Blog >> How To Redeem Points For Domestic Flights

How To Redeem Points For Domestic Flights

By Hunter Threadgill / April 22, 2025
How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights

When most people think of points and miles, they picture Emirates First Class cabins and bucket-list trips to places like the Maldives, Paris, or Tokyo. Luxury hotels, airport lounges, and long-haul flights often steal the spotlight.

They do not think of how to redeem points for domestic flights.

But for many travelers, the real magic of points and miles happens much closer to home.

In fact, the most common way that points and miles are redeemed in the United States is for domestic flights.

Whether you are visiting family, planning a weekend getaway, or traveling for work, rewards can help you get there more affordably – and often more comfortably.

Airfare prices within the United States have been climbing, and many travelers are feeling the pressure. What used to be a quick weekend getaway is now a serious hit to the wallet.

The good news is there is a smarter way to book those flights. With points and miles, you can unlock travel deals that most people never even see.

This guide will teach you how to get the most value out of your points and miles when booking flights across the United States.

You will learn which programs offer the best domestic deals, how to make your points stretch further, and what tools can help you spot those hidden sweet spots.

If you want to travel more often, save money, or add a little luxury to your next domestic trip, this guide will show you how.

Let’s dive in and start turning your points into your next domestic adventure.

Why Use Points For Domestic Flights

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: JetBlue Mint Domestic Business Class

Using points and miles for domestic flights is one of the easiest and most practical ways to get value from your rewards.

Even though international trips get most of the attention, booking flights within the United States can offer just as much value – and often more flexibility.

Here are several reasons why points and miles work especially well for domestic travel:

  • Save Money On Airfare. With domestic ticket prices on the rise, using points and miles can help you avoid high cash fares. For example, instead of spending $350 for a round-trip ticket, you might be able to book the same flight for just 10,000 points. That is real savings you can use for hotels, meals, or your next trip.
  • Travel More Often. When you save money by using rewards, you can afford to travel more frequently. A few smart redemptions throughout the year could turn one or two trips into three or four, especially if you focus on low-cost domestic routes and off-peak travel dates.
  • Enjoy Extra Perks. Booking with points often gives you access to benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, or flexible cancellation policies. These perks can make travel smoother and less stressful, even if you are not flying First Class.
  • Avoid Blackout Dates And Hidden Fees. Many airline programs have improved their award calendars, and it is easier than ever to find seats using points – even during busy seasons. Some programs, like Southwest Rapid Rewards, even let you cancel or change flights with no penalty, which adds more peace of mind.
  • Stretch The Value Of Your Points. Short-haul flights are where points and miles can really shine. For example, you can often book a one-way flight under 650 miles for under 10,000 British Airways Executive Club (Avios) miles. When the cash price is high, these redemptions can give you well over 2 cents per point in value.
  • Reposition For An International Flight. Sometimes the best international award availability is not from your home airport. Points and miles can help you reposition to a different city to start your trip, like flying from Dallas (DFW) to New York City (JFK) to catch a flight to Europe. Booking that short domestic hop with rewards saves money and opens up more flight options abroad.
  • Handle Emergencies or Last-Minute Trips. Life happens. Whether it is a sick relative, a friend in need, or an unexpected work trip, having points ready can make it easier to book a last-minute flight without spending hundreds of dollars. When cash prices are sky-high, using points can ease the burden in stressful situations.

Best Programs To Redeem Points For Domestic Flights: Legacy Carriers

Not all points and miles are created equal – especially when it comes to flying within the United States. Some programs offer more flexibility, better value, and easier booking experiences than others.

Understanding which programs to focus on can help you book more flights for fewer points.

Here are the top programs to consider when booking domestic travel:

How To Book Alaska Airlines Flights With Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines serves much of the West Coast and connects key cities across the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii.

Thanks to its strong partnerships in the Oneworld alliance and beyond and reasonable award rates, Alaska flights are a great candidate for using miles – especially for travelers based in the Western United States.

