{"id":30770,"date":"2025-11-18T17:10:01","date_gmt":"2025-11-18T17:10:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=30770"},"modified":"2026-04-08T14:27:52","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T14:27:52","slug":"best-amex-domestic-flight-redemptions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/best-amex-domestic-flight-redemptions\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Ways to Redeem Amex Membership Rewards Points for U.S. Domestic Flights (From 3k Points!)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/best-credit-card-combo\/\">American Express Membership Rewards<\/a> are a notoriously powerful transferable points currency. But even Amex fans may not realize just how far Amex points can take them. With familiar <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex transfer partners<\/a> such as Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue, it's easy not to dive deeper into the full list of 17 airline transfer partners.<\/p>\n<p>But, you can potentially stretch your Amex points even further by utilizing lesser well-known partners like Virgin Flying Club or Air Canada Aeroplan to book domestic flights on American, Delta, United, and Alaska.<\/p>\n<p>Let's show you the best ways to <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/best-way-to-use-amex-points\/\" rel=\"noopener\">redeem Amex Membership Rewards points<\/a> for domestic flights.<\/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=\"#American_Express_Membership_Rewards_Transfer_Partners\">American Express Membership Rewards Transfer Partners<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Current_Amex_Card_Welcome_Offers\">Current Amex Card Welcome Offers<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Delta_Award_Flights_From_3000_Amex_Points\">Delta Award Flights From 3,000 Amex Points<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Book_Delta_award_flights_from_3000_Delta_SkyMiles\">Book Delta award flights from 3,000 Delta SkyMiles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_Delta_award_flights_from_7500_Virgin_Atlantic_Flying_Club_points\">Book Delta award flights from 7,500 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_Delta_award_flights_from_5000_Air_FranceKLM_Flying_Blue_miles\">Book Delta award flights from 5,000 Air France\/KLM Flying Blue miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#JetBlue_Award_Flights_From_4750_Amex_Points\">JetBlue Award Flights From 4,750 Amex Points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#American_Airlines_Award_Flights_From_6000_Amex_Points\">American Airlines Award Flights From 6,000 Amex Points<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Book_American_award_flights_from_6000_Etihad_Guest_miles\">Book American award flights from 6,000 Etihad Guest miles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_American_award_flights_from_9200_Qantas_Frequent_Flyer_miles\">Book American award flights from 9,200 Qantas Frequent Flyer miles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_American_award_flights_from_9500_Avios\">Book American award flights from 9,500 Avios<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_American_award_flights_from_10000_Cathay_Asia_Miles\">Book American award flights from 10,000 Cathay Asia Miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#United_Award_Flights_From_6000_Amex_Points\">United Award Flights From 6,000 Amex Points<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Book_United_award_flights_from_6000_Air_Canada_Aeroplan_points\">Book United award flights from 6,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_United_award_flights_from_9000_LifeMiles\">Book United award flights from 9,000 LifeMiles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_United_award_flights_for_14000_Singapore_KrisFlyer_miles\">Book United award flights for 14,000 Singapore KrisFlyer miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#Alaska_Airlines_Award_Flights_From_6000_Amex_Points\">Alaska Airlines Award Flights From 6,000 Amex Points<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Book_Alaska_award_flights_from_6000_Avios\">Book Alaska award flights from 6,000 Avios<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_Alaska_award_flights_from_10000_Cathay_Asia_Miles\">Book Alaska award flights from 10,000 Cathay Asia Miles<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Book_Alaska_award_flights_from_11500_Qantas_Frequent_Flyer_miles\">Book Alaska award flights from 11,500 Qantas Frequent Flyer miles<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#What_is_the_Excise_Tax_Offset_Fee\">What is the Excise Tax Offset Fee?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<h2><span id=\"American_Express_Membership_Rewards_Transfer_Partners\">American Express Membership Rewards Transfer Partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Before we dive into the sweet spots, here's an overview of all 17 Amex Membership Rewards airline transfer partners, their transfer times, and which U.S. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/airline-alliances-and-partnerships\/\" rel=\"noopener\">airlines each partners with<\/a>. Amex points transfer to most partners at a 1:1 ratio. The three exceptions are Aeromexico (1:1.6), JetBlue (5:4), and Emirates (5:4):<\/p>\n\n<table id=\"tablepress-529\" class=\"tablepress tablepress-id-529 tablepress-responsive\">\n<thead>\n<tr class=\"row-1 odd\">\n\t<th class=\"column-1\">Membership Rewards Transfer Partner<\/th><th class=\"column-2\">Transfer Ratio<\/th><th class=\"column-3\">...which you can use to book award flights on:<\/th><th class=\"column-4\">Transfer Time<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody class=\"row-hover\">\n<tr class=\"row-2 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Aer Lingus AerClub<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Avios<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">n\/a (for Avios redemptions)<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-3 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Aeromexico Rewards<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,600 Points<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Delta<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-4 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Air Canada Aeroplan<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Aeroplan Points<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-5 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Air France\/KLM Flying Blue<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Flying Blue Miles <\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Delta<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-6 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">ANA Mileage Club<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 