TRAVEL · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
New Long-Haul Routes Open Up Redemptions for Points and Miles
WHY IT MATTERS
Travelers can now redeem their points and miles for nonstop flights to lesser-known European destinations, but should be aware of potential high redemption rates during peak travel periods and limited award availability through partner programs.
What happened
United and American Airlines have announced new international destinations, including the first U. S.
nonstop flights to Slovenia and Luxembourg. These routes are made possible by the airlines' new Airbus A321XLRs, single-aisle aircraft capable of flying deep into Europe.
Award availability for these new flights will be plentiful through the American Airlines AAdvantage and United MileagePlus programs, but redemption rates may be high during peak travel periods. Searching partner programs, such as British Airways Club for American Airlines flights and Air Canada Aeroplan for United flights, may offer lower redemption rates but worse availability.
PRIMARY SOURCES
What are points and miles worth? TPG's September 2026 monthly valuations
The Points Guy · Ben Smithson and Brian Kelly · Discovery and factual synthesis only; publisher copyright terms apply