If you are a fan of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, you already know how valuable Bonvoy points can be for hotel stays. From affordable Courtyard hotels to luxury resorts like The St. Regis Bora Bora, Marriott offers incredible options for travelers at every level.

But here is a perk many people overlook: Marriott Bonvoy points are not limited to hotels. 

With the right strategy, you can convert them into airline miles with nearly 40 frequent flyer programs – more than any other hotel rewards program in the world.

This flexibility can help you top off your mileage account for a redemption, unlock premium cabin flights, or explore unique booking opportunities that go far beyond hotel stays.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners, including the full list of airlines, transfer ratios, bonuses, timelines, and strategies for maximizing your points.

By the end, you will know exactly when transferring Marriott points makes sense and when you are better off saving them for hotel redemptions.

Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Basics: Rules, Ratios, And Restrictions

The Marriott Bonvoy program offers members the ability to transfer points to a wide range of airline loyalty programs. While this option is not always the best way to use Marriott points, it can be a lifesaver when you need a few extra miles to book a flight. 

Before you make your first transfer, here are the key rules and details you need to know.

Minimum Transfer Amount

Marriott requires a floor to keep the process simple and consistent. You cannot move just a handful of points – you need to meet a minimum amount.

• You must transfer at least 3,000 Marriott Bonvoy points in a single transaction.
• Transfers must be made in increments of 1,000 points.
• The maximum you can transfer is 240,000 points per day (which equals 80,000+ miles depending on the partner).

Standard Transfer Ratio

The conversion rate between Marriott points and airline miles is straightforward, but it does mean you will lose value compared to hotel stays.

• Most partners transfer at a 3:1 ratio.
• This means that for every 3 Marriott Bonvoy points, you will receive 1 airline mile.
• Example: 30,000 Bonvoy points = 10,000 miles.

Transfer Bonuses

Marriott encourages larger transfers by adding a little extra to your miles. Hitting this bonus can make a big difference in long-haul flight bookings.

• For every 60,000 points transferred, you will receive a 5,000-mile bonus.
• Example: 60,000 Bonvoy points = 20,000 miles + 5,000 bonus = 25,000 total miles.
• This bonus does not apply to transfers into American Airlines AAdvantage, Avianca lifemiles, or Delta SkyMiles.

United Airlines MileagePlus Exception

One airline stands out for offering an even better deal. Thanks to a special partnership, United Airlines provides more value for the same transfer amount.

• United has a special partnership with Marriott called the RewardsPlus program.
• When you transfer 60,000 points to United Airlines MileagePlus, you will receive 10,000 bonus miles instead of 5,000.
• This makes the effective ratio 2:1 instead of 3:1.

Air New Zealand Airpoints Exception

Not all partners are created equal. One in particular is almost never worth considering.

• Air New Zealand is the one partner with an extremely poor ratio.
• Transfers convert at 200:1, which means 60,000 Bonvoy points = just 325 Airpoints.
• This is almost never a good deal and is best avoided.

Transfer Timelines

Airline transfers are not always instant. Understanding how long they take helps you avoid losing award space.

• Most transfers process within 1 – 7 days, but timing varies by airline.
• Some programs (like Avianca lifemiles and Delta SkyMiles) post miles within 24 hours, while others (like ANA Mileage Club or Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings Club) can take several days.
• Plan ahead, especially if you are trying to secure an award seat.

TPA Pro Tip: Transfers are irreversible. Once points leave your Marriott Bonvoy account, they cannot be moved back. Always confirm award availability with your airline before you initiate a transfer.

The Full Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Partners List

Marriott Bonvoy stands out because it offers the largest airline transfer network in the world, with nearly 40 different partners. Most transfers follow the standard 3:1 ratio, but bonuses, exceptions, and timelines vary by airline. 

While the transfer ratios are not always favorable, the sheer breadth of partners means you have options across major alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and oneworld, as well as independent carriers.

Use the table below to see exactly how each partner works before you move points.