ANA Miles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1-2 days<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-7 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Avianca LifeMiles<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 LifeMiles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-8 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">British Airways Avios<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Avios<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">American and Alaska<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-9 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Cathay Pacific<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Asia Miles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">American and Alaska<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">9 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-10 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Delta SkyMiles<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 SkyMiles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Delta<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-11 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Emirates Skywards<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 800 Skywards Miles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-12 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Etihad Guest<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Etihad Guest Miles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">American<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-13 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Iberia Plus<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Iberia Avios<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">American and Alaska<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">1 day<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-14 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">JetBlue TrueBlue<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">250 : 200 TrueBlue Points<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">JetBlue<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-15 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Qantas Frequent Flyer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">500 : 500 Qantas Points<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">American and Alaska<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-16 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Qatar Privilege Club<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Qatar Avios<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">American and Alaska<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-17 odd\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 KrisFlyer Miles<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">United and Alaska<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">3 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"row-18 even\">\n\t<td class=\"column-1\">Virgin Atlantic Flying Club<\/td><td class=\"column-2\">1,000 : 1,000 Virgin Points<\/td><td class=\"column-3\">Delta<\/td><td class=\"column-4\">Instant<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n<h2><span id=\"Current_Amex_Card_Welcome_Offers\">Current Amex Card Welcome Offers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Quite a few <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-rewards-cards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">cards earn Amex Membership Rewards points<\/a>. Here are some of the top\u00a0Amex welcome offers:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/a>:<\/strong> As High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Card<\/a>:<\/strong> Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028093\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessGoldRewardsCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Business Gold Card<\/a>:<\/strong> Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/li>\n<li><strong><a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessPlatinumCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/a>:<\/strong> Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"compare-cards-wrap compare-count-cards-3 compare-p-american-express\"><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\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express Platinum Card\u00ae\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup><\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express Platinum Card\u00ae' data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-ThePlatinumCardfromAmericanExpress\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$895<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028089\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/platinum-card\/91101-10-0#offer-terms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/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>Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel<sup>\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn  5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/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\/4206696d-827e-44e5-bfc0-d0ce86822875.png\" width=\"150\" alt=\"American Express\u00ae Gold Card\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">American Express<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Card<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Welcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nFind Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='American Express\u00ae Gold Card' data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/CR-AmericanExpressGoldCard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$325<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028085\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/gold-card\/91101-10-0\/?print#terms-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/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><li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n \t<li>4X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X)<\/li>\r\n        <li>5X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>3X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on prepaid car rentals booked through amextravel.com<\/li>\r\n        <li>2X Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> points on cruises booked and paid through amextravel.com\r\n        <li>1X on other eligible purchases<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul><\/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\/19ca7b53-f41c-4639-ba3b-c44c7c44ba6f.png\"  width=\"150\" alt=\"The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express\" \/ class=\"lazyload\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-name\">The