Marriott Bonvoy points are not just for hotel stays. You can also use them for flights worldwide. Knowing how to use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights, you can save on airfare, upgrade to premium seats, and even book flights instantly. Instead of letting your points sit unused, you can turn them into free travel and maximize their value. Your Marriott points can help you fly with budget airlines, access exclusive partnerships, and take advantage of special credit card referral bonuses.

If you’re booking economy flights or business class experiences, redemption options ensure you get the most out of your points.

Here’s how to turn your points into an instant booking for a luxury flight.

 

1. Transfer Marriott Bonvoy Points to Airline Miles

Marriott Bonvoy points for flights by transferring them to airline frequent flyer programs. In fact, it partners with over 40 airlines, including major carriers like United, Delta, and Emirates. Moreover, most transfers follow a 3:1 ratio, meaning 3,000 Marriott points convert to 1,000 airline miles.

To transfer points, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account, navigate to the “Transfer Points” section, and select your preferred airline. It’s essential to check airline transfer times, as some transfers are instant, while others take a few days. A key benefit of Marriott’s program is the 5,000-mile bonus. When you transfer 60,000 points, you receive an extra 5,000 miles.

Using this transfer method is ideal for travelers who already collect airline miles. A Marriott points transfer can reduce your balance if you’re short of a free flight. However, always compare the value of miles versus hotel stays to ensure you make the most of your points.

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2. Book Flights Through Marriott’s Air+Car Program

Marriott Bonvoy also allows you to book flights directly using its Air+Car program. This option lets you redeem points for airfare without transferring them to an airline, offering a more straightforward way to book. The program includes major airlines, giving you flexibility in choosing your route and carrier.

First, log into your Marriott Bonvoy account and access the Air+Car section to use this feature. Then, enter your destination, travel dates, and preferred airline, and Marriott will display flight options available for point redemption. This method mainly benefits travelers who don’t want to deal with airline transfer ratios or waiting times.

While booking through Marriott’s platform offers convenience, point values can vary. Therefore, it’s wise to compare the required points with the cash price of a flight to determine if it’s a good redemption. Besides, transferring points to an airline may yield better value.

 

3. Take Advantage of United MileagePlus Partnership

Marriott Bonvoy has a unique partnership with United Airlines through the RewardsPlus program. This partnership allows Marriott members to transfer points to United MileagePlus at an enhanced rate. Instead of the usual 3:1 transfer ratio, United transfers receive a 10% mileage bonus.

If you frequently fly United, linking your accounts can unlock even more benefits. When flying with United, Elite Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy perks like Premier Silver status, priority boarding, and free checked bags. These added benefits make transferring points to United one of the most valuable ways to use them for flights.

Sign up for RewardsPlus and link your United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy accounts to take advantage of this. Once connected, every transfer will automatically receive the 10% bonus, making your points go further toward award flights.

 

4. Use Points for Business and First-Class Upgrades

Another great way to use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights is by upgrading to business or first class. Many airline programs allow travelers to use miles for seat upgrades. By transferring points, you can unlock premium cabin experiences without paying cash. Airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, and Lufthansa let you use miles for upgrades on eligible flights.

If you already have an economy ticket, upgrading with points can provide lounge access, extra legroom, and gourmet meals. The value of an upgrade often exceeds that of a free economy ticket, making this a great redemption option. Before transferring points, check your airline’s upgrade policies and availability. Some upgrades require specific fare classes, so always confirm your ticket qualifies before committing points.

 

5. Redeem Points for Flights with No Blackout Dates

Many airline loyalty programs have blackout dates and limited award seat availability, but Marriott Bonvoy’s flexible transfer options help bypass these restrictions. You can secure flights without worrying about limited redemption opportunities by choosing airline partners with more open award availability.

Programs like Air Canada Aeroplan, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer offer more generous award space, even during peak travel times. If you have flexible travel dates, you can maximize your points by booking flights during off-peak periods for fewer miles.

Always check the airline’s award chart and availability when transferring Marriott points. Some airlines have dynamic pricing, meaning the miles required fluctuate, so planning is key to getting the best value.

 

6. Combine Points and Cash for Maximum Value

You can use a combination of points and cash if you don’t have enough Marriott Bonvoy points for an entire flight redemption. In fact, many airline programs allow you to pay for part of your ticket with miles and cover the remaining balance with money. This option provides flexibility and ensures you can still enjoy your flight without waiting to accumulate more points.

For example, airlines like Delta and British Airways offer “Pay with Miles” options, where you can reduce the cost of a ticket using miles.

This method is helpful if you’re short of the points needed for full redemption or want to save some for future travel. However, compare the points-to-cash ratio before booking to ensure a good deal.

Sometimes, saving points for a full redemption may be better than using them for a partial fare discount.

💁‍♀️ Also read – How to Use Credit Card Points on Rent and Flip Your Monthly Bill into Freebies

 

7. Take Advantage of Marriott Bonvoy Promotions for Extra Points

Marriott Bonvoy runs promotions throughout the year that allow you to earn bonus points, which you can use for flights. These promotions typically include double points on stays, credit card bonuses, and targeted offers for elite members. Further, these limited-time offers provide opportunities to maximize your point earnings and accelerate your travel rewards.