Here are the best programs for booking Alaska Airlines award flights:

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska’s own program is often the best choice for booking its flights. While award pricing is technically dynamic, the floor for one-way flights starts at just 5,000 miles, which is a standout value. Longer domestic routes usually price around 12,500 miles in Economy Class.

Business Class can start at 30,000 miles for transcontinental flights, but note that these cabins are generally recliner-style seats – not lie-flat options found on other carriers.

  • Best For: West Coast flyers and those seeking low-cost redemptions for short or mid-length flights
  • Transfers From: Bilt Rewards (direct) or Amex Membership Rewards to Hawaiian to Alaska (indirect until 2025)

Finnair Plus (Avios)

Finnair offers a simple and valuable chart for Alaska Airlines flights:

  • 11,000 Avios for most continental U.S. routes
  • 13,500 Avios for flights to Hawaii

This makes Finnair Avios one of the best hidden gems for long domestic routes, especially those headed to the islands.

  • Best For: High-value redemptions to Hawaii and across the country
  • Transfers From: Capital One Miles

Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios)

Qatar also uses a distance-based chart for Alaska flights:

  • 9,500 Avios for flights under 650 miles in Economy Class
  • 13,000 Avios for 651 – 1,151 miles
  • 20,000 to 27,000 Avios for domestic First Class

If you are booking a short flight – especially on a popular West Coast route – Qatar Avios offers excellent value.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore KrisFlyer offers zone-based pricing for Alaska flights:

  • Under 12,500 miles for all Economy Class flights
  • First Class from 17,500 miles, though prices can rise as high as 47,000 miles

Keep in mind: this option is more limited in scope. Most award routes are restricted to the Western U.S. and Canada, so you cannot redeem points from the East Coast to Alaska or Hawaii.

Alaska Airlines has some of the most flexible and affordable award options for domestic flyers – especially when using partners like Finnair and Qatar.

How To Book American Airlines Flights with Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: American Airlines

American Airlines operates one of the largest domestic networks in the United States, which makes it a great option for using rewards.

While booking with American Airlines miles is the most straightforward method, several partner programs often offer even better value – especially for short-haul flights and off-peak travel.

Here are the best ways to book American Airlines award flights:

American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

American now uses variable pricing for its award tickets. This means the number of miles required can change based on demand, season, and route.

One-way Economy Class awards can start as low as 5,000 miles, though prices will be higher during peak travel times. Domestic First Class redemptions typically start at 15,000 miles.

  • Best For: Booking directly when prices are low or when partner availability is limited
  • Transfers From: No current transfer partners

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

Alaska is a valuable partner when booking American Airlines flights, especially for short-haul trips. While it uses a form of dynamic pricing, award rates start at just 4,500 miles one-way in Economy Class for the shortest routes.

Domestic First Class starts at 9,000 miles, and longer routes within the U.S. are usually around 12,500 miles in Economy Class.

  • Best For: Short flights and great value in domestic First Class
  • Partner Fee: $12.50 per person each way (nonrefundable)
  • Transfers From: Bilt Rewards (direct) or Amex Membership Rewards to Hawaiian to Alaska (indirect until 2025)

Iberia Plus (Avios)

Iberia uses a distance-based chart for American Airlines flights. The best values are:

  • 6,000 Avios for very short flights
  • 13,000 Avios for flights between 2,001 and 3,000 miles

However, Iberia awards are non-changeable and nonrefundable, so only use this method if you are 100% sure about your plans.

Qantas Frequent Flyer

Qantas also uses a distance-based chart for American flights.

This program shines on flights under 1,200 miles, where redemptions top out at 12,000 miles in Economy Class (rising to 13,800 miles after August 5, 2025).

Since Qantas calculates distance based on the start and end cities – not each flight segment – it is especially useful for connecting itineraries.

