So you've accumulated a ton of Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You've been saving up for something epic. Now the question is: how to best use them?
Chase's Ultimate Rewards (UR) is one of the best programs in the travel credit card rewards market because of its ability to transfer 1:1 to all its frequent travel program partners. The credit cards are also known for having very generous sign-up bonuses, which is often enough to score a free flight.
Related: Beginner's Guide to Chase Ultimate Rewards
Note: Not every Chase credit card with Chase Ultimate Rewards allow you to transfer points to airline and hotel transfer partners. Generally speaking, no annual fee cards like the Chase Freedom and Freedom Unlimited do not allow you to transfer points, unless you also have a premium travel credit card with the feature such as Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Plus.
With the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Ink Plus, Chase gives you the option of booking travel on Chase's Ultimate Rewards travel portal at a 20% discount (for 1.25 cents value per point), or transferring to travel program partners at a 1:1 ratio, which may allow you to squeeze more value out of your points. For example: 50,000 UR points equals $625 when you book travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, OR you can transfer those points wisely and book a round-trip, non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Paris.
List of Chase Transfer Partners
Chase Ultimate Rewards Airline Transfer Partners include:
United MileagePlus (part of Star Alliance)
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
Korean Air SKYPASS (part of SkyTeam)
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer (part of Star Alliance)
British Airways Executive Club (part of oneworld)
Air France Flying Blue (part of SkyTeam)
Chase Ultimate Rewards Hotel Transfer Partners include:
Hyatt Gold Passport
IHG Rewards Club
Marriott Rewards
Ritz Carlton Rewards
Redeem Ultimate Rewards for Maximum Value
We've gathered some of the most visited, exotic, and wanderlust-worthy destinations around the globe. And we want to help you get to them.
We've come up with options to use your points to get you to your dream vacation. We believe redeeming your UR points for flights offers the best value, so we're only focusing on airline transfer partners here. We've included some sample routes from different areas within the U.S. for reference.
Note: The points and redemption values are based on September 2016 data. Redemption options and value can change at any time. Taxes, fees and surcharges are additional.
Watch out for carrier-imposed surcharges (also known as fuel surcharges). We like converting Chase Ultimate Rewards points into United MileagePlus as United does not charge a fuel surcharge on award tickets.
Which of these places are you daydreaming about?
1. Paris, France
Ah, the City of Lights. Stroll down the Seine while munching on a freshly-made crepe, get lost for hours among the greatest artists in history inside the Louvre, and then watch the Eiffel Tower light up at night in gold. Paris is perhaps that one destination that everyone wishes to visit once in their lifetime.
Sample routes:
Philadelphia (PHL) - Paris (CDG): 40,000 Avios on British Airways (flight operated by American Airlines)
Houston (HOU) - Paris (CDG): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France
Miami (MIA) - Paris (CDG): 50,000 Avios on British Airways (flight operated by American Airlines)
Flights are round-trip, non-stop.
Tip: Consider traveling off-peak (or even shoulder season) if you have the flexibility. Everything - from flights to hotels - will be cheaper. The number of points you use could be less too. And a big plus: Europe is beautiful during the winter season.
Tip: You may see instances where a flight is operated by another airline. Using the above as an example: if you want to take this flight from Miami to Paris, you would transfer 50,000 of your UR points to British Airways Avios. And then you would use British Airway's website or call them to book the partner award flight on American Airlines. On your travel day at MIA, you would be boarding an American Airlines flight to get to Paris.
2. Rome, Italy
Seriously, the food! Doesn't your mouth just water at the thought of fresh, handmade pasta and a glass of Sangiovese? Rome is the perfect starting point for your great Italian adventure. Soak in the rich history of this ancient city, and then hop on a train to explore the beauty of the Amalfi Coast, the rolling hills (and wine!) of Tuscany, and the canals of Venice.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Rome (FCO): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Alitalia)
New York (JFK) - Rome (FCO): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by Alitalia and Delta)
Chicago (ORD) - Rome (FCO): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Alitalia)
Flights are round-trip, non-stop.
3. London
London is a city that captivates almost everyone. From the beautiful architecture to charming pubs to vibrant markets to edgy street art, there's no end to the surprises that the city delivers. And of course there are the iconic red phone booths, double-decker buses, and fuzzy hats of the Queen's guards. London is a place you'll have to see for yourself.
Good thing you can use your UR points to score a great deal, because the pounds will not be in your favor when you get there.
Sample routes:
New York (JFK) - London (HLR): 40,000 Avios on British Airways
Los Angeles (LAX) - London (HLR): 50,000 Avios on British Airways
Austin (AUS) - London (HLR): 50,000 Avios on British Airways
All flights are round-trip, non-stop. If you're going off-season, make sure you check if it's better to pay directly with cash.
