How to Use Credit Card Points for Free Holiday Flights
Move card points to airlines before holiday seats fill, then pay only cash taxes for your flight.
You use credit card points for holiday flights by transferring them to an airline partner or booking directly in the bank portal. Credit card points are rewards earned from card spending that can pay for flights, minus cash taxes and fees. Holiday dates fill fast and often need more points.
A little planning helps you check seats, compare options, and avoid moving points too soon.
Verification note: Program terms and availability can change. This page was checked against linked sources on November 06, 2026.
Move bank points to an airline
Chase allows Ultimate Rewards members to transfer points to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs through the Chase portal, as described in the Chase transfer guide. That option lets you book a holiday flight on a partner airline instead of using only portal bookings. Start by finding award seats on the airline you want to fly.
Note the date, route, and points needed before you move any bank points.
Book directly with points in the portal
Chase notes that eligible cardmembers can search and book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises and activities in Chase Travel, as explained in the Chase Travel booking guide. You can pay with Ultimate Rewards points, an eligible Chase card, or a mix of both. This path suits readers who cannot find partner award seats.
Use these steps to compare:
- Search your holiday route in the bank travel portal
- Compare the points price with the cash price
- Check baggage, changes, and cancellation terms
- Pay with points, card, or both
Check seats before you transfer
American Express warns that all Membership Rewards transfers to airline or hotel partners are final and cannot be reversed, according to the American Express transfer FAQ. You must verify award-seat availability and the points needed before transferring for a holiday flight. Holiday inventory changes quickly, so confirm the seat is held or still bookable.
Transfer only the amount needed for that booking.
Plan for taxes and peak pricing
Points cover the fare portion, but government taxes and fees remain payable in cash, typically $5.60 per domestic one-way segment. NerdWallet reports that peak holiday dates often require more points with scarcer low-level seats, so booking early matters, as detailed in the Southwest points redemption guide. Search early, stay flexible by a day or two, and keep a card ready for the tax payment.