Mar 30, 2018, 8:02 am
Last edit by: 747FC
This thread covers how to use Ultimate Reward points for booking all types of travel via the Ultimate Rewards portal.
In 2018 Chase changed the outsourced booking portal operator from Connexions to Expedia. Posts from January to mid-October 2018 have been archived to a separate thread. Those posts discussed the portal as operated by Connexions, -and- the transition process to Expedia.
There is another thread to discuss booking by transferring to airline of hotel programs: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chas...tc-2017-a.html
Pay special attention to booking via Chase UR/Expedia with regard to rewards and benefits. Chase UR + Expedia is considered OTA (Online Travel Agency). Travelers purchase or pre-pay travel with the OTA and is subject to the T&C from the OTA. In general, travelers receive miles rewards on flights, but do not receive night credit on hotel stays. Also, in general, travelers lose the airline or hotel status and do not receive the associated benefits (free breakfast, room upgrade etc).
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.
3.5) How to book cruises?
Chase outsources this to a travel agency specializing in cruises. (I believe they are available solely by telephone.) Agents there can book cruises for you using your URs for payments from initial deposit to final payment. It's also possible to transfer an existing cruise booking to that travel agency. That agency can then make payments (full or partial). However, to transfer a booking, there are some constraints to be aware of. A) The booking and deposit has to be made directly with the cruise line. If you use another agency, you're out of luck. B) The cruise lines limit the window when you can transfer a booking from their control to an agency's. It closes as early as 30 days after initial deposit up to final deposit due date (typically 75-120 prior to sail date) depending on the particular cruise line's rules (which are subject to change).
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 or JPMR 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.
4.5) How do Refunds Work?
When cancelling a booking (and a refund is due), points will be added back to your UR balance and dollars will be refunded to the credit card account used.
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 2017, can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chas...14-2017-a.html
In 2018 Chase changed the outsourced booking portal operator from Connexions to Expedia. Posts from January to mid-October 2018 have been archived to a separate thread. Those posts discussed the portal as operated by Connexions, -and- the transition process to Expedia.
There is another thread to discuss booking by transferring to airline of hotel programs: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chas...tc-2017-a.html
Pay special attention to booking via Chase UR/Expedia with regard to rewards and benefits. Chase UR + Expedia is considered OTA (Online Travel Agency). Travelers purchase or pre-pay travel with the OTA and is subject to the T&C from the OTA. In general, travelers receive miles rewards on flights, but do not receive night credit on hotel stays. Also, in general, travelers lose the airline or hotel status and do not receive the associated benefits (free breakfast, room upgrade etc).
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.
3.5) How to book cruises?
Chase outsources this to a travel agency specializing in cruises. (I believe they are available solely by telephone.) Agents there can book cruises for you using your URs for payments from initial deposit to final payment. It's also possible to transfer an existing cruise booking to that travel agency. That agency can then make payments (full or partial). However, to transfer a booking, there are some constraints to be aware of. A) The booking and deposit has to be made directly with the cruise line. If you use another agency, you're out of luck. B) The cruise lines limit the window when you can transfer a booking from their control to an agency's. It closes as early as 30 days after initial deposit up to final deposit due date (typically 75-120 prior to sail date) depending on the particular cruise line's rules (which are subject to change).
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 or JPMR 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.
4.5) How do Refunds Work?
When cancelling a booking (and a refund is due), points will be added back to your UR balance and dollars will be refunded to the credit card account used.
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 2017, can be found here: https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chas...14-2017-a.html
Booking Flights, Rooms, Cars, Cruises, Activities through Chase/Expedia portal.
Jul 24, 2019, 5:56 pm
#451
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BAY AREA
Posts: 1,125
The price of a hotel room is 184 on Chase portal and the same room is 140 directly on hotel site. Man that sucks. That's a big price difference.