Qatar Airways Privilege Club (Avios)

Qatar uses a more detailed distance-based chart, offering solid value on short domestic flights. For example:

  • 9,500 Avios for flights under 650 miles in Economy Class
  • 13,000 Avios for flights between 651 – 1,151 miles in Economy Class
  • 20,000 to 27,000 Avios for domestic First Class, based on distance

This is a great option for short routes where other programs might charge more.

Each of these partners brings a different angle to booking American Airlines flights. If you have flexibility, you can often get more value by using a partner program instead of AAdvantage miles directly.

How To Book Delta Air Lines Flights With Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: Delta Airlines

Delta Air Lines is one of the most popular carriers in the United States, offering a broad domestic route network and high service standards.

While Delta SkyMiles can be unpredictable, there are several ways to find great value – especially if you take advantage of flash sales or use partner programs.

Here are the top ways to book Delta flights using points and miles:

Delta SkyMiles

Delta uses variable award pricing, which means the number of miles required can change from day to day. On average, SkyMiles are worth about 1 cent per mile, but flash sales and cardholder discounts can unlock more value.

Flights can drop as low as 5,000 SkyMiles one-way in Economy Class during sales. Delta also gives 15% off award prices when you book through your account and hold an eligible American Express co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit card.

Aeromexico Rewards

Aeromexico uses a kilometer-based pricing model, which can be confusing for U.S. travelers but also rewarding. Notably, American Express points transfer at a 1.0:1.6 ratio to Aeromexico, giving you more value per point.

Aeromexico also tends to have greater access to Delta award space than many other partners.

While Aeromexico’s site works well for booking, customer service can be difficult, especially if you need to call and do not speak Spanish.

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Flying Blue uses variable pricing for Delta awards, but the program still offers strong value:

  • From 10,000 miles for one-way Economy Class
  • From 28,000 miles for one-way Business class

This is a great way to book simple domestic Delta routes or get a solid deal on a lie-flat seat when flying cross-country in Business Class.

  • Best For: Fixed-value awards and domestic Business Class redemptions
  • Transfers From: Amex Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Wells Fargo Rewards

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Virgin Atlantic uses a distance-based award chart for Delta flights. Prices start at:

  • 7,500 points for the shortest routes
  • 22,000 points for flights up to 3,000 miles

However, Virgin prices each segment separately, so it is not ideal for connecting flights. For nonstop flights, though, it can be one of the most cost-effective ways to book Delta.

How To Book United Airlines Flights With Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: United Airlines

United Airlines has a massive domestic network, making it a go-to carrier for award travel within the United States.

While United’s own program offers solid value, several airline partners can unlock even better deals – especially if you are willing to put in a little extra effort.

Here are the best ways to book United award flights using points and miles:

United Airlines MileagePlus

United now uses variable award pricing, meaning award rates change based on demand, travel time, and route. However, the pricing floor is still attractive:

  • From 5,000 miles in Economy Class
  • From 30,000 miles in domestic First Class

MileagePlus is easy to use and offers great availability on United-operated flights.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Aeroplan offers dynamic pricing for United flights, but often with reasonable award levels:

  • From 6,000 miles for Economy Class
  • From 15,000 miles for domestic First Class

Aeroplan awards can be booked online, and availability often mirrors United’s own site, making it a convenient partner to compare.

Avianca LifeMiles

LifeMiles pricing can feel unpredictable, but there are still great deals to be had:

  • Economy Class from 7,500 to 18,000 miles
  • First Class from 15,000 to 30,000 miles
  • Flights from Alaska or Hawaii up to 25,000 miles in Economy Class

Avianca sometimes shows award seats that do not appear through other programs, so it is a useful tool when availability seems limited elsewhere.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Singapore uses a zone-based chart for United flights:

  • 14,000 miles for all Economy Class awards
  • 26,000 miles for all Business Class awards

These fixed prices can be good deals for long-haul domestic flights, such as cross-country routes or flights to Hawaii.

Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles

Turkish offers one of the best hidden gems in domestic award travel:

  • 10,000 miles in Economy Class
  • 15,000 miles in Business Class
  • Works even for flights to Alaska and Hawaii

While flights may be bookable online, many travelers report needing to book via email, and changes or irregularities can require some patience.

