Feb 25, 2025
Dreaming of taking your family to Europe without draining your wallet? In this episode, we sit down with our team member and resident Europe travel expert, Traci Siegel, to share her tried-and-true tips for flying a family overseas using points and miles. These strategies will help make your dream a reality!
Family Travel 101: The Big
Differences
Flying solo or as a couple is one thing—booking flights for a
family of four, five, or more is a whole different game. Traci
shares the biggest challenges families face, like securing multiple
award seats, navigating school calendars, and choosing flights that
work with kids' needs. Traci’s advice? Plan ahead, prioritize
nonstop routes when possible, and always consider how the
experience will feel with little ones in tow.
The Best Programs for Family Flights to
Europe
Traci breaks down her top picks for family-friendly travel to
Europe:
- Flying Blue (KLM/Air France): The ultimate program for family flights thanks to its 25% discount for kids aged 2-11.
- Aeroplan (Air Canada): Great availability and useful for connecting flights.
- Virgin Atlantic: Often overlooked, but perfect for flights to London—especially since they now allow household pooling of points.
- British Airways: A solid option, especially with their recent improvements in saver availability.
- Alaska Mileage Plan: Can be great for business-class flights to Ireland on Aer Lingus.
Timing Is Everything: When to Book for the
Best Deals
The key to scoring great flights? Timing. As Traci says, “Planning
ahead is a superpower when you’re traveling with kids.” If you’re
eyeing flights for next year’s spring break, start looking during
this year’s break! She also recommends tools like Seats.aero to set
alerts for award availability.
Business Class with Kids: Is It Worth
It?
Many parents wonder if business class is worth the points for
family travel. Traci breaks down the pros and cons, and drops a tip
about how to try a smooth last-minute switch from economy to
business class.
Europe with kids doesn't have to be a bucket-list dream. It's something you can do every year, and you can use these strategies to plan your next trip today!
Links:
- Links For This Episode: https://pointstalk.supercast.com
- Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad
Episode Minute By Minute:
- 00:30 – Meet Traci and hear about her family's frequent trips to Europe
- 03:00 – The biggest differences when booking award flights for families
- 06:15 – Top airline programs for family-friendly travel
- 10:30 – The importance of timing and when to start searching
- 15:20 – How to fly business class with kids without breaking the points bank
- 22:45 – Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- 28:00 – Tips for booking from smaller airports
- 35:00 – Final takeaways and encouragement to start planning today
If you've ever dreamed of taking your family to Europe, this episode gives you the roadmap to make it happen with points and miles. Tune in now to get all the details, plus Traci’s expert insights and funny family travel stories!