Is it advisable to transfer hotel points to airline partners?
Hotel loyalty programs frequently collaborate with airlines, enabling the conversion of hotel points into airline miles. This expands your redemption possibilities, but is it the best use of your points?
As is often the case in the world of points and miles, the answer is: It depends. Transfer ratios and airline partnerships differ among hotel programs, as do the values of points and miles. We’ll explore several major hotel loyalty programs and discuss whether you should — or shouldn’t — convert your points to airline partners.
Is it beneficial to transfer Marriott points to airline partners?
JEREMY MOELLER/GETTY IMAGESMarriott Bonvoy offers transfers to 39 airline partners, allowing transfers starting from just 3,000 points. Most airlines accept points at a 3:1 ratio, and for certain transfers, you can earn 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred (10,000 bonus miles with United Airlines).
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| Airline partner | Transfer ratio (Marriott points:airline miles) | Bonus miles (per 60,000 points) |
|---|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines Miles+Bonus | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Aer Lingus AerClub | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Aeromexico Rewards | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Air China PhoenixMiles | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Air New Zealand Airpoints | 200:1 | 5,000 |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| All Nippon Airways Mileage Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 3:1 | None |
| Asiana Airlines Asiana Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 3:1 | None |
| British Airways Executive Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Cathay Pacific Cathay | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| China Southern Airlines Sky Pearl Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Copa Airlines ConnectMiles | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Delta Air Lines SkyMiles | 3:1 | None |
| Emirates Skywards | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Etihad Airways Guest | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Frontier Airlines Miles | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Iberia Plus | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| InterMiles | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Japan Airlines Mileage Bank | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Korean Air SkyPass | 3:1 | None |
| LATAM Pass | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Multiplus Fidelidade LATAM Pass | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Saudia AlFursan | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 3:1 | 10,000 |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer | 3:1 | 5,000 |
| Vueling Club | 3:1 | 5,000 |
While these transfer ratios may not be the most favorable, it's important to note that most airline miles typically have a higher value than Marriott Bonvoy points.
For instance, if you have 60,000 points in your Bonvoy account, and considering TPG values Marriott points at 0.85 cents each, this amounts to $510. Transferring them to United MileagePlus at the 3:1 ratio would net you 20,000 miles plus 10,000 bonus miles, totaling 30,000 miles. However, TPG values United miles at 1.35 cents each, which brings your total value down to $405.
However, United miles might hold more value for you than Marriott Bonvoy points, particularly if you don't plan to stay at Marriott hotels soon. If you intend to fly United and need to boost your mileage balance, the decision is yours; transferring Marriott points to airlines is certainly a viable option to consider.
Keep in mind that most transfers of points and miles are permanent. It's wise to have a redemption plan in place before you move your points.
Is it worthwhile to transfer Hilton points to airline partners?
KATIE GENTER/DinogoHilton Honors collaborates with 26 airlines, typically converting 10,000 Hilton points into 1,000 miles. The Qantas Frequent Flyer program offers a slightly better rate at 10,000:1,500, but it remains quite low.
To view an airline's transfer ratio, you'll need to input your frequent flyer account number and link it to your Hilton Honors account. Here are the transfer ratios for some popular airlines:
| Airline partner | Transfer ratio (Hilton points:airline miles) |
|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 10,000:1,000 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 10,000:1,000 |
| British Airways Executive Club | 10,000:1,000 |
| Cathay Pacific Cathay | 10,000:1,000 |
| Delta Air Lines SkyMiles | 10,000:1,000 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 10,000:1,500 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 10,000:1,000 |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 10,000:1,000 |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 10,000:1,000 |
Using the previous example, if you possess 60,000 Hilton points (valued at 0.6 cents each by TPG), their total worth would be $360. Transferring these points to United would yield only 6,000 miles, valued at a mere $81. This results in a loss of over 75% in value.
We believe there are more advantageous ways to redeem Hilton Honors points. However, if your points are nearing expiration and you have no immediate travel plans at a Hilton property, transferring them can help prevent waste.
Is it advisable to transfer IHG points to airline partners?
