A hidden gem exists within Chase's Ultimate Rewards program that savvy travelers should know about: flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to Edinburgh (EDI) for just 45,000 points during peak summer season. This sweet spot leverages Virgin Atlantic's partnership with Delta and KLM/Air France, offering significant savings compared to traditional redemption rates that often exceed 70,000 points each way.
Understanding the Transfer Sweet Spot
Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club at a 1:1 ratio, typically completing within 24 hours. Virgin Atlantic partners with both Delta and KLM/Air France, allowing access to their extensive route networks. While Delta might charge 85,000+ SkyMiles for the same route, booking through Virgin Atlantic often requires just 45,000 points plus approximately $250 in taxes and fees.
Step-by-Step Booking Process
- Transfer Chase points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club (allow 24 hours)
- Search Delta-operated flights on Virgin Atlantic's website
- Look for LAX-AMS/CDG-EDI connections via KLM or Air France
- Focus on Tuesday/Wednesday departures for best availability
- Book at least 10-11 months in advance for peak summer dates
Best Aircraft and Routes to Target
The most comfortable option is Delta's A330-900neo from LAX to Amsterdam, featuring Delta One Suites with closing doors. KLM operates Boeing 737s from Amsterdam to Edinburgh with standard European business class (economy seat, blocked middle). Alternative routings through Paris-CDG on Air France's 777-300ER also work, though availability tends to be more limited.
Seasonal Patterns and Availability
For summer 2025, award space typically opens 331 days before departure. Peak June-August availability is best found in early morning releases, around midnight ET. September-October offers more consistent availability, with typical taxes/fees dropping to around $200 during shoulder season.
Alternative Routing Options
- LAX-JFK-AMS-EDI (50,000 points via Virgin Atlantic)
- LAX-SEA-LHR-EDI (55,000 points with mixed carriers)
- LAX-BOS-DUB-EDI (48,000 points using Aer Lingus connection)
Maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards
The Chase Sapphire Reserve's 1.5x travel portal multiplier doesn't beat this transfer sweet spot. Cash fares for summer 2025 are projected at $1,200-1,600 round trip, making the 45,000-point redemption (worth roughly $675 at 1.5 cents per point) an exceptional value.
Common Booking Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting too long to transfer points (always transfer before finding space)
- Not checking partner availability on multiple dates
- Overlooking mixed-carrier itineraries that could offer better value
- Failing to compare taxes/fees between different routing options
Final Recommendations
Start planning 11 months ahead for peak summer 2025 travel. Set calendar reminders for when booking windows open, typically at midnight ET 331 days before departure. Consider mixing one-way bookings between programs to maximize flexibility and value. Always check cash fares first - during off-peak times, cash tickets can sometimes be cheaper than the taxes/fees on award tickets.
