If you are a fan of the World of Hyatt program, you already know how valuable Hyatt points can be for hotel stays. From budget-friendly Hyatt Place properties to stunning resorts like the Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali, Hyatt consistently delivers some of the best value in the points and miles world.

But here is a perk most travelers overlook: Hyatt points are not limited to hotels. With the right strategy, you can convert them into airline miles across more than 20 airline loyalty programs. 

This hidden feature adds a new layer of flexibility to your points, allowing you to book flights when you are short on miles or explore creative redemption strategies you might not have considered.

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the World of Hyatt transfer partners, including the complete list of airlines, transfer ratios, rules, timelines, and strategies for making the most of your points. 

By the end, you will know exactly when transferring World of Hyatt points makes sense, and when it is better to keep them for Hyatt hotel stays.

World of Hyatt Transfer Basics: Rules, Ratios, And Restrictions

The World of Hyatt 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 Hyatt 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 Requirement

Hyatt sets a floor on transfers to keep the process efficient. This means you cannot move just a handful of points – you need to commit a decent chunk.

• You must transfer at least 5,000 World of Hyatt points in a single transaction.
• After the minimum, you can transfer in increments of 1,250 points.

Standard Transfer Ratio

Most airline partners follow the standard Hyatt conversion formula. While simple, it does mean you lose value compared to redeeming points for hotel stays.

• The majority of partners convert at a 5:2 ratio.
• Example: 5,000 Hyatt points = 2,000 airline miles.
• This is less favorable than Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards, which often transfer to airlines at 1:1 ratio.

Exceptions To The Rule

Not every airline follows the standard ratio. A few partners provide slightly better value, which can make them worth considering.

• Aeromexico Rewards: 5:4
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club: 5:3
• Air China PhoenixMiles: 25:16
• Qantas Frequent Flyer: 25:12
• Southwest Rapid Rewards: 25:12

These exceptions may not always deliver outsized value, but they are more favorable than the typical 5:2 rate.

Transfer Bonus For Large Transactions

Hyatt rewards members who make bigger transfers with a small bonus. If you are moving a large balance, this perk can help squeeze a bit more value.

• Transfers of 50,000 World of Hyatt points or more trigger a 5,000-point bonus.
• The bonus points are added to the transfer and converted into airline miles at the same partner ratio.
• Example: 50,000 Hyatt → ANA Mileage Club = 20,000 miles + 2,000 bonus miles (from the 5,000-point bonus) = 22,000 miles total.

Transfer Timeline

Transfers are not instant, so you need to plan carefully before moving points.

• Hyatt states transfers can take 6 to 8 weeks.
• In practice, many transfers post sooner, but you should not rely on that.
• Because of the delay, transfers are better for planned redemptions than for last-minute travel.

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

The Full World of Hyatt Transfer Partners List

The World of Hyatt program partners with more than 20 major airlines, giving members a way to turn hotel points into frequent flyer miles. 

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.

Here is the complete list of Hyatt airline partners, their transfer ratios, and key notes to keep in mind.

The 50,000-Point Transfer Bonus Explained

World of Hyatt offers a small incentive for members who transfer larger amounts of points. 

If you transfer 50,000 Hyatt points or more in a single transaction, Hyatt will add a 5,000-point bonus. These bonus points are automatically included in the transfer and are converted to airline miles at the same ratio as the partner program you select.

Example: Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (5:3 Ratio)

• Transfer 50,000 World of Hyatt points → 30,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles.
• Bonus: 5,000 World of Hyatt points convert into an additional 3,000 Virgin miles.
• Total: 33,000 Virgin Atlantic miles.

How To Transfer Hyatt Points to Airlines: Step-by-Step Guide

Converting World of Hyatt 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 – Access The Air & Auto Section

• Log in to your World of Hyatt account on the Hyatt website.
• Navigate to the Air & Auto section of the redemption portal.
• Click the blue button that says Convert Existing Points to Miles.

Step 2 – Sign In To Your Account

• You will be prompted to sign in again for security.
• Enter your World of Hyatt membership number, last name, and password.
• Once logged in, you will be directed to the transfer request page.

Step 3 – Choose Your Airline Partner

• Use the dropdown menu to select your preferred airline partner.
• Make sure you already have a frequent flyer account with that airline.
• Enter your frequent flyer membership number exactly as it appears on the airline account.

Step 4 – Select The Number Of Points To Transfer

• Choose how many points you would like to transfer.
• Remember: transfers must be at least 5,000 points, and then in increments of 1,250 points.
• The system will display how many miles you will receive based on the World of Hyatt transfer partners ratio.

Step 5 – Review And Confirm

• Double-check your details: airline, frequent flyer number, and transfer amount.
• Confirm the request to process your transfer.
• Transfers are final and cannot be reversed.

Step 6 – Wait For The Transfer to Complete

• Hyatt states that transfers can take 6 to 8 weeks.
• Some partners process faster, but it is best to assume the full timeframe.
• Plan ahead and avoid transferring for last-minute flights.

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 Hyatt Points Makes Sense

World of Hyatt 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 World of Hyatt points into airline miles.

Topping Off An Airline Account

Sometimes, you are just a few miles short of booking a dream flight. Instead of paying cash or missing out, World of Hyatt points can fill the gap.

• Example: You have 57,000 United Airlines MileagePlus miles and need 60,000 for a Business Class flight. By transferring 7,500 Hyatt points, you can earn 3,000 United miles and complete the redemption.
• This is often the most practical use of World of Hyatt transfer partners.

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. World of Hyatt points may be your only way in.

• American Airlines AAdvantage: Hyatt 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.

Booking High-Value Premium Cabin Awards

While Economy Class redemptions usually do not make sense with World of Hyatt transfers, premium cabins can flip the math.