Jul 25, 2019, 9:52 am
#452
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 70
Thanks for the replies. I'm hopeful Chase will eat it as a courtesy since I booked it through Chase and it so prominently displayed "The total price includes all mandatory taxes and fees." multiple times, especially in the confirmation e-mails going out. If Chase Travel (via Chase.com Ultimate Rewards) is unable to include all mandatory taxes/fees, then they need to remove the statement from their quotes/itineraries.
I will post the data point after the dispute is resolved.
I will post the data point after the dispute is resolved.
Jul 25, 2019, 10:58 am
#453
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,750
2 days ago I found another discrepancy on a property at Bridinsi, Italy. The property is $73 on Chase NOT incl any taxes and fees (10%), plus the 1 euro per person per night city tax is not included as usual. Cancellation deadline is Sept 18.
Final cost is almost 5000 UR pts or $50.
Same property listed on Booking.com at $56, INCL taxes and fees, except the 1 euro pp city tax. Cancellation deadline is Sept 7.
I chose to book with Booking despite it is $6 higher, because
1) The Chase saving is dismal - instead of getting so-called 1.5x, this is just 1.12x.
Inflated price / different cancellation policy / no frequent stay discount, all contribute to the poor value on Chase/Expedia pricing.
Booking.com has "Genius" pricing - participating properties can offer Genius discount anywhere between 10 to 25% from what I have seen. Such discount would not be on Chase/Expedia pricing. You also get a 3% CB going thru Portal though I often forgot about this route.
2) the communication with property using Chase UR is nonexistent. While there is a space to put in request (limited to 250 characters), I have NEVER received any response from any property booked thru Chase when I had put in request.
On top of that, Chase states that if you do not receive response thru email from property within 24 hours, Contact the property using the information provided on your confirmation email. Well, that is just to call the property direct! I seriously doubt the property even receives the request customer put in. I also dont think the property would have guest email to contact the guest. It is just total BS.
With Booking.com, the site ENCOURAGE you use the message box to contact the property which often responses within hours, when I book property in Western Europe during night time EST when the hour difference is 5 to 6 hours. Mostly very prompt responses and there are mechanism to facilitate communication between the guest and the property - very important if you are using Independent lodging options not a chain hotel. The communication mechanism also has been improved over the past - now you receive the message from the property directly to your email address, and there is a button "Please reply to this email from the property" , should you need to get back for more information. You no longer have to go into your reservation to do so. Much more convenient than in the past.
The No.2 part is a major concern of mine when using UR to book independent property. Unless the saving is meaningful, I go with Booking.com. So far I have yet seen any of the "1.5x" saving. At best, 10% if I am lucky. At worst, Chase is more expensive.
Jul 25, 2019, 9:46 pm
#454
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,079
$80 savings
Looked at a 9 day car rental today at RIC ( for Sept) with Chase UR & the lowest price was ~$290. Went direct to National and the rate was ~$210.- An $80 savings. Can't believe the huge difference. Looking at www.expedia.com and the same car is only ~$224 ($66 less than the Chase UR rate). Chase needs to figure out this discrepancy. But, not surprised.
Decided to save my UR for a better redemption.
Decided to save my UR for a better redemption.
Last edited by philemer; Jul 25, 2019 at 10:15 pm
Jul 26, 2019, 8:32 am
#455
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Full time Nomad
Posts: 842
Refund of UR points, booking a refundable hotel
Just confirming, as long as the details list the refundable on the Chase travel portal, if I use points, and I cancel within the applicable time frame, I will get the points redeposited? Correct? Can it be done online, or do I have to call? I know that Chase uses Expedia.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 26, 2019, 9:26 am
#456
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: BAY AREA
Posts: 1,125
Just confirming, as long as the details list the refundable on the Chase travel portal, if I use points, and I cancel within the applicable time frame, I will get the points redeposited? Correct? Can it be done online, or do I have to call? I know that Chase uses Expedia.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Jul 26, 2019, 12:50 pm
#457
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,750
Just confirming, as long as the details list the refundable on the Chase travel portal, if I use points, and I cancel within the applicable time frame, I will get the points redeposited? Correct? Can it be done online, or do I have to call? I know that Chase uses Expedia.
