{"id":103928,"date":"2025-09-22T18:10:01","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T18:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=103928"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:23:51","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:23:51","slug":"best-award-bookings-for-families","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/airlines\/best-award-bookings-for-families\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Airline Sweet Spots for Families: How To Stretch Points When Booking 3+ Seats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Most points and miles strategies, advice, and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/award-program-sweet-spots\/\" rel=\"noopener\">sweet spots<\/a> are written with solo travelers or couples in mind. But what happens when you\u2019re booking for a family of three, four, or more? Now, you\u2019re juggling higher mileage requirements, multiple seats to find on the same flight, and kids\u2019 schedules that rarely line up with the cheapest dates.<\/p>\n<p>The good news is there are airline programs that make family redemptions much easier \u2014 and sometimes even with award discounts for kids. From family pooling options to programs with generous award space, you can stretch your miles further than you might think.<\/p>\n<p>In this guide, we\u2019ll highlight practical airline sweet spots for families, including ways to pool points, score discounted award tickets for kids, and book multiple seats without breaking your mileage balance.<\/p>\n<div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#Air_FranceKLM_Flying_Blue\">Air France\/KLM Flying Blue<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Create_a_Flying_Blue_family_account\">Create a Flying Blue family account<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Flying_Blue_sweet_spots_for_families\">Flying Blue sweet spots for families<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_earn_Flying_Blue_miles\">How to earn Flying Blue miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Southwest_Airlines\">Southwest Airlines<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Save_on_travel_with_a_Southwest_Companion_Pass\">Save on travel with a Southwest Companion Pass<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Rapid_Rewards_sweet_spots_for_families\">Rapid Rewards sweet spots for families<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_earn_Southwest_Rapid_Rewards_points\">How to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Airlines\">United Airlines<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#United_often_has_great_award_availability\">United often has great award availability<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Mileage_Plus_sweet_spots_for_families\">Mileage Plus sweet spots for families<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#How_to_earn_United_Mileage_Plus_miles\">How to earn United Mileage Plus miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#American_Airlines\">American Airlines<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#American_Airlines_sweet_spots\">American Airlines sweet spots<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Earning_American_Airlines_miles\">Earning American Airlines miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Air_Canada_Aeroplan\">Air Canada Aeroplan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Wrapping_Up\">Wrapping Up<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Air_FranceKLM_Flying_Blue\">Air France\/KLM Flying Blue<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Flying Blue<\/a>, the reward program for both Air France and KLM, is an amazing option for families and has several ongoing <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/best-award-flights\/\" rel=\"noopener\">sweet spots<\/a> on top of its <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/promo-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">monthly Promo Rewards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Create_a_Flying_Blue_family_account\">Create a Flying Blue family account<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the biggest benefits of the Flying Blue program is that it allows you to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/flying-blue\/family-pooling\/\" rel=\"noopener\">create a family account<\/a> with two adults and up to six children. Anyone over the age of 18 can be the leader, and this person is responsible for the account.<\/p>\n<p>The family account allows family members to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/family-points-pooling\/\" rel=\"noopener\">pool points<\/a>, ensuring small amounts of points don't get stuck in a child's account. In addition, it simplifies booking flights since everyone's personal information is already stored in the account.<\/p>\n<p>To set up a family account, you first need to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/login.flyingblue.com\/enrol\/flyingblue\" rel=\"noopener\">create a loyalty account<\/a> for each member of your family. Once everyone has their own account, the family leader will log on and go to the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/wwws.airfrance.us\/profile\/flying-blue\/family\" rel=\"noopener\">Flying Blue Family page<\/a>. From here, you will add each family member by entering their names and Flying Blue numbers. They will receive an invitation and must accept it to complete the process.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_79600\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/343\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-79600 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Flying-Blue-Family-create-300x137.jpg\" alt=\"setting up a Flying Blue Family account\" width=\"750\" height=\"343\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Flying-Blue-Family-create-300x137.jpg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Flying-Blue-Family-create-1024x468.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Flying-Blue-Family-create-1536x702.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Flying-Blue-Family-create.jpg 1542w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Flying Blue<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/which-programs-allow-free-points-sharing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Which Rewards Programs Allow You to Combine Points and Miles for Free?