One of the most compelling advantages of owning a premium travel rewards credit card is the incredible opportunity to transfer your earned points to a network of partner companies. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, consistently recognized as a top travel credit card, grants you the flexibility to transfer your valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points to any of its 11 esteemed airline travel partners. This impressive roster includes popular carriers like JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, opening up a world of travel possibilities.
When you transfer your points to these airline partners, they retain their full value, empowering you to redeem them for a variety of travel perks. These can range from booking flights and securing coveted upgrades to accessing other exclusive benefits offered by each individual airline’s loyalty program. Beyond direct transfers, the Chase Travel portal offers another avenue for point redemption, often at an increased rate, providing even more options to leverage your rewards.
This article delves into a comprehensive exploration of Chase’s airline travel partners. We will guide you through understanding who these partners are, how to seamlessly transfer your points, and how to effectively redeem your points for flights directly through the Chase Travel portal, should you prefer that route. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to maximize the value of your Chase Sapphire Preferred card when it comes to air travel.
Key Benefits of Chase Sapphire Preferred Airline Partners
- Extensive Airline Network: Chase partners with 11 diverse airlines, including international carriers like Air Canada, British Airways, and Emirates, offering global reach.
- 1:1 Point Transfer Ratio: Generally, Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to partner airlines at a valuable 1:1 ratio, meaning each Chase point becomes one airline mile or point. Keep an eye out for occasional, even more lucrative transfer bonuses.
- Flexible Booking Options: You can choose to transfer points to partner airlines for potential maximized value or book directly through the Chase Travel portal for simplicity and a guaranteed point value boost.
- Earn Points Quickly: Accumulate Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the generous new cardmember bonus, bonus spending categories on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, and even by strategically transferring points from other Chase cards you may hold.
Exploring the Chase Sapphire Preferred Airline Transfer Partners
Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders enjoy access to 11 airline partners for point transfers, allowing you to convert your Ultimate Rewards points into airline miles or points with these programs. This unlocks the ability to book award flights, pursue upgrades to premium cabins like first class or business class, and take advantage of other exclusive perks offered by each airline’s frequent flyer program.
Let’s examine each of Chase’s airline partners in detail to help you understand their strengths and potential uses for your travel goals:
| Airline Frequent Flyer Program | Description and Potential Uses |
|---|---|
| Aer Lingus AerClub | Aer Lingus, the flag carrier of Ireland, is an excellent option for flights to Europe, particularly Ireland and the UK, or for connecting flights within Europe. As a partner of British Airways and Iberia, Aer Lingus AerClub points (Avios) can also be used across this wider network. Ideal for transatlantic hops and European explorations. |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | As a prominent member of the Star Alliance, Air Canada Aeroplan offers vast reach. By transferring Chase points to Aeroplan, you gain access to the entire Star Alliance network, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, and many more. This provides immense flexibility for global travel, especially to destinations throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Great for accessing the extensive Star Alliance network. |
| British Airways Executive Club | The British Airways Executive Club program uses Avios as its reward currency. Transferring Chase points to British Airways Avios unlocks a wealth of redemption opportunities not only with British Airways but also with its oneworld alliance partners like American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Avios are particularly valuable for short-haul flights and flights within alliances. Excellent for oneworld alliance flights and short-distance travel. |
| Emirates Skywards | Emirates is synonymous with luxury and high-end travel experiences, particularly in business and first class. While Emirates limits point transfers to partner airlines, making Skywards miles best utilized within the Emirates ecosystem, they offer exceptional value for reward flights and upgrades on Emirates’ renowned flights, especially for long-haul premium cabin experiences. Best for aspirational Emirates flights and cabin upgrades. |
| Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) | The Flying Blue program encompasses Air France, KLM, and several other airlines like Transavia and Kenya Airways, offering a diverse network, particularly strong in Europe and Africa. Flying Blue often features monthly Promo Rewards, offering discounted award flights, which can significantly enhance the value of your transferred points. Good for European and African travel, and capitalizing on Promo Rewards. |
