Can I use my Amex points for airline tickets?

While transferring Membership Rewards points to partner airline programs is generally the recommended way to maximize their value, you can also use them to book flights through the Amex travel portal or offset the cost of ticket purchases on your current statement.



Yes, in 2026, using American Express Membership Rewards points for airline tickets is one of the most flexible ways to travel. You have two primary methods: "Pay with Points" or "Point Transfers." With "Pay with Points," you book directly through Amex Travel at a fixed rate of 1 cent per point (e.g., 50,000 points = $500 ticket). However, the peer-to-peer "pro-tip" for maximum value is to transfer your points to one of Amex's 20+ airline partners like Delta, British Airways, or Emirates. By transferring points during a "transfer bonus" window or booking a "Sweet Spot" award (like a business class seat to Europe), you can often achieve a value of 2 to 4 cents per point. In 2026, the Amex app has a "Points Value Calculator" that helps you decide which method gives you the best "bang for your buck" before you click "purchase."

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The AmEx Pay With Points value depends on the type of travel you book using Pay With Points. On almost all Membership Rewards cards — excluding the Blue from American Express® card — you'll get 1 cent per point in value per point redeemed for flights and 0.7 cents per point toward other travel redemptions.

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While 200K Amex points will typically only give you about $2,000 in value when you shop for flights in the Amex travel portal, you can sometimes find Business or First Class flights — that can normally cost over $10,000 — for only 200K points, when transferred to a frequent flyer program.

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Redeeming 50,000 Amex points is worth as much as $500 in several instances. Below are the best ways to redeem your rewards balance with the most valuable options appearing first. Delta Air Lines LAX 2021. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers.

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Using points: Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for things like:
  • Travel.
  • Point transfers to partners, including airlines and hotels.
  • Gift cards.
  • Statement credits.
  • Shopping.
  • Donations to charity.


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When it comes to air miles, a balance of 300,000 points opens up a world of destinations, from the beaches of the Seychelles to the buzz of San Francisco. Transfer your points to Avios to enjoy two return business class flights to some of British Airways most coveted US destinations.

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You cannot transfer American Express Membership Rewards directly to Lufthansa. But you can transfer these points to a few Lufthansa partners. These transfer partners include Air Canada, ANA, Avianca, and Singapore Airlines. Membership Rewards points transfer to these Lufthansa airline partners at a 1:1 ratio.

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If you earn Membership Rewards points on more than one American Express account, you will need to choose which one to link to your Emirates Skywards account. Your Membership Rewards points will be transferred to your Emirates Skywards account within 48 hours upon your request.

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Consider transferring them to one of Amex's three hotel partners ? Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio, or Choice Privileges (Choice Hotels) at a 1:1 ratio, though there's a special promotion now through October 31, 2021, that bumps up Hilton and Marriott transfers by 30 percent.

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