Tip: If you want to travel in style and treat yourself to something comfier on a long-haul flight, you can book a business class seat for as low as 80,000 miles. Often, booking business class will offer even more value out of your points, as a regular business class seat generally starts at over $2,000.
4. Honolulu, Hawaii
Hawaii, despite being part of the United States, is not our backyard paradise. It costs a considerable amount of money and time to get to. A round-trip, non-stop flight usually costs about $500 - $800 from the mainland U.S. to the remote tropical paradise of Hawaii. Use these transfers to get to Hawaii cheaper, and enjoy the beautiful soft sandy beaches, lush greenery, luaus, and that famous Aloha spirit.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Honolulu (HNL): 25,000 Avios on British Airways (fight operated by American Airlines)
New York (JFK) - Honolulu (HNL): 30,000 SkyPass Miles on Korean Air (partner flight operated by Hawaiian Airlines)
Houston (HOU) - Honolulu (HNL): 35,000 KrisFlyer miles on Singapore Airlines (flight operated by United Airlines)
All flights are round-trip, non-stop.
5. Toronto, Canada
Or visit our neighbor up north with a trip to Toronto, Canada's largest city. See the view from CN Tower (do the EdgeWalk if you so dare!), explore the medieval splendor of Casa Loma, wander through the artsy Distillery District, and stuff your belly at St. Lawrence Market.
Sample routes:
New York (JFK) - Toronto (YYZ): 15,000 Avios on British Airways (flights operated by American Airlines)
Los Angeles (LAX) - Toronto (YYZ): 25,000 Avios on British Airways (flight operated by American Airlines)
Portland (PDX) - Toronto (YYZ): 25,000 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines (flight operated by Air Canada)
All flights are round-trip, non-stop.
6. San Jose, Costa Rica
Looking for the ultimate nature escape? For somewhere that still feels wild and untamed, the rainforest country of Costa Rica in Central America provides plenty of thrills. Zipline over the dense rainforest canopy, hike up a volcano, go horseback riding on the beach, unwind in a natural hot spring, and see the abundant wildlife up close (try to spot a sloth!).
Most travelers fly into San Jose, and from there, cheap domestic flights or other forms of transport can be used to reach your destination.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - San Jose (SJO): 25,000 Avios on British Airways (flight operated by Alaska Airlines)
Portland (PDX) - San Jose (SJO): 30,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Alaska and Delta)
Houston (HOU) - San Jose (SJO): 35,000 MileagePlus Miles on United Airlines
All flights are round-trip. We try to suggest non-stop if possible, but in some cases, a city doesn't provide a non-stop flight (such as Portland).
7. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona (part of an area called Catalonia) has a completely different feel from the rest of traditional Spain. It's hip, it's cosmopolitan. Soak up the sun on the miles of beach, admire the quirky Gaudi buildings, revel in the stunning architecture of La Sagrada Familia, and of course, eat all the pintxos and tapas to your heart's desire.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Barcelona (BCN): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
New York (JFK) - Barcelona (BNC): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
Chicago (CHI) - Barcelona (BNC): 50,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
8. New York
Coming back Stateside, why not discover more of your own country? And New York is at the top of the list for domestic explorers. Take in the dazzling skyscrapers and the historic buildings, the bustling streets and the peaceful Central Park, the world-class museums, the nightlife, and a Broadway show.
Sample routes:
Miami (MIA) - New York (JFK): 15,000 Avios on British Airways (flight operated by American Airlines)
Los Angeles (LAX) - New York (JFK): 25,000 SkyPass Miles on Korean Air (flight operated by Delta)
Denver (DEN) - New York (JFK): 25,000 SkyPass Miles on Korean Air (flight operated by Delta)
All flights are round-trip, non-stop.
9. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun is America's favorite vacation destination, and for good reason. A short jaunt to our southern neighbor puts you in a completely different world of white sandy beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, a whole underwater world, 5-star dining, and wild nightlife. It's got something for everyone. Round-trip flights are generally not too expensive (around $350 - $400 depending on your season and starting point), but you can get them for an even better value when you transfer.
Sample routes:
New York (JFK) - Cancun (CUN): 20,000 Avios on British Airways (flight operated by American Airlines)
San Francisco (SFO) - Cancun (CUN): 34,000 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines (flight operated by Virgin America)
Denver (DEN) - Cancun (CUN): 35,000 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines (flight operated by United)
Flights are round-trip, non-stop.
10. San Juan, Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, but it's an entirely different world. And American citizens don't need a passport to go to Puerto Rico, which is awesome because you get to visit another country even if you don't have a passport. Enjoy the sandy beaches, rainforests, and the distinctive cocina corilla (the local food).