| Iberia Plus | Iberia, Spain’s flagship airline and another member of the oneworld alliance, is a strategic partner for flights to Spain and onward connections within Europe and to Latin America. Iberia Plus Avios, like British Airways Avios, can be valuable for short-haul flights and oneworld alliance bookings. Useful for flights to Spain, Europe, and Latin America within the oneworld alliance. |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | JetBlue, a popular low-cost carrier in the Americas, provides excellent value for Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfers. TrueBlue points can be redeemed for JetBlue flights, often at a solid value, especially for domestic US routes and flights to the Caribbean. Ideal for affordable travel within the Americas on a quality low-cost carrier. |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer is another Star Alliance member and a favorite among luxury travelers. KrisFlyer miles are highly valuable for booking Singapore Airlines’ award-winning premium cabin flights, known for exceptional service and comfort, especially on long-haul routes to Asia and beyond. Highly valuable for luxurious Singapore Airlines flights, particularly in premium cabins. |
| Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | Southwest Airlines, known for its customer-friendly policies (like no change fees) and extensive US domestic network, offers another avenue for maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Rapid Rewards points are directly linked to cash fares, providing a transparent and often good value redemption, especially for flights within the US and to nearby international destinations. Great for straightforward value on Southwest’s domestic network. |
| United MileagePlus | United Airlines, a major US carrier and Star Alliance founding member, is a core Chase Sapphire Preferred airline partner. Transferring points to United MileagePlus grants access to United’s vast global network and the entire Star Alliance, similar to Air Canada Aeroplan. MileagePlus miles are versatile and can be used for a wide range of destinations and redemption options. Versatile access to United’s global network and Star Alliance. |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | Virgin Atlantic, while not part of a major alliance, partners with Delta Air Lines. Transferring Chase points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club allows you to redeem for flights on Virgin Atlantic and, importantly, on Delta Air Lines, especially for transatlantic routes and Delta’s extensive North American network. Useful for Virgin Atlantic and Delta flights, particularly transatlantic travel. |
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Understanding United MileagePlus as a Chase Sapphire Preferred airline partner, offering access to a vast network for point redemption.
These diverse transfer options significantly enhance the value proposition of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The standard transfer ratio is typically 1:1, meaning one Chase Ultimate Rewards point converts to one airline mile or point in the partner program. Occasionally, Chase offers limited-time transfer bonuses, further increasing the value by offering improved transfer ratios to specific airlines.
Once your points are transferred to an airline partner, their redemption value becomes tied to that specific airline’s program and award chart. The value you can extract depends on the airline, the specific award redemption (flight, upgrade, etc.), and the availability of award seats.
It’s important to note that point transfers are generally processed in increments of 1,000 points. For instance, if you wish to transfer points to your United MileagePlus account, you would need to transfer in amounts like 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 points, and so on. Fractional amounts like 1,500 or 3,200 points are not permitted for transfer.
While most point transfers are instantaneous, with points appearing in your frequent flyer account almost immediately, some transfers may take up to seven business days to complete. For instance, personal experience transferring points to United Airlines for a recent trip resulted in the points showing up in my United account instantly.
To ensure a smooth transfer process, it’s crucial to verify that the name on your Chase Ultimate Rewards account precisely matches the name on your airline frequent flyer account. Chase only allows point transfers to your own airline account or to the accounts of authorized users on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
Maximizing Value with Chase Sapphire Preferred Airline Partners
As a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder, you have the strategic advantage of transferring your points to any of the 11 partner airlines to cover flight costs, cabin upgrades, and other benefits provided by their frequent flyer programs. This flexibility is a key component of maximizing your travel rewards.
The value you derive from transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points to a partner airline can vary depending on several factors, primarily the chosen redemption method. While average valuations often fall within the range of 1.2 to 1.6 cents per point, strategically redeeming for premium cabin tickets on international flights can potentially yield significantly higher value, sometimes exceeding 5 cents per point or more.
