Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the best airports in the Southeast for redeeming points and miles. With service from virtually every major U.S. Carrier and several international airlines, you have no shortage of options for award travel.
Best programs for MCO departures:
Southwest Rapid Rewards has a massive presence at MCO with over 100 daily departures. Their points system is straightforward with no blackout dates, no award charts, and points worth roughly 1.3 to 1.5 cents each when redeemed for Wanna Get Away fares. Transfer partners through Chase Ultimate Rewards make this especially valuable.
JetBlue TrueBlue is another major MCO player with excellent transatlantic routes to London. JetBlue Mint (business class) from MCO to Europe can be booked for 50,000 points one way, which is a phenomenal redemption for a lie flat seat.
Delta SkyMiles offers hub connectivity that means you can reach virtually any international destination via Atlanta. Watch for SkyMiles flash sales where business class to Europe drops to 38,000 miles each way.
Transfer partner strategy:
Credit card points from Chase, Amex, and Capital One can transfer to multiple airline programs. For MCO flyers, the best transfer targets are Chase to Southwest, JetBlue, United, and Hyatt for hotel pairings. Amex transfers well to Delta, JetBlue, and British Airways for AA operated flights. Capital One covers all major programs at varying ratios.
Sweet spot redemptions from MCO:
Caribbean on Southwest runs 5,000 to 12,000 points one way. London on JetBlue Mint goes for 50,000 points one way. Europe on Delta in economy hits 30,000 to 38,000 miles round trip during flash sales. South America on Avianca LifeMiles costs 30,000 miles round trip in economy.
The key is flexibility. If you can travel on off peak dates and are open to connecting flights, your points can stretch dramatically further.
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