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Flying_Blue_sweet_spots_for_families\">Flying Blue sweet spots for families<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another thing we love about Flying Blue is the ability to find awards for very few points. Generally, you can find good availability for flights from most major airports in the U.S. to Europe for 25,000 miles one-way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221137\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/156\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221137 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.43.08-PM-300x62.png\" alt=\"Screenshot from Air France showing 25k miles one way from LAX to CDG\" width=\"750\" height=\"156\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.43.08-PM-300x62.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.43.08-PM-1024x213.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.43.08-PM-768x159.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.43.08-PM-1536x319.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.43.08-PM.png 1744w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Air France<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Not only are these low points requirements for flights, but award tickets are 25% off for kids aged 2\u201311. This means a family of four could fly from the U.S. to Europe for just 87,500 miles each way!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221138\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/324\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221138 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.45.48-PM-300x129.png\" alt=\"Air France checkout process showing flights from JFK to CDG for a family of four costing 87,500 points\" width=\"750\" height=\"324\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.45.48-PM-300x129.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.45.48-PM-1024x442.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.45.48-PM-768x331.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.45.48-PM.png 1530w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Air France<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>The easiest way to find these low-priced dates is to use the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/award-calendar\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Flying Blue calendar search<\/a> function, which can only be accessed on the website, not the app.<\/p>\n<p>To make this sweet spot even better, book a route that's part of Flying Blue's <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/promo-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">current Promo Rewards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"How_to_earn_Flying_Blue_miles\">How to earn Flying Blue miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Thankfully, Flying Blue miles are pretty easy to come by because it's a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">transfer partner with almost every major credit card points system out there<\/a>,\u00a0plus Marriott Bonvoy. Here are your options:<\/p>\n<div class=\"transfer-times\"><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-head tt-from\">From<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-to\">To<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-ratio\">Transfer Ratio<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-mintransfer\">Min.Transfer<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-avg\">Average Time<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex (Membership Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">100:100<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase (Ultimate Rewards)<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/citi-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Citibank (ThankYou Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Barclaycard<div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">7,000:5,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/brex-rewards-guide\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Brex Cash<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">3:2<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">500<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>HSBC Rewards<div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,250:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Revolut (RevPoints)<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1:1<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/wells-fargo-rewards\/transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Wells Fargo (Go Far Rewards)<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/flying-blue-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Air France (Flying Blue)<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1:1<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Additionally, U.S.-based travelers can apply for the Air France KLM Visa Signature<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card to boost their stash of Flying Blue miles.<\/p>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"17\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Air France KLM Visa Signature<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/CardArt-AirFranceKLMVisaSignature.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Air France KLM Visa Signature\u00ae Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited-time Offer<\/strong> Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 100 XP after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Air France KLM Visa Signature<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Limited-time Offer<\/strong> Earn 70,000 bonus miles and 100 XP after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$89<\/b><\/div>\n                    \n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/AirFranceMC\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-307b22a62b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/flying-blue\/do-flying-blue-miles-expire\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Do Air France\u2013KLM Flying Blue Miles Expire?<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Southwest_Airlines\">Southwest Airlines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Southwest Airlines has made some major changes recently, from taking away free bags to moving toward <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-seat-selection\/\" rel=\"noopener\">assigned seats<\/a>. There's a lot going on and a whole new system to learn. Thankfully, we have you covered with <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">how to navigate the changes<\/a>. Even with these new systems in place, Southwest remains a family-friendly airline with great deals to be found.