The World of Hyatt program is celebrated for providing exceptional value on hotel stays, from comfortable budget hotels to opulent luxury resorts. However, a lesser-known benefit offers even more flexibility: the ability to transfer your Hyatt points to a diverse array of airline partners. That’s correct – your hard-earned Hyatt points aren’t confined to hotel bookings. With the right strategy, you can convert them into valuable airline miles across 24 different airlines, significantly expanding your travel possibilities.
Whether you’re just a few miles short of your dream flight reward or seeking innovative ways to maximize your travel points, understanding Hyatt’s airline transfer partnerships can reveal valuable opportunities you might not have considered.
Intrigued to discover how this often-overlooked feature can elevate your points strategy?
Read on to explore the world of Hyatt Transfer Partners!
Exploring World of Hyatt Airline Transfer Partners
Emirates Airbus A380-800
Image: An Emirates Airbus A380-800, highlighting Emirates as one of Hyatt’s airline transfer partners.
The World of Hyatt program boasts an impressive roster of 24 airline loyalty programs as transfer partners, giving members the option to convert their Hyatt points into airline miles with prominent carriers around the globe. While Hyatt points generally offer superior value when redeemed for hotel stays, the ability to transfer points to airlines can be incredibly advantageous. It’s particularly useful for topping off your airline mileage accounts for a specific flight redemption or diversifying your rewards portfolio.
Typically, Hyatt points transfer to airline miles at a ratio of 5:2. This means that for every 5,000 Hyatt points you transfer, you’ll receive 2,000 airline miles. However, it’s important to note that there are a few exceptions to this standard ratio, offering potentially better value depending on the partner.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the World of Hyatt airline transfer partners and their respective transfer ratios:
- Aeromexico Club Premier: 5,000 Hyatt points = 4,000 miles* (Ratio: 5:4)
- Air China PhoenixMiles: 5,000 Hyatt points = 3,200 miles* (Ratio: 5:3.2)
- Air France/KLM Flying Blue: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- American Airlines AAdvantage: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Asiana Airlines Asiana Club: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Cathay Pacific Asia Miles: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- China Airlines Dynasty Flyer: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- China Eastern Airlines Eastern Miles: 5,000 Hyatt points = 3,200 miles* (Ratio: 5:3.2)
- China Southern Airlines Sky Pearl Club: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Delta Air Lines SkyMiles: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Emirates Skywards: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Etihad Guest: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Korean Air Skypass: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Qantas Frequent Flyer: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,400 miles* (Ratio: 5:2.4)
- Qatar Airways Privilege Club: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Royal Brunei Airlines Royal Skies: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,400 points* (Ratio: 5:2.4)
- Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- United Airlines MileagePlus: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 miles (Ratio: 5:2)
- Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 5,000 Hyatt points = 3,000 miles* (Ratio: 5:3)
* Indicates a transfer ratio that deviates from the standard 5:2, potentially offering slightly better value.
Bonus Miles for Large Transfers: If you transfer 50,000 Hyatt points or more in a single transaction, Hyatt adds a bonus of 5,000 Hyatt points. This effectively boosts the transfer ratio, providing you with an additional 2,000 (or equivalent based on the ratio) airline miles. This bonus can make larger transfers more appealing if you have a substantial Hyatt points balance and a clear use for the airline miles.
Maximizing Your Points: How to Earn World of Hyatt Points
Before you can take advantage of Hyatt transfer partners, you need to accumulate World of Hyatt points. Building up your points balance opens the door to a world of rewards, from complimentary hotel nights to the flexibility of airline transfers. Here are some of the most effective ways to earn Hyatt points and accelerate your travel rewards:
- Hotel Stays at Hyatt Properties: The most straightforward method to earn Hyatt points is by staying at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts worldwide. As a World of Hyatt member, you earn 5 base points for every dollar spent on eligible room rates and incidental charges at Hyatt properties, including dining and spa treatments charged to your room.
- World of Hyatt Credit Cards: Consider applying for a World of Hyatt credit card issued by Chase. These cards offer significant sign-up bonuses and allow you to earn Hyatt points on your everyday spending. The World of Hyatt Credit Card is a popular choice for loyal Hyatt customers, offering bonus points on Hyatt purchases and accelerated earning on other spending categories.
- Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfers: Hyatt is a valuable transfer partner of the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This means you can transfer points earned with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® or Chase Sapphire Reserve® directly to your World of Hyatt account at a 1:1 ratio. This provides a fast and efficient way to pool your points and boost your Hyatt balance.
- Dining with Hyatt: The Hyatt Dining Program enables you to earn bonus points by dining at participating restaurants, even when you’re not staying at a Hyatt hotel. Simply link your World of Hyatt account and credit card to the program and earn points for your meals at participating locations.
- Meetings and Events at Hyatt: If you plan meetings or events, consider hosting them at Hyatt properties. The Hyatt Meeting Planner Program offers bonus points to event organizers for qualifying events, making it a rewarding option for business travelers and event planners.
- Promotional Offers from Hyatt: Keep an eye out for seasonal promotions and bonus offers from Hyatt. Hyatt frequently runs promotions that allow members to earn bonus points on hotel stays, dining, or even for simply enrolling in the World of Hyatt program. Subscribing to Hyatt’s email list and regularly checking their website can ensure you don’t miss out on these valuable earning opportunities.
Related: The Best Ways To Earn World Of Hyatt Points
Step-by-Step Guide: Transferring Hyatt Points to Airline Miles
Converting your World of Hyatt points into airline miles is a relatively straightforward process. However, it’s important to be aware that transfers can take some time to process, so plan accordingly. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to initiating a transfer:
Step 1 – Navigate to the Air & Auto Section
Access The Air & Auto Section Of The World Of Hyatt Redemptions
Image: Screenshot showing the “Air & Auto” section within the World of Hyatt rewards redemption options.
