How to Maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for Flights Within North America How to Maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for Flights Within North America

How to Maximize Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for Flights Within North America

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Chase Ultimate Rewards points are some of the most valuable points in the rewards ecosystem thanks to the many sweet spots in its transfer partner program. You can transfer Ultimate Rewards points at a 1:1 transfer ratio to 14 transfer partners (11 airline and three hotel programs). These include well-known programs like United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Hyatt.

But don't overlook Chase's international airline partners — like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. These international programs can be valuable for booking award flights within North America. Let's review all of the best ways to use Chase points for domestic U.S. and short-haul international flights.

If you want to build your balance of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, now's a great time to do so. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is currently offering a big signup bonus of 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee$95
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Our #1 recommended beginners rewards card featuring a 60,000-point signup bonus after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card comes with great benefits and earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027
  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
  • 3X points on eligible streaming services
  • 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
  • 2X points on all other travel
  • 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Meanwhile the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is offering new applicants 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$550
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
  • 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on all other travel
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Before we dive into the sweet spots, here's an overview of all 11 of Chase's airline transfer partners, their transfer times, and which U.S. airlines each partner with. Note that points transfer to all Chase Ultimate Rewards partners at a 1:1 transfer ratio.

Chase Ultimate Rewards Airline Transfer Partners

Chase Airline Transfer Partner...which you can use to book award flights on:Time for Points to Transfer
Aer Lingus AerClub (Avios)(none directly)Instantly
Air Canada AeroplanUnitedInstantly
Air France/KLM Flying BlueDeltaInstantly
British Airways Club (Avios)American, AlaskaInstantly
Emirates SkywardsUnitedInstantly
Club Iberia Plus (Avios)American, AlaskaInstantly
JetBlue TrueBlueJetBlueInstantly
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyerUnited, Alaska1 Day
Southwest Rapid RewardsSouthwestInstantly
United MileagePlusUnitedInstantly
Virgin Atlantic Flying ClubDeltaInstantly
Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to all partners at a ratio of 1:1 in 1,000-point increments

Related: How to Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards Points: A Step-By-Step Guide

The Best Chase Ultimate Rewards Sweet Spots in North America

Southwest award flights from 3,000 points

Southwest has recently implemented variable award redemption pricing for its award flights. Rapid Rewards points used to offer a fixed value that required around 86 points per dollar of the flight's base fare (before taxes and fees). Now, the redemption rate of Southwest Rapid Rewards varies based on flight demand and other factors.

Despite the changes, you can pay a surprisingly low number of Rapid Rewards points for Southwest flights when fares are cheap. For example, flights within Hawaii can be found starting at $60 or just 4,000 points plus $5.60 in taxes and fees:

Southwest calendar award search showing 4,000-point flights
Credit: Southwest

Some routes may be even cheaper, such as this Las Vegas (LAS) to Los Angeles (LAX) flight for just 3,000 points each way:

Screenshot showing Southwest award from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
Credit: Southwest

Despite all the changes on the horizon at Southwest, its award flight prices can be incredibly low in the right circumstances.

Related: How to Avoid Seating and Bag Fees with a Southwest Credit Card

Cheap flights through the Chase Travel portal

The rest of this post focuses on redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards for award sweet spots by transferring to partners. However, it's important to remember that this isn't the only way to book flights with Chase points. Sometimes, the best deal is to buy paid flights through the Chase Travel portal.

The value that you get from your Ultimate Rewards points depends on which card you redeem points through:

When a flight is cheap, you can book it for an incredibly low number of points. For example, Sapphire Reserve cardholders can fly between Las Vegas (LAS) and San Francisco (SFO) for just 4,553 points. Sapphire Preferred and Ink Preferred cardholders will pay 5,464 Ultimate Rewards points:

Booking LAS to SFO through the Chase portal with Sapphire Reserve.
Credit: Chase

JetBlue award flights under 5,000 points

JetBlue utilizes a revenue-based redemption system for flights it operates. However, award prices aren't as formulaic. That means some redemptions are better than others.

For some short-haul flights, you can find great deals using JetBlue TrueBlue points. For example, you can fly from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) for only 3,400 TrueBlue points each way.