Notes On Bonuses And Timelines

• Airline transfer partners marked with * are eligible for the 5,000-mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 Marriott points.
  • American Airlines AAdvantage, Avianca lifemiles, and Delta SkyMiles do not receive this bonus.
• United Airlines MileagePlus (^) receives a 10,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred, making the ratio effectively 2:1.
• Transfers generally take 1 – 7 days, though some airlines process in as little as 24 hours while others take longer.

Best Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Partners

Not every transfer partner offers the same value. Some programs deliver excellent redemption opportunities that can stretch your points much further than a hotel stay would. 

Here are the Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners that stand out for their unique sweet spots and strong mileage value.

• Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards. Unique award charts and stopover rules make this a top option for premium cabin flights on oneworld partners like Cathay Pacific and Japan Airlines and non-alliance partners like LATAM, Condor, and Starlux.
• United Airlines MileagePlus. The Marriott RewardsPlus partnership means you earn a 10,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points, making this the best option for many U.S. travelers.
• American Airlines AAdvantage. One of the few ways to earn AAdvantage miles via transfers, giving access to Qatar Airways famous Qsuites and other oneworld alliance partner redemptions.
• Air Canada Aeroplan. A versatile program with strong value for Business Class to Europe and broad partner coverage across Star Alliance and beyond.
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank. A rare transfer partner that unlocks unique awards like Emirates First Class and JAL round-the-world tickets.
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Famous for First Class and Business Class sweet spots on ANA flights from the U.S. to Japan.

TPA Pro Tip: Focus your Marriott transfers on airlines that are otherwise hard to earn with credit card points, or ones that deliver outsized value in premium cabins. This is where the real magic of Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners shines.

Worst Marriott Bonvoy Transfer Partners

While Marriott Bonvoy has an impressive list of airline partners, not all of them provide good value. In many cases, you will get a better return by keeping your points for hotel stays or transferring to stronger airline programs. 

Here are the transfer partners you should generally avoid.

• Air New Zealand Airpoints. Transfers convert at 200:1, which means 60,000 Bonvoy points only get you 325 Airpoints. This is one of the worst ratios in the industry.
• Frontier Miles. Frontier flights are cheap with cash, and the program offers limited value compared to other U.S. carriers.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards. Transfers work, but because Rapid Rewards uses dynamic pricing, the redemption value is usually low.

How To Transfer Marriott Points To Airlines: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting Marriott Bonvoy points into airline miles is a straightforward process, but it does require a little planning since transfers are not instant. 

Here is a clear breakdown of each step so you know exactly what to expect.

Step 1 – Log In to Your Marriott Bonvoy Account

• Visit Marriott.com.
• Click the Sign In button at the top right of the page.
• Enter your Marriott Bonvoy username or email and password.
• Once logged in, go to your account dashboard.

Step 2 – Navigate to “Transfer Points to Miles”

• On your account dashboard, click on Redeem Points.
• From the list of redemption options, select Travel.
• Click Transfer Points to Miles to open the transfer portal.

Step 3 – Select Your Airline Partner

• Scroll through the list of nearly 40 airline partners.
• Choose the program you want to transfer to.
• Make sure you already have an active frequent flyer account with that airline
  • Marriott cannot create one for you

Step 4 – Enter Your Frequent Flyer Details

• Type in your frequent flyer number exactly as it appears in your airline account.
• Ensure the name on your Marriott account matches the name on your airline account.
• A mismatch (such as using a nickname or missing middle initial) can cause delays or rejections.

Step 5 – Choose Your Transfer Amount

• Enter the number of Marriott points you want to transfer.
• Rules to keep in mind:
  • Minimum transfer = 3,000 points
  • Transfers must be in multiples of 1,000 points
  • Maximum per day = 240,000 points

Step 6 – Review And Confirm

• Double-check the following before clicking confirm:
  • Airline partner selected
  • Frequent flyer account number entered correctly
  • Number of points to transfer
• Once confirmed, the transfer is final and cannot be reversed.

Step 7 – Wait For Points To Post

• Transfers usually take 1 – 7 days depending on the airline.
• Plan ahead if you are booking award space, as it may disappear before the transfer completes.

