Mix and Match: How to Use Airline and Hotel Points for One Epic Trip

Booking your next dream vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune—if you know how to combine airline miles and hotel points effectively. Many travelers focus on one or the other, but the real magic happens when you use both strategically for an entirely free or low-cost trip.

This guide walks you through how to plan, pair, and redeem points from different loyalty programs to create an unforgettable journey—from the moment you take off to the time you check out.

Step 1: Choose Your Destination and Timing

Start with a destination that is:

• Well-served by airline partners (e.g., Tokyo, Paris, Cancun)
• Has a range of hotel options from major chains (Hyatt, Marriott, Hilton)
• Best visited in shoulder seasons (for lower point costs)

✅ Pro Tip: Use Google Flights to check which airlines serve your destination, then use points with their loyalty program or partners.

Step 2: Book Your Flight with Airline Points

Let’s say you want to fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo. You have Chase Ultimate Rewards and want to use United MileagePlus miles.

Option 1: Use United Miles (Star Alliance)

• Flight: LAX to Tokyo (ANA or United)
• Cost: 70,000 miles one-way in business class
• Taxes: ~$50

Option 2: Use Aeroplan (Air Canada)

• Same flight (ANA): 75,000 Aeroplan points + ~$50

Both options are solid. Choose based on your transfer partners and availability.

✅ Use flexible points (Chase, Amex, Capital One) to move points to the airline with best availability.

Step 3: Book Your Hotel with Points

Once you lock in the flight, match it with a great hotel using your hotel points:

Hyatt Option:

• Hotel: Hyatt Regency Tokyo
• Cost: 12,000–15,000 points/night
• Program: World of Hyatt
• Nights: Book 5 nights using 60,000 points

Marriott Option:

• Hotel: Courtyard Tokyo Station
• Cost: 30,000–40,000 Bonvoy points/night (5th night free applies)

Hilton Option:

• Hotel: Hilton Tokyo
• Cost: 60,000–70,000 points/night (use Points + Free Night Cert)

✅ Compare point costs vs. cash rates—some redemptions offer up to 2–3 cents per point in value.

Step 4: Add Upgrades and Extras

Make the trip more luxurious with these tips:

• Use airline points for business class seats (best value for long-haul flights)
• Book with credit cards that offer elite status, free breakfast, or upgrades
• Redeem points for suite upgrades or club access at hotels (Hyatt and Marriott allow this)

✅ Bonus Tip: Hilton Diamond and Marriott Platinum status offer complimentary upgrades—easy to get with premium credit cards.

Example Itinerary: One Epic Week in Tokyo

Flights:

• United MileagePlus miles transferred from Chase UR
• 140,000 miles round-trip in business class
• ~$100 in fees

Hotel:

• 5 nights at Hyatt Regency Tokyo
• 60,000 Hyatt points
• $0 cash

Total Out-of-Pocket Cost: ~$100 USD + points

Retail Value of Trip: ~$7,000 USD (flights + hotel)

How to Earn the Points

Use a combination of credit cards to build balances:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve → Transfers to United, Hyatt
• World of Hyatt Card → Bonus + elite nights + free night cert
• United Explorer Card → Earns more miles + benefits like priority boarding
• Marriott or Hilton cards → Helps with free night certs and elite status

Sign up for 1–2 cards and focus your spending to unlock welcome bonuses worth 100,000+ points.

Tips to Maximize a Mix-and-Match Trip

1. Be Flexible on Dates: Award space is more available mid-week and off-season.
2. Book Flights First: Flights have more limited award availability—secure these before hotels.
3. Stack Credit Card Perks: Priority Pass, upgrades, and statement credits can enhance your trip.
4. Use 5th Night Free (Marriott & Hilton): Great way to stretch your hotel points.
5. Check for Transfer Bonuses: Sometimes Amex or Chase runs 25% bonuses when transferring to partners.

Final Thoughts

Combining airline miles and hotel points is the ultimate way to experience travel at a fraction of the cost. With just a few smart decisions and strategic redemptions, you can turn your next vacation into a luxury experience without emptying your wallet.

Whether it’s sipping champagne in business class or enjoying a suite with city views, the mix-and-match approach puts unforgettable travel within reach.

Start planning today—and let your points take you further than you ever imagined.