Using Chase Points + a Transfer Bonus to Reposition Our Family in Europe
One of the most underrated ways to stretch credit card points on a big family Europe trip is by using them for repositioning flights within Europe. This isn’t always the flashiest redemption, but it can be the difference between an itinerary that works smoothly… and one that’s a logistical nightmare with kids.
This is a perfect example.
The Redemption at a Glance
Credit card points used: 48,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards
Transfer partner: KLM Flying Blue
Transfer bonus: 20%
Total Flying Blue points received: ~57,500
Flights booked: 6 one-way tickets
Route: Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport → Geneva Airport
Cash price at booking: $932
Out-of-pocket costs: $392 (taxes & fees)
Value per Chase point: 1.13 cents per point
Why This Redemption Still Made Sense (Even at 1.13 CPP)
At first glance, 1.13 cents per point doesn’t scream “outsized value.” But this is where real-world family travel matters more than chasing a spreadsheet-perfect number.
This flight allowed us to:
Move our entire family of six efficiently across Europe
Line up our next long-haul or high-value segment
Avoid expensive last-minute cash fares
Keep all flights on a single booking (huge with kids)
Sometimes the best redemptions aren’t about max CPP — they’re about reducing friction.
The Power of Transfer Bonuses
Without the 20% Chase → Flying Blue transfer bonus, this booking likely wouldn’t have worked.
Here’s why bonuses matter so much for families:
They reduce the effective Chase points needed
They make short-haul Europe flights bookable for large groups
They turn “meh” redemptions into practical wins
Transfer bonuses are one of the biggest hidden travel hacks for families booking multiple seats at once.
Why Flying Blue Is Great for Europe Hops
Flying Blue (the loyalty program for KLM and Air France) is one of my favorite programs for European positioning flights because:
Solid award availability
Easy transfers from Chase
Frequent transfer bonuses
Reasonable pricing for short-haul routes
When you’re juggling kids, luggage, and tight timelines, availability matters more than perfection.
Final Thoughts: A Quiet but Valuable Win
This wasn’t a luxury redemption.
It wasn’t business class.
And it wasn’t a jaw-dropping cents-per-point number.
But it:
Saved us real cash
Got all six of us where we needed to be
Used a transfer bonus effectively
Made our larger Europe family trip possible
That’s a win in my book.
If you’re traveling as a family, don’t overlook repositioning flights — they’re often the glue that holds an entire trip together.