Business Platinum Card<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> from American Express<\/div><div class=\"compare-offer\"><strong>Find Out Your Offer<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div><\/div><div class=\"compare-apply\"><a class=\"btn-use qs-how-apply\" title='The Business Platinum Card\u00ae from American Express' data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"\/blog\/link\/TheBusinessPlatinumCardfromAmericanExpressOPEN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow sponsored\">How to Apply<\/a><\/div><div class=\"compare-fee-score\"><div class=\"compare-fee\"><strong>Annual Fee<\/strong><p>$895<span class=\"compare-terms\"><a data-ccid=\"4028096\" href=\"https:\/\/www.americanexpress.com\/us\/credit-cards\/card-application\/apply\/prospect\/terms\/business-platinum-charge-card\/42732-AJTnC-0?rwdFlag=rwd&oneXpVariant=elevatedOffer_variant#FeeTable\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rates & Fees<\/a><br>(Terms apply)<\/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><li>Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers.<\/li>\r\n<li>Earn 2X points on each eligible purchase with U.S. shipping providers.<\/li>\r\n<li>2X earning rates are subject to a cap of $2 million in purchases per calendar year.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h2><span id=\"Delta_Award_Flights_From_3000_Amex_Points\">Delta Award Flights From 3,000 Amex Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You can book Delta award flights through four <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-transfer-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Membership Rewards transfer partners<\/a>: Delta SkyMiles, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, Air France\/KLM Flying Blue, and (theoretically) Aeromexico Rewards. Of these, the best options are generally Delta SkyMiles and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_Delta_award_flights_from_3000_Delta_SkyMiles\">Book Delta award flights from 3,000 Delta SkyMiles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Thanks to Delta's dynamic award pricing, the cheapest domestic awards you can book with Amex Membership Rewards are through the SkyMiles program. On certain routes and certain dates, you can book domestic flights for as few as 3,000 miles one-way. That price drops as low as 2,500 SkyMiles after the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/delta-skymiles\/delta-award-discount\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Delta cardmember discount<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231017\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/374\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231017 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing Delta award flight for 2,500 SkyMiles after cardholder discount\" width=\"750\" height=\"374\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08.png 2050w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08-1024x511.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08-768x383.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08-1536x766.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.50.08-2048x1021.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Delta<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Just keep in mind that this pricing typically only applies to basic economy awards \u2014 with all of the restrictions that come along with that.  <\/p>\n<p>Membership Rewards points transfer to Delta SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio. However, you'll need to transfer in increments of 1,000 points \u2014 meaning you'd need to transfer 3,000 points to book the 2,500-mile award above. You'll also have to pay a pesky excise tax offset fee when transferring points to U.S. airlines like Delta. But more on that later.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_Delta_award_flights_from_7500_Virgin_Atlantic_Flying_Club_points\">Book Delta award flights from 7,500 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>If you're flying on a route under 500 miles and Delta is charging 7,500 SkyMiles or more, check if an award flight is available through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Nonstop Delta award flights under 500 miles cost just 7,500 Virgin points.<\/p>\n<p>Although 500 miles may not sound very far, hundreds of Delta routes fall in this distance band. When we dug into this sweet spot, we at AwardWallet found <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/delta-skymiles\/low-cost-award-flights\/\" rel=\"noopener\">460-plus Delta routes bookable for 7,500 Virgin points<\/a> \u2014 including a couple of routes over 500 miles in distance &#8212; like Detroit to New York:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231019\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/369\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231019 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.56.20.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing Virgin Atlantic award search results from Detroit to New York Kennedy\" width=\"750\" height=\"369\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.56.20.png 1866w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.56.20-300x148.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.56.20-1024x504.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.56.20-768x378.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.56.20-1536x756.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Virgin Atlantic<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_Delta_award_flights_from_5000_Air_FranceKLM_Flying_Blue_miles\">Book Delta award flights from 5,000 Air France\/KLM Flying Blue miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Air France and KLM's joint Flying Blue loyalty program is another option for booking Delta flights for fewer miles. Unlike Virgin Atlantic, Air France\/KLM doesn't publish an award chart, so prices can fluctuate. But generally, you'll find award rates are cheaper than what Delta is charging in SkyMiles.<\/p>\n<p>For instance, short routes like this one from Detroit (DTW) to Chicago (ORD) can be booked for as low as 5,000 miles each way in economy.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_213131\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/124\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-213131 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD.jpeg\" alt=\"Booking a Delta domestic flight with Flying Blue miles\" width=\"750\" height=\"124\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD.jpeg 2062w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD-300x49.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD-1024x169.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD-768x127.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD-1536x253.