Sample routes:
Philadelphia (PHL) - San Juan (SJU): 25,000 SkyPass Miles on Korean Air (flight operated by Delta)
Portland (PDX) - San Juan (SJU): 25,000 SkyPass Miles on Korean Air (flight operated by Delta)
Denver (DEN) - San Juan (SJU): 25,000 SkyPass Miles on Korean Air (flight operated by Delta)
Flight are round-trip and may include one stop. Be careful: this is another destination where you'll have to do your homework first and check if it makes more sense to just pay for a ticket in cash.
11. Lima, Peru
Looking for a different kind of vacation? Consider Peru. Follow the famous Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, one of the world's most beautiful ruins, embedded in the heart of the High Andes. And when you're not conquering the trails, explore the bustling city of Lima and indulge in the local cuisine - a unique fusion of local flavors with Japanese/Chinese influences.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Lima (LIM): 35,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
New York (JFK) - Lima (LIM): 35,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
Chicago (MDW/ORD) - Lima (LIM): 35,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
Tip: The high season for visiting Peru is June - August, and the rainy season is January - March, with the Inca Trail closed in February. Avoid those times and you should be able to score good deals and good weather.
12. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul has become one of the hottest Asian destinations. It's no surprise as the city boasts a lively nightlife, vibrant local cuisine, and abundant shopping opportunities. Visit Seoul and discover what exactly Gangnam Style is all about!
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Seoul (GMP): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Asiana Airlines, Air China, and All Nippon Airways)
Portland (PDX) - Seoul (ICN): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Austin (AUS) - Seoul (ICN): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Asiana Airlines, Air Canada, United, and Singapore Airlines)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
13. New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, famed for its incredible natural landscapes. And if you're a hardcore fan of Lord of the Rings, you'll recognize many filming locations. And you can even visit Hobbiton in North Island - the picturesque village of Middle Earth where you'll find little hobbit holes tucked under rolling green hills.
Most people fly into Auckland, where you can then find cheap domestic flights if you want to travel to another region. New Zealand is expensive to get to, with round-trips often costing over way over $1,000.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Auckland (AKL): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
New York (JFK) - Auckland (AKL): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines, Air China, Air New Zealand, and All Nippon)
Houston (HOU) - Auckland (AKL): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
14. The Bahamas
Many of us dream of that Caribbean escape. Practically just a hop away from the U.S., just a short flight will transport you to a serene azure world. The Bahamas are made up of a chain of hundreds of islands. Most people fly into Nassau and use the ferry to get to out islands (swim with piggies in Exuma!). Depending on where you're from, a flight could cost $600 round-trip; get to paradise cheaper with these transfers.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Nassau (NAS): 30,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Copa Airlines and Delta)
Chicago (MDW/ORD) - Nassau (NAS): 30,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Copa Airlines and Delta)
Boston (BOS) - Nassau (NAS): 30,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Copa Airlines and Delta)
Some flights may include one stop.
15. Maldives
Where else can you literally sleep on a hut right over the water? Imagine waking up in the morning and immediately diving off of your balcony into the clear Indian Ocean. For many of us, the Maldives is that one ultimate - yet unattainable - dream destination. Luckily, if you're willing to cash in your UR points, and spend a bit more time in transit, you can make this dream a reality. And then have a bit more to spend on those luxury huts over the water.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Male (MLE): 80,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flights operated by SkyTeam)
Denver (DEN) - Male (MLE): 85,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flight operated by Lufthansa)
Houston (HOU) - Male (MLE): 85,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, and United)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
16. Bali, Indonesia
Eat, Pray, Love may have helped put Bali onto the map for Americans, but it was a favorite vacation destination in Southeast Asia long before that. You can channel your inner Julia Roberts and discover Bali's sandy beaches, lush rice paddies, rich Indonesian culture, yoga, and delicious local cuisine.
Unless you're flying from a major airport like LAX, flights to Bali can be very expensive, costing up to $1,500 for a round-trip.
Sample routes:
Portland (PDX) - Bali (DPS): 80,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Garuda Indonesia and Delta)
Houston (HOU) - Bali (DPS): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flight operated by EVA Air and Air New Zealand)
Boston (BOS) - Bali (DPS): 80,000 Flying Blue Miles on Air France (flight operated by Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
17. South Africa
Or get in touch with your wild side and get up close to the animals of the Great Plains on a South African Safari. Seeing these majestic creatures in their natural habitat is an experience that can't be described. Most people fly in to Cape Town or Johannesburg, depending on where they want to visit. A safari adventure is not cheap, so good thing you can offset the cost a bit with a free flight!
