How I Saved $1,100 on a Last-Minute Trip Using Credit Card Benefits

Updated: May 3, 2026, 8:30am CDT

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Table of Contents

Why I Booked a Last-Minute Trip
I Booked a $1,000 Flight for 30,000 Miles
United Hotels Cut My Airport Hotel Cost by Nearly Half
I Used an Airline Fee Credit for a Free Seat Upgrade
What I Paid vs. What I Saved
Why This Worked
How To Use Credit Card Benefits for Last-Minute Travel
Final Thoughts

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Travel booked on short notice is often expensive. When I booked a trip to Seattle less than 24 hours before departure, I faced more than $1,400 in expenses. Instead of paying those prices, I used a mix of points and credit card benefits to bring my out-of-pocket cost to under $300.

Here’s how I saved about $1,100 on a quick, meaningful trip to the Emerald City — and how you can use the same strategies when booking travel on short notice.

Why I Booked a Last-Minute Trip

I got a last-minute invitation to the season 3 finale shoot of “Opportunity Knocks,” a PBS show that helps families and viewers improve their financial lives, so I immediately started planning my trip to get there. I’ve followed the show closely and connected with its creator, Jamie Strayer, through my work, so I couldn’t pass up the chance to see it live and meet the people involved.

Opportunity Knocks video village — Behind the scenes at the “Opportunity Knocks” shoot.

Booking less than 24 hours before departure put me at the mercy of inflated flight prices, almost pricing me out of the trip. But I tapped some of my credit card benefits and rewards to make it happen for less than $300 out of pocket.

I Booked a $1,000 Flight for 30,000 Miles

I planned my travel on Friday and flew Saturday afternoon. With less than 24 hours’ notice to departure, cash prices were high, jumping from a typical $250 to $400 round-trip flight to about $1,000.

I checked cash prices for a round-trip flight from George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) on Google Flights for multiple airlines. The best results were with Alaska Airlines and United Airlines, both of which had direct flights for around $1,000 round-trip. AmexTravel.com had similar results.

I could have booked a slightly cheaper flight with Frontier Airlines, but I wanted to avoid lengthy stops on the outbound and return flights. Realizing I wouldn’t find a miracle fare, I checked my award options with United, since I have the United℠ Business Card and earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points on my Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card, which can transfer to United MileagePlus.

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

United℠ Business Card

U.P. Rating

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

United℠ Business Card

A business card from Chase for United loyalists with benefits such as free checked bags and discounts on inflight purchases.

Welcome OfferEarn up to 110,000 United MileagePlus bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on qualifying purchases in the first three months of opening an account (100K + 10K more miles after adding an authorized user in the first 3 months).
Up to 110,000 miles + 2,000 PQP

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$1,320

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.74% - 28.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The United℠ Business Card is a compelling option for traveling business owners that are also frequent United flyers. Not only will this Chase business card help you earn more United miles, but it also offers great perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, a discount on inflight purchases, and much more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

8x miles per $1 on United flights
2x miles per $1 on other United purchases
2x miles per $1 on dining

Cons

Doesn’t earn transferable rewards
Other United cards are more rewarding for United purchases

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
$150 Annual Fee.
NEW! 8x total miles on eligible United flights.
2x miles on all other eligible United^® purchases. 2x miles on dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United^® credit card.
Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
NEW! Save at least 10% when booking flights with miles. Premier members earn even more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.74% - 28.24% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome OfferEarn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

17.74% - 26.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
Cell phone protection
Purchase protection

Cons

No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 17.74% - 26.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Award fares looked much better than cash prices, and I found a round-trip Saver Award fare for 30,000 miles, which I can access with my United Business card. I quickly transferred Ultimate Rewards points from my Ink Business Preferred card to my United account and booked the flight, paying just $11.20 in taxes and fees.

Last minute United Saver Award — I saved nearly 24,000 miles with a Saver Award. Image Credit: United Airlines

By booking that Saver Award, I scored 3.3 cents per point in redemption value — well above our current valuations of United MileagePlus miles (1.2 cents per point) and Chase Ultimate Rewards points (2 cents per point).

Having transferable points made all the difference because I could move points exactly where I needed them and book before the award space disappeared or the flight became more costly. Knocking $1,000 off my flight cost made the rest of the trip much easier to justify.

Hot Tip:

Near-departure flights are a good time to use miles. Cash prices typically increase near departure, while award pricing may remain relatively stable.

United Hotels Cut My Airport Hotel Cost by Nearly Half

My flight into Seattle landed around 11 p.m., and I didn’t want to navigate a new city by myself that late. I booked the Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center for the first night before heading to my destination in suburban Bothell.