Important Tips For A Smooth Transfer

• Check Award Space First. Do not transfer points unless you have confirmed availability with your airline program.
• Watch For Promotions. Occasionally, airlines run bonus offers for hotel point transfers, which can boost your miles.
• Enter Details Carefully. A typo in your frequent flyer number can cause delays or rejections.
• Have A Backup Plan. Because transfers are slow and final, always know your alternatives in case award space disappears.

When Transferring Marriott Points Makes Sense

Marriott Bonvoy points usually deliver their highest value when redeemed for free hotel nights. However, there are certain situations where transferring them to airline partners can be the smarter play. 

Here are the scenarios where it makes sense to convert Marriott Bonvoy points into airline miles.

Topping Off An Airline Account

Sometimes you only need a few extra miles to book a dream redemption. Marriott transfers can be the quickest way to fill that gap.

• Great for situations where you are a few thousand miles short of an award.
• Example: You have 78,000 United Airlines MileagePlus miles but need 80,000 for a Business Class award. A 6,000-point Marriott transfer provides the missing 2,000 miles.

Booking Premium Cabin Flights

The biggest wins come when you use Marriott transfers for Business or First Class redemptions. These flights often cost thousands of dollars in cash.

• Excellent use for long-haul Business or First Class tickets.
• Example: Marriott Bonvoy points → Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles → ANA Business Class to Tokyo.
• Hotel redemptions rarely deliver this level of cents-per-point value.

Access To Hard-To-Reach Airlines

Some airlines do not partner with the major transferable point currencies like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or Capital One Miles. Marriott Bonvoy points may be your only way in.

• American Airlines AAdvantage: Marriott is one of the few hotel programs that can transfer directly to AAdvantage, a valuable option for U.S. flyers.
• Japan Airlines Mileage Bank: A powerful program with unique round-the-world and partner awards, but very few transfer partners.

Leveraging The United RewardsPlus Partnership

United Airlines MileagePlus is the standout partner because of its enhanced bonus structure. If you fly United often, this is the best way to use Marriott transfers.

• United gives 10,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred.
• Effective transfer ratio is 2:1, far better than the standard 3:1.
• Example: 120,000 Bonvoy points → 60,000 United Airlines MileagePlus miles

TPA Pro Tip: Transfers are best used strategically for top-offs, rare access to certain programs, promotions, and premium redemptions. They should not be your everyday strategy for Marriott Bonvoy points, but they can unlock valuable opportunities when used wisely.

When You Should Avoid Marriott Transfers

Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners can be powerful, but they are not always the best choice. In many cases, you will get more value and flexibility by holding onto your points for hotel stays. 

Here are the situations where you should think twice before transferring.

Poor Ratios And Slow Transfers Create Risk

Two challenges make Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners unreliable: the 3:1 ratio and the processing time.

• The 3:1 ratio means Marriott Bonvoy points shrink quickly. What feels like a large balance – say 60,000 points – turns into just 25,000 airline miles with most partners.
• Transfers can take 1 to 7 days to post. Even though some process faster, there is no guarantee. Award seats often vanish long before your miles arrive, leaving you stuck with miles you may not want.

This combination of weaker ratios plus long transfer delays makes Marriott Bonvoy points much more valuable for hotel bookings, where availability and value are clearer upfront.

Better Alternatives Exist for Airline Transfers

The Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners often overlap with programs you can access through Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, or Chase Ultimate Rewards, which are far more flexible and valuable options.

• 1:1 Ratio Example: Amex Membership Rewards points transfers to most airlines at a 1:1 ratio, compared to the Marriott Bonvoy 3:1 ratio. This means 60,000 Amex points = 60,000 airline miles, while 60,000 Marriott points = only 25,000 miles in most cases.
  • Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Instant Transfers: All three flexible point currencies typically transfer instantly, so you do not risk losing award availability while waiting for miles to post.
• Diversification: By keeping Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays and using Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, or Chase Ultimate Rewards, for airline miles, you preserve flexibility and maximize redemption value across both categories.