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Johannesburg (JNB): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
New York (JFK) - Johannesburg (JNB): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Miami (MIA) - Johannesburg (JNB): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
18. Beijing, China
China may not be on the top of many U.S. folks' travel wish list, but it's a country rife with history, natural beauty, friendly locals, and some of the best food in the world. Standing on the Great Wall is truly an experience like no other. And remember, no trip to Beijing is complete without indulging in the traditional Peking roast duck.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Beijing (PEK): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Houston (HOU) - Beijing (PEK): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Air China)
Philadelphia (PHL) - Beijing (PEK): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Lufthansa, United, Air Canada, and Air China)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
Tip: Summer is the busiest time in Beijing, but it's also very hot and humid. The best weather is April and October (but avoid the first week as it's a national holiday). You could beat the crowd and score a flight for less points (for example it'll only be 45,000 ANA Mileage Club points from LAX to PEK during off-season).
19. Tokyo, Japan
Japan draws many visitors for its traditional, yet quirky, culture and delicate delicious food. Tokyo is almost a sensory overload. It's got ancient temples, gigantic electronic stores, vending machines with anything you can think of, and more Michelin-starred restaurants than anywhere in the world.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Tokyo (NRT): 55,300 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines
New York (JFK) - Tokyo (NRT): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United
Miami (MIA) - Tokyo (NRT): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
Tip: If you are able to travel off-season, then you can score a flight to Tokyo from LAX or JFK for as low as 40,000 ANA Mileage Club Miles (on All Nippon Airways). Japan's peak seasons are March - April for the cherry blossoms and October - November for the autumn leaves. Mid-August is also a popular local holiday. Consider traveling from December - early March for cheaper rates, if you don't mind the cold!
20. Hong Kong
Hong Kong - a former British colony now an autonomous territory of China - is often described as "east meets west." It has evolved into its own unique culture, with a love for afternoon tea, wonderful and weird street markets, and hybrid local food. It's a city that's built vertically; it's one of the cities with the most skyscrapers in the world; and also the most splendid skyline.
Sample routes:
San Francisco (SFO) - Hong Kong (HKG): 51,000 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines
Miami (MIA) - Hong Kong (HKG): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operate by Star Alliance)
Philadelphia (PHL) - Hong Kong (HKG): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Lufthansa, Air Canada, United, and Singapore Airlines)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
Tip: Hong Kong is extremely humid and uncomfortable during the summer months. Points listed here are for peak season, but if you go off-season (such as December - March), you could save yourself the sweat and a good chunk of points. You may even find that just paying cash is a better deal.
21. Shanghai, China
While Beijing is historic and traditional, Shanghai is young and trendy, but still manages to retain an old China feel in many areas. Stroll along the Bund at night, with the dazzling skyline on one side and the beautiful colonial buildings on the other. Go for an extravagant brunch, and then join the locals for some cheap, delicious street food.
Sample routes:
Austin (AUS) - Shanghai (PVG): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Air Canada, Air China, and United)
Denver (DEN) - Shanghai (PVG): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flight operated by Star Alliance)
Baltimore (BWI) - Shanghai (PVG): 70,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Air Canada and United)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop. Flights are generally very affordable from bigger cities, so make sure you check if it's worthwhile to use your points.
22. Thailand
For many, Thailand conjures an image of the ultimate exotic getaway. Beyond the large crazy metropolis of Bangkok, discover a country of mesmerizing temples, pristine beaches, and ancient ruins. It's a land of smiles, intrigue, and where the best food you eat will cost $1 and is served from a tiny roadside stall.
Most people fly into Bangkok, and from there it is easy to grab a cheap domestic flight to the other regions or use local ground transportation.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Bangkok (BKK): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Miami (MIA) - Bangkok (BKK): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Chicago (ORD) - Bangkok (BKK): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
Tip: For Southeast Asia, the low season is considered to be June - September (the rainy season), and shoulder season is March - May. If you're not bothered by unpredictable weather, then consider traveling during this time to get much cheaper deals. It's also way less crowded during these times.
23. Singapore
This tiny island-country has developed a vibrant cultural all of its own. Singapore has its own food, customs, and even its own special brand of "Singlish." It's the very juxtaposition of modern - skyscrapers and world-class dining - and traditional - old shop houses and cheap hawker fare - that makes this multi-ethnic city so interesting.
Sample routes:
Los Angeles (LAX) - Singapore (SIN): 59,500 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines
New York (JFK) - Singapore (SIN): 63,800 KrisFlyer Miles on Singapore Airlines
Boston (BOS) - Singapore (SIN): 80,000 MileagePlus Miles on United (flights operated by Star Alliance)
Flights are round-trip and may include one stop.
Travel More
Are you ready for your next vacation?
Did we inspire you to start planning your next trip? If you're not quite there yet, just use your premium Chase travel credit card throughout the year and you'll be surprised at how quickly you'll get enough points for your dream vacation.
Note: Redemption options and value can change at any time. You are usually responsible for any taxes, fees and surcharges.
23 Best Ways to Use Chase Ultimate Rewards 2016 appeared first on CreditDonkey
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