That was a wise choice, as I likely would have taken an Uber ride to my destination instead of the light rail. I later discovered that a 30-minute ride from the airport to my destination would have cost about $100, as Seattle has the most expensive Uber rides in the U.S.

The Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center is across the street from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, a 5-minute walk or short shuttle ride away. I planned to book directly with Hilton using my Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card, but realized this might be a good opportunity to use one of the 2 $50 United Hotels credits I get each year with my United Business card.

Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center entrance and shuttle — Hilton Seattle Airport & Conference Center.

When I checked prices through United Hotels, I was surprised to find that the United Hotels rate was actually cheaper.

Booking direct: $167 with taxes and fees
United Hotels: $120 total

I booked the $120 United Hotels rate with my United Business card and received my $50 United Hotels statement credit, bringing my total cost to $70 for the night — a $97 savings.

I paid $197 the next night for a stay at McMenamins Anderson School Hotel, which isn’t part of major loyalty programs. I didn’t have any credit card savings angles to work with, but paying very little for my flight and airport hotel made it easier to book a night in cash. And, I paid with my Ink Business Preferred card, which earns 3 points per $1 on travel.

I Used an Airline Fee Credit for a Free Seat Upgrade

After a long day at the shoot, my flight departed Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) at midnight. I planned to sleep on the plane, so my seat selection mattered more than usual.

I originally booked an economy seat toward the back to spend fewer miles, then used my up-to-$200 annual airline fee credit (enrollment required) on my Platinum Card^® from American Express to upgrade to an exit-row seat for $90.

BEST LOUNGE CARD

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome OfferYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.  
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:
Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment (airline credit, Uber Cash and Uber One, Resy, lululemon credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR+ credit, and Equinox credit)
TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts and Amex International Airline Program
Access to Amex transfer partners
No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

$895 annual fee (rates and fees)
Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07/2025.
$200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
$300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.
$600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
$400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.
$209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
$300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.* Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
$895 annual fee.
Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

APR: See Pay Over Time APR
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Because I’d selected United as my airline on my Amex Platinum card, the seat fee charge was coded as an incidental fee and was reimbursed. By separating my fare and seat payments, I effectively upgraded my seat for free. That was well worth it, because I was able to stretch my legs, put on my eye mask and earbuds, and drift off to sleep for a few hours on the way home.

What I Paid vs. What I Saved

Using credit card benefits and rewards saved me about $1,100 on this last-minute trip, bringing my total cost under $300 and making it easy to drop everything and go.

Here’s how it all added up:

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	Cash Price	Rewards and Benefits Price
Flight	$1,000	30,000 miles and $11.20 in taxes and fees
Seat upgrade	$90	$0 with statement credit
Airport hotel	$167	$70
Seattle hotel	$197	$197
Total:	$1,454	$278.20

Even better, I didn’t have to drain my rewards to make it happen. I still have over $100 left on my Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit, another $50 in United Hotels credit, and the 30,000-point transfer didn’t make a major dent in my Chase Ultimate Rewards points balance.

Why This Worked

This strategy came down to 3 things: transferable points, United cardholder status, and statement credits from my United Business card and Amex Platinum card.

Using Chase Ultimate Rewards points gave me the flexibility to book the best flight, rather than being locked into a single airline. I was able to search for flights first and then transfer points to book, which was especially valuable given the short notice of the trip.

Having the United Business card gave me access to Saver Award space that offered a good redemption rate. Without it, I would have paid more miles or missed the redemption entirely. Statement credits — like the $50 for United Hotels and then $90 for my seat upgrade — added value by reducing my out-of-pocket costs.

Another key factor was having benefits already available. I didn’t need to earn points, wait for credits to reset, or plan ahead. Everything was ready to use, making it possible to book quickly without second-guessing the cost.

Bottom Line:

Credit card benefits aren’t just for planned trips. They can be especially valuable when you need short-notice travel flexibility.

How To Use Credit Card Benefits for Last-Minute Travel

If you want to replicate this, focus on 3 things:

Earn transferable points so you can book the best option available
Hold at least 1 airline card for better award access and perks
Keep track of your statement credits so you can use them when prices spike

Points are especially valuable for last-minute travel because cash prices can increase quickly, while award pricing doesn’t always follow. These are among the easiest ways to reduce real travel costs.

Final Thoughts

Last-minute travel is rarely cheap, but I found it’s still possible with credit card benefits. This trip was a good reminder that credit card rewards aren’t just about luxury travel or long-term planning; they also add flexibility when real-life plans come together quickly.

What would have been a $1,400 trip turned into less than $300, and I didn’t sacrifice comfort or convenience. This kind of flexibility is why I continue earning points and holding credit cards with strong benefits. I don’t have to overthink the cost when something worthwhile comes up — I can just go.