Thinking about it, if Palace do get through to the final they probably would qualify for Europe by default. After all, Man City are certs to be in the Champions League and even if Liverpool don't qualify (which looks likely) it's highly improbable that Liverpool will miss out on the Euro League so if Palace do get to the final they are pretty much nailed on to also be in the same competition. Since last September I now think it's none too smart to be smug about Palace.
Runner up in Carling cup doesn't get to Europe.