Thanks!
Thanks!
If it is point + cash, the card portion takes 24 to 48 hours to show up as a credit to your card.
Jul 27, 2019, 1:01 pm
#458
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Full time Nomad
Posts: 842
Thank you.
No need to call. Can de done online anytime. The point would be refunded instantly - i.e. when you log out and log back in, the points are refunded by way of erasing the point deduction on the original booking. There is no in and out entries, just the original booking no longer has the negative deduction associated to it. So dont look for the entries as proof. Your balance increases with the corresponding amount. I have done many cancellations because our plan is very fluid, often not until a couple weeks before arrival. Before doing the cancellation online I make a note of the UR balance just in case, and then compare the balance after cancellation of the refundable booking. Have not had any incident after going thru more than 10 cancellation so far this year.
If it is point + cash, the card portion takes 24 to 48 hours to show up as a credit to your card.
If it is point + cash, the card portion takes 24 to 48 hours to show up as a credit to your card.
Also, do you always confirm with the hotel when you book??? I never have, using an OLTA or booking directly with the hotel, but reading some earlier threads, I see lots of people do? I have used Expedia, Booking.com Priceline, but it seems using the UR portal in conjunction with Expedia I might need to??
Last edited by stan1162; Jul 27, 2019 at 1:06 pm Reason: additional question
Jul 27, 2019, 3:51 pm
#459
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: sad kettle
Posts: 43
After having the CSR pretty much since its debut, I have only had experience booking airline tix via the UR portal w/ Expedia) this year. In the past had always opted to transfer UR pts to airline partners for premium redemptions (RIP Korean Airlines deals 
...).
I noticed that on every single flight booked via UR portal, I NEVER received any kind of flight status notification from Chase/Expedia, not even the basic "Check-In now for your flight tomorrow" email or text. Tried searching this thread/forum/Google but can't find any other data points on this. Obviously I could manually OLCI w/ the carrier but I found this was quite annoying on a few recent Alaska Air flights, as their OLCI requires an AS issued confirmation code, which is NOT provided in the Chase booking email confirmation. Had to then log into my Chase account to dig up this info,a which required device verification (prolly as I was traveling), which made it even MORE MADDENING! I was almost going to give up and just call to check in...hahah
Any pointers on this for future travel? Sorry if this sounds like a n00b question but I found this experience quite aggravating and unexpected as I've come to expect/rely on those check-in and/or flight status reminders.
...). I noticed that on every single flight booked via UR portal, I NEVER received any kind of flight status notification from Chase/Expedia, not even the basic "Check-In now for your flight tomorrow" email or text. Tried searching this thread/forum/Google but can't find any other data points on this. Obviously I could manually OLCI w/ the carrier but I found this was quite annoying on a few recent Alaska Air flights, as their OLCI requires an AS issued confirmation code, which is NOT provided in the Chase booking email confirmation. Had to then log into my Chase account to dig up this info,a which required device verification (prolly as I was traveling), which made it even MORE MADDENING! I was almost going to give up and just call to check in...hahah
Any pointers on this for future travel? Sorry if this sounds like a n00b question but I found this experience quite aggravating and unexpected as I've come to expect/rely on those check-in and/or flight status reminders.
Jul 27, 2019, 9:09 pm
#460
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,750
Thank you very much to you and the other poster who responded. I too, have fluid plans, and most often book fully cancellable rooms. Will note to watch the UR balance amounts.
Also, do you always confirm with the hotel when you book??? I never have, using an OLTA or booking directly with the hotel, but reading some earlier threads, I see lots of people do? I have used Expedia, Booking.com Priceline, but it seems using the UR portal in conjunction with Expedia I might need to??
Also, do you always confirm with the hotel when you book??? I never have, using an OLTA or booking directly with the hotel, but reading some earlier threads, I see lots of people do? I have used Expedia, Booking.com Priceline, but it seems using the UR portal in conjunction with Expedia I might need to??
