How to Get to the Caribbean on Points and Miles

If you're dreaming of white sandy beaches, piña coladas, and coconuts, you may be able to put your points and miles to get to the Caribbean. 

Why the Caribbean is a great points and miles redemption 

Award flights to Caribbean islands are low-cost and plentiful. Whether you’re looking for a last-minute getaway, just looking to make your first points redemption, or trying to travel with a family, using your points to fly to a Caribbean island is very attainable. 

The relatively short flight distance means it won’t cost you nearly as many points and miles for a roundtrip ticket to the island as award tickets to Europe, Asia, or Oceania cost. 

In fact, when used strategically, the points earned from just one signup bonus could get you a roundtrip economy ticket! 

And, it’s possible you’d have enough points leftover to redeem for more than one ticket, making this redemption accessible for families, couples, or friends traveling together. 

You can visit some islands without a US passport. For example, as a US territory, Puerto Rico does not require US citizens to hold a passport to visit. 

Not only that, the abundant routes and minimal time zone changes make it an accessible option for quick escapes. 

How to get to the Caribbean on points and miles

Here’s what you need to know about getting to the Caribbean on points and miles. 

Know what’s a deal 

We've sent points deals to San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) for 10,000 roundtrip.  

Other islands will be in a similar range. Look for under 20,000 roundtrip. 

Know what airlines to check

Most US carriers have abundant flight options to Caribbean islands. 

Your departing airport may help narrow down options.

Read more: Going’s guide to cheap flight deals to the Caribbean, including cash fare deals we’ve sent to members in the past!

What cards can help get you to the Caribbean quicker? 

Holding a travel credit card is the easiest way to earn the points and miles you need to travel to the Caribbean.

Just one card’s signup bonus could get you all the points you’ll need to redeem for a seat. 

When looking for a travel credit card, there are two main types to help you get to the Caribbean: general-purpose travel credit cards and airline credit cards.

General-purpose travel credit cards

General-purpose travel credit cards earn points that you can transfer to a wide range of airline and hotel partners.

If you have a general-purpose travel credit card, you could transfer the required points to the airline to book the flight.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® points transfer 1:1 to United, JetBlue, and Southwest: 

American Express Membership Rewards® points transfer 1:1 to Delta:

Airline co-branded credit cards

Airline credit cards earn miles specific to that airline’s loyalty program. 

You can use your airline miles to book with the airline or its partners.

Some options include: 

JetBlue also offers several personal and business credit cards.* Learn more.

^{*All information about JetBlue cards have been collected independently by Going. JetBlue cards are not available through Going.}

Tip: If you have an airline co-branded credit card, you may even get a free checked bag and priority boarding on your flight, too!