Airlines You Can Transfer Chase Points To
This isn't about theory; it's about unlocking the power in your wallet. Before diving in, consider this: Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio to their airline partners. That means for every point you’ve earned, you get an equal number of miles with the partner airline. But wait—are all airline partners equal? Absolutely not. The value varies greatly depending on routes, availability, and how creative you are with your booking. So, what's next?
1. Aer Lingus AerClub
Aer Lingus, the national airline of Ireland, offers a range of award flights to and from Europe. One of the hidden gems in Aer Lingus’s award program is their off-peak travel rates to Europe, often costing fewer points than other carriers. Plus, since Aer Lingus is part of the Avios loyalty program, you can transfer points between Aer Lingus, British Airways, and Iberia for strategic bookings.
2. Air Canada Aeroplan
Aeroplan might sound like just another frequent flyer program, but don’t underestimate it. With its membership in the Star Alliance, Air Canada Aeroplan lets you redeem points on over 40 airlines worldwide. Fancy a flight with Singapore Airlines or Swiss Air? Done. Better yet, Aeroplan now allows stopovers on one-way flights for just 5,000 points—a feature many frequent travelers take advantage of to explore multiple destinations on the same trip.
3. British Airways Executive Club
The British Airways Executive Club is built around the Avios currency, which can also be transferred to Aer Lingus and Iberia. Avios is especially valuable for short-haul flights in the U.S. Yes, British Airways for domestic U.S. flights—but only if you book through their partner, American Airlines. For instance, a flight from New York to Miami might cost you as little as 7,500 Avios.
4. Emirates Skywards
If luxury is your game, Emirates Skywards could be your playground. Emirates is known for its luxurious First Class and Business Class cabins, which include access to the famous onboard shower. Though Emirates does impose fuel surcharges on award tickets, the allure of flying in opulence often outweighs the added fees. If you're feeling creative, you can even use your Skywards miles to book flights on partners like Qantas or Korean Air.
5. Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)
One of the most versatile airline programs available through Chase is Flying Blue. Air France and KLM’s joint loyalty program frequently offers promotional fares, where award flights can be booked at up to a 50% discount. Ever dreamed of flying to Europe for just 22,000 points? That’s possible during Flying Blue’s monthly Promo Rewards.
6. Iberia Plus
Iberia Plus, another Avios program, can be a powerful tool for booking transatlantic flights at low point levels. Iberia’s sweet spot lies in its award flights between the U.S. and Madrid, especially in Business Class, where round-trip tickets can cost as little as 68,000 Avios and minimal taxes.
7. JetBlue TrueBlue
JetBlue’s TrueBlue program is unique in that the points required for a flight are tied to the cash price of the ticket. While this limits the opportunity for outsized value, it offers transparency and simplicity. No need to hunt for award availability—if there’s a seat on the flight, you can book it with points.
8. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
Singapore Airlines is often hailed as the epitome of luxury flying. First Class on Singapore Airlines, especially on its Airbus A380, is an experience unto itself, with some of the most spacious seats in the sky. Though award availability for premium cabins can be scarce, the KrisFlyer program is still a top choice for aspirational redemptions, especially for flights to Asia.
9. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Southwest doesn’t charge change or cancellation fees, making it an excellent option for flexible travelers. Since Rapid Rewards points are tied to the cash price of a flight, you won’t find blackout dates or limited award availability. Every seat on every flight is available for booking with points, making Southwest one of the most straightforward loyalty programs.
10. United MileagePlus
As a member of Star Alliance, United offers access to flights on 26 partner airlines, including Lufthansa, ANA, and Air New Zealand. The real magic lies in United’s Excursionist Perk, which allows for a free one-way flight within a single region on a round-trip award ticket.
11. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club is a favorite among savvy travelers. While Virgin Atlantic flights themselves can offer value, the real appeal comes from its partnerships. You can redeem Flying Club miles on Delta Airlines for domestic U.S. flights or ANA for a luxurious trip to Japan in First Class.
12. Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards
Yes, you read that right—Southwest Airlines appears twice, because of its unique positioning as both a budget carrier and a generous loyalty program. While you won’t get a Business Class seat on Southwest, you will get flexibility and a fair return on your points. Notably, with Southwest, every ticket can be booked using points without worrying about seat availability.
13. Emirates Skywards (again)
If you are strategic with timing, Emirates Skywards points can also unlock deals with their seasonal promotions or partner flights. This can be an excellent way to leverage Chase points for luxury or long-haul journeys that otherwise feel out of reach.
14. Aeroplan (again)
While I’ve mentioned Aeroplan earlier, what makes it unique is the ability to book multi-carrier flights within the Star Alliance network, making it easier to get creative with your travel plans. Want to fly from New York to Tokyo with a stopover in Zurich? Aeroplan allows you to piece together such complex itineraries.
At this point, your decision isn’t just which airline to transfer your points to, but rather how creative and flexible you want to be with your travel. Each program offers unique advantages, whether you’re looking for luxury, low point redemptions, or maximizing stopovers and multi-destination routes.
And here's a tip to sweeten the deal: keep an eye on transfer bonuses. Chase frequently offers bonuses of 20-30% when transferring points to select airline programs, stretching your points further. Imagine booking a round-trip flight to Europe with fewer points than you originally thought possible, all because you waited for the right bonus to come along.
The next time you log into your Chase Ultimate Rewards account, don’t just aimlessly transfer points. Instead, look through these options, cross-check availability, and capitalize on the opportunities to make your travel dreams a reality.
So, what's the final destination? It could be a champagne toast in Emirates First Class or a spontaneous island getaway with Southwest. The world is literally at your fingertips—just pick your path.
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