Feb 8, 2017, 9:00 am
Last edit by: mia
This thread covers how to use Ultimate Reward Points for booking all types of travel via the Ultimate Rewards portal.
1) How do I book a ticket? Choose my airfare class?
Login to ultimaterewards.com
Click: Use points > Explore and Book Travel
Click the button that defaults to [1 Traveler, All]
Change "Class" (the first entry in the pull-down) from All to Business
Click: Close
2) How far in advance can I book?
In mid-November 2017 it was reported that airline reservations are available only 270 days in advance. Read HERE.
3) How do I book hotels?
Follow the steps above to log on. There are standard looking search engines offered for airfare, hotel, etc at that point.
4) How do I get the better redemption rate offered on some Chase cards?
The upper left corner of the UR page will show you which card you are logged in with. If you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you will be shown a better price on points bookings, as a 1.5 redemption rate is offered as one of the benefits of this card. If you log in to the UR portal from a different UR card, such as the Ink, you will not be offered this rate.
5) Where else can I find information?
This thread is a consolidated resource which covers topics including:
Fare buckets, here
Price differences between open market air fares and UR bookings, here
Selecting seat classes
Using cash and points to pay for tickets
and more.
The previous discussion, through 2016, can be found here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...ly-2015-a.html
1) How do I book a ticket? Choose my airfare class?
Login to ultimaterewards.com
Click: Use points > Explore and Book Travel
Click the button that defaults to [1 Traveler, All]
Change "Class" (the first entry in the pull-down) from All to Business
Click: Close
2) How far in advance can I book?
In mid-November 2017 it was reported that airline reservations are available only 270 days in advance. Read HERE.
3) How do I book hotels?
Follow the steps above to log on. There are standard looking search engines offered for airfare, hotel, etc at that point.
4) How do I get the better redemption rate offered on some Chase cards?
The upper left corner of the UR page will show you which card you are logged in with. If you hold a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you will be shown a better price on points bookings, as a 1.5 redemption rate is offered as one of the benefits of this card. If you log in to the UR portal from a different UR card, such as the Ink, you will not be offered this rate.
5) Where else can I find information?
This thread is a consolidated resource which covers topics including:
Fare buckets, here
Price differences between open market air fares and UR bookings, here
Selecting seat classes
Using cash and points to pay for tickets
and more.
The previous discussion, through 2016, can be found here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chase...ly-2015-a.html
Booking Flights, Rooms, Cars, etc. w/ Ultimate Rewards Points, 2014-2017
Oct 25, 2017, 4:47 pm
#406
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Truth or Consequences, NM
Programs: HH Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hertz President's Circle, UA Silver, Mobile Passport Unobtanium
Posts: 6,195
Kind of a lot of questions, my apologies in advance 
I've had my business and personal bank accounts closed by Chase in the past. They also closed the Ink Plus account I opened under that business immediately after approval. My business is online gaming.
Completed 2x CSR, 3x Ink Plus, 2x MP (70k)
I have 4 more under 5/24 between my wife and will probably go with 2x CSP even though the 50k bonus isn't great. About to close one of the CSR's and will be closing the rest in 2018.
1) Does the CSP make sense with the 50k bonus or should I be saving my last two Chase cards for something better.
2) Should I be concerned about having cc accounts closed and losing points as a result? Seems like this is an easy yes, if so then...
3) Should I move the UR to an airline? UR would be used for business class to Europe from CA. We normally fly United. If yes then...
4) Should I xfr all the UR to United (we fly enough that they'll never expire) or are there better options out there. Seems like KrisFlyer might work but then I'd have to worry about miles expiring?
So confused... easy building up point balances, hard spending/protecting them
Edit: I think I jsut answered my own question. Can I xfr UR->Marriott->SPG and then jsut hold the points there with no downside? I'd prefer to not transfer them to an actual airline until I'm about to book my travel to maintain flexibility.
Thanks!
I've had my business and personal bank accounts closed by Chase in the past. They also closed the Ink Plus account I opened under that business immediately after approval. My business is online gaming.
Completed 2x CSR, 3x Ink Plus, 2x MP (70k)
I have 4 more under 5/24 between my wife and will probably go with 2x CSP even though the 50k bonus isn't great. About to close one of the CSR's and will be closing the rest in 2018.
1) Does the CSP make sense with the 50k bonus or should I be saving my last two Chase cards for something better.
2) Should I be concerned about having cc accounts closed and losing points as a result? Seems like this is an easy yes, if so then...
