How to leverage Hyatt partnerships for cruises, flights and more
Quick summary
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
The World of Hyatt loyalty program has multiple partners, including American Airlines AAdvantage, MGM Resorts International and Lindblad Expeditions. Some of the partners are primarily useful for earning or redeeming World of Hyatt points, while others may also provide World of Hyatt elites status with other brands. It's definitely worthwhile to familiarize yourself with these partnerships and how they can benefit you as a traveler.
Let's take a closer look at World of Hyatt partners and how you can leverage them beyond hotel stays.
How much are World of Hyatt points worth?
Earning with some World of Hyatt partners may not be your best option and redeeming with some partners may not provide a high value for your World of Hyatt points. So, let's start by considering how much Hyatt points are worth to determine how to best leverage them.
TPG values Hyatt points at 1.7 cents each. Assuming you agree with TPG's valuation, this means you'll want to aim for a redemption value of 1.7 cents per World of Hyatt point or higher when redeeming your Hyatt points.
For example, if a hotel is 12,000 points per night, you should use your points if the paid rate is $204 or higher.
American Airlines AAdvantage partnership with World of Hyatt
American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt began offering reciprocal benefits to elites in 2019. As part of this partnership, members of both programs can earn points and enjoy elite benefits.
Earning
All World of Hyatt elite members can earn 1 bonus Hyatt points per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines fares. You simply need to link your World of Hyatt and American Airlines AAdvantage accounts on Hyatt's website. You'll then earn 1x Hyatt points in addition to the AAdvantage miles you'd normally earn as an AAdvantage member.
Based on TPG's valuations, 1x World of Hyatt points means you'll earn an extra 1.7% return on American Airlines fares -- so this is definitely worth doing.
Likewise, American Airlines AAdvantage members with Gold elite status or higher can earn 1x bonus AAdvantage miles on qualifying Hyatt stays and experiences after linking their accounts on American Airlines' website. Based on TPG's valuations, doing so provides an extra 1.4% return on your Hyatt spending.
If you happen to hold elite status with both American Airlines AAdvantage and World of Hyatt, you can link your accounts on either brand's website and then earn World of Hyatt points and AAdvantage miles on qualifying spend with both brands.
Elite status
World of Hyatt and American Airlines periodically alter their reciprocal elite status promotions. When the partnership first launched, certain elite members in both programs were targeted for fast-track qualification opportunities. Similar offers resurfaced in March 2020, which allowed World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist members to earn AAdvantage status quickly, while those with Platinum (or higher) status with American had accelerated pathways to Hyatt status.
Unfortunately, there are currently no active challenges or fast-track options for most elite members — though American's invitation-only Concierge Key members do continue to enjoy automatic World of Hyatt Globalist status.
MGM partnership with World of Hyatt
If you enjoy gambling at MGM properties, the partnership between MGM Resorts International and World of Hyatt can be beneficial.
Among other benefits, members of both programs can earn Hyatt points and M life Rewards Tier Credits for all eligible spending at participating M life Rewards destinations in Las Vegas. To do so, members must elect to earn World of Hyatt points upon check-in and have both their M life Rewards and World of Hyatt account numbers notated in their hotel folio.
Related reading: Getting to Las Vegas on points and miles
Benefits for World of Hyatt members
Through World of Hyatt's partnership with M life Rewards, World of Hyatt members get various benefits:
- Earn 5x base points at participating M life Rewards destinations
- Earn qualifying night and base point credit toward World of Hyatt elite status for eligible nights stayed at participating M life Rewards destinations
- Redeem points for stays at participating M life Rewards destinations
- Receive a matched M life Rewards tier level
- Earn M life Rewards tier credits in lieu of base points for eligible stays at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts
- Book participating M life Rewards destinations through Hyatt channels
One of the most valuable benefits for many elites is the matched M life Rewards tier level. Here's how the match works based on your World of Hyatt status:
- World of Hyatt member status matches to M life Rewards Sapphire tier
- World of Hyatt Discoverist status matches to M life Rewards Pearl tier
- World of Hyatt Explorist status matches to M life Rewards Gold tier
- World of Hyatt Globalist status matches to M life Rewards Gold tier
Benefits for M life members
M life Rewards members also get benefits with World of Hyatt through this partnership. Specifically, M life Rewards members can:
- Elect to earn 8x tier credits at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts
- Earn World of Hyatt points for every eligible dollar spent at participating M life Rewards destinations in Las Vegas
- Receive a matched World of Hyatt elite status
Here's how the status match works based on your M life Reward tier level:
- M life Rewards Sapphire matches to World of Hyatt member status
- M life Rewards Pearl matches to World of Hyatt Discoverist status
- M life Rewards Gold, Platinum and NOIR match to World of Hyatt Explorist status
Related reading: TPG's guide to Las Vegas casino loyalty programs
Lindblad Expeditions partnership with World of Hyatt
In 2019, Hyatt partnered with Lindblad Expeditions to offer perks to members on Lindblad Expeditions trips. Lindbladhas 15 ships that can each accommodate between 28 and 148 guests. The expeditions usually travel to remote, wildlife-focused destinations.