Begin by accessing the “Air & Auto” section on the World of Hyatt redemption website. Locate and click on the button labeled “Convert Points to Miles.” This will initiate the transfer process.
Step 2 – Log In to Your World of Hyatt Account
Sign In To Your World of Hyatt Account
Image: World of Hyatt login screen prompting for membership number, last name, and password.
You will be prompted to sign in to your World of Hyatt account. Enter your World of Hyatt membership number, last name, and password to proceed.
Step 3 – Choose Your Airline Transfer Partner
Select The Airline Transfer Partner
Image: Dropdown menu to select an airline partner for point transfer.
List Of World Of Hyatt Airline Transfer Partners (Nov 2024)
Image: A longer dropdown list showcasing World of Hyatt’s airline transfer partners as of November 2024.
From the “Airline” dropdown menu, select the airline loyalty program you wish to transfer your points to. Ensure you already have an active account with the chosen airline’s frequent flyer program. Then, enter your frequent flyer membership number in the “Airline Membership #” field below. Double-check the number for accuracy to avoid any transfer issues.
Step 4 – Specify the Number of Points for Transfer
Select The Number Of Points
Image: Interface to input the desired number of Hyatt points for conversion to airline miles.
Enter the number of Hyatt points you want to convert to airline miles. Remember that transfers must be in increments of 1,250 points, with a minimum transfer of 5,000 points. Once you’ve entered the desired amount, click on “Review Your Conversion” to proceed.
Step 5 – Review and Confirm Your Transfer
Review And Confirm Point Transfer
Image: Confirmation screen to review the transfer details before finalizing the point conversion.
Carefully review all the details of your transfer request, including the airline partner, your frequent flyer number, the number of Hyatt points being transferred, and the estimated airline miles you will receive. If everything is correct, click “Confirm” to finalize the point transfer between your World of Hyatt account and the selected airline loyalty program.
Important Considerations Before You Transfer
Before you finalize your Hyatt points transfer to airline miles, it’s crucial to understand a few key considerations. Being aware of these points will help ensure a smooth and strategically sound transfer experience:
- Irreversible Transfers: Once you transfer Hyatt points to airline miles, the transaction is final and cannot be reversed. Ensure you are certain about your decision before confirming the transfer, as the points cannot be returned to your Hyatt account.
- Processing Time for Transfers: Airline transfers are not instantaneous. While processing times can vary, it may take several weeks (up to six to eight weeks in some cases) for the miles to appear in your airline account. Therefore, transfers are best suited for travel plans that are not immediately urgent. If you need miles for a last-minute flight, this might not be the most reliable option.
- Transfer Increments and Minimums: Hyatt point transfers to airline partners are subject to specific rules. Points must be transferred in multiples of 1,250, and there is a minimum transfer requirement of 5,000 points per transaction. Keep these increments in mind when planning your transfers to reach a desired mileage balance in your airline account.
Is Transferring Hyatt Points to Airline Miles a Good Value?
Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000 First Class Suite
Image: A luxurious Japan Airlines Airbus A350-1000 First Class Suite, representing high-value premium cabin redemptions.
While Hyatt provides the valuable option to transfer points to airline partners, it’s not always the most financially optimal way to maximize your points’ value. Generally, Hyatt points offer a higher return when redeemed for hotel stays, where you can often achieve valuations significantly greater than the value you’d get by transferring to airlines. When converted to airline miles, Hyatt points typically yield a lower effective value per point.
However, there are specific scenarios where transferring Hyatt points to airline partners can be a strategically intelligent move:
- Topping Off for an Airline Award: If you are nearing the required miles for a specific flight award redemption and are just a few thousand miles short, transferring Hyatt points can be a convenient way to bridge the gap. This is especially beneficial for airline programs that are not transfer partners with major credit card programs, such as American Airlines AAdvantage or Japan Airlines Mileage Bank, where Hyatt transfers provide a valuable avenue to accrue miles.
- Leveraging Airline Promotions and Transfer Bonuses: Airlines occasionally run limited-time promotions that offer bonus miles on transfers from hotel partners. If your preferred airline is offering a transfer bonus, you may be able to extract significantly more value from your Hyatt points than under normal transfer conditions. These bonuses can sometimes make transfers more attractive, even approaching or exceeding the value you might get from hotel redemptions.
- High-Value Premium Cabin Flight Redemptions: For those seeking aspirational travel experiences, transferring Hyatt points can be worthwhile when targeting high-value premium cabin award flights, such as long-haul Business Class or First Class. These premium redemptions often offer exceptionally high cents-per-mile valuations. If transferring Hyatt points helps you secure such a redemption, it can represent excellent value, especially if cash prices for these cabins are exorbitant.
Final Thoughts: Strategic Use of Hyatt Transfer Partners
In conclusion, while redeeming Hyatt points for hotel stays generally provides the highest value, the option to transfer them to airline miles adds a valuable layer of flexibility to your travel rewards strategy. This flexibility is particularly useful when you are close to achieving a flight redemption or can take advantage of limited-time airline transfer bonuses.
However, for the majority of travelers, focusing on utilizing Hyatt points for hotel stays remains the most straightforward and often most rewarding approach to maximizing their value.
Understanding when it makes sense to transfer points — and, equally importantly, when it doesn’t — empowers you to unlock new travel possibilities while ensuring your points are working to their fullest potential. By keeping these strategies in mind, you can make informed decisions that optimize the value of your World of Hyatt points and take you closer to your travel aspirations, wherever they may lead.