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Save_on_travel_with_a_Southwest_Companion_Pass\">Save on travel with a Southwest Companion Pass<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The most notable factor that makes <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest Airlines<\/a> a worthwhile option for families is its Companion Pass. You can <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/how-to-earn-southwest-companion-pass\/\" rel=\"noopener\">earn the Companion Pass<\/a> by flying 100 flight segments or earning 135,000 points in a calendar year. The simplest way to earn those points is through <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/increased-southwest-card-offers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">welcome offers on Southwest credit cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Once you earn the pass, you can fly a companion for free (plus taxes and fees) on any ticket you book, as many times as you want, for the rest of the year and the entire following year. For example, if you earn the pass in September 2025, it's valid through the end of 2026.<\/p>\n<p>This is great for families because each parent could potentially earn the Companion Pass and then bring a child as their companion. It's like a &#8220;buy one, get one free&#8221; deal for every flight you take, including award flights.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Rapid_Rewards_sweet_spots_for_families\">Rapid Rewards sweet spots for families<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>The <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Southwest Rapid Rewards program<\/a> tends to have some great options for low-cost points redemptions. For example, you can fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) from only 9,500 points per person one-way. For a family of four, this comes out to just 38,000 points each way. If you have one or two Companion Passes, this cost is even lower.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221139\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/405\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221139 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.58.03-PM-300x162.png\" alt=\"Southwest points pricing for a flight from Los Angeles to Honolulu\" width=\"750\" height=\"405\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.58.03-PM-300x162.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.58.03-PM-1024x552.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.58.03-PM-768x414.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.58.03-PM-1536x828.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-2.58.03-PM.png 1906w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Here's another example: You could fly from Chicago-Midway (MDW) to Cancun, Mexico (CUN) to escape the cold winter weather for just 9,000 points per person per way. For a family of four, this is only 36,000 points each way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221140\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/468\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221140 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.04.11-PM-300x187.png\" alt=\"an airline sweet spot for families is using Southwest points between Chicago and Cancun, like this screenshot from Southwest for its award pricing\" width=\"750\" height=\"468\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.04.11-PM-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.04.11-PM-1024x639.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.04.11-PM-768x479.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.04.11-PM-1536x958.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-05-at-3.04.11-PM.png 1898w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Another thing we love about Southwest is its Low Fare Calendar, which lets you see a whole month at a time. This helps narrow down which days have the cheapest flights on points, helping families find sweet spots on dates that work for them.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221210\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/380\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221210 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-12.23.58-PM-300x152.png\" alt=\"southwest low fare calendar search from DAL to DEN\" width=\"750\" height=\"380\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-12.23.58-PM-300x152.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-12.23.58-PM-1024x519.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-12.23.58-PM-768x390.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-12.23.58-PM-1536x779.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-06-at-12.23.58-PM.png 1916w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Southwest<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Furthermore, if Southwest runs a sale and the price of your ticket goes down, you can <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/award-ticket-change-and-cancellation-policies\/\" rel=\"noopener\">change your ticket<\/a> to the new price and get the extra points or cash refunded, as long as you didn't originally book a basic fare. If you did, you can cancel your ticket and rebook it at the lower price.<\/p>\n<p>One thing to note for families flying Southwest: There are currently no reserved seats. You will get a boarding group when you check in 24 hours before your flight. When your boarding group is called, you will board the plane and find empty seats.<\/p>\n<p>This can be a bit nerve-wracking for families, however, they allow those with children six and under to board after the A group, before the B group. I've also had success asking a gate agent if we can board with family boarding even though my youngest is eight. It doesn't hurt to ask!<\/p>\n<p>All of that to say, changes are coming for flights on or after <strong>January 27th, 2026<\/strong>. If you book a flight on or after that day, Southwest will no longer have open seating and will instead assign seats. The cost and timing of choosing your seats depend on the ticket type you book and whether you're a Southwest cardholder.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"How_to_earn_Southwest_Rapid_Rewards_points\">How to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can earn Southwest points in several ways:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Open a <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/southwest-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">co-branded Southwest credit card<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/transfer-chase-points-to-southwest\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Transfer Ultimate Rewards from Chase to Southwest<\/a> at a 1:1 ratio (<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/mile-transfer-times\" rel=\"noopener\">most transfers are immediate<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li>Fly on Southwest.<\/li>\n<li><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/southwest-rapid-rewards\/buy-southwest-points\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Buy Southwest points<\/a>, although we would only recommend doing this if there's a bonus.