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Flying-Blue-DTW-ORD-2048x338.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Flying Blue miles price for a Delta flight from Detroit to Chicago. Credit: Flying Blue<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>You should also keep in mind that with either Air France\/KLM or Virgin Atlantic, you're always booking a Delta Main Cabin award ticket, not basic economy \u2014 which makes those award rates even more appealing.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"JetBlue_Award_Flights_From_4750_Amex_Points\">JetBlue Award Flights From 4,750 Amex Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some of the cheapest domestic U.S. awards we could find using Amex Membership Rewards points are courtesy of the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/jetblue-trueblue\/\" rel=\"noopener\">JetBlue TrueBlue program<\/a> dynamic award pricing. You can currently score JetBlue flights for as cheap as 3,700 TrueBlue points between San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231012\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/327\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231012 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.29.52.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing JetBlue TrueBlue award search results showing 3,700-point award from San Juan to St. Croix\" width=\"750\" height=\"327\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.29.52.png 1864w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.29.52-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.29.52-1024x446.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.29.52-768x335.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.29.52-1536x669.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: JetBlue<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Within the continental U.S., I'm finding JetBlue flights price as low as 3,900 points &#8212; such as between New York (JFK) and Washington D.C. (DCA) or Boston (BOS) and Presque Isle, Maine (PQI):<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231013\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/132\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231013 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.31.45.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing JetBlue TrueBlue award search results showing 3,900-point award from Boston to Presque Isle\" width=\"750\" height=\"132\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.31.45.png 1870w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.31.45-300x53.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.31.45-1024x181.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.31.45-768x136.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.31.45-1536x271.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: JetBlue<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>However, one downside of redeeming Amex points via JetBlue TrueBlue is that the transfer ratio is 5:4. That means you'll only receive 200 TrueBlue points for every 250 Amex points transferred. That means a 3,700-point award would require transferring 4,750 Amex points.<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to factor this math, and the annoying excise tax (more on this in a bit), into your redemption planning.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"American_Airlines_Award_Flights_From_6000_Amex_Points\">American Airlines Award Flights From 6,000 Amex Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While American Airlines isn't an Amex transfer partner, Membership Rewards points collectors can book American award flights through several Amex airline partners (all of which are 1:1 transfer partners).<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_American_award_flights_from_6000_Etihad_Guest_miles\">Book American award flights from 6,000 Etihad Guest miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Even after devaluations, you can still book American Airlines award flights under 500 miles for just 6,000 Etihad Guest miles in economy or 20,000 in business. That can be useful on dozens of routes where it would be a bit far to drive \u2014\u00a0 such as from Charlotte to Philadelphia. But just be ultra careful of <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/etihad-guest-refund-policy\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Etihad's award cancellation policy<\/a> (it's punitive).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231120\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/174\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231120 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing Etihad Guest award search results from Charlotte to Philadelphia\" width=\"750\" height=\"174\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58.png 2348w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58-300x70.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58-1024x237.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58-768x178.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58-1536x356.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.25.58-2048x474.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Etihad<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>However, Etihad Guest award rates increase quickly on longer flights:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>501-1,000 miles: 12,000 Etihad Guest miles<\/li>\n<li>1,001-1,500 miles: 15,000 Etihad Guest miles<\/li>\n<li>1,501-2,000 miles: 23,000 Etihad Guest miles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You should also be aware of\u00a0<a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/etihad-guest-account-suspension\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Etihad Guest's annoying no-notice account suspensions<\/a> if you redeem points shortly after transferring them in.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_American_award_flights_from_9200_Qantas_Frequent_Flyer_miles\">Book American award flights from 9,200 Qantas Frequent Flyer miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Another overseas program that offers niche value for American Airlines flights is Qantas Frequent Flyer. Unfortunately, <a href=\"\/news\/airlines\/qantas-frequent-flyer-program-changes\/\">Qantas updated its award chart in August 2025<\/a>, with sweeping devaluations for most redemptions. Now, American Airlines flights up to 600 miles in distance cost 9,200 Frequent Flyer miles one-way &#8212; although you might strangely see award prices slightly higher than that:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_235800\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/469\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-235800 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DFW-STL-Qantas-9300-mile-award-option-750x469.png\" alt=\"Screenshot of Qantas award pricing from Dallas to St. Louis for 9,300 miles\" width=\"750\" height=\"469\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DFW-STL-Qantas-9300-mile-award-option-750x469.