Screenshot of JetBllue flight from Ft Lauderdale to Cancun for 3,400 points
Credit: JetBlue

It's even possible to fly across the country — from Boston (BOS) to San Francisco (SFO) for only 8,000 points one-way.

Screenshot of Boston to San Francisco for 8,000 points.
Credit: JetBlue

United award flights from 5,000 points

Chase cardholders can use Ultimate Rewards to book United award flights through a few programs. However, after recent changes, the first place to check is United itself.

United has transitioned to a dynamic award pricing system where the price of an award is loosely based on demand. And you can book some routes for as few as 5,000 United MileagePlus miles — such as Chicago (ORD) to Pittsburgh (PIT):

United award flight from Chicago to Pittsburgh for 5,000 United miles
Credit: United

Longer flights can be booked for a reasonable number of miles also — like this Houston (IAH) to Mexico City (MEX) flight starting at 7,300 United miles.

Houston to Mexico City for 7,300 United miles.
Credit: United

Unfortunately, these short-distance United award flights used to be readily available at even better prices when booked through Air Canada Aeroplan. However, Air Canada's recent award chart adjustment for United-flown flights made these prices dynamic — and not as enticing.

Related: Do Chase Ultimate Rewards Points Expire?

Delta award flights from 7,500 points

The best way to book Delta award flights using Chase Ultimate Rewards points is through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Virgin uses a distance-based award chart for Delta awards (except those to/from mainland Europe) at the following rates:

  • 0-500 miles: 7,500 points
  • 501-1,000 miles: 11,000 points
  • 1,001-1,500 miles: 16,500 points
  • 1,501-2,000 miles: 18,500 points

In addition to short-haul flights within the U.S., you can use this award chart to fly to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, or Mexico for cheap. For example, you can fly from Atlanta (ATL) to Nassau (NAS) for 11,000 Virgin points:

Virgin Atlantic ATL-NAS 11,000 Virgin points
Credit: Virgin Atlantic

The same flight is also bookable with fellow Skyteam member Air France. In this case, only 9,500 Flying Blue miles will get you this flight to the Bahamas. The fees are slightly higher at $34.

Atlanta to Nassau for 9,500 Flying Blue miles.
Credit: Flying Blue

Booking directly through Delta would be 28,000 SkyMiles in main cabin!

Booking Atlanta- Nassau directly with Delta.
Credit: Delta

It should be noted, however, that Virgin Atlantic charges for each segment you fly. For instance, adding a flight from Charlotte (CLT) to Atlanta, then Nassau in our above example, still covers less than 1,000 miles in distance. But Virgin prices CLT-ATL and ATL-NAS as two separate awards. That means you'll have to pay 18,500 Virgin points each way:

Virgin Atlantic award example from Charlotte to Nassau.
Credit: Virgin Atlantic

For these connecting flights, you may be better off booking a paid flight through the Chase Travel portal. The non-stop options will work best from Delta's hub airports.

When comparing all these Skyteam partners, factors besides cost — like cancellation policies and potential transfer bonuses — could help determine the best program to book through.

Alaska award flights from 7,500 points

Alaska has a unique non-alliance partnership with Singapore KrisFlyer. And, after recent devaluations to Avios award charts, KrisFlyer is now the best way to book Alaska awards. Rather than using a distance-based award chart, Singapore splits the U.S. into five regions for Alaska Airlines award flights.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer award chart for Alaska award flights
Credit: Singapore Airlines

Awards between certain regions start at just 7,500 KrisFlyer miles each way — such as flights between Arizona or New Mexico and Canada. The downside with this sweet spot is that you'll need to call Singapore KrisFlyer to book these awards. You can see which destinations fall into each of the five regions here (caution: PDF link).