With a little flexibility, United award flights can be booked at great rates across a wide range of programs.

Best Programs To Redeem Points For Domestic Flights: Specialty Carriers

Not every airline fits neatly into traditional mileage alliances or partner networks.

Carriers like Southwest Airlines and JetBlue Airways operate outside of the usual points ecosystem – but that does not mean they lack value.

In fact, both airlines offer some of the most user-friendly and consistent ways to book domestic flights using points.

Here are the top programs to consider when booking domestic travel:

How To Book JetBlue Flights With Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: JetBlue

JetBlue may not be part of a major airline alliance, but it still offers great value through its own TrueBlue program and through select transfer partners.

With straightforward pricing and a strong domestic route network – especially in the Northeast – JetBlue can be a smart way to use your points, particularly on cash-heavy routes.

Here are the best ways to book JetBlue flights with points:

JetBlue TrueBlue Points

JetBlue uses fixed-value pricing for its own awards. On average, TrueBlue points are worth about 1.33 cents each toward the cost of a flight. This makes it easy to predict the number of points needed, although it also means that redemptions rarely exceed that value.

In many cases, using travel portals like Amex Travel (with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and JetBlue selected as your airline) or the Chase Travel Portal (with the Chase Sapphire Reserve®) might give you better value.

How To Book Southwest Airlines Flights With Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has long been known as one of the most flexible and user-friendly options for domestic travel, thanks to perks like two free checked bags, no change fees, and the famous Companion Pass. However, the airline has recently rolled back some of these customer-friendly policies, signaling a shift in how it approaches budget-conscious travelers.

While Southwest still maintains its extensive route network and allows for easy flight changes, travelers should be aware that some of the flexibility and value the airline was known for may no longer be as generous.

At this time, the only way to book Southwest flights using points is through its own program – Southwest Rapid Rewards.

Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards

Southwest uses a fixed-value award model, where points are typically worth around 1.4 cents each toward the cost of a flight.

This makes the program predictable and easy to use. Award prices are tied directly to the cash cost of the ticket.

In many cases, travelers with premium cards such as The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (with Southwest as the selected airline) or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® may find better value by booking Southwest flights through the travel portal, especially when cash fares are low.

Still, transferring points directly to Southwest can make sense for those holding the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, where portal redemptions are not quite as strong.

Note: Southwest has announced it will switch to dynamic award pricing sometime in 2025. Details on how this will affect point values have not been released, so travelers should monitor this closely.

With its no-hassle policies and strong value for families and casual flyers, Southwest continues to be a go-to option for domestic travel.

Best Ways To Book With Transferable Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: Booking With Flexible Points

Transferable points are the Swiss Army knife of travel rewards.

These points can be moved to many different airline programs, which gives you flexibility, better access to award space, and more chances to book flights at a great value.

For domestic flights, transferable points make it easier to choose the best deal across multiple airlines.

Here is a quick guide to the major transferable points programs – and the best credit cards to earn them.

American Express Membership Rewards

Bilt Rewards

Capital One Miles

Chase Ultimate Rewards

Citi ThankYou Rewards

Wells Fargo Rewards

Tools And Tips For Finding Award Availability

Finding award seats can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. The flights are out there – but knowing where and how to look can save you hours of frustration.

Whether you are planning a trip months in advance or need a last-minute getaway, using the right tools and strategies can make all the difference.

Here are some simple ways to improve your search and increase your chances of booking with points.

Use Award Search Tools

Dedicated award search tools can scan multiple programs and airlines to help you find flights that are bookable with points.

These tools show award availability in real time and can help you compare the number of points required across different programs.

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: seats.aero

Here are three of the best tools to try:

  • Seats.aero: Quickly shows award availability for premium cabins and economy flights across multiple programs. Great for finding hidden partner availability.
  • Roame.travel: Offers a powerful search engine for checking award flights using various point currencies. Good for flexible travelers looking for the best options.
  • Point.me: Offers an easy-to-use interface and detailed award pricing comparisons. Subscription gives access to real-time availability and booking tips.