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DFW-STL-Qantas-9300-mile-award-option-900x563.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DFW-STL-Qantas-9300-mile-award-option-768x480.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/DFW-STL-Qantas-9300-mile-award-option.png 1187w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of Qantas Frequent Flyer<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>This quickly increases \u2014 the next distance band (601-1,200 miles) costs 13,800 miles each way in economy.<\/p>\n<p>Although it might not represent the best rates out there, being able to book an American flight using Amex points is valuable any way you cut it.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_American_award_flights_from_9500_Avios\">Book American award flights from 9,500 Avios<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Qatar Privilege Club still offers some niche value on American Airlines awards, even if <a href=\"\/news\/british-airways-club\/ba-devalues-short-haul-flights-2024\/\">British Airways devaluations<\/a> have led to subpar redemptions. Keep in mind that you can easily <a href=\"\/airlines\/how-to-transfer-avios-between-accounts\/\">transfer your Avios between Avios-earning accounts<\/a>. If you find a great redemption through Qatar, but only have Avios in your British Airways or Iberia account, you're not out of luck.<\/p>\n<p>Nonstop American Airlines award flights up to 650 miles can be booked through Qatar Privilege Club for 9,500 Avios each way (and there are <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/british-airways-club\/low-cost-award-flights\/\" rel=\"noopener\">hundreds of such routes<\/a>):<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231125\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/250\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231125 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-scaled.png\" alt=\"Screenshot of Qatar Privilege Club search results showing American Airlines awards from New York to Charlotte for 9,500 Avios\" width=\"750\" height=\"250\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-300x100.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-1024x342.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-768x256.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-1536x513.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.42.19-2048x684.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Qatar<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>During transfer bonuses \u2014 or if you just have a ton of Avios \u2014 longer flights might be a good deal using Qatar Avios. Just remember that you'll need to find a nonstop option to book at these rates:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>651-1,150 miles: 13,000 Avios<\/li>\n<li>1,151-2,000 miles: 14,500 Avios<\/li>\n<li>2,001-3,000 miles: 16,000 Avios<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Related: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/qatar-avios-award-chart\/\" rel=\"noopener\">The 5 Best Uses of Qatar Airways Avios on Partner Airlines<\/a><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/british-airways-club\/book-american-airlines-with-avios\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_American_award_flights_from_10000_Cathay_Asia_Miles\">Book American award flights from 10,000 Cathay Asia Miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Lastly, you can transfer Membership Rewards to Cathay Pacific Asia Miles to book American Airlines award flights for 10,000 miles in economy or 20,000 in business for flights up to 750 miles in distance:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231130\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/587\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231130 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.51.22-e1760633503647.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of a flight from JFK to CLT on American Airlines booked through Cathay \" width=\"750\" height=\"587\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.51.22-e1760633503647.png 1116w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.51.22-e1760633503647-300x235.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.51.22-e1760633503647-1024x802.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-16-at-12.51.22-e1760633503647-768x601.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Cathay Pacific<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Note that the distance bands vary with each of the redemption methods we've discussed for booking American Airlines flights through partners. Pay attention to exactly how far your flight is to know which is the best partner. When in doubt, check availability through several partners to see where you find the best deal.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/amex-membership-rewards\/cathay-pacific-transfer-devaluation\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Cathay Pacific is no longer a 1:1 transfer partner from Amex<\/a>. So, you'll need to transfer more Amex points to book the same award.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"United_Award_Flights_From_6000_Amex_Points\">United Award Flights From 6,000 Amex Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>American Express Membership Rewards cardmembers have two great options for redeeming Amex points for short United flights: <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/air-canada-aeroplan\/air-canada-partners\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Air Canada Aeroplan<\/a> and <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/avianca-lifemiles\/avianca-lifemiles-sweet-spots\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Avianca LifeMiles<\/a>. Plus, Singapore Airlines' fixed-rate award pricing can be useful in niche situations.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_United_award_flights_from_6000_Air_Canada_Aeroplan_points\">Book United award flights from 6,000 Air Canada Aeroplan points<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Aeroplan is the cheapest option, charging just 6,000 points for one-way awards up to 500 miles in distance. Flights don't have to be nonstop, but the total flight distance must be under 500 miles to qualify. Longer flights falling in the next distance band (501-1,500 miles) can be reasonable at 10,000 Aeroplan points.