Airline desk - 6 programsUpdated preview set · award charts, partner notes6 programs live

Fly the partner, not the host airline

The first airline-program index covers six frequent flyer programs we already use in comparisons: alliances, transfer paths, and partner sweet spots in one place. More programs come next.

6
programs
3
alliances
4
transfer paths
new
status
filter:
6 of 6
program
Sweet spot
Aeroplan
Air Canada's program. The generous Star Alliance partner chart is the reason points people keep it close.
1.6c
per pt
45+
partners
Amex/Chase
transfer
LAX to SYD in businessProgram brief soon
program
United MileagePlus
Star Alliance host. Good app, broad partner access, and the Excursionist perk still has uses.
1.3c
per pt
35+
partners
Chase UR
transfer
Useful for flexible United flyersProgram brief soon
program
American AAdvantage
Oneworld home. Web specials can beat the published award instincts when dates line up.
1.5c
per pt
20+
partners
Bilt
transfer
Web specials firstProgram brief soon
program
Cult favorite
Alaska Mileage Plan
Cathay first, JAL business, and distance-based pockets of value. Still a cult favorite.
1.7c
per pt
15+
partners
Bilt + Marriott
transfer
HKG to JFK in firstProgram brief soon
program
Delta SkyMiles
Revenue-shaped pricing, no public award chart, and occasional flash deals worth watching.
1.1c
per pt
10+
partners
Amex MR
transfer
Watch flash salesProgram brief soon
program
Sweet spot
Virgin Atlantic
Partner pricing makes the program matter: ANA, Delta One pockets, and frequent transfer bonuses.
1.8c
per pt
12+
partners
All four
transfer
JFK to HND ANA firstProgram brief soon
Sweet spots, mapped

Lesser-known partner redemptions.

Virgin - ANA
JFK to HND
Partner first-class pricing can beat booking through the host airline.
watch closely
Aeroplan - AC
LAX to SYD
Business-class partner awards are the Aeroplan use case to understand.
strong value
Alaska - Cathay
JFK to HKG
A classic distance-based redemption when partner space appears.
rare, useful
AAdvantage
Web Specials
Always compare the special price before assuming saver-style math.
check first
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