Before initiating a point transfer to an airline partner, it’s prudent to investigate the potential redemption value. A useful benchmark is the value you receive when booking flights directly through the Chase Travel portal, which is consistently 1.25 cents per point for Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders. If you can achieve a value significantly higher than this by transferring and redeeming through a partner, it’s generally the more advantageous route.
Transfer Example: Singapore Airlines Business Class
Consider an example of transferring points to Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer program. Savvy travelers have reported successfully booking Business Class award flights from the West Coast of the United States to Singapore for under 100,000 KrisFlyer miles.
Purchasing a comparable Business Class ticket for such a route with cash would typically cost around $5,110 on average. In this scenario, redeeming points through a partner transfer yields a remarkable value of over 5.1 cents per point ($5,110 / 100,000 points), demonstrating the potential for substantial savings and enhanced value compared to the 1.25 cents per point through the Chase Travel portal.
While uncovering these “sweet spots” within partner airline reward programs often requires some research and effort, the potential rewards in terms of maximized point value and premium travel experiences can be well worth the time invested.
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Step-by-Step Guide: Transferring Points to Chase Sapphire Preferred Airline Partners
Prior to transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points, it’s essential to identify the specific flight you intend to book using points on the partner airline’s website. Remember that point transfers are irreversible; once transferred from Chase, points cannot be moved back. Therefore, confirming award availability and understanding the point cost before transferring is crucial.
Once you have determined the exact number of points needed for your desired flight, follow these steps to complete the transfer:
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Access the Ultimate Rewards Portal: Log in to your Chase account and navigate to the Ultimate Rewards portal.
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Select “Transfer to Travel Partners”: On a computer, find this option in the top menu under the “Travel” dropdown. In the Chase mobile app, look for it under “Redeem points.”
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Choose Airline Program: On the subsequent screen, select your desired airline partner program for the point transfer, carefully review the transfer details, and then click “Transfer Points” to proceed.
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Selecting United MileagePlus as the Chase Sapphire Preferred airline partner for point transfer within the Ultimate Rewards portal.
- Enter Membership Information: Provide the necessary information on the next page. You will select the Chase card user for the transfer (if applicable) and meticulously verify your airline program membership details, ensuring accuracy to avoid transfer issues.
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Entering MileagePlus membership details for the Chase Sapphire Preferred airline point transfer process.
- Specify Transfer Amount: Type in the exact number of points you wish to transfer. Remember the 1,000-point increment rule for transfers.
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Specifying the quantity of Ultimate Rewards points to transfer to a Chase Sapphire Preferred airline partner.
- Final Review and Submission: Thoroughly review all transfer details one last time before submitting. Double-check the airline program, the points amount, and your membership information. Once confirmed, officially submit the transfer.
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Reviewing Chase Sapphire Preferred airline point transfer details before final submission.
Booking Flights Through the Chase Travel Portal: A Convenient Alternative
For those who prioritize convenience and a streamlined booking experience, the Chase Travel portal provides a user-friendly platform to book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and various other travel arrangements using your Ultimate Rewards points. It’s an excellent starting point for researching flight options, comparing prices, and managing your travel plans. The portal allows you to pay for flights using a combination of Ultimate Rewards points and your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, or solely with either method.
While some Chase credit cards, like the Chase Freedom Flex®, may offer a standard point valuation of one cent per point when redeemed through the portal, the Chase Sapphire Preferred elevates this value. When booking through the Chase Travel portal with your Sapphire Preferred card, your points are worth $0.0125 or 1.25 cents each. This enhanced redemption rate can translate to significant savings on your travel expenses.
Importantly, this boosted point value applies even to points earned on other Chase cards. For example, if you also hold a Chase Freedom Unlimited® card, which earns a higher rewards rate on everyday spending, you can transfer those points to your Chase Sapphire Preferred account and then redeem them through the portal at the 1.25 cents per point rate. This synergy between Chase cards allows you to strategically accumulate and redeem points for maximum value.