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"520080\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/93\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/CardArt-SouthwestRapidRewardsPlusCreditCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae Plus Credit Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae Plus Credit Card' data-ccid=\"520080\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/SouthwestRapidRewardsPlusCreditCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"520080\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005150&type=3&u1=3a0fa3c946649f667ddb85a8861b4694&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$99<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Southwest Rapid Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card is the most cost-effective option for enjoying Southwest benefits. Cardholders receive 25% back on inflight purchases, and a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points annually, all at a lower annual fee compared to other Southwest-branded cards. The card offers 3,000 anniversary points, and 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ??>\n<html><body><ul><li>Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/li><li>3,000 anniversary points each year.<\/li><li>Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines&#xAE; purchases<\/li><li>Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year<\/li><li>Cardmembers and up to 8 additional passengers in the same reservation can check their first bag at no additional cost.<\/li><li>Select a Standard seat within 48 hours prior to departure, when available.<\/li><li>Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.<\/li><li>No foreign transaction fees.<\/li><li>Member FDIC<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>2X points per $1 spent on Southwest<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases<\/li>\r\n<li>2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year<\/li>\r\n<li>1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/SWPlus\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-307b22a62b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Airlines\">United Airlines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>United Airlines has a massive domestic and international flight network. Because of this, it's a great option for families looking for <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/best-way-to-use-united-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">award sweet spots<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 both domestic and international.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"United_often_has_great_award_availability\">United often has great award availability<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One of the hardest things about booking award travel for families is finding availability. When looking for award seats, you'll find that they can be limited on each flight. Finding four, five, or more seats can be challenging. Thankfully, this isn't usually the case with United. Because there are so many flights to so many locations, award availability is typically good, especially in economy. This makes it a solid family sweet spot.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, signing up for a United credit card\u00a0can <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-card-award-space\/\" rel=\"noopener\">unlock\u00a0even more award space<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Mileage_Plus_sweet_spots_for_families\">Mileage Plus sweet spots for families<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>United is not always the cheapest when it comes to bookings with miles, but it does have some good sweet spots for families that know where to look. United's award flights are based on dynamic pricing, meaning most routes don't have set prices. Prices can vary day to day, depending on demand and availability. However, some pricing patterns can often be found, like 15,000 miles one-way for domestic U.S. flights or 40,000 miles one-way for flights from the U.S. to Europe.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, United lets you search using a 30-day calendar, which makes it easier to find the best deals.<\/p>\n<p>For example, look at this calendar showing prices from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO). Prices are either 20.3k or 15k. This chart can help you choose the lowest-priced days, saving you thousands of points when booking for a family.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221551\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/468\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221551 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-10.55.46-AM-300x187.png\" alt=\"United award calendar.\" width=\"750\" height=\"468\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-10.55.46-AM-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-10.55.46-AM-1024x639.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-10.55.46-AM-768x479.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-10.55.46-AM.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Take a look at this example for flights from Newark (EWR) to Rome (FCO) in April 2026. Prices are all over the place, with many being the &#8220;standard&#8221; 40k, while some are higher and some are lower. There are even four days with the low price of just 27.3k. The award calendar is key for finding those cheaper dates.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221552\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/469\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221552 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.07.42-AM-300x187.png\" alt=\"United award calendar with a white background and prices in black and green\" width=\"750\" height=\"469\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.07.42-AM-300x187.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.07.42-AM-1024x640.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.07.42-AM-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.07.42-AM-1536x960.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.07.42-AM.png 1540w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: United<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>In these examples, you'll notice that the lowest price is green. This is what you are looking for, as it indicates that this route has the lowest rate on that particular date. Additionally, the cheapest flights (saver awards) may be available to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/airline-alliances-and-partnerships\/\" rel=\"noopener\">book with a partner airline<\/a>, potentially requiring fewer miles but a bit more effort.