Search Flexible Dates

One of the best ways to increase your chances of finding a deal is to keep your travel dates flexible.

Award prices can change dramatically depending on the day of the week, time of year, or even time of day. Searching one day before or after your ideal travel date can unlock lower prices and better availability.

  • Look at full week or month calendars when possible
  • Avoid peak travel periods like holidays and school breaks
  • Consider flying on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays for better deals

Book One-Way Flights

Many programs allow you to book one-way award tickets.

This gives you more flexibility to mix and match airlines, transfer points from different programs, and take advantage of deals as they appear.

For example, you might use one program to fly to your destination and another to fly home.

Set Alerts And Act Fast

Award availability can change quickly, especially on popular routes.

If you see a flight that works, book it right away.

Many programs let you cancel or change award flights with little or no penalty, which gives you the flexibility to lock something in while you keep searching.

  • Use tools that offer alert features or track specific routes
  • Save your preferred routes and search regularly for new openings
  • Be ready to transfer points and book as soon as you find a deal

Searching for award flights can take some work, but using these tools and tips will make the process much smoother.

When To Use Cash Instead Of Points

How To Redeem Points for Domestic Flights: Use Cash, Not Points

Even the most seasoned points travelers know that using miles is not always the best move.

Sometimes, paying cash – or using points through a travel portal – can offer better value, more flexibility, or both. Knowing how to compare your options will help you make smarter decisions and get the most out of your rewards.

Here is how to tell when to skip the points transfer and consider cash or a travel portal instead.

Calculate The Value Of Your Points

Before you book, it helps to know how much value you are getting from your points.

Use this simple formula:

Cash price of the flight (minus taxes and fees) ÷ Number of points required = Cents per point (cpp)

  • 1.2 cents per point or more is generally a good redemption
  • Less than 1 cent per point means you might want to use cash or book another way

Example: If a flight costs $120 or requires 10,000 points, your value is 1.2 cents per point. That is a solid deal. But if that same flight only costs $90, the value drops to 0.9 cents per point – better to pay cash and save your points.

Know When to Use Travel Portals

Sometimes the best way to use points is not by transferring them to airlines but by booking directly through your card issuer’s travel portal.

This works especially well if:

When fares are low, portals can offer better value than most transfer partners – and you still earn airline miles and elite credit on the flight.

Watch For Low Fares And Sales

Domestic flights – especially on budget carriers or during slower seasons – often go on sale. If you spot a round-trip for $100 or less, using your miles might not give you much value.

Save your points for more expensive or last-minute flights where they will stretch further.

Points are powerful, but they are not always the right tool for the job. By knowing when to use portals, when to pay cash, and when to hold onto your points, you can make sure every booking works in your favor.

Final Thoughts

Booking domestic flights with points and miles may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand how the programs work, it becomes one of the most rewarding ways to travel.

Whether you are planning a quick weekend getaway, visiting family across the country, or repositioning for an international trip, rewards can help you fly for less – and often with more comfort and flexibility.

Throughout this guide, you have learned about the best airline programs for domestic travel, the power of transferable points, and the top credit cards to earn them.

You now know how to find great award space, when to transfer points to airline partners, and when it might make more sense to book through a travel portal or pay cash instead.

You also have tools at your fingertips to simplify the search process and make smarter decisions when booking.

Using points and miles for domestic flights is not just about saving money. It is about unlocking new opportunities to travel more often, stay connected with loved ones, and make your travel plans fit your life.

With a little strategy and the right approach, your next trip could be just a few clicks – and a few thousand points – away.

And if you have any questions after reading this guide, feel free to join our Free Community and ask our experienced members.

Many have gone through this process many times and can offer real-world stories.

Join For Free Now.

Airlines
|
Destinations

BLOG
CATEGORIES

DESTINATIONS
CATEGORIES