• Example: Transferring World of Hyatt points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club can unlock ANA First Class between the U.S. and Japan..
• If you are only a few miles short, World of Hyatt transfers can help you book an otherwise out-of-reach premium flight.

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 World of Hyatt points, but they can unlock valuable opportunities when used wisely.

When You Should Avoid Hyatt Transfers

While having airline transfer options adds flexibility to the World of Hyatt program, in most cases you are better off keeping your points for hotel stays. The transfer ratios and timelines make this option less valuable unless you are in a very specific situation. 

Here are the main reasons to avoid converting World of Hyatt points to airline miles.

Hotel Redemptions Almost Always Deliver Higher Value

Hyatt points consistently rank among the most valuable hotel currencies, often worth 1.70 cents per point or more. Transfers to airlines rarely match this return.

• Example: Redeeming 25,000 Hyatt points for a night at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa (cash rate $800) yields a value of 3.2 cents per point.
• If you transferred those 25,000 points to an airline at a 5:2 ratio, you would only get 10,000 miles. To match $800 in value, you would need to redeem those miles at 8.00 cents per mile – a rare outcome outside of niche premium cabin awards.

Poor Ratios And Slow Transfers Create Risk

Two challenges make Hyatt transfers unreliable: the 5:2 ratio and the processing time.

• The 5:2 ratio means World of Hyatt points shrink quickly. What feels like a large balance – say 50,000 points – turns into just 20,000 airline miles with most partners.
• Transfers can take 6 to 8 weeks 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 World of Hyatt points much more valuable for hotel bookings, where availability and value are clearer upfront.

Better Alternatives Exist for Airline Transfers

The World of Hyatt transfer partners often overlap with programs you can access through Chase Ultimate Rewards, which is a far more flexible and valuable option.

• 1:1 Ratio: Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfers to most airlines at a 1:1 ratio, compared to the World of Hyatt 5:2. This means 50,000 Chase points = 50,000 airline miles, while 50,000 Hyatt points = only 20,000 miles in most cases.
  • Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt points at a 1:1 ratio.
• Instant Transfers: Chase Ultimate Rewards point transfers are typically instant, so you do not risk losing award availability while waiting for miles to post.
• Diversification: By keeping World of Hyatt points for hotel stays and using Chase Ultimate Rewards for airline miles, you preserve flexibility and maximize redemption value across both categories.

Hyatt 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 World of Hyatt points for hotels and leaning on Chase Ultimate Rewards for airline miles.

How To Earn World of Hyatt Points

Before you can transfer World of Hyatt points to airlines, you need to build a balance. Hyatt offers multiple ways to earn points, from hotel stays to credit card partnerships. 

Here are the most effective methods:

• Stay at Hyatt Properties. Earn 5 base points per dollar on eligible room rates, dining, and incidentals. Elite members get additional bonuses (10% Discoverist, 20% Explorist, 30% Globalist).
• World of Hyatt Credit Card. Earn up to 9x points at Hyatt properties, plus bonus points on dining, gym memberships, and travel. Includes an annual free night certificate (Category 1 – 4).
• World of Hyatt Business Credit Card. Earn 9x points at Hyatt stays and bonus points on business categories. Offers extra free nights with high annual spending.
• 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 Hyatt balance.
• Bilt Rewards Transfers. Transfer points earned from rent payments and everyday spending on the Bilt Mastercard® directly to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
• Dining Rewards. Register a card with the Hyatt Dining Program and earn points when dining at participating restaurants, even if you are not staying at a Hyatt property.
• Meetings and Events. Earn 1 point per dollar when booking conferences, weddings, or group events at Hyatt properties.
• Hyatt Promotions. Seasonal offers often include double points, bonus points for stays at specific brands, or rewards for new members. Always register for promotions to maximize opportunities.

Other Ways To Use Hyatt Points Besides Transfers

While most travelers use World of Hyatt points for hotel stays – or occasionally transfer them to airline partners – there are other redemption options available within the program. 

These alternatives may not always deliver the same value, but they can be useful in the right circumstances.

• FIND Experiences. Use points for wellness retreats, cooking classes, cultural tours, and other curated activities through Hyatt’s FIND platform. Redemptions typically offer about 1.40 cents per point in value.
• Meeting Credits at Hyatt Properties. For business travelers and planners, Hyatt points can be redeemed for meeting credits at a value of about 1.33 cents per point. This can reduce costs for corporate events, conferences, or weddings.
• Gift Cards and Merchandise. Hyatt occasionally offers gift card and merchandise redemptions. These usually provide less than 1.00 cent per point, making them a poor use compared to hotels or airline transfers.

Final Thoughts

World of Hyatt points are some of the most valuable rewards in travel, and their strongest use will almost always be for hotel stays. From budget-friendly options to luxury resorts that cost hundreds of dollars per night, Hyatt redemptions consistently deliver outsized value. 

That said, the ability to transfer points to airlines adds an extra layer of flexibility that can be useful in the right circumstances.

Transferring points is best reserved for moments when you are just shy of an airline redemption, when you need access to a program with few other transfer partners, or when an airline promotion temporarily improves the transfer value. 

In these cases, moving World of Hyatt points to an airline account can unlock an award seat that would otherwise be out of reach. 

However, for most travelers, the poor transfer ratios, slow processing times, and finality of the transfer make this option far less appealing than using Hyatt points directly for free nights.

The key is to view World of Hyatt points as your hotel currency first and your backup airline tool second. 

By keeping this mindset, you can preserve their full value for unforgettable hotel stays, while still having the flexibility to move them into an airline program if you ever find yourself in need of a small mileage boost. 

When used with care, this dual role makes Hyatt points one of the most versatile and rewarding currencies in the travel world.

Kevin Zanes