How to Stretch Your Points with Positioning Flights: The Ultimate Guide
One of the best ways to maximize your points is through positioning flights. These flights can help you get from your local airport to a major hub where you have better access to award flights and deals. Below is my go-to list of major U.S. airports and their primary airline hubs to help you stretch your points and book smarter trips.
What Are Positioning Flights?
A positioning flight is a strategic flight that connects you to a major airport hub where you can find cheaper or more accessible award availability. By flying to a hub first, you can often unlock more options for international travel or snag a better deal using your points.
For example, if you’re based in a smaller city with fewer international flights, a positioning flight to a larger hub like JFK or LAX could open up a wide range of routes and pricing options. It's an especially useful tactic for travelers using points and miles, as you can stretch those rewards further by tapping into more competitive routes.
Major U.S. Airports and Their Airline Hubs
Here’s a list of some of the largest U.S. airports, organized by their major airline hubs. Keep this in mind when booking your positioning flights!
1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)
Major Hub For: Delta Air Lines
As one of Delta’s primary hubs, ATL offers a variety of domestic and international flight options. Positioning here is a great strategy for Delta SkyMiles members.
2. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
Major Hub For: United Airlines, American Airlines
United and American both have significant operations here, making it a key hub for award travel, especially to Europe and Asia.
3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Major Hub For: American Airlines
DFW is American Airlines' main hub and offers a wide range of flights, particularly to Latin America and the Caribbean.
4. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Major Hub For: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
LAX serves as a hub for both American and Delta, with plenty of award options for international travel, particularly to the Pacific region.
5. John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
Major Hub For: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines
As a major gateway for international flights, JFK is a great hub for travelers using American AAdvantage or Delta SkyMiles to score award tickets to Europe and beyond.
6. San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Major Hub For: United Airlines
United’s hub here is ideal for positioning flights to Asia, Australia, and even Europe.
7. Denver International Airport (DEN)
Major Hub For: United Airlines, Southwest Airlines
United’s presence here is significant, offering routes throughout North America. Southwest's operations also make this an affordable domestic hub.
8. Miami International Airport (MIA)
Major Hub For: American Airlines
MIA is a critical hub for American Airlines, especially for flights to the Caribbean and Latin America.
9. Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
Major Hub For: United Airlines
United’s hub at Dulles provides excellent award flight options to Europe and the Middle East.
10. Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH)
Major Hub For: United Airlines
Another important hub for United, offering plenty of options to Central and South America.
11. Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
Major Hub For: American Airlines
PHL is a solid hub for American Airlines, with frequent flights to Europe.
12. Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT)
Major Hub For: American Airlines
As a major American Airlines hub, CLT is ideal for domestic connections and flights to the Caribbean.
13. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Major Hub For: American Airlines, Southwest Airlines
This hub is perfect for American and Southwest travelers, particularly for positioning flights across the U.S. and Mexico.
14. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
Major Hub For: Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines
SEA is a primary hub for both Alaska Airlines and Delta, making it an ideal stop for those heading to Asia or the Pacific.
15. Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
Major Hub For: JetBlue Airways, Delta Air Lines
BOS is an excellent hub for JetBlue and Delta members, particularly for flights to Europe.
16. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Major Hub For: Southwest Airlines
MCO is a great hub for positioning if you’re flying Southwest, with many affordable domestic and Caribbean options.
17. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
Major Hub For: Southwest Airlines
Another key hub for Southwest, offering plentiful domestic and vacation destination routes.
18. Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR)
Major Hub For: United Airlines
United’s hub at EWR is a major gateway for flights to Europe.
Stretch Your Points Even Further with the Southwest Companion Pass
One of the best tools for maximizing positioning flights is the Southwest Companion Pass. This pass allows you to bring a companion for free (minus taxes and fees) on any Southwest flight. It’s a game-changer when flying from Southwest hubs like Denver, Las Vegas, and Orlando. Check back on my blog for instructions soon!
