Denver International (DEN) is a United hub — giving travelers Star Alliance access to Europe and Asia. Most international awards require a quick connection, but the programs are strong. Aeroplan regularly beats United's own pricing for the same Star Alliance flights.
Use Aeroplan (55k business, no surcharges) or United Saver (competitive on United metal) for transatlantic. Alaska Mileage Plan for JAL (Japan) and British Airways (Europe) on oneworld at fixed rates. Chase Sapphire transfers to both United and Aeroplan — useful for DEN-based travelers.
| Program | DEN Awards | From (pts) |
|---|---|---|
| united | 283 | 40,000 |
| aeroplan | 247 | 38,900 |
| alaska | 149 | 27,500 |
| qantas | 126 | 34,700 |
| lufthansa | 120 | 14,962 |
| velocity | 108 | 30,000 |
| flyingblue | 79 | 25,000 |
| jetblue | 43 | 24,000 |
| qatar | 42 | 33,000 |
| virginatlantic | 21 | 15,000 |
Denver International (DEN) is one of the US's busiest airports but lacks the direct international routes that coastal hubs have — which shapes award strategy differently for Denver-based travelers. United has a significant DEN presence with connections to its Newark and San Francisco hubs, making United MileagePlus and Aeroplan the primary programs for Denver-based travelers targeting transatlantic routes. The key is building a flexible currency (Chase Ultimate Rewards transfers to both United and Aeroplan) and being willing to connect through EWR or SFO for the international leg.
For Europe, Aeroplan at 55,000 miles (connecting via a Star Alliance hub) gives Denver travelers business class to Lufthansa, SWISS, or Air Canada destinations without fuel surcharges. Flying Blue Promo Awards occasionally cover Denver routes when Air France operates through DFW or Chicago connections. Alaska Mileage Plan is valuable from Denver via connections to LAX or SEA — once on the West Coast, Alaska's Japan Airlines and British Airways rates apply. Denver travelers who are flexible about domestic connections before the international segment unlock a much wider set of award options.
United's hub connectivity through EWR is particularly powerful from Denver: DEN→EWR is a well-served United route, and Newark's depth of Star Alliance business class awards (Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA, Singapore) is among the best in the country. Building United Saver awards from DEN through EWR to Europe gives Denver travelers access to some of the most consistently available business class inventory in the award booking universe — often bookable 11–12 months in advance through United's partner award release window.