How to Use Chase Ultimate Rewards Points for Flights

The most popular Chase partner. United miles are strong for domestic U.S. travel and the best-known sweet spot: United Polaris business class to Europe. They also let you book flights on other Star Alliance carriers — Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and more. One caution worth knowing: always compare United's mileage rate to Aeroplan for the same flight, since Aeroplan often prices identical seats lower.

Avios (British Airways' points currency) are priced by distance, making them excellent for short-haul flights — especially domestic American Airlines hops (as few as 7,500 Avios one way). Also works for partner bookings on Iberia, Finnair, and others. Note: fuel surcharges on transatlantic British Airways flights can be high, so for long-haul, other partners often win.

Arguably the best all-around Chase transfer partner. Aeroplan covers the full Star Alliance network — Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA, Singapore, Turkish, United, and more — with no fuel surcharges on partner flights, and often has better award availability than United for the same aircraft. Business class to Europe starts around 55,000–70,000 points. Check Aeroplan before United for any Star Alliance itinerary.

Flying Blue releases monthly Promo Awards — discounted routes on specific dates, often 25–50% off standard rates. Transatlantic round trips can drop to 22,000–28,000 points during promos. Also covers Delta and other SkyTeam carriers. Check the Flying Blue site around the last week of each month for new promos.

KrisFlyer miles unlock Singapore Suites — widely considered the world's finest commercial airline cabin, with private double-bed suites. Extremely rare award space, but a genuine bucket-list redemption. KrisFlyer also works for partner flights on Lufthansa, United, ANA, and more.

Despite sharing the Avios currency name with British Airways, Iberia Avios is a separate program with its own pricing. It offers some of the cheapest transatlantic business class rates: as few as 34,000 Iberia Avios one way to Madrid in off-peak business class — one of the best-value premium redemptions anywhere.

Emirates Skywards miles book Emirates first class — featuring private suites and onboard showers on A380 aircraft. Award space is limited and fuel surcharges can be significant. Best for travelers who specifically want the Emirates experience on long-haul routes.

Southwest uses cash-proportional pricing, so points are worth roughly 1.5 cents each on any fare. The real reason to transfer Chase points here: chasing the Companion Pass, which lets a designated companion fly free with you for up to two years — one of the most valuable perks in all of travel.

Despite the name, this program's standout use is booking Delta flights. Virgin Flying Club prices Delta One business class to Europe at around 50,000 points one way — far cheaper than Delta's own dynamic SkyMiles rates. If you want a flat-bed Delta flight without unpredictable SkyMiles pricing, this is the path.

Ireland's national carrier uses the Avios currency. A niche but useful option for U.S. East Coast to Europe routing via Dublin. Business class can be booked for roughly 50,000–60,000 Avios one way, with a well-regarded transatlantic product.

A hidden gem favored by experienced points travelers. Turkish miles can book any Star Alliance airline — Lufthansa, ANA, Singapore, and more — at some of the lowest mileage rates available: around 45,000–55,000 miles for U.S.–Europe business class. Trade-off: most Star Alliance partner awards must be booked by phone with Turkish, which takes some patience.