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that these are &#8220;starting at&#8221; points, so you might need to do some digging to find availability. Air Canada lists the median price of these awards as 12,900 points for flights under 500 miles and 13,600 points for flights between 501 and 1,500 miles.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231041\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/328\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231041 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.20.11.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of the Air Canada award chart for partner flights within North America\" width=\"750\" height=\"328\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.20.11.png 1934w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.20.11-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.20.11-1024x448.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.20.11-768x336.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.20.11-1536x672.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Air Canada<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>When digging into this sweet spot, we found <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/air-canada-aeroplan\/book-united-awards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">680+ United routes bookable for 6,000 Aeroplan points<\/a> \u2014 including a couple of routes right on the 500-mile threshold.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_United_award_flights_from_9000_LifeMiles\">Book United award flights from 9,000 LifeMiles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Unfortunately, thanks to a <a href=\"\/news\/avianca-lifemiles\/us-award-devaluation-2025\/\">LifeMiles devaluation<\/a>, our favorite sweet spot (short-haul United routes for 6,500 LifeMiles) is gone. That said, you can still find nonstop United-operated flights for 10,000 LifeMiles, or 9,000 LifeMiles if you have a <a href=\"\/airlines\/avianca-lifemiles\/lifemiles-plus-subscription\/\">LifeMiles+ membership<\/a>. This even works on short-haul international flights between the U.S. and Canada or Mexico.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231045\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/173\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231045 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-scaled.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of a flight from IAD to YUL booking with LifeMiles\" width=\"750\" height=\"173\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-scaled.png 2560w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-300x69.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-1024x236.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-768x177.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-1536x353.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-18.50.59-2048x471.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Avianca LifeMiles<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>Strangely, you can still find 7,500-LifeMile redemptions, but only on connecting itineraries.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_235809\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/191\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-235809 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CLT-CLE-7500-LifeMiles-example-750x191.png\" alt=\"Screenshot of LifeMiles award pricing from Charlotte to Cleveland\" width=\"750\" height=\"191\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CLT-CLE-7500-LifeMiles-example-750x191.png 750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CLT-CLE-7500-LifeMiles-example-900x230.png 900w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CLT-CLE-7500-LifeMiles-example-768x196.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CLT-CLE-7500-LifeMiles-example-1536x392.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/CLT-CLE-7500-LifeMiles-example.png 1697w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Screenshot of LifeMiles<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p>These rates can be decreased even further thanks to <a href=\"\/news\/amex-membership-rewards\/avianca-lifemiles-transfer-bonus\/\">frequent Amex-to-LifeMiles transfer bonuses<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_United_award_flights_for_14000_Singapore_KrisFlyer_miles\">Book United award flights for 14,000 Singapore KrisFlyer miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Don't want to worry about how long your flight is? You can <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/book-united-flights-signapore-krisflyer\/\" rel=\"noopener\">book domestic United flights for 14,000 Singapore KrisFlyer miles<\/a> \u2014 no matter the distance. Just keep in mind that Aeroplan and LifeMiles will often be cheaper options.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231046\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/307\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231046 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing Singapore KrisFlyer award search results showing 14,000-point awards from Los Angeles to Newark\" width=\"750\" height=\"307\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10.png 2146w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10-300x123.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10-1024x419.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10-768x314.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10-1536x628.png 1536w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-19.02.10-2048x838.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Singapore Airlines<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Alaska_Airlines_Award_Flights_From_6000_Amex_Points\">Alaska Airlines Award Flights From 6,000 Amex Points<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although they are part of the same Oneworld alliance as American, the options for booking Alaska Airlines award flights are slightly different. And following the launch of <a href=\"\/airlines\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/\">Atmos Rewards<\/a>, Alaska slashed many of its airline partnerships, making it more challenging to use Amex points to book award flights.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_Alaska_award_flights_from_6000_Avios\">Book Alaska award flights from 6,000 Avios<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>When <a href=\"\/news\/amex-membership-rewards\/hawaiian-airlines-transfers-ending\/\">Hawaiian was removed as an Amex transfer partner in June 2025<\/a>, we lost the best way to book Alaska awards with Amex points. However, you can book Alaska flights using your Iberia Avios at solid rates based on distance traveled.<\/p>\n<p>Flights under 650 miles start at 6,000 in economy. Even long-haul flights remain affordable. One of Alaska's longest routes, Anchorage (ANC) to New York (JFK) comes in around 3,375 miles. This trip would cost just 20,750 Avios in economy or 62,000 Avios in business.