World of Hyatt members can get valuable benefits when booked through Lindblad's cobranded Hyatt site, a Hyatt Global Contact Center or Lindblad Expeditions' contact center:
- Earn 5x base points plus standard elite member bonuses
- Nights count toward elite tier status
- Redeem points for future expeditions
- Receive a $250 onboard credit per reservation
- Ability to purchase specially-curated Lindblad Expedition experiences through FIND Experiences
These expeditions aren't cheap, though. For example, a 14-day Antarctic expedition costs between $14,940 and $73,100. You could also redeem between 933,750 and 4,568,750 World of Hyatt points for the same trip. This means you'd get a value of about 1.6 cents per point, which is close to TPG's 1.7 cents per point valuation.
Related reading: You can sail on a self-disinfecting cruise ship with World of Hyatt points
Credit card partnerships
You can earn World of Hyatt points through credit card partnerships by using the cobranded World of Hyatt Credit Card or transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio almost instantly.
World of Hyatt credit card
There's only one cobranded World of Hyatt credit card currently available to new applicants: the World of Hyatt Credit Card. This card offers a welcome bonus of 30,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Plus, up to 30,000 more bonus points by earning 2x bonus points total on purchases that normally earn 1x bonus point, on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, the full 60,000-point welcome bonus is worth up to $1,020.
The World of Hyatt Credit Card has a $95 annual fee. The card offers 4x points at Hyatt properties; 2x points on local transit, commuting, dining out, airline tickets purchased directly from an airline fitness club memberships and gym memberships; 2x bonus points total on purchases that normally earn 1x bonus point, on up to $15,000 in the first six months of account opening. All other purchases earn 1x points.
Cardholders also get automatic World of Hyatt Discoverist status and one free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort every cardmember anniversary.
Related reading: Use the World of Hyatt credit card to earn Globalist elite status
Transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points
You can also instantly transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. World of Hyatt is one of the higher-value transfer partners for Chase Ultimate Rewards, according to TPG's valuations. So using a Chase Ultimate Rewards credit card to fund your World of Hyatt award stays isn't a bad plan.
Earn and redeem World of Hyatt points through FIND experiences
Hyatt has temporarily suspended all FIND experiences until further notice due to coronavirus precautions. So, all of the experiences are currently marked as "Coming Soon" on Hyatt's FIND experiences website.
However, normally you can choose from over 200 unique member-only experiences in over 50 destinations worldwide. You can earn 10 base points per dollar spent on experiences in the U.S. and Mexico or you can use your World of Hyatt points to redeem for experiences worldwide.
Related reading: How to use points and miles to book experiences
Earn and redeem World of Hyatt points through Exhale Spa
Exhale Spa usually offers fitness classes and spa therapies in ten cities, including Boston, Dallas, Miami and New York.
Through Hyatt's partnership with Exhale Spa, World of Hyatt members can earn 10x base points at participating Exhale locations and Exhale On Demand subscriptions. Members can also redeem 2,000 World of Hyatt points for a fitness class and 12,000 World of Hyatt points for any 60-minute massage or facial spa therapy. Based on TPG's valuations, 2,000 points are worth about $34, while 12,000 points are worth $204.
Before you can earn or redeem World of Hyatt points, you must connect your World of Hyatt account to your Exhale account.
World of Hyatt Explorists and Globalists have access to additional Exhale benefits:
- A "Week of Wellbeing" that provides a week of unlimited barre, cardio, yoga and HIIT classes, 25% off spa therapies
- 15% off boutique purchases
World of Hyatt Globalists get the same "Week of Wellbeing" but also get complimentary classes when paying an eligible rate at any Hyatt hotel.
Earn and redeem World of Hyatt points with Avis
World of Hyatt members can earn and redeem points for Avis car rentals.
World of Hyatt members can earn 500 World of Hyatt points per qualifying rental (worth $8 based on TPG's valuations) by adding their World of Hyatt membership number with the reservation. World of Hyatt members can also save up to 25% off base rates when reserving with Avis Worldwide Discount (AWD) number K817700.
World of Hyatt members can also save on rental cars by redeeming World of Hyatt points for car rental awards. For 6,000 World of Hyatt points per day, which TPG's valuations value at $102, you can rent a free intermediate-size car from participating Avis car rental locations. To reserve using World of Hyatt points, call (800) 544-9288.
Related reading: The 'car rental apocalypse': Why renting a car is tough in 2021
Earn airline miles and convert World of Hyatt points to airline miles
If you aren't interested in earning more World of Hyatt points – and perhaps even want to trade your current World of Hyatt points for airline miles – you'll be happy to know that you can earn airline miles on Hyatt stays and even convert your World of Hyatt points into miles.
