Chase Travel Review: Unlock Rewards and Travel Benefits
By Ben Carter
8.7
Consumers Best Verdict: Chase Highlights
Chase in 2025 is a strong all‑around travel partner: competitive portal pricing, excellent transfer partners, and meaningful travel insurance on premium cards. Flights are straightforward, hotels are plentiful, and the app’s gotten cleaner. That said, occasional price mismatches happen, and rebooking during irregular ops can be slower because you’re going through the portal. If you’re cool with that trade‑off, you’ll likely come out ahead on both points and peace of mind.
After plenty of real-world bookings in 2025, my bottom line is this: Chase makes travel rewarding and (usually) painless—especially if you’re holding a Sapphire card. The combo of flexible Ultimate Rewards points, rich earn rates in the portal, and sturdy built‑in protections is hard to beat. This chase travel review comes down to value vs. control: if you want one wallet to earn, book, and protect your trips, Chase nails it. If you obsess over elite hotel perks or want airline agents to handle every hiccup directly, you’ll feel the third‑party friction. From where I sit at Consumer's Best, I’d tell a friend: if you’ve got the right card in your pocket, it’s absolutely worth a look.
In-Depth Look: Chase Features & Considerations
Core Features & Consumer Benefits
Here’s what stood out after months of test bookings—and a few delayed flights—in 2025.
Flexible points power
With eligible cards, points typically redeem at boosted value in the portal (about 1.25–1.5¢ each) or transfer 1:1 to top airline and hotel partners for outsized trips.
Big earn rates in‑portal
Eligible cards can earn elevated rewards on flights, hotels, and car rentals booked through Chase Travel, turning routine trips into serious points.
Real travel protections
Trip delay/cancellation coverage, baggage delay, and primary rental car coverage on premium cards can save your day—and your wallet—when plans go sideways.
Premium card perks that matter
The Sapphire Reserve’s annual travel credit can offset everyday travel spend, easing the sting of an annual fee.
One‑stop convenience
Search, book, and manage travel alongside your points in a clean interface, so you’re not juggling logins or spreadsheets mid‑trip.
Important Considerations & Potential Downsides
- Third‑party realities
If a flight cancels or a hotel overbooks, you’ll often need Chase Travel to mediate, which can add time vs. dealing directly with the airline or hotel.
- Elite‑status caveat
Hotel bookings made through portals often don’t qualify for elite benefits or points. If you live for upgrades and breakfast, book direct.
- Price and inventory quirks
Occasionally you’ll see different fares, room types, or change rules vs. booking direct; always compare before you lock in.
- Points strategy nuances
Transfer times vary, transfers are generally irreversible, and dynamic award pricing means your point value can swing.
Who Is the Chase Best For?
Sapphire power users
You want boosted portal redemptions and premium protections baked in.
Hybrid points strategists
You’ll book cheap cash fares in the portal and transfer points for premium cabins when it’s a steal.
Value maximizers
Those elevated in‑portal earn rates on hotels, cars, and flights help you stack rewards fast.
Hassle‑light planners
You prefer managing cards, points, and bookings in one tidy ecosystem.
Occasional travelers
Even if you’re not chasing status, simple redemptions and trip protections go a long way.
Who Might Want to Explore Other Options?
- Travelers who rely on guaranteed hotel elite perks and on‑property benefits should consider booking direct.
- Folks with complex, multi‑airline itineraries or edge‑case award needs may be better served by airline programs or specialized agents.
- Anyone without a premium Chase card who wants maximum portal value might not see the same uplift and should compare alternatives.
- If you dislike third‑party intermediaries and want airlines/hotels to fix issues instantly, stick with direct booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
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