Unlocking the Value of Amex and Chase Points
Strategic Redemption for Smarter Travel
In the world of travel rewards, Amex Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards points stand out as two of the most versatile currencies. These points can be redeemed for a variety of travel options, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and even cruises. However, one of the most valuable ways to utilize these points is by transferring them to airline partners.
The Power of Airline Partnerships
Amex and Chase have partnered with numerous airlines, allowing you to convert your points into airline miles. This can be particularly advantageous for redeeming first-class and business class flights, as the point value often translates to a higher redemption rate compared to booking directly through the airline.
Choosing the Right Airline Partner
The key to maximizing your point value lies in selecting the right airline partner. Each airline has its own award chart, which determines the number of miles required for specific flights and cabin classes. Some partners offer sweet spots, where you can redeem a relatively low number of points for valuable awards.
Optimizing Your Redemption Strategy
This is easier said than done, but once you find which flight you want to take, try to evaluate the different options to book it. Let’s look at the three ways to book a 1-week round trip flight from NYC to LA on United.
Illustrative Example - Domestic Flights
There are three ways I want to price my Domestic flight from NYC to LA:
Purchase with Cash on United
Purchase with points in the Chase travel portal
Purchase with United points transferred from the Chase travel portal
Takeaways: Transferring your chase points to United saved you almost 10,000 miles!
The flight costs $395.79 if purchased with cash
The flight costs 40,000 points when booked using Chase points in the travel portal
The flight costs 30,000 miles when transferring chase points to United and booking via United
Illustrative Example - International Business Class
The best example of why you should never use your points to purchase flights in your Amex or Chase travel portal is evident when looking at international business class fares. Lets take a look at NYC to Paris on Air France’s business class.
Purchase with Cash on Air France
$5,187
Purchase with points in the Amex Travel Portal
521,030 points (!!!)
Purchase with KLM/Air France Miles via Amex TransferPurchase with KLM/Air France Miles via Amex Transfer
50,000 Miles + $230.00
Key Takeaways:
Tips to remember when booking award travel:
Identify Sweet Spot Partners: Research the award charts of your preferred airlines to uncover sweet spot opportunities.
Be Flexible with Dates: Consider off-season or shoulder season travel to maximize award availability and point value.
Monitor Award Availability: Regularly check for award availability on your desired routes and dates.
Book Early: Award seats tend to fill up quickly, so book your flights as soon as possible.
By strategically transferring your Amex or Chase points to airline partners, you can unlock a world of travel possibilities, experiencing the comfort and convenience of premium cabin travel while maximizing the value of your hard-earned rewards. Remember, a bit of research and planning can go a long way in maximizing your point redemption and transforming your travel dreams into reality.