You can use the British Airways award chart to book nonstop Alaska award flights up to 650 miles in distance for 12,000 Avios, or flights between 651 and 1,151 miles in distance for 16,000 Avios. This can be handy for flights such as Seattle (SEA) to Juneau (JNU):

Alaska Airlines award from SEA to JNU bookable through British Airways.
Credit: British Airways

Award flights to Hawaii from 8,313 points

If you're looking to visit Hawaii, Chase Ultimate Rewards points offer plenty of options. Southwest is potentially the best option. If you're able to find a cheap enough cash flight, you can book Southwest award flights to Hawaii with just 8,313 Rapid Rewards points:

Southwest award example from San Jose to Maui Hawaii for 8,313 Southwest Rapid Rewards points
Credit: Southwest

Alternatively, United Airlines flies extensively to Hawaii. It will be worthwhile to compare United to other Chase Star Alliance transfer partners, like Air Canada Aeroplan. Air Canada has added United to their list of partners with a dynamic award chart, so the award price will vary.

In this case, this United flight is cheapest through Air Canada, at 15,000 miles

United award flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu from 15,000 Air Canada miles.
Credit: Air Canada Aeroplan

Consider booking American and Alaska award flights to Hawaii through British Airways. Nonstop award flights up to 3,000 miles in distance cost 20,000 Avios each way. That covers Alaska and American award flights to Hawaii from the U.S. West Coast and as far inland as Phoenix (PHX):

American Airlines award from HNL- PHX bookable through British Airways.
Credit: British Airways

This gives travelers several options to use Chase Ultimate Rewards to get to Hawaii, helping save money on an otherwise expensive vacation.

Related: The Best Points and Miles for Free Flights to Hawaii

American award flights from 12,000 points

Despite several recent devaluations, the best way to use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for flights on American Airlines is by booking through British Airways Club. Nonstop American Airlines flights up to 650 miles in distance cost 12,000 Avios each way. If you can't find better rates elsewhere, this is a good option to keep in your back pocket.

For example, you can fly from Dallas (DFW) to Denver, Colorado (DEN) for just 12,000 Avios one-way in economy, or 24,000 Avios in domestic first class:

American Airlines award from DFW to DEN bookable through British Airways.
Credit: British Airways

While domestic U.S. award might not provide the best redemption rate, you can also fly internationally using the same distance-based award chart. For example, fly between Miami (MIA) and Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) for 12,000 Avios each way in economy or 24,000 Avios each way in first class:

American Airlines award from MIA to MBJ bookable through British Airways.
Credit: British Airways

Nonstop award flights between 2,001 and 3,000 miles in distance cost a bit more at 20,000 Avios each way, which could cover flights between Charlotte (CLT) and Los Angeles (LAX). It's a solid option to get across the country if you can't find cheaper rates elsewhere. Like Virgin Atlantic, British Airways prices awards per segment, so finding non-stop American flights will be your best bet.

AA itinerary bookable through British Airways.
Credit: British Airways

Bottom Line

When considering how to redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it's natural to default to the most well-known airline programs: United, Southwest, and JetBlue. However, don't overlook Chase's other airline partners. Otherwise, you may miss out on an even cheaper way to book the same award.

Hopefully, this list of Chase Ultimate Rewards sweet spots helps inspire you on how to maximize your points. And, if you need to build up your balance of Ultimate Rewards points, don't forget that the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is offering an amazing 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Annual Fee$95
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Our #1 recommended beginners rewards card featuring a 60,000-point signup bonus after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This card comes with great benefits and earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
  • Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
  • 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 5X points on Lyft rides through September 2027
  • 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants worldwide
  • 3X points on eligible streaming services
  • 3X points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)
  • 2X points on all other travel
  • 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases

Or, if you're looking for even more extensive travel benefits, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® is offering 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Annual Fee$550
Welcome Bonus Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Chase's flagship Ultimate Rewards card. You get a $300 travel credit, airport lounge access courtesy of a Priority Pass membership and industry-leading travel insurance benefits. New cardholders earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
  • Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
  • 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
  • Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
  • Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
  • Member FDIC
  • Rates & Fees
  • 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 10X points on Chase Dining (including prepaid reservations and prepaid takeout purchased through Chase)
  • 5X points on airfare purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3X points on all other travel
  • 3X points on dining at restaurants
  • 1X points on all other purchases

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (Rates & Fees), Chase Sapphire Reserve® (Rates & Fees), and Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Rates & Fees)

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