3) Should I move the UR to an airline? UR would be used for business class to Europe from CA. We normally fly United. If yes then...
4) Should I xfr all the UR to United (we fly enough that they'll never expire) or are there better options out there. Seems like KrisFlyer might work but then I'd have to worry about miles expiring?
So confused... easy building up point balances, hard spending/protecting them
Edit: I think I jsut answered my own question. Can I xfr UR->Marriott->SPG and then jsut hold the points there with no downside? I'd prefer to not transfer them to an actual airline until I'm about to book my travel to maintain flexibility.
Thanks!
If you transfer UR to Marriott to SPG, you're going to take a significant cut. UR transfers to Marriott at 1:1, then Marriott transfers to SPG at 3:1. So you'll get .33 Starpoints per UR point, if my math is correct.
Contrast that with UR transfers at 1:1 to most airline partners. (Yes, you can get a 25% bonus on Starpoints transfers to airline partners but you're still losing on the transfer.)
Oct 27, 2017, 11:14 pm
#407
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
I booked Air canada flights US-YYZ round trip with UR points and I have GE. I entered my GE numbers on chase travel site but I couldn't enter the GE number on Air Canada Advance Passenger Information site.https://res.aircanada.ca/APIS/pnrinput.do. It won't allow me to enter it except for passport info.
Oct 27, 2017, 11:54 pm
#408
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,959
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...-precheck.html
Oct 28, 2017, 9:03 pm
#409
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
Assuming you mean Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, read here:
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...-precheck.html
https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/...-precheck.html
The poster said he could not enter it online. My understanding is he has to check in with an agent and provide the KTN at the time of check in. Otherwise, just HOW AC system can determine his eligibility?
The AC TSA Precheck page is pretty worthless as those benefits are all known fact IF one is eligible. The problem is, HOW to make one's eligibility registered on AC site!
Oct 28, 2017, 11:21 pm
#410
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,872
The AC site does not say where to enter the KTN, other than "provide it before or at check in".
The poster said he could not enter it online. My understanding is he has to check in with an agent and provide the KTN at the time of check in. Otherwise, just HOW AC system can determine his eligibility?
The AC TSA Precheck page is pretty worthless as those benefits are all known fact IF one is eligible. The problem is, HOW to make one's eligibility registered on AC site!
The poster said he could not enter it online. My understanding is he has to check in with an agent and provide the KTN at the time of check in. Otherwise, just HOW AC system can determine his eligibility?
The AC TSA Precheck page is pretty worthless as those benefits are all known fact IF one is eligible. The problem is, HOW to make one's eligibility registered on AC site!
The space to enter DOB & KTN # is blocked. I could enter my name and passport info only.
On that Advance Passenger Information site I mentioned, you have to enter the booking reference code, first & last name first to fill your details.
Last edited by Blueskyheaven; Oct 28, 2017 at 11:26 pm
Oct 29, 2017, 5:53 pm
#411
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Northern California
Programs: I want to be free! Free!
Posts: 3,455
What is wrong with the portal? I go to search for two business tickets sfo-nyc and get zero results for the day i'm looking for. It's two months out and there are sure as susan tickets avail. UR is such a piece of garbage for booking travel.
Oct 29, 2017, 7:27 pm
#412
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
Since I already entered KTN# number at Chase travel site, I think the AC Advance Passenger Information website https://res.aircanada.ca/APIS/pnrinput.do didn't need my KTN # or DOB & therefore wouldn't let me enter them.
The space to enter DOB & KTN # is blocked. I could enter my name and passport info only.
On that Advance Passenger Information site I mentioned, you have to enter the booking reference code, first & last name first to fill your details.
The space to enter DOB & KTN # is blocked. I could enter my name and passport info only.
On that Advance Passenger Information site I mentioned, you have to enter the booking reference code, first & last name first to fill your details.
On the hotel booking even I entered the hotel chain's membership number, it never gets transmit to the hotel side.
For most airlines, if you have their FFP accounts, your profile should already have your DOB, KTN etc. If you have put in your FFP number on the booking made thru UR, say, a UA ticket with your MP number put in, and then you should be able to see your reservation on UA site once you log in your UA account, that way I am confident your KTN would be associated to your PNR correctly.
With AC, that they dont run their FFP, I dont know how this would work.
You will find out if AC has the needed info or not when you arrive for your flight. Personally I am not confident of such.
Oct 30, 2017, 6:01 pm
#413
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Somewhere far from anything
Programs: United Silver | UA Explorer
Posts: 4
Got my United Explorer card. (Question)
Just got my United Explorer card and I am using it to pay our mortgage (2100 a month) to get my bonus miles. Obviously paying it off right away.