It’s worth noting a recent positive change: Southwest Airlines flights, previously bookable only directly through Southwest, are now integrated into the Chase Travel portal. This expands your booking options within the portal.
If you opt to book your flights directly through the Chase Travel portal instead of transferring points to a partner airline, these are the steps to follow:
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Access the Chase Travel Portal: Log into your Chase account and navigate to the Chase Travel portal. You can access it from your account homepage on both a computer and the Chase mobile app.
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Initiate Flight Search: Enter your trip details, including departure and destination airports, travel dates, trip type (one-way or round-trip), desired cabin class, and the number of travelers.
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Initiating a flight search within the Chase Travel portal using a Chase Sapphire Preferred card.
- Review and Filter Flight Options: Examine the search results and refine them based on your preferences, such as preferred airline, price range, departure times, and the number of stops or connections.
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Browsing and filtering flight options within the Chase Travel portal interface.
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Select Flights and Provide Details: Choose your desired flights, double-check the itinerary, provide passenger information, and input your frequent flyer number for the operating airline to potentially earn airline miles on the flight (in addition to using Chase points).
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Choose Payment Method: When you reach the payment stage, you’ll see your available Ultimate Rewards points balance and the flight cost in both dollars and points. You can then choose to pay with points, your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, or a combination of both.
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Selecting to pay for flights with Ultimate Rewards points within the Chase Travel portal.
Earning More Chase Sapphire Preferred Points
Maximizing your Chase Sapphire Preferred travel rewards strategy involves not only smart redemption but also efficient point accumulation. Here are key ways to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points:
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New Cardmember Bonus: Chase frequently offers substantial welcome bonuses for new Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholders. Currently, you can earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. This provides a significant initial boost to your points balance.
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Bonus Spending Categories: The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns bonus points on various spending categories, accelerating your earning potential:
- 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
- 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases.
- 2X points on all other travel purchases not booked through Chase Travel.
- 1X point on all other general purchases.
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Point Transfers from Other Chase Cards: Strategically utilize other Chase cards in conjunction with your Sapphire Preferred. Cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Freedom Flex earn different bonus categories or higher base rewards. You can then transfer the points earned on these cards to your Chase Sapphire Preferred account, leveraging the Sapphire Preferred’s enhanced redemption value and transfer partner access. This synergistic approach optimizes your overall Chase Ultimate Rewards strategy.
For example, use your Chase Sapphire Preferred for dining and travel to capitalize on its bonus categories. For everyday spending and categories where other Chase cards offer higher rewards (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited for 1.5x points on everything), use those cards and then consolidate the points to your Sapphire Preferred account for redemption.
Exploring Alternative Chase Credit Cards
While the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a standout travel credit card, it may not perfectly align with every individual’s spending habits or travel preferences. Consider these alternative Chase cards to see if they might be a better fit for your needs:
The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is a premium travel card offering enhanced benefits for frequent travelers, while the Chase Freedom Flex® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® are excellent no-annual-fee options for everyday rewards and cash back.
| Card | Annual Fee | Reward Rate Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| /images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-preferred-12162024.png) Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | 5X points on Chase Travel℠, 3X on dining, streaming, online groceries, 2X on other travel, 1X on everything else |
| /images/2024/12/16/chase-freedom-flex-12162024.png) Chase Freedom Flex® | $0 | 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 spent) and Chase Travel℠, 3% on drugstores & dining, 1% on everything else |
| /images/2025/01/22/chase-freedom-unlimited-1.22.2025.png) Chase Freedom Unlimited® | $0 | Year 1: 6.5% cash back on Chase Travel℠, 4.5% on drugstores & dining, 3% on everything else (up to $20K spent). Year 2+: 5% on Chase Travel℠, 3% on drugstores & dining, 1.5% on everything else |
| /images/2024/12/16/chase-sapphire-reserve-12162024.png) Chase Sapphire Reserve® | $550 | 5X points on flights & 10X on hotels/car rentals via Chase Travel℠ (after $300 travel credit), 3X on other travel & dining, 1X on everything else |
Frequently Asked Questions: Chase Sapphire Preferred and Airline Partners
Is the Chase Sapphire Preferred card a worthwhile choice?