There are good reasons why "Lots of People do", because there are enough horror stories that people found out at arrival the property either never had a record of their reservation, or when they received the reservation they had already sold out, while they informed the OTA handled UR booking, the info was never conveyed to the customers. This happened with both chain hotels in US and independent options internationally. Personally I would rather to make sure my reservation is indeed in the property records, long before I leave home. I want to avoid the situation such as that I arrive at a property say, in South Africa, and the owner said she never had my reservation - this almost happened, had I not kept contacting the property without success... long story short, the property was sold out when UR confirmed my reservation and the owner simply ignored my emails. That is when you even have an email address to initiate contact... many properties only have telephone as communication means.
Booking.com never has any issue because their information is very accurate. I have never had any issue with Booking.com. BTW, Priceline bought Booking.com many years ago - it marked the turnaround of Priceline and it reflects in its steadily rising stock price since then.
Jul 27, 2019, 9:13 pm
#461
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Florida
Posts: 29,750
After having the CSR pretty much since its debut, I have only had experience booking airline tix via the UR portal w/ Expedia) this year. In the past had always opted to transfer UR pts to airline partners for premium redemptions (RIP Korean Airlines deals ...).
I noticed that on every single flight booked via UR portal, I NEVER received any kind of flight status notification from Chase/Expedia, not even the basic "Check-In now for your flight tomorrow" email or text. Tried searching this thread/forum/Google but can't find any other data points on this. Obviously I could manually OLCI w/ the carrier but I found this was quite annoying on a few recent Alaska Air flights, as their OLCI requires an AS issued confirmation code, which is NOT provided in the Chase booking email confirmation. Had to then log into my Chase account to dig up this info,a which required device verification (prolly as I was traveling), which made it even MORE MADDENING! I was almost going to give up and just call to check in...hahah
Any pointers on this for future travel? Sorry if this sounds like a n00b question but I found this experience quite aggravating and unexpected as I've come to expect/rely on those check-in and/or flight status reminders.
...).I noticed that on every single flight booked via UR portal, I NEVER received any kind of flight status notification from Chase/Expedia, not even the basic "Check-In now for your flight tomorrow" email or text. Tried searching this thread/forum/Google but can't find any other data points on this. Obviously I could manually OLCI w/ the carrier but I found this was quite annoying on a few recent Alaska Air flights, as their OLCI requires an AS issued confirmation code, which is NOT provided in the Chase booking email confirmation. Had to then log into my Chase account to dig up this info,a which required device verification (prolly as I was traveling), which made it even MORE MADDENING! I was almost going to give up and just call to check in...hahah
Any pointers on this for future travel? Sorry if this sounds like a n00b question but I found this experience quite aggravating and unexpected as I've come to expect/rely on those check-in and/or flight status reminders.
Or call the operating airline long before your travel to get the PNR.
Add the flight to your profile with the operating airline's FFP, then add alert to the trip.
Short of the above options, I dont see any other way.
Jul 30, 2019, 11:32 am
#462
Join Date: Feb 2018
Posts: 182
After having the CSR pretty much since its debut, I have only had experience booking airline tix via the UR portal w/ Expedia) this year. In the past had always opted to transfer UR pts to airline partners for premium redemptions (RIP Korean Airlines deals ...).
I noticed that on every single flight booked via UR portal, I NEVER received any kind of flight status notification from Chase/Expedia, not even the basic "Check-In now for your flight tomorrow" email or text. Tried searching this thread/forum/Google but can't find any other data points on this. Obviously I could manually OLCI w/ the carrier but I found this was quite annoying on a few recent Alaska Air flights, as their OLCI requires an AS issued confirmation code, which is NOT provided in the Chase booking email confirmation. Had to then log into my Chase account to dig up this info,a which required device verification (prolly as I was traveling), which made it even MORE MADDENING! I was almost going to give up and just call to check in...hahah
Any pointers on this for future travel? Sorry if this sounds like a n00b question but I found this experience quite aggravating and unexpected as I've come to expect/rely on those check-in and/or flight status reminders.