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231030\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/593\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231030 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-17.12.54.png\" alt=\"A screenshot of how many Avios you'll need for an Alaska Airlines flight\" width=\"750\" height=\"593\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-17.12.54.png 1326w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-17.12.54-300x237.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-17.12.54-1024x809.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-17.12.54-768x607.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: Iberia<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_Alaska_award_flights_from_10000_Cathay_Asia_Miles\">Book Alaska award flights from 10,000 Cathay Asia Miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Like with American Airlines, you can book Alaska award flights with as few as 10,000 Cathay Asia Miles. For example, fly from Seattle (SEA) to Jackson Hole (JAC) during ski season for 10,000 Asia Miles.<\/p>\n<p>The longer distance band (751-2,750 miles) can be useful on Alaska's routes to Alaska or Mexico. For example, escape from the heat of Las Vegas to Anchorage, Alaska, for just 15,000 Asia Miles.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related: <a href=\"\/airlines\/cathay-pacific-award-flights\/\">Maximizing Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: Updated Award Charts and 6 Best Uses<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Book_Alaska_award_flights_from_11500_Qantas_Frequent_Flyer_miles\">Book Alaska award flights from 11,500 Qantas Frequent Flyer miles<\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Qantas Frequent Flyer charges a higher award rate for award flights on Alaska than American Airlines. You'll need to pay 11,500 miles for routes up to 600 miles &#8212; instead of just 9,200 miles. That puts Qantas in the back of the pack. Longer flights cost even more:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>601-1,200 miles: 16,100 miles<\/li>\n<li>1,201-2,400 miles: 23,000 miles<\/li>\n<li>2,401-3,600 miles: 28,200 miles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>So, the same flight from Anchorage (ANC) to New York (JFK) that is bookable with just shy of 21,000 Avios would cost 28,200 Qantas Frequent Flyer miles. The only time this would make sense is if you find more availability through Qantas or you can take advantage of a transfer bonus.<\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"What_is_the_Excise_Tax_Offset_Fee\">What is the Excise Tax Offset Fee?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>When you transfer your American Express Membership Rewards to a U.S. airline partner, you have to pay an excise tax offset fee of $0.0006 per point (up to $99). So, this comes into play when you transfer your points to Delta SkyMiles and JetBlue TrueBlue. For now, all of the other airline transfer partners available through Amex are international airlines.<\/p>\n<p>Here's what this looks like in practice. For the JetBlue flight example above, you'll need to transfer 4,750 Membership Rewards points to receive 3,800 TrueBlue points to book the flight from San Juan (SJU) to St. Croix (STX). When you log in to your account to complete the transfer, you'll see the excise tax calculated for you. In this case, you'll pay a fee of $2.85. Keep in mind that this is in addition to the $5.60 taxes you'll pay to JetBlue to book the award ticket.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_231015\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/425\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-231015 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.39.48.png\" alt=\"Screenshot showing fees on a transfer of 4,750 Amex Membership Rewards points to 3,800 JetBlue TrueBlue\" width=\"750\" height=\"425\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.39.48.png 2008w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.39.48-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.39.48-1024x580.png 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.39.48-768x435.png 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Screenshot-2025-10-15-at-16.39.48-1536x871.png 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Credit: American Express<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"Final_Thoughts\">Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>It may take a bit more effort than merely redeeming Membership Rewards for flights in the <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/credit-cards\/amex-membership-rewards\/amex-travel\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Amex Travel portal<\/a>, but your points will go much further by transferring them to Amex\u2019s travel partners. It\u2019s a fantastic way to save Amex points and leverage them for valuable award redemptions.<\/p>\n<p>Even though Amex may not directly partner with airlines like United or American, you can still use Amex points to fly on them by taking advantage of airline alliances. Keep this in mind the next time you need to travel domestically in the U.S. and want to do so on points.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>American Express Membership Rewards are a notoriously powerful, transferable, loyalty currency. With generous category bonuses and periodic transfer bonuses, it isn\u2019t hard to rack up Amex points. However, it can be difficult determining how to maximize Membership Rewards for simple U.S. domestic award flights. Thankfully by leveraging various airline alliances and partners, there are sweet spots for domestic travel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":53,"featured_media":5972,"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":[12068],"tags":[12710,12667,12641,12629],"coauthors":[36387],"class_list":["post-30770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-award-programs","tag-amex-membership-rewards","tag-north-america","tag-sweet-spots","tag-using-points"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30770","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\/53"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30770"}],"version-history":[{"count":39,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30770\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":249546,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30770\/revisions\/249546"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30770"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30770"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30770"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=30770"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}