<\/p>\n<p>United's redemptions may be higher than airlines like Air France\u2013KLM and Southwest. However, there is a lot of value in how broad United's availability can be, creating sweet spots for families who need reliability when planning around school schedules.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/find-airline-partner-award-availability\/\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Find Airline Partner Award Availability<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"How_to_earn_United_Mileage_Plus_miles\">How to earn United Mileage Plus miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>You can earn United miles in many ways, and then you can <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/united-miles-pooling\/\" rel=\"noopener\">pool United miles with other family members<\/a>. First, you can open a United credit card. There are four personal cards and two business cards open to new applicants.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048226\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedGatewayCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Gateway\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048226\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005123&type=3&u1=6cdb818dfb74042ee512b0770e254239&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=ad7c540620d1998b793b133bbec547da&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedQuestCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=6bb5301ea12bcd15c2201f856a7a97de&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedClubInfinite\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005115&type=3&u1=5d412a530d4df03e762ed6a0a3c366a6&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048193\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedBusinessCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United\u2120 Business Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048193\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005111&type=3&u1=47faa444340df7af4b19c7ac79b0b846&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>)<\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedMileagePlusClubBusinessCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">United Club\u2120 Business Card<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Each of these cards has its own earning potential, benefits, and perks. To learn more about which card may be the best fit for you, check out <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/united-mileageplus\/united-credit-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">our comparison of United credit cards<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-chase\"><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/ff6d0beb-04a7-4cc5-9bf4-50bc3f5e5883.png\" alt=\"United\u2120 Explorer Card\" width=\"150\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United\u2120 Explorer Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 80,000 bonus miles after qualifying activities<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United\u2120 Explorer Card' data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedExplorerCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048117\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005119&type=3&u1=ad7c540620d1998b793b133bbec547da&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>3X miles per $1 spent on purchases from United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>*<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on dining and hotel stays when booked with the hotel<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*9X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/4a0f5eb9-f9b0-42ec-86be-4f4cf1af0205.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"United Quest\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United Quest\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles and 3,000 Premier qualifying points after qualifying activities<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United Quest\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedQuestCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$350<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048245\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005127&type=3&u1=6bb5301ea12bcd15c2201f856a7a97de&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--5\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Good, Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>4X miled per $1 spent on United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases*<\/li>\r\n<li>5X miles per $1 spent at Renowned Hotels and Resorts<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent at restaurants<\/li>\r\n<li>2X miles per $1 spent on select streaming services<\/li>\r\n<li>1X mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*10X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-card\"><div class=\"compare-pre\"><div class=\"compare-image\"><div><img src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/450a0407-44c5-45f1-a335-068eefc6cb45.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"United Club\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">United Club\u2120 Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Limited Time Offer<\/strong> Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 3,000 PQP after qualifying activities <\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='United Club\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/UnitedClubInfinite\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$695<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4048196\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005115&type=3&u1=5d412a530d4df03e762ed6a0a3c366a6&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div><div class=\"compare-rating compare-rating--6\"><strong>Credit Score<\/strong><p>Excellent<\/p><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-earning\"><ul>\r\n<li>Earn 5 miles per $1 spent on United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> purchases*<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on all other travel<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on dining<\/li>\r\n<li> Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n*11X total miles per $1 spent on eligible United<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> flights<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<p>United is one of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase Ultimate Rewards' transfer partners<\/a>, which means you can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio (and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/mile-transfer-times\" rel=\"noopener\">most transfers are immediate<\/a>). Or, earn miles by flying on United or one of its <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/ual\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus\/earn-miles\/airline-partners.html\" rel=\"noopener\">partner airlines<\/a>. Finally, you can earn more miles by <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/shopping.mileageplus.