we flew out of IAD. most flights were to BRU,CDG, luxenburg. one or two to mxp. usually, the best rates were usually with consolidators(no miles). the rates were over $300, but under 400 rt. all flights between nov and jan. remember, no taxes to speak of.

one midwinter deal(do not remember exact years) was BWI-LHR. $100 on BA, each way. they were an unbelievably unfriendly airline.

for a comparison, the cost of WAS-DEN rt during ski season was also about $300.

the cost for summer to europe was much higher.
the planes were only about 25-40% full. i usually was able to get a full center row of seats on an AF 747 to sleep. we were on an AZ 747 that had 10 or 15 total( the FA told us that they outnumbered the passengers).