Points & Miles •
Transfer Partners 101: Getting More Value From Your Points
Match bank currencies to airline programs, plan transfer timing, and hit the right sweet spots.
Why Transfer Partners Matter
Different programs price awards differently—even for the same flights. Transferring bank points to the right partner can cut the cost significantly.
Know Your Currencies and Alliances
- Star Alliance: United, Air Canada, Avianca, Singapore, etc.
- oneworld: American, British Airways, Qatar, Cathay Pacific, etc.
- SkyTeam: Air France/KLM, Delta, Virgin Atlantic (partner), etc.
Align your bank currencies with partners that see the availability and price routes favorably.
Transfer Times and Risks
Prefer instant transfers when possible. If a program is delayed, hold space first or consider alternative partners to reduce risk.
Common Sweet Spots
- Short-haul on Avios (BA/IB/QR) via distance-based charts.
- ANA roundtrip business class from the US to Japan (seasonal pricing, roundtrip only).
- Virgin Atlantic for select partner business/first redemptions.
Workflow
- Search broadly for space.
- Validate with a few partner sites.
- Set alerts and wait for better dates/cabins if needed.
- Transfer only when you can book.
New to searching? Read: How to Find Award Flights in 2025.
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