How to Get the Maximize Value with AMEX Points for Flights

Your complete guide to using American Express Membership Rewards to fly farther, better, and smarter

Why I Love Amex Points

If you’re anything like me, you love flying business class without paying business class prices. That’s why American Express Membership Rewards points are my go-to. I’ve flown in style — to Rome, Zurich, and more — paying only taxes and fees, thanks to a smart points strategy. Chase also has a great points program (which I’ll cover in a future post), but for now, let’s dive into how you can get the most value from your AMEX points.

Unlike airline miles tied to a single carrier, Amex points are flexible. You can transfer them to over 20 travel partners or book flights directly through the Amex Travel Portal. But not all redemptions are created equal. Flights — especially in premium cabins — offer far more value per point than hotels, cash-back, or gift cards.

How to Earn Amex Points Fast

To unlock luxury flights, you first need to rack up points efficiently. Here’s how:

Sign-Up Bonuses (The Big Boost)

One of the fastest ways to earn points is through welcome offers. The Amex Platinum or Gold often gives 60,000–150,000 points after meeting minimum spend.

Strategic Spending

Amex Gold – 4x points at restaurants and supermarkets
Amex Platinum – 5x points on flights booked via Amex Travel or directly with airlines

Stack everyday spending to build points fast — then redeem like a pro.

Best Ways to Use Amex Points for Flights

Let’s break down how to get the maximum value when you’re ready to use your points.

1. Transfer to Airline Partners (Best Value – 1.8¢ to 5¢ per point)

Transferring to airline partners gives you the highest cents-per-point value — especially in business or first class.

Here are some of my go-to partners:

Air France/KLM Flying Blue

My personal favorite. Dynamic pricing, regular promo rewards, and availability make this a great way to book business class to Europe.

Value: ~1.8¢–2.4¢ per point
Pro Tip: Watch for 25% transfer bonuses from Amex.

British Airways Avios

Great for booking short-haul flights or long-haul with low taxes and fees (especially when using Iberia).

Value: ~1.5¢–2.2¢ per point
Sweet Spot: U.S. to Madrid in business for as low as 34,000 Avios during off-peak.

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Top-tier for Asia routes or ultra-luxurious experiences.

Value: ~2.0¢+ per point
Pro Tip: Best used for nonstop Singapore flights or premium cabins.

ANA Mileage Club (Star Alliance)

A fantastic way to fly Lufthansa, SWISS, or Austrian Airlines business class using Star Alliance routes.

Value: ~2.5¢–4.5¢ per point
Best For: Round-trip business to Europe or Japan.

Important: Only transfer once you find availability — points transfers are one-way and usually irreversible.

2. Book Through Amex Travel Portal (Simple, Not Always Best Value)

This method lets you use points like cash:

Value: ~1¢ per point (Platinum Business can get 1.35¢ with 35% rebate)
Pro: Easy to book and works on any airline
Con: Lower value than transfers, especially for premium cabins

Best for: Last-minute bookings or if you want simplicity over strategy.

Flights vs. Hotels: Where You’ll Get the Most Value

If you’re wondering whether to use points for hotels or flights — always prioritize flights unless you’re in a pinch.

Redemption Type	Average Value per Point
Airline Transfers	1.8¢–5.0¢ (Best)
Amex Travel Flights	~1.0¢–1.35¢
Hotels via Amex Travel	~0.7¢–1.0¢
Gift Cards or Products	0.5¢ or less (Worst)

Flights — especially business or first class — stretch your points much further. Think: $5,000+ flights for under $100 in taxes and fees.

Mistakes to Avoid

Here’s how to avoid leaving value on the table:

Don’t transfer points without first finding availability
Don’t use points for merchandise or gift cards
Don’t use points for hotels unless there’s no other option
Do stack bonuses, be flexible, and book in advance

What About the Amex Travel Portal?

You’ve probably seen the “Book with Points” option through the Amex Travel Portal. While it sounds convenient, it’s not the best use of your points — especially if you’re aiming for luxury or long-haul flights.

When you book flights through the portal, your points are only worth around 1 cent each.
If you hold the Business Platinum Card, you get a 35% rebate when booking flights with a qualifying airline — but even then, you’re still not getting the same value as transferring points to partners.

Bottom line? Transferring points to airline partners gives you 2–5x more value than booking through the portal. Save your points for flights, not hotels or merchandise, and avoid using them through the portal unless you’re in a time crunch or need something super specific.

How I Actually Use My Amex Cards

The Amex Platinum Card is amazing — and not just for travel. It’s my go-to for big purchases outside of grocery and dining because of the extended warranty, return protection, and purchase coverage. If I’m buying something expensive (outside of food and flights), it’s probably going on my Platinum.

That said, I use each card for its strengths:

Amex Gold – all grocery and restaurant purchases go here for 4x points. If you’re spending $1,000/month between dining and groceries, that’s 48,000 points per year — just from eating.
Amex Platinum – best for 5x points on airfare, plus purchase protections and my favorite perk: Centurion Lounge access.

When I’m traveling for work, I stop into Centurion Lounges often — especially in airports like Dallas, Miami, or JFK. It’s a real luxury to have a quiet space to work, recharge, and enjoy a decent meal (or glass of wine) before boarding. It makes business travel feel far less chaotic.

Why I Don’t Book Hotels Through Amex Travel

While Amex does have its Fine Hotels & Resorts program, I typically avoid booking luxury hotels through the Amex Travel portal. Instead, I work with a travel advisor — or recommend that you do.

A good travel advisor (like me!) can often VIP you at top-tier hotels and boutique properties without it costing you more. You’ll usually get:

Complimentary room upgrades
Daily breakfast for two
Early check-in and late checkout
Property credit (often $100 or more)
Special welcome amenities

These perks can far exceed the value you’d get by booking directly through Amex, and the service is more personalized.

My Real-Life Example: Rome Anniversary Trip

We celebrated our 5th anniversary with a business class flight to Rome, booked with Air France Flying Blue. I transferred Amex points during a 25% bonus window, scored two lie-flat seats, and only paid around $150 in taxes.

It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience — made possible with points that most people leave unused or redeem for low-value redemptions.

Final Thoughts: Make Every Point Count

Your Amex Membership Rewards points are more than just a credit card perk — they’re your key to luxury travel for less.

Stick to these principles:

Earn fast with sign-up bonuses and smart spending
Transfer to airline partners — not hotels
Book strategically for 3x+ point value
Use the portal only when it makes sense

Want to Start Earning?

Here are the cards I recommend with Exclusive Sign-Up Bonuses:

If you’re just starting out, the Amex Gold Card is often the best first move. You’ll earn 4x points at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets, which adds up fast. Even if you’re only spending $1,000 a month on food and groceries, that’s 48,000 points per year — enough to get you well on your way to a business class flight.

On the other hand, if you’re someone who frequently books flights, the Amex Platinum Card shines with 5x points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. It’s ideal for jetsetters or couples planning a few premium trips each year.

Use them wisely, pay in full, and travel smarter.