ASANKA RATNAYAKE/GETTY IMAGESIHG One Rewards provides access to 38 airline transfer partners. For most airlines, you can convert 10,000 IHG points into 2,000 airline miles. Below are some transfer ratios for popular airlines.
| Airline partner | Transfer ratio (IHG points:airline miles) |
|---|---|
| Aeromexico Rewards | 10,000:2,000 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 10,000:2,000 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 10,000:2,000 |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 10,000:2,000 |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | 10,000:2,000 |
| All Nippon Airways Mileage Club | 10,000:2,000 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 10,000:2,000 |
| Asiana Airlines Asiana Club | 10,000:2,000 |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 10,000:2,000 |
| British Airways Executive Club | 10,000:2,000 |
| Cathay Pacific Cathay | 10,000:2,000 |
| Delta Air Lines SkyMiles | 10,000:2,000 |
| Emirates Skywards | 10,000:2,000 |
| Etihad Airways Guest | 10,000:2,000 |
| Iberia Plus | 10,000:2,000 |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 10,000:2,000 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 10,000:2,000 |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 10,000:2,000 |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 10,000:2,000 |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 10,000:2,000 |
| Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer | 10,000:2,000 |
If you were to transfer 60,000 IHG points to United MileagePlus, your IHG points (valued at $300 according to TPG's 0.5 cents per point) would convert to 12,000 United miles (worth $162) — nearly a 50% reduction in value.
In addition to the unfavorable transfer ratio, the process for transferring IHG points is more cumbersome than most. Transfers can't be done online; you must call the service center and wait two to three weeks for your miles to appear.
This is not a redemption option we would recommend. You would be better off using your hard-earned points for award stays, where you can enjoy a fourth night free. However, if you have IHG points that are about to expire and cannot be used, transferring them to airlines or other IHG One Rewards members may be a reasonable choice.
Is it beneficial to transfer Choice points to airline partners?
CHOICE HOTELSChoice Privileges partners with 10 airlines, with most points converting at a rate of 5,000:1,000. This means you could turn 60,000 Choice points (valued at $360 by TPG’s rate of 0.6 cents each) into 12,000 United miles (worth $162).
| Airline partner | Transfer ratio (Choice points:airline miles) |
|---|---|
| Aeromexico Rewards | 5,000:1,000 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 5,000:1,000 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 5,000:1,000 |
| Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | 5,000:1,000 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 2,000:800 |
| Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | 6,000:1,800 |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 5,000:1,000 |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 5,000:1,000 |
| Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer | 2,000:800 |
You can transfer points to nine of these airlines through Choice's Rewards Exchange page online; miles typically post within 24 hours. However, for Spirit Airlines, you need to call customer service and wait two to six weeks for your miles to be credited. A minimum of 5,000 points is required to start a transfer, and points must be transferred in increments of 1,000.
While this isn't the most efficient way to maximize your Choice points, it can be beneficial if you're just a few miles short for an airline redemption.
Is it advisable to transfer Hyatt points to airline partners?
JOHN GREIM/GETTY IMAGESWorld of Hyatt members can transfer points to 25 airline partners, generally at a rate of 2.5:1. To initiate a transfer, you need a minimum of 5,000 points, and any additional points can be transferred in increments of 1,250. For every 50,000 points transferred, you’ll receive a bonus of 5,000 miles. Here are some prominent airline programs that partner with Hyatt.
| Airline partner | Transfer ratio (Hyatt points:airline miles) |
|---|---|
| Aeromexico Rewards | 5,000:4,000 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 5,000:2,000 |
| All Nippon Airways Mileage Club | 5,000:2,000 |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 5,000:2,000 |
| Asiana Airlines Asiana Club | 5,000:2,000 |
| Cathay Pacific Cathay | 5,000:2,000 |
| Delta Air Lines SkyMiles | 5,000:2,000 |
| Emirates Skywards | 5,000:2,000 |
| Etihad Airways Guest | 5,000:2,000 |
| Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles | 5,000:2,000 |
| Korean Air SkyPass | 5,000:2,000 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 5,000:2,400 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 5,000:2,000 |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 5,000:2,000 |
| Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards | 5,000:2,400 |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 5,000:2,000 |
| Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | 5,000:3,000 |
This transfer ratio is among the best for hotel-to-airline conversions, yet it may not represent the optimal use of your points.