Marriott transfers should be a backup strategy, not a first choice. Unless you are topping off for a specific redemption or using a promotion, you will almost always come out ahead by keeping Marriott Bonvoy points for hotels and leaning on flexible point currencies for airline miles.

How To Earn Marriott Bonvoy Points

Before you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to airlines, you need to build a strong balance. Fortunately, Marriott makes it easy to earn points through hotel stays, co-branded credit cards, and partnerships. 

Here are the most effective methods.

• Stay at Marriott Properties. Earn 10 base points per dollar on eligible room rates at most Marriott brands. Elite members earn additional bonuses: Silver (10%), Gold (25%), Platinum (50%), and Titanium / Ambassador (75%).
• Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards. Marriott partners with both Chase and American Express, offering a range of cards to suit different travelers:
  • Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card (Chase)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card (Chase)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful® Credit Card (Chase)
  • The Ritz-Carlton Rewards Credit Card (Chase)
  • Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card 
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card
  • Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
• American Express Membership Rewards Transfers. You can transfer points from cards like The Platinum Card® from American Express, American Express® Gold Card, or American Express® Green Card into Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio.
• Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfers. Transfer points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card at a 1:1 ratio, instantly. This is one of the fastest ways to grow your Marriott balance.
• Bilt Rewards Transfers. Transfer points earned from rent payments and everyday spending on the Bilt Mastercard® directly to Marriott at a 1:1 ratio.
• Meetings and Events. Earn 1 point per dollar when booking conferences, weddings, or group events at Marriott properties. Elite members may also earn additional bonuses for large-scale bookings.
• Dining and Shopping Partnerships. Earn Bonvoy points through Eat Around Town, the Marriott online shopping portal, and partner bookings like car rentals, tours, and activities.
• Promotions and Special Offers. Marriott frequently runs promotions such as double or triple points on stays, brand-specific offers, or limited-time credit card bonuses. Always register for promotions as soon as they are available to maximize your earnings.

Other Ways To Use Marriott Points Besides Transfers

Most travelers use Marriott Bonvoy points for hotel stays – or occasionally transfer them to airline partners – but there are a few other redemption options within the program. 

These alternatives do not usually deliver the same value as hotels or flights, though they may be useful in the right situation.

• Marriott Bonvoy Moments Experiences. Redeem points for concerts, sporting events, culinary tours, or cultural activities. The value varies, but these can provide access to experiences that are not always available with cash.
• Meeting Credits at Marriott Properties. For business travelers or event planners, Marriott points can be used toward meeting and event costs. The value is generally modest, often below what you would get from hotel stays.
• Gift Cards and Merchandise. Bonvoy points can be redeemed for gift cards or merchandise through the Marriott shopping portal, but these options usually yield less than 0.5 cents per point. This makes them one of the weakest redemptions compared to hotels or airline transfers.

Final Thoughts

Marriott Bonvoy is one of the most flexible rewards programs in the world. 

While most travelers think of it as a hotel currency, it also unlocks nearly 40 airline transfer partners, making it the most extensive transfer network of any hotel loyalty program. 

This gives members an unusual advantage: the ability to choose between maximizing value through hotel stays or converting points into airline miles for flights.

For many travelers, hotel redemptions will remain the best use of Marriott Bonvoy points. The program offers consistent value, especially with features like the 5th Night Free on award stays, and it can deliver outsized returns at high-end resorts. 

At the same time, transfers can be incredibly powerful when used strategically. 

By converting points into airline miles, you can top off your account for a redemption, access exclusive partners like American Airlines AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Atomos Rewards, or unlock premium cabin flights worth thousands of dollars in cash.

The best approach is to treat Marriott points as a hotel-first currency and a transfer currency second. Save them for hotel stays when you want guaranteed value, but keep transfers in mind as a backup tool for unique opportunities. 

Used with care, Marriott Bonvoy points give you the best of both worlds: luxurious hotel stays and unforgettable flight experiences. 

With the right strategy, this flexibility allows you to stretch your rewards further, travel smarter, and create memorable trips that would otherwise be out of reach.

Kevin Zanes