Yes you can using Worldpoints miles because Carlson/MBNA actually pays for the airline ticket. Hotels and car rentals are handled slightly different. Carlson books you at the hotel of your choice and deducts the points from your account. However, they do not pay the hotel. Instead they issue you a credit on your MBNA Mastercard to offset the hotel charge. The hotel has absolutely no idea when you show up that you used Worldpoints for the stay since you are in essence charged for the room. As such, you need not battle with the hotel to earn HHonors, Starwood, etc. points. When MBNA first started this program they actually mailed a check to the hotel, but I guess that this turned into a real mess.