Have you ever stared at your credit card points balance, dreaming of a getaway but unsure how to make it happen? I’ve been there, scrolling through endless travel blogs, trying to crack the code on using rewards smartly. For those of us with Chase Ultimate Rewards points, booking flights on American Airlines might seem tricky since they’re not direct partners. But here’s the good news: with a bit of strategy, you can turn those points into a ticket to almost anywhere American flies. Let’s dive into the best ways to make this work, from leveraging airline alliances to navigating Chase’s travel portal like a pro.
Unlocking American Airlines Flights with Chase Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are like gold in the travel rewards world—flexible, valuable, and packed with potential. While American Airlines isn’t a direct transfer partner, you can still book their flights by tapping into Chase’s airline alliances or booking directly through their travel portal. The key is knowing your options and picking the one that maximizes your points’ value. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can jet off without breaking the bank.
Why Chase Points Are a Game-Changer
Chase Ultimate Rewards points stand out because of their versatility. Unlike some programs locked into one airline or hotel, Chase lets you transfer points to multiple partners or redeem them directly for travel. For American Airlines flights, this flexibility is a lifesaver since direct transfers aren’t an option. Personally, I love how Chase gives you room to experiment—whether you’re chasing a deal through a partner airline or booking a last-minute flight with points.
“Points are only as valuable as your ability to use them strategically.”
– Travel rewards expert
To use Chase points for American Airlines, you’ll need a card that allows point transfers, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred. These cards let you transfer points to airline partners at a 1:1 ratio, meaning one Chase point equals one airline mile. If you’re new to this, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through the process.
Option 1: Transferring Points to Airline Partners
One of the smartest ways to book American Airlines flights is by transferring your Chase points to one of their partner airlines. Since American Airlines is part of the Oneworld alliance, you can transfer points to airlines like British Airways or Iberia and use their loyalty programs to book American flights. Here’s how it works.
British Airways Executive Club: The Top Choice
British Airways’ Executive Club is my go-to for booking American Airlines flights with Chase points. Why? Their program uses a distance-based award chart, which can be a steal for shorter flights. For example, a one-way economy flight from Chicago to Charlotte costs just 12,000 Avios (British Airways’ points), while a business class seat is around 24,000 Avios. Compare that to cash prices, and you’re often saving hundreds.
- Transfer process: Move Chase points to your British Airways account at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are usually instant but can take up to 24 hours.
- Booking flexibility: British Airways charges a modest $55 fee for changes or cancellations, but you can skip this by forfeiting taxes and fees (often just $5.60 for domestic flights).
- Pro tip: Book direct flights to avoid extra points costs, as British Airways prices each flight segment separately.
One downside? Award availability can be limited, especially for popular routes or peak travel times. I’ve found that checking availability early—sometimes months in advance—makes a big difference. If you’re flexible with dates, you’re more likely to snag a deal.
Iberia Plus: A Secondary Option
Another Oneworld partner, Iberia Plus, lets you book American Airlines flights too. Like British Airways, Iberia uses a distance-based system, but their program is less flexible. You can’t change or cancel partner awards, which makes me hesitant to recommend it unless you’re 100% sure of your plans. Still, it’s worth checking their award chart for deals, especially for transatlantic flights where Iberia sometimes offers lower rates.
Option 2: Booking Through Chase Travel Portal
If partner airlines aren’t showing the flights you need, the Chase Travel portal is your backup plan. This option lets you book any American Airlines flight available for purchase, paying with points instead of cash. It’s straightforward, but the value you get per point depends on your card and when you opened it.
| Card Type | Point Value (Post-June 23, 2025) | Point Value (Pre-June 23, 2025) |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 1 cent | 1.25 cents |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 1 cent | 1.5 cents |
| Ink Business Preferred | 1 cent | 1.25 cents |
For example, a $100 flight from New York to Miami would cost 10,000 points for newer cardholders but only 8,000 points for Sapphire Reserve holders who applied before June 23, 2025. The catch? These rates apply only to points earned before October 26, 2025, and redeemed by October 26, 2027. After that, it’s one cent per point for everyone.
The Points Boost Advantage
Here’s where things get exciting. Chase recently introduced a Points Boost feature, which can increase your point value for select flights and hotels. With a Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred card, your points could be worth up to 1.5 cents each. For Sapphire Reserve holders, it’s up to 2 cents per point. That $100 flight? It could cost as few as 5,000 points if it qualifies for Points Boost. Always check the portal for eligible bookings to stretch your points further.
“The Chase Travel portal is like a safety net—less value per point, but way more options.”
– Frequent traveler
My take? The portal is perfect for last-minute trips or when award seats are scarce. Just don’t expect the same bang for your buck as transferring to partners.
Comparing Your Options: Which Is Better?
Choosing between transferring points to a partner or booking through the Chase Travel portal depends on your priorities. Let’s weigh the pros and cons to help you decide.
- Partner Transfers: Best for maximizing point value, especially on short-haul or direct flights. British Airways is your safest bet for flexibility and value.
- Chase Travel Portal: Ideal for convenience and availability. You’ll use more points, but you’re not limited by award seat restrictions.
- Hybrid Approach: Check both options. Sometimes a partner transfer saves more, but the portal’s Points Boost can tip the scales for specific routes.
In my experience, checking both avenues is worth the effort. I once saved 30% on a flight by transferring to British Airways instead of booking through the portal. But when I needed a last-minute ticket, the portal was a lifesaver.
Tips to Maximize Your Chase Points
Using Chase points for American Airlines flights is only half the battle. Here are some insider tips to get the most out of your rewards.
- Plan early: Award seats disappear fast. Check availability weeks or months in advance for the best deals.
- Be flexible: Adjusting your travel dates or airports can unlock better award options.
- Combine strategies: Use points for one leg of your trip and cash for another to balance value and availability.
- Track promotions: Chase sometimes offers bonuses for transferring points to partners, so keep an eye out.
One trick I’ve learned? Always double-check the cash price of a flight. If it’s super cheap, paying out of pocket and saving points for a pricier trip might make sense.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Even seasoned travelers make mistakes. Here are some traps to watch out for when booking American Airlines flights with Chase points.
Points Redemption Pitfalls: - Forgetting to check award availability early - Ignoring transfer times (plan for up to 24 hours) - Overlooking Points Boost eligibility - Booking connecting flights with British Airways (costs more)
I once missed a great deal because I assumed points would transfer instantly. Lesson learned: always plan a buffer for transfers, especially for time-sensitive bookings.
Final Thoughts: Making It Work for You
Booking American Airlines flights with Chase points is like solving a puzzle—it takes strategy, but the payoff is worth it. Whether you transfer to British Airways for a sweet deal on a direct flight or use the Chase Travel portal for flexibility, you’ve got options. The trick is to weigh value against convenience and plan ahead. With a bit of practice, you’ll be jetting off on your next adventure without draining your wallet.
So, what’s stopping you? Dig into your Chase account, check those points, and start planning your next trip. Have you tried booking with Chase points before? Let’s just say, once you master it, you’ll never look at travel the same way again.
