Guide for Journeying to Dallas-Fort Worth via Accumulated Rewards and Miles
Traveling to Dallas-Fort Worth doesn't have to break the bank. By strategically using your airline and hotel rewards programs, you can significantly lower the cash cost of your flights and accommodations.
Flights
For flights to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), consider using airline rewards miles from programs like American Airlines AAdvantage. If you're flying economy on American Airlines flights less than 500 miles from Dallas-Fort Worth, using 7,500 AAdvantage miles is typically a good option. For business class, 15,000 miles is a reasonable cost. Other airlines that fly into DFW, such as Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Air France/KLM Flying Blue, also offer miles that can be used for flights.
Booking well in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help secure award availability. Domestic reward flights on airlines like American Airlines often have good redemption rates, especially if you use points from credit cards that transfer to their programs.
Hotels
Leverage hotel loyalty programs or credit card points that can be transferred to hotel chains or used for bookings through travel portals. For example, the Hyatt Regency Dallas, a Category 3 Hyatt property, requires 12,000 points per night for an award night. The Thompson Dallas, a luxury Hyatt hotel, offers rooms starting at 21,000 points per night for off-peak bookings at this Category 6 World of Hyatt hotel.
Look for special offers or credits you can apply to Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings to maximize value. For instance, the World of Hyatt Credit Card offers a free night at a Category 1 through 4 property every cardmember year.
Credit Card Travel Benefits
Use premium travel rewards credit cards like the Citi Strata Elite, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, and The Platinum Card® from American Express. These cards offer bonus points on travel spending, annual travel credits, lounge access, and other perks. The Platinum Card® from American Express offers automatic Marriott Gold Status (enrollment required) and its points can be transferred to the Bonvoy program at a 1:1 ratio.
Travel Hacking Tips
- Combine points from multiple programs by transferring flexible points from cards like Amex Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou to airline or hotel partners.
- Book through travel portals affiliated with your credit card to earn bonus points.
- Use travel rewards portals to redeem points for hotels in Dallas-Fort Worth, sometimes unlocking discounted rates or free nights.
- Watch for promotions that reduce redemption costs or offer enhanced rewards on Dallas-area travel.
For instance, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card offers a free night award at participating hotels costing 85,000 points or less, and cardmembers can use it at The Adolphus.
Ground Transportation
Public transportation from both airports to the city centers is relatively limited, making rideshares or rental cars the best options.
[1] Source: The Points Guy, Forbes, NerdWallet [2] Source: Hyatt, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Marriott Bonvoy [3] Source: Chase, American Express, Citi, Capital One [4] Source: Travel + Leisure, The Points Guy [5] Source: Marriott Bonvoy, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Hyatt, Hilton, The Platinum Card® from American Express, The World of Hyatt Credit Card, The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card, The Adolphus, The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card
- To save on travel expenses, consider using your airline rewards credit card, such as the Citi Strata Elite or Chase Sapphire Reserve, to earn bonus points on travel spending.
- For education on maximizing travel rewards, apps like The Points Guy and NerdWallet can help with strategies, such as combing points from multiple programs or finding promotions with reduced redemption costs.
- By saving points from your credit card and hotel loyalty programs, you can improve your lifestyle by affording more travel experiences, such as exploring new destinations or staying at luxury hotels like the Thompson Dallas.
