Need help doing domestic connecting flight through partners
Mar 21, 2018, 1:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 15
Need help doing domestic connecting flight through partners
So I want to use my Chase UR points to fly my family to New Mexico this summer, and it would be great if I could just transfer to AA and be done. But since I can't, it looks like my only choice is to book through Chase portal (less value for points) or transfer to BA and try and do it there. Only problem is, there are no direct flights NYC > ABQ on AA, and partner flights only show up through BA if I search each leg. However, it seems like I'll be wasting a lot of points by booking the legs separately. Am I doing something wrong?
Mar 21, 2018, 1:24 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
So I want to use my Chase UR points to fly my family to New Mexico this summer, and it would be great if I could just transfer to AA and be done. But since I can't, it looks like my only choice is to book through Chase portal (less value for points) or transfer to BA and try and do it there. Only problem is, there are no direct flights NYC > ABQ on AA, and partner flights only show up through BA if I search each leg. However, it seems like I'll be wasting a lot of points by booking the legs separately. Am I doing something wrong?
How much is a cash ticket when using UR points on the Chase Portal?
If your planned trip is not for several months, take a look at this option:
Using Iberia Avios As An Alternative To British Airways - One Mile at a Time
Mar 21, 2018, 1:25 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,483
So I want to use my Chase UR points to fly my family to New Mexico this summer, and it would be great if I could just transfer to AA and be done. But since I can't, it looks like my only choice is to book through Chase portal (less value for points) or transfer to BA and try and do it there. Only problem is, there are no direct flights NYC > ABQ on AA, and partner flights only show up through BA if I search each leg. However, it seems like I'll be wasting a lot of points by booking the legs separately. Am I doing something wrong?
Mar 21, 2018, 1:47 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
Since the OP has Chase UR points, I wonder if there is any special reason why he wants to fly AA. UR points can transfer to United, to Southwest, and also to Korean (for low-tier award travel on DL, if those seats can be found).
Mar 21, 2018, 1:57 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 15
It was really because AA enabled me to fly out of desireable airports, with desireable planes/times/layovers, all for less miles than anyone else. I checked Korean, but the Delta flights available were almost nonexistent. And with SW or UA, I'd be burning through all my miles. My best bet at this point may still be to go through Chase Portal, as I think it would still be less miles than with SW or UA.
Mar 21, 2018, 4:57 pm
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
It was really because AA enabled me to fly out of desireable airports, with desireable planes/times/layovers, all for less miles than anyone else. I checked Korean, but the Delta flights available were almost nonexistent. And with SW or UA, I'd be burning through all my miles. My best bet at this point may still be to go through Chase Portal, as I think it would still be less miles than with SW or UA.
If you qualify, you might consider applying for a new AA credit card through either Barclays or Citi to get the mileage sign-up bonus. Keep in mind that you can use one program's miles in one direction, and another program's miles (or cash) in the other direction.
Mar 21, 2018, 7:12 pm
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,588
If the OP can find "MileSAAver" itineraries that connect only in ORD, DFW, or CLT, it looks like each roundtrip could be had for just 23,000 Iberia Plus Avios, since the total flown mileage would be < 4,000 miles.
Chase UR points can be transferred to Iberia Plus Avios on a 1:1 basis.
Chase UR points can be transferred to Iberia Plus Avios on a 1:1 basis.