious Saks Fifth Avenue bedding; and elevated food and beverages.
Overall, it’s a great way to travel to Europe.
While we would normally recommend booking well in advance to redeem points and miles to Europe, there is currently fantastic Polaris business-class saver-level availability right now that you can book for just 80,000 United MileagePlus miles, Chase points or Bilt Points.
Check out some inspiration for your next European vacation.
Note that availability was accurate at the time of publication and is subject to change.
Related: United unveils stunning next-generation Polaris cabins with caviar service and much more
Fly Polaris business class to Europe for 80,000 United miles
It can sometimes be difficult to find a good deal on lie-flat business-class award seats to Europe. However, we found widespread business-class availability to major European hot spots on United.
Here are 10 beautiful European destinations with award space to fly this summer and beyond for 80,000 United miles.
Naples, Italy
Head to Naples and discover ancient ruins like Pompeii and Herculaneum. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Naples is full of historic churches, palaces and narrow alleys to explore. Plus, it’s also the acclaimed birthplace of pizza.
If the city life isn’t your vacation vibe, Naples can also serve as a gateway to the spectacular Amalfi Coast, Capri and other beautiful coastal and island destinations.
Fly from or via: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Naples International Airport (NAP) (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: July, early August, October and November
Related: Naples cruise port guide: How to spend your day in Italy
London
London is a vibrant city that blends royal history with modern attractions. From the famous Tower of London, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums such as the British Museum and Tate Modern, there is so much to explore in London. You can also indulge in food markets like Borough Market, catch a West End show, stroll along the Thames or relax in Hyde Park.
Fly from or via: Denver International Airport (DEN), Dulles International Airport (IAD), EWR, O’Hare International Airport (ORD), George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Heathrow Airport (LHR) (year-round routes)
Best availability: July, early August and October
Related: The best cheap (or absolutely free) things to do in London
Venice, Italy
Venice is a unique destination famous for its romantic canals. A city built on water, Venice offers gondola rides under graceful bridges and views of centuries-old architecture. Historic sites such as St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace and the Grand Canal reflect its cultural and political legacy. Art lovers can enjoy masterpieces by Venetian greats like Titian and Tintoretto.
Fly from or via: EWR and IAD to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: July, early August and November
Related: An art hotel with breathtaking views: My stay at the iconic St. Regis Venice
Amsterdam
Celebrated for its picturesque canals, Amsterdam also has world-class museums, vibrant nightlife and one of the world’s best Pride parades. Art lovers should check out the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum, while history fans will appreciate the Anne Frank House and the historic canal belt. Explore the bustling Jordaan district and the famous Flower Market — best explored on a bicycle.
Fly from or via: EWR, IAD, IAH and ORD to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) (year-round routes), SFO to AMS (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: July and early August
Related: The best hotels in Amsterdam
Sicily, Italy
Calling all “The White Lotus” fans: From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna to the golden baroque cities of Noto and Ortigia, Sicily’s unique blend of Greek, Roman, Arab and Norman influences creates a cultural melting pot — and that’s before you dive into the world-famous local cuisine, including arancini, cannoli and caponata.
Fly from or via: EWR to Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO) (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: August
Related: The race to Sicily begins as United’s latest inaugural flight lands in Italy
Paris
Paris is always a great idea. The city of light (and love) blends art, history and romance. Stroll along the Seine, marvel at the Eiffel Tower or wander through world-class museums like the Louvre. Indulge in French cuisine, and stop for a coffee and croissant in one of the city’s charming cafes. Paris offers a classic European atmosphere, blending old-world charm with modern flair.
Fly from or via: EWR, IAD and ORD to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) (year-round routes)
Best availability: Late July and early August
Related: Paris Pocket Guide: What to see, do and eat in the City of Light
Geneva
Switzerland is globally celebrated for its delectable chocolate, flavorful cheese, picturesque villages and breathtaking natural scenery. The diverse landscape offers some of the world’s most spectacular train journeys, and summer is a fantastic time to see this small European country at its colorful peak.
Fly from or via: EWR to Geneva Airport (GVA) (year-round route)
Best availability: July
Related: Swiss hospitality and lakeside luxury: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Geneva
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
You may not be familiar with the Balearic Islands of Spain, but expect to find some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll see anywhere across the Atlantic. A longtime favorite of British and German vacationers, Palma de Mallorca offers endless sunshine, a relaxed lifestyle and gorgeous beach coves to discover. Take a midafternoon siesta before wandering down to the charming towns and villages for the Mediterranean tradition of tapas and a cold glass of wine or beer once the heat of the day has passed.
Fly from or via: EWR to Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI) (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: July
Related: This is how you do a luxury all-inclusive: Zoetry Mallorca, bookable with Hyatt points
Dubrovnik, Croatia
If you are a “Game of Thrones” fan, Dubrovnik served as the primary filming location for King’s Landing, the capital of the Seven Kingdoms and home to the Iron Throne. Dubrovnik’s famous medieval Old Town, with its red rooftops, ancient walls and dramatic Adriatic backdrop, became instantly recognizable to millions of viewers as the heart of Westeros. Being right on the coast, you can also head to one of Dubrovnik’s rustic beaches to take a dip in the clear waters of the Adriatic Sea.
Fly from or via: EWR to Dubrovnik Airport (DBV) (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: July and early August
Related: From the coast of Croatia to the mountains of Thailand: The best road trips outside the US
Porto, Portugal
Portugal is an increasingly popular vacation destination, but for something different, skip the capital of Lisbon and try the Instagrammable city of Porto. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Porto features a double-deck iron bridge (designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, who designed the world-famous Eiffel Tower in Paris) that connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Once across the bridge, lose yourself in narrow medieval streets, exploring colorful houses, vibrant cafes and restaurants. Porto is the namesake of port wine, a fortified wine that is produced in the Douro Valley and aged/stored in cellars just across the river from Porto.
Fly from or via: EWR to Porto Airport (OPO) (seasonal summer route)
Best availability: July
Related: Best hotels for a beach vacation in Portugal
How to earn United miles
Not only can you earn United miles with a United cobranded credit card, but also you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points or Bilt Rewards points to MileagePlus at a 1:1 rate.
If you don’t have enough United miles to book a flight to Europe right now, here are some options that earn a welcome bonus to fly Polaris business class to Europe:
- [applyLink pid=”7752″ overridetext=”United Quest℠ Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”7752″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
- [applyLink pid=”6976″ overridetext=”United Club℠ Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”6976″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 90,000 miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- [applyLink pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve®”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211836″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 100,000 bonus points plus a $500 Chase Travel℠ credit after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
- [applyLink pid=”10965″ overridetext=”Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠”] (see [termsConditions pid=”10965″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 in the first six months from account opening.
- [applyLink pid=”221211974″ overridetext=”Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card”] (see [termsConditions pid=”221211974″ overridetext=”rates and fees”]): Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Bottom line
You might have thought it was too late to book a European vacation this summer. Traditionally, summer is one of the busiest times to travel across the Atlantic, so the cheapest points and miles award seats are usually booked up well in advance.
The good news is that if you have United miles, Chase points or Bilt points, now is a fantastic time to redeem miles to Europe. On many dates, you can fly United in lie-flat Polaris business class for just 80,000 MileagePlus miles each way.
If you’re already looking ahead to next summer, now is the time to earn United miles to book that getaway, as you’ll have a great chance at booking the flight you want well in advance.
Related reading:
