Struggling to find United business class awards to Europe? Check out these 7 routes with excellent availability

Locating business-class award availability at reasonable prices is often the biggest challenge in the points and miles game. While there are several tools available now to help streamline this process, many airlines and routes still offer limited options for affordable international business-class awards.

If you're having trouble finding your desired business-class award on United Airlines or another Star Alliance carrier, be aware that some routes are much more accommodating when it comes to award availability.

If you're unable to find what you need for your preferred European destination, consider looking for award flights from key United hubs like Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), Dulles International Airport (IAD), and O'Hare International Airport (ORD). These airports offer numerous flights to major European cities such as Amsterdam, Munich, and Frankfurt, often featuring significantly better saver business-class availability.

If you can route through or from Newark on your way to London, you'll find many date options available; business-class award flights typically range from 80,000 to 88,000 MileagePlus miles one-way on various dates.

Pro tip: Here are some of our favorite tools to help you find award availability yourself.

Here are some routes to consider if you're looking for abundant Star Alliance business-class availability (backed by data from Awayz by Odynn) that can be booked using United MileagePlus miles — or sometimes through even more cost-effective Star Alliance programs like Air Canada's Aeroplan.

Excellent business-class availability to Amsterdam through April 2025

Chicago to Amsterdam

We are observing a wealth of award flight options starting at 80,000 miles plus fees and taxes from ORD to Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) in early 2025. For instance, this round-trip nonstop itinerary in January costs 160,000 miles plus $101.60 in taxes.

Houston to Amsterdam

There's also solid one-stop availability in February 2025 from Houston to Amsterdam. You can book a round-trip (with a layover each way) from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to AMS for 160,000 MileagePlus miles, along with $107.20 in taxes.

If you have a solid accumulation of points with Star Alliance member Air Canada's Aeroplan program, you can secure business-class seats from Houston to Amsterdam with a stop in Munich or Frankfurt this November, starting at 70,000 miles plus taxes.

Washington, D.C., to Amsterdam

You can also book round-trip business class from IAD to AMS on United in March for 160,000 miles plus $101.60 in fees. This includes both nonstop and connecting flights, often routing through cities like Frankfurt and Munich.

Excellent business-class availability to Munich and Frankfurt until April 2025

Los Angeles to Munich

In the spring, you can discover ample options for business-class awards from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Munich International Airport (MUC), with flights starting at just 88,000 miles each way.

Chicago and Detroit to Frankfurt

In February, there is a solid amount of award availability for flights from ORD to FRA at the same award price.

Until April 2025, you can find business-class seats priced between 80,000 and 88,000 miles from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) to FRA on Lufthansa-operated services. These flights are frequently available for just 70,000 Air Canada Aeroplan miles. (Keep in mind, many credit card points can transfer to Air Canada's Aeroplan.)

Strong business-class availability from Newark to London

Finding excellent business-class award availability on United flights to London can be tricky from some hub cities. However, departing from (or via) Newark significantly improves your chances. We've observed solid availability for this route through April 2025.

Often, the flights with the best availability are those late-night departures we love. They’re perfect if you have a lie-flat seat and can head straight to sleep.

Another observation is that prices for United cardholders can be considerably lower than for those without. This is a compelling reason to keep a United credit card handy.

In summary

Although these availability patterns generally hold true, they can certainly change. If you spot a deal that interests you, it’s wise to secure it right away. This is particularly relevant when booking through a program like United, which makes it simple to modify or redeposit award flights.

Accumulating points and miles is enjoyable, but successfully transforming them into a coveted business-class award flight is even more rewarding. With this list of routes as your foundation, you’ll be on your way to Europe (in style) before you know it.