Okay you guys, if you're flying home for Christmas this year, this is your sign to book it THIS week ✈️ Here's the quick answer from Belle Bucket.
To book holiday flights with points, search the airline's own site for your dates first, then check if your credit card points can transfer there to cover the gap. Southwest has no blackout dates, so it's a great first stop, and Chase points can move to Southwest, United and other airlines. Christmas is Friday, December 25, so look at flying Tuesday or Wednesday that week, and lock it in now while there's still room.
🗓️ Key dates
Yes! A lot of people think the holidays are "blacked out," but that's not true everywhere. Southwest says it plainly: no blackout dates, and its points don't expire. Other airlines let you book holiday dates with miles too, you just may need to look around more.
We're a military family from Georgia living in Utah now, so I know how FAR "home for the holidays" can be. Holiday flights add up fast, and points can take a big bite out of that bill.
Here's the order I'd go in:
Chase Sapphire Preferred points transfer to airline programs including Southwest Rapid Rewards, United MileagePlus, JetBlue TrueBlue, Air Canada Aeroplan and Flying Blue (Air France KLM). That's what makes those points so flexible for a family trip.
You can also book through Chase Travel, where the Sapphire Preferred earns 5x points on purchases. If you don't see a good points price on the airline itself, check both before you decide.
For a lot of families, yes. No blackout dates, points that don't expire and the Companion Pass, which lets one person fly with you for just taxes and fees on eligible flights, are a big deal when you're buying a lot of tickets.
Just know Southwest is launching a new version of Rapid Rewards on January 1, 2027, so the rules after that may look different. I broke down what's changing for the Companion Pass in my Companion Pass 2027 post.
A new card's welcome bonus can fill the gap. The Chase Sapphire Preferred is offering 75,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, with a $95 annual fee. Plan your normal holiday shopping on it so you're not spending extra just to earn the bonus.
I rounded up every big bonus worth knowing this month in the best credit card bonuses for December. And if you're not sure if points or cash makes more sense for a flight, my award vs. cash guide walks through how to decide.
Quick note: these are my referral links. If you're approved through them I may earn points or a little commission at no cost to you, and I only ever share cards we use. Referral offers can be different from the public ones, so compare before you apply.
Always pay your card in full every month. Points are never worth paying interest.
Does Southwest have blackout dates at Christmas? No. Southwest Rapid Rewards says there are no blackout dates.
Which airlines can I transfer Chase points to? Chase Sapphire Preferred partners include Southwest, United, JetBlue, Air Canada Aeroplan, Flying Blue and British Airways.
When should I book Christmas flights with points? As soon as you can. Christmas 2026 is on a Friday, so the days before it fill up fast.
Can I undo a points transfer? Usually not. Find the seats first, then transfer.
Traveling with the kids? Our custom printable Belle Bucket bucket lists make the trip so much more fun.
Save or pin this for your holiday travel planning, and DM me on Insta @bellebucket if you get stuck on a booking. I LOVE helping with these. Safe travels from Belle Bucket, friends! ✈️
We're a military family from Georgia, now in Saratoga Springs, Utah, and I'm a mom of seven. I love traditions, adventures and finding ways to travel on points, so this is where I write down what's worked for us.
Read our story →Our oversized bucket lists hang on the wall so the whole family can see what's next and check it off together.
See the bucket lists