Athens Eleftherios Venizelos Airport (ATH) is the gateway to Greece and the Aegean islands with 3,691 live award deals. Economy starts from 28,000 Alaska Mileage Plan miles one-way. United and Delta both operate nonstop flights from the US East Coast.
| Program | Economy OW | Business OW | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Mileage Plan | 28k–40k | 60k–80k | Partner routing via European hub |
| Velocity (Virgin Australia) | 30k–45k | 65k–85k | Etihad partner network |
| United MileagePlus | 34k–50k | 70k–90k | Nonstop from EWR, Star Alliance |
| Aeroplan | 39k–55k | 65k–85k | Star Alliance via European hub |
Athens benefits from strong direct service from the US East Coast on two major carriers, creating genuine competition for award redemptions. United operates nonstop from Newark (EWR) year-round on its 767 Polaris (business class) service — bookable with MileagePlus at 70,000–90,000 miles one-way business, or 34,000–50,000 miles economy. Delta operates nonstop from JFK and Atlanta on the 767 and A330. United MileagePlus offers more predictable pricing than Delta SkyMiles (which uses dynamic pricing) and benefits from Chase Ultimate Rewards 1:1 transfers with instant credit.
American Airlines recently added nonstop Philadelphia (PHL)→ATH service, giving AAdvantage holders direct access on its 787 with moderate fees. Alaska Mileage Plan covers Athens through Star Alliance partner routing (typically via a European hub) at 28,000–40,000 miles economy one-way — competitive for travelers with Alaska balances. United's Excursionist Perk is particularly valuable for ATH-based multi-city Europe itineraries: it allows a free one-way award within a larger roundtrip booking, letting you enter Athens, rail to Rome, and exit London on a single award.
Athens serves as the gateway to what is arguably the world's best island-hopping destination. Piraeus port — connected to central Athens by Metro Line 1 in 30 minutes — operates ferries to virtually all Greek islands on year-round schedules run by Blue Star Ferries, Hellenic Seaways, and Seajets. Economy ferry tickets: Santorini €45–80 one-way (5–8 hours), Mykonos €35–70 (2.5–5 hours), Crete €35–60 (7–9 hours overnight), Rhodes €45–70 (12–16 hours). High-speed catamarans cut journey times roughly in half at higher ticket prices.
Aegean Airlines (a Star Alliance member, bookable with United MileagePlus and Aeroplan points) operates domestic Greek flights from ATH to Santorini (45 minutes, ~€50–80), Mykonos (40 minutes), Rhodes (55 minutes), and Corfu. For limited time budgets, the classic loop is to fly from ATH to Santorini (45 min), ferry from Santorini to Mykonos (2 hours via Seajets), and return by ferry to Athens (3.5 hours) — a three-island itinerary in four days requiring no additional award miles. May, June, September, and October offer the best combination of warm seas, lower crowds, and available award seats on ATH transatlantic routes.