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">shopping<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/dining.mileageplus.com\/\" rel=\"noopener\">dining<\/a>, or <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.united.com\/ual\/en\/us\/fly\/mileageplus\/earn-miles\/car-rental-partners.html\" rel=\"noopener\">booking travel<\/a> through United.<\/p>\n<p>You can get details about all of these options and more in our <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/united-mileageplus\/\" rel=\"noopener\">complete guide to United Mileage Plus<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"American_Airlines\">American Airlines<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>American Airlines is a family sweet spot for a variety of reasons. First, like United, it has a huge flight network with nearly 7,000 flights per day to 350 destinations in more than 50 countries. Second, it tends to have a lot of award availability, making it easy to book four or more tickets with <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/earn-american-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Airlines miles<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, AA frequently <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/american-aadvantage\/award-sale\/\" rel=\"noopener\">runs sales<\/a> where you can find flights for as low as 5,000 miles each way. Even when they're not running sales, you can find some really great deals, especially if you book <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/american-aadvantage\/round-trip-award-discount\/\" rel=\"noopener\">round-trip flights<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Lastly, American Airlines doesn't <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/avoid-surcharges-award-flights\/\" rel=\"noopener\">pass on fuel surcharges<\/a> for the majority of its flights; the exception being partner flights with British Airways and Iberia. This means that most of the time, when booking American Airlines award flights, the taxes and fees are just $5.60. This can save you hundreds of dollars across multiple tickets compared to booking with a different airline that does pass on fuel surcharges.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/how-to-use-american-airlines-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Advanced Tips for Booking AAdvantage Awards<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"American_Airlines_sweet_spots\">American Airlines sweet spots<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>American Airlines uses <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/travel\/what-is-dynamic-pricing\/\" rel=\"noopener\">dynamic pricing<\/a>, which means that prices vary from day to day and route to route. However, there are some great <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/best-ways-to-use-american-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">American Airlines sweet spots<\/a> to be found.<\/p>\n<p>Short-haul domestic flights are as low as 6,000 AA miles per way. American Airlines has an award calendar that lets you see the lowest prices (in green) for a month at a time. In this example, you can see that a flight from Philadelphia (PHL) to Nashville (BNA) starts at just 6,000 AAdvantage miles each way.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221553\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/549\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221553 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.42.22-AM-300x220.png\" alt=\"American Airlines award chart with a white background and green and black text\" width=\"750\" height=\"549\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.42.22-AM-300x220.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.42.22-AM-1024x750.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.42.22-AM-768x562.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.42.22-AM-1536x1125.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-11.42.22-AM.png 1830w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: American Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Flights to Japan are another sweet spot with the AAdvantage program, starting at 35,000 miles each way. I recently booked my family of six from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (HND) for a total of 210,000 AA miles and just $33.60 in taxes and fees.<\/p>\n<p>Here's a peek at the award calendar for that route in April 2026. As you can see, there's a good amount of availability for the low 35k price point.<\/p>\n<p>Pro tip: generally speaking, the earlier you book, the better chances you have to secure lower prices and plenty of award availability.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_221555\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/559\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-221555 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM-300x223.png\" alt=\"American Airlines award calendar from LAX to HND with white background and green and black writing\" width=\"750\" height=\"559\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM-300x223.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM-1024x763.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM-768x572.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM-1536x1144.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM-276x207.png 276w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-12.04.16-PM.png 1796w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: American Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Earning_American_Airlines_miles\">Earning American Airlines miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>American Airlines miles <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/earn-american-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">can be earned<\/a> by flying on American or its partners, opening <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/american-airlines-credit-card\/\" rel=\"noopener\">co-branded credit cards<\/a>, transferring from Citi, booking rental cars, shopping online through <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/aa-shopping\/\" rel=\"noopener\">AAdvantage eShopping<\/a>, and dining with the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/american-aadvantage\/aadvantage-dining\/\" rel=\"noopener\">AAdvantage Dining Program<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>There are six co-branded AAdvantage cards: four from Citi and two from Barclays. All six are currently open to new applicants. However, starting in 2026, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/credit-cards\/citi-sole-issuer-aadvantage-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Citi will be the only issuer of AAdvantage cards<\/a>, so that's something to keep in mind.