Earn miles on eligible Hyatt stays
World of Hyatt members can earn airline miles instead of World of Hyatt points. To do so, provide your airline partner name, airline partner membership number and World of Hyatt membership number at check-in.
You can earn miles with the following airline partners:
| World of Hyatt airline partner | Airline miles earned per stay | Value of airline miles per stay based on TPG's valuations |
|---|---|---|
| Aeromexico | 1,000 Kilometers | n/a |
| Air China | 800 Kilometers | n/a |
| Air France/KLM | 500 miles | $6 |
| All Nippon Airways | 500 miles | $7 |
| American Airlines | 500 miles | $7 |
| Asiana Airlines | 500 miles | n/a |
| British Airways | 500 Avios | $7.50 |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 500 miles | $6.50 |
| China Airlines | 500 miles | n/a |
| China Eastern Airlines | 800 miles | n/a |
| China Southern Airlines | 800 kilometers | n/a |
| Delta Air Lines | 500 miles | $6 |
| Emirates | 500 miles | $6 |
| Etihad Airways | 500 miles | $7 |
| Japan Airlines | 500 miles | n/a |
| Korean Air | 500 miles | $8.50 |
| LATAM | 1,000 Kilometers | n/a |
| Qantas Airways | 1,000 points within Australia, 600 points outside Australia | n/a |
| Qatar Airways | 600 miles | $4.80 |
| Royal Brunei Airlines | 500 miles | n/a |
| Singapore Airlines | 500 miles | $6.50 |
| Southwest Airlines | 600 points | $9 |
| Thai Airways | 500 miles | n/a |
| United Airlines | 500 miles | $6.50 |
| Virgin Atlantic Airways | 750 miles | $12 |
Depending on the cost and length of your stay, as well as your elite status level, it could make sense to earn airline miles on select stays. Likewise, if you're about to lose your airline miles due to account inactivity, it could make sense to earn airline miles to generate account activity. However, if you want to earn World of Hyatt points on subsequent Hyatt stays, be sure to switch your earning preference back to World of Hyatt points before your next stay.
Convert World of Hyatt points to miles
The following airline partners allow you to convert World of Hyatt points into miles at the following ratio:
| World of Hyatt airline partner | Conversion rate | Value of miles gained based on TPG's valuations (compared to the value of World of Hyatt points converted, which is $85) |
|---|---|---|
| Aeromexico | 5,000 World of Hyatt points: 4,000 points | n/a |
| Air China | 5,000 points : 3,200 miles | n/a |
| Air France/KLM | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $24 |
| All Nippon Airways | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $28 |
| American Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $28 |
| Asiana Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | n/a |
| British Airways | 5,000 points : 2,000 Avios | $30 |
| Cathay Pacific Asia Miles | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $26 |
| China Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | n/a |
| China Eastern Airlines | 5,000 points : 3,200 miles | n/a |
| China Southern Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | n/a |
| Delta Air Lines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $24 |
| Emirates | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $24 |
| Etihad Airways | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $28 |
| Japan Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | n/a |
| Korean Air | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $34 |
| LATAM | 5,000 points : 4,000 miles | n/a |
| Qantas Airways | 5,000 points : 2,400 points | n/a |
| Qatar Airways | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $16 |
| Royal Brunei Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | n/a |
| Singapore Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $26 |
| Southwest Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,400 points | $36 |
| Thai Airways | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | n/a |
| United Airlines | 5,000 points : 2,000 miles | $26 |
| Virgin Atlantic Airways | 5,000 points : 3,000 miles | $48 |
You must convert at least 5,000 World of Hyatt points and conversions of greater amounts must be in increments of 1,250 points. You'll earn an extra 5,000 bonus miles when you convert 50,000 or more points.
You'll lose value on all of these conversions. But, as you can see, some partners such as Southwest and Virgin Atlantic provide more value than other partners such as Qatar and Hawaiian.
Frequently asked questions
What loyalty program is World of Hyatt?
Hyatt's 19 brands are part of the World of Hyatt loyalty program. World of Hyatt brands include Park Hyatt, Miraval, Andaz, Alila, Thompson Hotels, JdV by Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt, Destination by Hyatt, Hyatt Centric, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Residence Club, Caption by Hyatt and UrCove by Hyatt.
Is World of Hyatt membership free?
There is no cost to join the World of Hyatt loyalty program.
What points can transfer to World of Hyatt?
Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be transferred to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.
Are World of Hyatt points transferable?
You generally can't transfer World of Hyatt points to another member without a specific redemption in mind. But, you can combine your points with any World of Hyatt member every 30 days to redeem for a specific award using a form. And, you can also share points or eligible awards, including free nights, Points + Cash awards and select room upgrades.
Bottom line
The World of Hyatt loyalty program has a wide variety of partners, including some that can provide valuable perks and even elite status with travel brands such as MGM and American Airlines AAdvantage. Especially if Hyatt is your hotel brand of choice, it's worth learning how to maximize these World of Hyatt partnerships to elevate your World of Hyatt earnings and travel perks.