When the Chase Travel Portal Is (And Isn’t) Worth It for Booking Flights

Chase Travel allows cardholders to use their Ultimate Rewards points or cash to book flights, hotels, activities, and other travel experiences. While it’s relatively straightforward to use, bookings made via Chase Travel are considered third-party reservations, meaning travelers must interact with an additional entity besides the airline.

For that reason, many cardholders avoid booking flights through Chase Travel entirely. Booking with a third-party portal, rather than directly with airlines, could be problematic if you need to change the reservation or encounter unexpected disruptions beyond your control.

While these concerns are valid, I take steps to minimize the risk while enjoying the convenience of booking through Chase Travel. Here’s an overview of when I choose to book flights through this popular credit card portal — and when I don’t.

Reasons Why I Book Flights on Chase Travel

Generally, I will book 4 types of flights via the Chase Travel portal, though there are exceptions:

• One-way domestic main cabin and first class flights
• One-way international flights operated by a domestic U.S. airline
• One-segment international flights
• Inexpensive (or mistake fare) business class flights

I’ll also try to book simpler itineraries with Chase Travel to minimize the chance of a flight disruption.

1. Earning Miles, Meeting Revenue Requirements, and Loyalty Points

Using my Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book flights has served me well over the years. In fact, using the portal to book inexpensive flights or mistake fares has helped me achieve lifetime Delta Diamond Elite status. Additionally, I reach American Airlines Executive Platinum and some level of United MileagePlus elite status every year.

How is that possible? Well, using Ultimate Rewards points to purchase flights is the same as using cash. I will still earn frequent flyer miles and qualifying points required by the airline to earn elite status.

I’ve earned millions of frequent flyer miles from flights booked via Chase Travel. I use my miles to book reservations for family, positioning flights, or backup tickets during travel disruptions.

2. Scoring an Elevated Value

With my Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, I can redeem points at an enhanced value of 1.5 cents each when booking any reservation via Chase Travel. That’s why this card is my go-to card for most travel purchases. Despite its $550 annual fee, I find value in the $300 annual travel credit, the Priority Pass Select membership, and the 3x points on travel and dining purchases.

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,200

Annual Fee

$550

APR

21.49% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Excellent (740-850)

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel^SM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases through March 31, 2025
• 10x points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $250 through March 31, 2025

Cons

• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any hotel elite status

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Card Highlights

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $120 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

3. Combining Points and Cash

If I don’t want to pay for my flight entirely with Ultimate Rewards points, I can even use a combination of points and cash at checkout. I enjoy the flexibility of choosing how I pay for my flights via Chase Travel.

Combining points and cash can be useful when I find a relatively inexpensive business class fare and want to reduce my out-of-pocket expenses.

4. Upgrading My Flight

I always add my airline frequent flyer number when booking my flight on Chase Travel. Once the ticket is issued, I can go to my frequent flyer account and select premium seats based on my status level.

I can also apply any upgrade certificates to the reservation by calling the airline. I’ve established upgrade availability in advance and, since the airline has full access to my reservation, it has worked seamlessly. I also receive an alert from Chase when complimentary upgrades are cleared by the airline.

When I Don’t Book Flights on Chase Travel

That said, booking flights with Chase Travel isn’t always the best idea. Let’s look at some situations in which I’d redeem my points differently.

1. Redeeming for Expensive Business Class Tickets

Booking expensive business class flights — via any travel portal — makes no economic sense. For example, a $3,000 business class flight would require 200,000 Ultimate Rewards points. Instead, I could transfer those points to an airline’s frequent flyer program and potentially receive greater value.

The same logic holds for any expensive flight. I would, however, be enticed to book a $1,400 international business class flight via Chase Travel. And yes, I’ve booked many.

2. Booking a Complicated Itinerary

I’d also steer clear of flights involving multiple international carriers or numerous segments prone to disruptions. Dealing with foreign airline customer support through Chase Travel or facing long refund wait times is something I’d rather avoid.

In the case of a flight delay or cancellation, working with the airline directly can be easier than calling Chase. However, if United cancels a flight I’ve booked with Chase, I do not have to deal directly with Chase’s customer service since United handles the rebooking. (I’ve had this happen twice over the holidays.) Disruptions when you’re flying internationally on a complicated itinerary operated by several airlines would not be as easily resolved.

If I need to request a refund from the airline, the airline will refund it to Chase, and then Chase will refund me. This process can take longer. If I book a flight with Chase and cancel within 24 hours of booking, the refund is direct and immediate.

3. Getting a Greater Value With Transfer Partners

Transferring Ultimate Rewards points to airline partners can often yield better value for costly business and first class flights. For instance, instead of redeeming 200,000 points through Chase Travel, I may be able to transfer just 60,000 points to a partner program for the same business class ticket — a clear win.

It’s always best to review the option of transferring Ultimate Rewards points to airline partners for expensive tickets. However, these favorable redemption rates will depend heavily on availability.

4. Finding Higher Prices or Flights Unavailable on Chase Travel

In some cases, not all available flights are listed on the Chase Travel portal. And occasionally, the prices may be higher. That’s why I’ll always price out fares with the airline’s website to ensure my redemption is worthwhile.

Final Thoughts

Booking with Chase Travel often has its downsides, but there are times when it makes sense. Without Chase Travel, I would never have achieved lifetime Delta Diamond status or annual elite status with the other domestic airlines.

If you haven’t booked flights with Chase Travel, I suggest starting with a simple itinerary, perhaps a one-way domestic flight, to familiarize yourself with the process. While Chase Travel may not be your primary method of booking flights, having additional options to use points and miles is always a good idea.