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the card options open to new applicants:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"3004018\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/citi-aadvantage-platinum-select\/\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum Select<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"3004054\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/citi-aadvantage-executive\/\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Executive World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"4048125\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/mileup-card\/\">American Airlines AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> MileUp<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"3004019\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/american-airlines-business-credit-card\/\">Citi<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage Business\u2122 World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a data-ccid=\"3\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/american-aadvantage\/aviator-red-mastercard\/\" =_blank>AAdvantage<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Aviator<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Red World Elite Mastercard<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As part of Citi and American Airlines' expanded partnership, you can now <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/citi-thankyou-rewards\/transfer-citi-points-american-airlines\/\" rel=\"noopener\">transfer Citi ThankYou<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points to American Airlines<\/a>. For many years, American Airlines did not have any bank transfer partners, so this is an exciting development. It opens up more ways to earn valuable AA miles by opening cards that earn Citi ThankYou points, such as the <a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CitiStrataElite?var2=ccid~242\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=a3pDkecFgAg&offerid=1978593.4347&type=3&subid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>) or <a data-ccid=\"520083\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-CitiPremierCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Citi Strata Premier<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"520083\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=a3pDkecFgAg&offerid=1978593.4328&type=3&subid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>).<\/p>\n<div class=\"qs-card\" data-id=\"242\">\n            <div class=\"qs-data\">\n                <div class=\"qs-view\">\n                    <div class=\"qs-cardname\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-image\"><img data-aspectratio=\"150\/95\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/CardArt-CitiStrataEliteCard.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-apply-now\" title='Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card' data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CitiStrataElite?var2=ccid~242\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Apply Now<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-rates\"><span class=\"qs-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"242\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=a3pDkecFgAg&offerid=1978593.4347&type=3&subid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"qs-info\">\n                    <strong class=\"qs-cardname\">Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card<\/strong>\n                    <div class=\"qs-offer\"><strong>Welcome Bonus<\/strong> Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening. <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee:<\/strong><b>$595<\/b><\/div>\n                    <div class=\"qs-tabs\"><a class=\"qs-more\" href=\"#more\">Show more<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"wwl\">Why We Like It<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"hl\">Highlights<\/a><a href=\"\" data-tab=\"er\">Earning Rates<\/a><div class=\"qs-tab-wwl\">The Citi Strata Elite\u2120 Card is Citi's premier rewards card, delivering top-tier travel and dining rewards and standout perks like a $300 annual hotel credit and no foreign transaction fees. From Friday night dinners to weekend getaways, the elevated earnings on hotels, air travel, and CitiNights\u2120 purchases make this a powerhouse option for frequent travelers looking to maximize every dollar spent.<\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-hl\"><ul><li>Earn 75,000 bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.<\/li><li>Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com and 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com<\/li><li>Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights\u2120 purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time<\/li><li>Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases<\/li><li>Up to $300 Annual Hotel Benefit: Each calendar year, enjoy up to $300 off a hotel stay of two nights or more when booked through cititravel.com.<\/li><li>No Foreign Transaction Fees<\/ul><\/div><div class=\"qs-tab-er\"><ul>\r\n<li>12X \u2013 Earn 12 Points per $1 spent on Hotels, Car Rentals, and Attractions booked on cititravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>6X \u2013 Earn 6 Points per $1 spent on Air Travel booked on cititravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>6X \u2013 Earn 6 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants including Restaurant Delivery Services on CitiNights\u2120 purchases, every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 6 AM ET. Earn 3 Points per $1 spent any other time.<\/li>\r\n<li>1.5X \u2013 Earn 1.5 Points per $1 spent on All Other Purchases.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <a class=\"qs-share\" href=\"\/find-a-card\/CitiStrataElite\/\" title=\"copy\"><svg width=\"12\" height=\"16\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 16\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><use href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/awardwallet\/public\/builds\/icon\/icon-sprite.svg?v2026-4-307b22a62b#share-square\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/use><\/svg><\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<p>This means that you have nine card options in total for earning a mountain of AA miles, along with all of the other ways we listed above.