When should I transfer points to airlines?

If you have a concrete flight you want to book, move your points as soon as the redemption window opens and before any upcoming changes or bonus expirations that could affect value.

Key timing cues for airline transfers

• Don’t transfer on a whim. The advice is to wait until you know exactly which award flight you’ll book, then transfer the points you need for that reservation  Traveling for Miles .
• Watch for transfer‑bonus windows. Many programs run limited‑time bonuses that boost the value of a transfer. For example, Chase Ultimate Rewards offers a 20 % bonus to several Avios programs that ends on 31 Mar 2026  FrequentMiler . Transfer before the bonus expires to capture the extra value.
• Consider the points‑sharing deadline. Citi will end points‑sharing between cardholders on 17 May 2026, so any transfers you want to coordinate with another cardholder should be completed before that date  FrequentMiler .
• Move points within the 90‑day window. After you transfer, the points must be used in the airline program within 90 days, so plan the transfer close enough to your intended booking to stay inside that period  FrequentMiler .

Practical steps

1. Identify the award flight you need (dates, airline, cabin).
2. Check for active transfer bonuses on your credit‑card points (e.g., Chase, Amex, Citi) and note the end date.
3. Transfer the exact amount of points required, making sure the transfer occurs before any upcoming devaluation, bonus expiration, or the Citi points‑sharing cut‑off.
4. Book the flight within 90 days of the transfer to avoid losing the points.

By aligning your transfer with a specific redemption, any active bonus period, and the program‑change deadlines, you maximize the value of your airline points.