The Chase Sapphire Preferred consistently ranks among the top credit cards for travel rewards. Its value proposition depends on your individual spending patterns and travel frequency. For those who travel even a couple of times a year, the card’s benefits and travel protections often easily justify the $95 annual fee.
The 25% point value boost when redeeming for travel through Chase Travel, coupled with no foreign transaction fees, further enhances its appeal for travelers. Considering all of these benefits, the annual fee is often offset by the rewards and savings.
What is the cash value of 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points?
Each Chase Ultimate Rewards point is generally valued at $0.01 when redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, or merchandise. Thus, 80,000 points would be worth $800 in these redemption scenarios. However, when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal, each point is worth $0.0125, increasing the value of 80,000 points to $1,000. Transferring to airline partners can potentially yield even higher value depending on the redemption.
Which airlines can be booked through Chase Travel?
The Chase Travel portal provides access to an extensive network of over 250 airlines, encompassing both domestic and international carriers. Domestic airlines available include major carriers like Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and JetBlue. International airlines include KLM, Lufthansa, Finnair, British Airways, Air Canada, Emirates, Qantas, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific, and many others, offering a comprehensive selection for global travel booking.
Which airlines are Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners?
Chase Ultimate Rewards partners with the following airlines for point transfers to their frequent flyer programs: Aer Lingus, Air Canada, British Airways, Emirates, Flying Blue (Air France/KLM), Iberia, JetBlue, Singapore Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. This diverse selection provides options for various travel styles and destinations.
Do Chase Ultimate Rewards points expire?
As long as your Chase account remains open and in good standing, your Chase Ultimate Rewards points will not expire. However, it’s important to note that if you close your Chase Sapphire Preferred account (or if Chase closes it), you will forfeit any unredeemed points. Therefore, it’s advisable to redeem your points before closing your account.
Does Chase have hotel transfer partners?
Yes, in addition to airline partners, Chase also has hotel transfer partners: IHG Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hyatt. Similar to airline transfers, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to these hotel loyalty programs to redeem for hotel stays and other benefits within those programs.
The Bottom Line: Unlocking Travel with Chase Sapphire Preferred Airline Partners
The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers a wealth of travel redemption possibilities through its Chase Ultimate Rewards program and its network of airline partners. You have the choice to redeem your points directly through the user-friendly Chase Travel portal for a guaranteed 1.25 cents per point value, or to transfer those points to your preferred frequent flyer program to potentially unlock even greater value and premium travel experiences.
Deciding between these options depends on your specific travel goals and redemption preferences. Carefully evaluate the point value offered by each airline partner’s frequent flyer program versus the straightforward redemption value within the Chase Travel portal. Regardless of your chosen method, it’s prudent to keep your points securely in your Chase account until you are ready to use them and thoroughly explore all Chase travel partner options before committing your points to a particular redemption. By understanding and strategically utilizing Chase Sapphire Preferred Airline Partners, you can significantly enhance your travel rewards and explore the world for less.
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Great for Flexible Travel Rewards
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
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Current Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual Fee
$95
Rewards Rate
5X points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases
Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
- Generous welcome offer valued at $750 when redeemed via Chase Travel
- High rewards on dining and bookings via Chase Travel
- 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
- Up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
- Receive valuable travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and primary rental car insurance
Drawbacks
- Has a $95 annual fee
- Doesn’t offer airport lounge access or premium travel perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
- Doesn’t offer bonus points on gas or in-person groceries purchases
Card Details
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2027.
- Member FDIC
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