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Air_Canada_Aeroplan\">Air Canada Aeroplan<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/air-canada-aeroplan\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Air Canada Aeroplan<\/a> is a sneaky good program if you\u2019re traveling with a young family, specifically with children under two. That\u2019s because Aeroplan has one of the most generous lap infant policies of any major airline loyalty program.<\/p>\n<p>On award bookings, no matter where you\u2019re flying or which partner airline you\u2019re on, it costs just <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aircanada.com\/ca\/en\/aco\/home\/aeroplan\/legal\/aeroplan-flight-reward-policy.html#\/home:\" rel=\"noopener\">2,500 Aeroplan points (or $25 CAD)<\/a> to add a lap infant to your reservation.<\/p>\n<p>Compared to airlines that charge 10% of the cash fare or another steep amount, even on award tickets, this policy almost feels too good to be true. Whether you\u2019re flying United from San Francisco to Singapore, or Turkish Airlines from Detroit all the way to the Greek isles via Istanbul, the cost to ticket your lap infant is always the same.<\/p>\n<p>The only downside is that you can only take advantage of this perk until your child turns two &#8212; and time flies.<\/p>\n<p>On the bright side, Aeroplan points are easy to earn. The Chase-issued <a data-ccid=\"4048274\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/AeroplanCreditCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">Aeroplan<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Credit Card<\/a> (<a data-ccid=\"4048274\" href=\"https:\/\/click.linksynergy.com\/fs-bin\/click?id=g3lR0xvjyAU&offerid=1753725.10005154&type=3&u1=c4b5f7a84d23c3ce3cb469a97aaef688&subid=639396\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a>) frequently comes with a solid welcome bonus, and Aeroplan is a transfer partner of several major credit card rewards programs.<\/p>\n<div class=\"transfer-times\"><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-head tt-from\">From<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-to\">To<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-ratio\">Transfer Ratio<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-mintransfer\">Min.Transfer<\/div><div class=\"tt-head tt-avg\">Average Time<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex (Membership Rewards)<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/capital-one-rewards\/capital-one-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Capital One<\/a><div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">100:100<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-immediate\">Immediate<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/chase-ultimate-rewards\/chase-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chase (Ultimate Rewards)<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-days\">47 minutes<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/hotels\/marriott-bonvoy\/marriott-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Marriott (Bonvoy)<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">3:1<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">3,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-days\">4 days - 5 days<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Barclaycard<div class=\"tt-from-region\">United States<\/div><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow tt-arrow--region\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">8,500:5,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/bilt-rewards\/bilt-transfer-partners\/?cid=transfer-times-transfer&mid=web\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Bilt Rewards<\/a><\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\">1,000:1,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">2,000<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-row\"><div class=\"tt-body tt-from\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><div>Mesa Homeowners<\/div><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-to\"><div class=\"tt-body-wrap\"><span class=\"tt-arrow\">\u2794<\/span><div>Air Canada (Aeroplan)<\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-ratio\"><div class=\"tt-bonus\"><a href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/mesa-homeowners-card-shuts-down\/\">Mesa ended all point transfers effective December 12, 2025<\/a>.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-mintransfer\">-<\/div><div class=\"tt-body tt-avg\"><div class=\"tt-avg-unknown\">Unknown<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Wrapping_Up\">Wrapping Up<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Family travel using points will always require more thought and planning than what's required of solo travelers. However, valuable, reliable sweet spots for families do exist. Multiple airlines offer great availability, discounts for kids, low redemption rates, and other perks. Do your research, decide what works best for your family, then use these tips to book the trip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Are you tired of hearing about points deals just to find out that it only applies to solo travelers or couples? This guide shows families how to find sweet spots with multiple airlines. From availability for 4+ passengers to companion passes and kids&#8217; discounts, we&#8217;ll show you the realistic options you have for booking family travel using points.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":108985,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":null,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"default","_twitter_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type":"default","_pinterest_share_type":"default","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"default","_medium_share_type":"default","_threads_share_type":"default","_google_business_share_type":"default","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12067],"tags":[12623,12641,12629],"coauthors":[36392],"class_list":["post-103928","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-booking-travel","tag-family-travel","tag-sweet-spots","tag-using-points"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103928","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=103928"}],"version-history":[{"count":67,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103928\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":251658,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/103928\/revisions\/251658"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/108985"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=103928"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=103928"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=103928"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=103928"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}