If you plan to use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights, keeping an eye on these promotions can help you accumulate points faster. The Marriott Bonvoy credit cards are issued by Chase (you can also read how to book a hotel with Chase points) and American Express. It also offers category bonuses on hotel stays, dining, and travel purchases.

The latest news from Upgraded Points is that until March 31, 2025. You can receive a 50% bonus when transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott Bonvoy.

You can quickly reach the required balance for a flight redemption. As a matter of fact, you can achieve it by strategically earning points through promotions and credit card spending. Further, always check Marriott’s promotions page to take advantage of limited-time offers.

 

8. Use Airline Transfer Bonuses for Better Value

Marriott Bonvoy and its airline partners offer transfer bonuses several times a year. It allows you to receive more miles for the same number of points. Typically, these bonuses range from 10% to 30%, significantly affecting how many miles you earn.

For example, during a 30% transfer bonus promotion with British Airways Avios, transferring 60,000 Marriott points would yield 30,000 Avios.

It is instead of the usual 25,000. As a result, it can make award flights more accessible and save you thousands of points. Watch Marriott Bonvoy’s and airline partners’ promotional offers to maximize this strategy. Timing your transfer during a bonus period can help you stretch your points further.

 

9. Gain Value with Sweet Spots

To get the most from how to use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights, target airline “sweet spots” routes where miles offer outsized value. For instance, ANA’s 88,000-mile round-trip business-class deal to Japan requires 240,000 Marriott points with the bonus. This redemption can save thousands compared to cash fares. Similarly, Alaska Airlines offers 50,000-mile business-class flights to Australia.

Calculate the cash price versus points value to ensure you get at least 0.8-1 cent per Marriott point. As a case in point, a $1,000 flight for 120,000 points is 0.83 cents per point. Luxury cabins often yield higher returns, making transfers worthwhile for premium travel.

Booking instantly with these redemptions requires aligning fast transfers with available sweet-spot awards. Therefore, plan strategically; your points will ultimately stretch further, delivering unforgettable trips for less.

 

10. Book Last-Minute Flights with Instant Transfers

While airline transfers take time, a few programs allow near-instant conversions, making last-minute bookings possible. Airlines like Aeroplan and Virgin Atlantic typically process Marriott transfers within minutes to a few hours. As a result, you can book flights quickly. You can seize spontaneous travel opportunities without worrying about lengthy transfer delays.

This feature is helpful if you find an excellent award seat but don’t have the required miles yet. Before transferring points, check real-time availability. Ensure the booking is open to avoid losing valuable points in an unusable transfer. Double-check that the seat remains available before confirming the transfer to maximize your chances of success.

Last-minute redemptions can be a great way to use Marriott points efficiently. It is especially true if you have flexible travel plans and can take advantage of unexpected deals.

 

11. Plan to Get the Best Redemption Value

The key to maximizing Marriott Bonvoy points for flights is planning. It involves researching airline transfer partners, monitoring promotions, and checking award availability. You can ensure you get the best possible redemption. Further, staying updated on new transfer opportunities will help you make timely decisions when deals arise.

Using points for flights can be an excellent way to unlock travel opportunities, but comparing different options is crucial. If you transfer to an airline or book directly, being strategic with your redemptions will help you maximize value. Moreover, it’s essential to consider factors such as point expiration and seat availability when making your final decision.

With this guidance, you can confidently use Marriott Bonvoy points for flights. You can also book instantly when the perfect opportunity arises.

Recommended read – How to redeem credit card points and rewards wisely?

 

12. Use Marriott Bonvoy Points for Airline Fees and Extras

Many airlines allow you to use miles to cover additional travel costs, such as baggage fees, lounge access, or seat selection. For example, United Airlines charges $35 for a first checked bag on domestic flights, but you can offset this by transferring Marriott points to United MileagePlus.

Similarly, Delta Air Lines allows SkyMiles members to redeem miles for upgrades, with domestic first-class upgrades starting at around 7,500 miles per segment.

Besides, airport lounge access can cost $50+ per visit. However, transferring Marriott points to airline programs with lounge partnerships can provide free entry. As an illustration, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer and American Airlines AAdvantage offer this benefit.

Before redeeming, check if your preferred airline offers this option and compare the points-to-cash value to ensure you’re maximizing your rewards.

 

Bring It All Together!

Marriott Bonvoy points for flights can be incredibly rewarding when done strategically. You can turn your points into instant luxury travel with the correct transfer options, booking platform, and redemption strategies. This approach helps you save on airfare, enjoy premium seats, and access exclusive travel benefits. Your Marriott points can unlock incredible flight opportunities, making travel more affordable and enjoyable.

Redeem your points and turn your Marriott Bonvoy points into instant flights for your upcoming getaway!

 

Need Help Turning Marriott Bonvoy Points into Flights?

Want to make the most of your Marriott Bonvoy points for flights? We’ll guide you through the most acceptable redemption strategies, help you maximize your points, and ensure you easily book your next luxury flight. ✈️

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