Valued at 1.7 cents each, Hyatt points surpass most airline miles in worth, meaning you lose substantial value during the transfer. For instance, 60,000 Hyatt points are worth $1,020 when redeemed for Hyatt stays. However, transferring them to United would yield only 24,000 United miles, valued at just $324. Additionally, transfers can take six to eight weeks to process.
We recommend utilizing your Hyatt points for Hyatt stays. The World of Hyatt program is recognized as the most award-friendly hotel program partly because it still employs an award chart rather than dynamic pricing. However, if you have points nearing expiration or need a few extra miles for an airline redemption, transferring could be a reasonable option.
Is it beneficial to transfer Accor points to airline partners?
ERIC PIERMONT/AFP/GETTY IMAGESAccor Live Limitless may not be the most prominent hotel loyalty program, but its points are among the most valuable, valued at 2 cents each. It also features a surprisingly robust airline transfer system.
Accor boasts 31 airline transfer partners. Most operate on a 2:1 transfer ratio, while a select few offer a 1:1 ratio. Here are some of the more popular airline programs for transfers.
| Airline partner | Transfer ratio (Accor points:airline miles) |
|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines-Olympic Air Miles+Bonus | 2,000:1,000 |
| Aeromexico Rewards | 4,000:2,000 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 4,000:2,000 |
| Air China PhoenixMiles | 4,000:3,200 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | 2,000:2,000 |
| Avianca LifeMiles | 4,000:2,000 |
| British Airways Executive Club | 4,000:2,000 |
| Cathay Pacific Cathay | 4,000:2,000 |
| Delta Air Lines SkyMiles | 4,000:2,000 |
| Emirates Skywards | 4,000:2,000 |
| Etihad Airways Guest | 4,000:2,000 |
| Finnair Plus | 2,000:2,000 |
| Iberia Plus | 3,000:3,000 |
| LATAM Pass | 4,000:2,000 |
| Qantas Frequent Flyer | 2,000:2,000 |
| Qatar Airways Privilege Club | 2,000:1,000 |
| Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer | 2,000:1,000 |
| TAP Air Portugal Miles&Go | 4,000:2,000 |
| Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus | 4,000:2,000 |
| Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles | 4,000:2,000 |
| United Airlines MileagePlus | 2,000:1,000 |
| Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer | 4,000:4,000 |
For example, you could convert 60,000 Accor points (valued at $1,200) into 30,000 United miles (worth $405). Alternatively, if you transferred to Flying Blue, you'd receive 60,000 miles (valued at $720). While you would lose some value, you could potentially book a Flying Blue Promo Reward flight from the U.S. to Europe for just 15,000 miles.
Similar to World of Hyatt, Accor Live Limitless points hold greater value when redeemed for Accor hotel stays. However, if you’re short on miles for your next award flight and your preferred airline offers a favorable transfer ratio, converting your Accor points into miles may be a worthwhile option.
Top credit cards for earning hotel points
HISPANOLISTIC/GETTY IMAGESRegardless of how you plan to redeem your hotel points, a smart way to accumulate more is by using cobranded credit cards. Here are some options that not only provide additional points on hotel stays but also feature generous welcome bonuses.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 125,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Earn up to 17 points per dollar on Marriott hotel purchases, along with automatic Silver Elite status.
- Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card: Get 165,000 Hilton Honors bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first six months. Earn 12 points per dollar on Hilton purchases and enjoy complimentary Gold status.
- IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card: Receive 140,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months. Earn up to 26 points per dollar on IHG purchases, along with a free night every card anniversary and Platinum Elite status.
- Choice Privileges® Select Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. Get 10 points per dollar on Choice purchases, 30,000 bonus points each account anniversary, and automatic Platinum Elite status.
- World of Hyatt Credit Card: Enjoy five free nights at any Category 1 - 4 Hyatt hotel or resort after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, transferring hotel points to airlines is not the most advantageous way to use your points. You’ll often find better value by redeeming them for hotel stays. However, there are specific situations where transferring may be beneficial.
If you have accumulated points in a hotel loyalty program that you don’t plan to use, and they are nearing expiration, transferring them to airline partners can help prevent loss. In such cases, you might also consider donating your points to charity.
Alternatively, if you're lacking miles for an award ticket and have some hotel points available, it might be worthwhile to transfer them to boost your airline account.
While transferring hotel points to airlines may not offer the best value, it is a useful option to consider.
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