But the question comes to another topic. Can I book travel for people that pay me and give them a discount on their ticket for going through me? Or is this frauding the miles agreement somehow? Id give some credit to people that are booking their flight and I am benefiting getting award miles on it. Like I said is this allowed? Or not? The miles that normally comes with the ticket will be the owner. I just want to know if taking advantage of the 2 miles per dollar spent @UAL.
Edit: Ill be advertising the service on Craigslist/facebook (friends only) locally if its allowed.
But the question comes to another topic. Can I book travel for people that pay me and give them a discount on their ticket for going through me? Or is this frauding the miles agreement somehow? Id give some credit to people that are booking their flight and I am benefiting getting award miles on it. Like I said is this allowed? Or not? The miles that normally comes with the ticket will be the owner. I just want to know if taking advantage of the 2 miles per dollar spent @UAL.
Edit: Ill be advertising the service on Craigslist/facebook (friends only) locally if its allowed.
Last edited by chessanalyst; Oct 30, 2017 at 6:21 pm
Oct 30, 2017, 6:32 pm
#414
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
I don't see how you can do it.
Not fraud. But definitely misuse.
This is destined for a total shutdown.
Oct 30, 2017, 6:42 pm
#415
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Somewhere far from anything
Programs: United Silver | UA Explorer
Posts: 4
Yep thanks this is what I was thinking. Wont do it.
Oct 31, 2017, 6:54 am
#416
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 384
As far as the letter of the agreement it's a gray area but I'd say Chase has also worded their agreement carefully to allow them to shut down this sort of activity and they can also go after your other Chase accounts. I wouldn't risk it.
If you want to earn more miles, consider getting some of Chase's UR cards. Chase has cards that earn at higher rates than 1x on non-United spend. UR points transfer to MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio though you will need a card like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve to transfer. Plus, there are frequently sign up bonuses for UR cards.
If you want to earn more miles, consider getting some of Chase's UR cards. Chase has cards that earn at higher rates than 1x on non-United spend. UR points transfer to MileagePlus at a 1:1 ratio though you will need a card like the Sapphire Preferred or Reserve to transfer. Plus, there are frequently sign up bonuses for UR cards.
Last edited by takeshi74; Oct 31, 2017 at 6:59 am
Oct 31, 2017, 9:48 am
#417
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: flyover country
Posts: 2,435
What if the credit card account has been closed? Is the no-longer-valid card required and acceptable? What if the account has been closed and the card shredded?
Nov 2, 2017, 1:36 pm
#418
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SEA, MKE, PSP
Programs: AS MVP75K
Posts: 397
United Basic Economy
When booking via the Chase Portal. It only shows Non basic economy flights. I'm OK with basic economy. Its a short flight (SFO-SEA) and we will only have backpacks. On United's website it lists $69 basic economy fares. On Chase Portal it shows the cheapest fare to be $109, which is the Non basic economy fare. I don't want to pay $40 more (x2). I called Chase and after about 15 mins on hold she said they are not able to book basic economy fares on United. But yet can book it on Delta. 
Is she correct? Has anyone been able to book basic economy for united via chase recently?
Is she correct? Has anyone been able to book basic economy for united via chase recently?
Nov 2, 2017, 3:23 pm
#419
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,767
When booking via the Chase Portal. It only shows Non basic economy flights. I'm OK with basic economy. Its a short flight (SFO-SEA) and we will only have backpacks. On United's website it lists $69 basic economy fares. On Chase Portal it shows the cheapest fare to be $109, which is the Non basic economy fare. I don't want to pay $40 more (x2). I called Chase and after about 15 mins on hold she said they are not able to book basic economy fares on United. But yet can book it on Delta. Is she correct? Has anyone been able to book basic economy for united via chase recently?
Is she correct? Has anyone been able to book basic economy for united via chase recently?Check OTAs such as Expedia to see if the same fares found on UA show up there or not. If it is not on Expedia then you have no option but buy it from UA site.
This happened to us a few months ago on a NON basic economy fare - UA site was much cheaper but UR site did not show such fare at all. mia suggested to check Expedia so I did - turned out the fare was NOT on Expedia either, hence the only way to buy the low fare (a regular economy) was on UA site.
Nov 2, 2017, 3:53 pm
#420
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: SEA, MKE, PSP
Programs: AS MVP75K
Posts: 397
I checked, expedia, Travelocity, priceline. They all list the $69 basic economy fare.