...).I noticed that on every single flight booked via UR portal, I NEVER received any kind of flight status notification from Chase/Expedia, not even the basic "Check-In now for your flight tomorrow" email or text. Tried searching this thread/forum/Google but can't find any other data points on this. Obviously I could manually OLCI w/ the carrier but I found this was quite annoying on a few recent Alaska Air flights, as their OLCI requires an AS issued confirmation code, which is NOT provided in the Chase booking email confirmation. Had to then log into my Chase account to dig up this info,a which required device verification (prolly as I was traveling), which made it even MORE MADDENING! I was almost going to give up and just call to check in...hahah
Any pointers on this for future travel? Sorry if this sounds like a n00b question but I found this experience quite aggravating and unexpected as I've come to expect/rely on those check-in and/or flight status reminders.
Call UR after your reservation to get the operating airline's PNR.
Or call the operating airline long before your travel to get the PNR.
Add the flight to your profile with the operating airline's FFP, then add alert to the trip.
Short of the above options, I dont see any other way.
Or call the operating airline long before your travel to get the PNR.
Add the flight to your profile with the operating airline's FFP, then add alert to the trip.
Short of the above options, I dont see any other way.
On one of the prior flights I booked, the Chase portal sent me a schedule update 12 hours before Delta did (multiple times)!
Aug 13, 2019, 5:14 pm
#463
Join Date: Aug 2019
Posts: 2
Problem w OTA- missed 24hr cancellation window
Hi, new to this board, so not sure if I should type out whole scenario. Main idea - due to website error and phone customer service - I was unable to cancel my reservation before 24 hour cancellation window. It was for basic economy international flight. I have spent several hours total on the phone, both night of incident and subsequently, and uploaded my documents - and was told someone would get back to me.
Initial email from "Investigator" admitted they were having website problems said they were not able to help me, since "you didn't hit Cancel Reservation button." I most assuredly did hit Cancel Reservation button, multiple times, opening/closing different windows, while praying and waiting on line for phone customer service rep. I do have a screen shot, of window with Cancel Reservation, and subsequent "Internal Error" message. On phone - about an hour before cancellation window closed - I pressed option for callback & was told they would call my back in 28-42 minutes. After 30 minutes I received auto call back but from there was on hold for an additional 1 hour 20 minutes.
Any wisdom or suggestions would be much appreciated. I cannot even tell for sure whether I'm dealing with Expedia OTA or Chase Sapphire. Is there a docent or strategy you'd recommend, beyond the uploading screen pictures?
Initial email from "Investigator" admitted they were having website problems said they were not able to help me, since "you didn't hit Cancel Reservation button." I most assuredly did hit Cancel Reservation button, multiple times, opening/closing different windows, while praying and waiting on line for phone customer service rep. I do have a screen shot, of window with Cancel Reservation, and subsequent "Internal Error" message. On phone - about an hour before cancellation window closed - I pressed option for callback & was told they would call my back in 28-42 minutes. After 30 minutes I received auto call back but from there was on hold for an additional 1 hour 20 minutes.
Any wisdom or suggestions would be much appreciated. I cannot even tell for sure whether I'm dealing with Expedia OTA or Chase Sapphire. Is there a docent or strategy you'd recommend, beyond the uploading screen pictures?
Aug 14, 2019, 5:49 pm
#464
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Carlsbad,CA USA
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Titanuim/Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Gold, United Silver
Posts: 1,534
Chase UP Points and Norweigian Air
Has anyone been able to book a Norwegian Air flight using Chase UR points? The flight I am looking at- European Flight- does not show up on Expedia or the Chase portal.
Aug 14, 2019, 11:25 pm
#465
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Upper Sternistan
Posts: 10,031
I booked one a few months ago right in the portal.
Last edited by josephstern; Aug 16, 2019 at 8:28 am