{"id":2323,"date":"2026-07-21T13:28:28","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T13:28:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/?p=2323"},"modified":"2026-07-21T13:32:08","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T13:32:08","slug":"how-to-choose-the-right-miles-top-up-option-for-an-award-seat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/how-to-choose-the-right-miles-top-up-option-for-an-award-seat\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Choose the Right Miles Top-Up Option for an Award Seat (2026 Strategy Guide)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><h4>Table of Contents<\/h4><nav><ul><li><a href=\"#the-top-up-decision-variables-that-actually-matter\">The Top-Up Decision Variables That Actually Matter<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-six-top-up-methods-ranked-by-speed-and-cost\">The Six Top-Up Methods Ranked by Speed and Cost<\/a><ul><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-to-avoid-the-common-top-up-traps\">How to Avoid the Common Top-Up Traps<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-flightpoints-helps-you-decide\">How Flightpoints Helps You Decide<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#bottom-line-match-the-method-to-the-scenario\">Bottom Line: Match the Method to the Scenario<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#frequently-asked-questions\">FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You found the award seat. Maybe it&#8217;s a Qatar Qsuite from JFK to Doha at 70,000 AAdvantage miles. Maybe a Cathay First seat from LAX to Hong Kong at 70,000 Alaska Atmos Rewards miles. Maybe a Flying Blue business class to Paris at 60,000 miles during a Promo Rewards window. The seat is there, available, bookable. But your balance in that program is short by 15,000, 25,000, or 45,000 miles. The seat won&#8217;t wait. So how do you top up the gap, and which option actually delivers the best value?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision matters more than most travelers realize. The same 25,000-mile gap can cost you anywhere from $250 to $900 depending on which top-up method you choose. That&#8217;s a $650 swing in cash, on a single award booking. Multiply across the 3\u20135 bookings most active points collectors make per year, and the wrong top-up reflex easily costs $2,000+ annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide walks through how to choose the right miles top-up option in 2026 \u2014 organized around the different award seat scenarios that actually create the gap, rather than generic advice. Every recommendation is based on verified 2026 transfer ratios, current bonus structures, and the math that separates a smart top-up from an expensive mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\n\/* =======================================\n   FlightPoints FP Blue CTA v2\n======================================= *\/\n\n.fp-blue-cta-v2{\nposition:relative;\noverflow:hidden;\nwidth:100%;\nmax-width:820px;\nmargin:30px auto;\npadding:38px 30px;\nbackground:linear-gradient(135deg,#005CFF 0%,#0A5AFE 50%,#6CA8FF 100%);\nborder-radius:26px;\nbox-shadow:0 20px 55px rgba(10,90,254,.22);\nfont-family:Inter,Arial,sans-serif;\ntext-align:center;\nbox-sizing:border-box;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-cta-v2 *{\nbox-sizing:border-box;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-glow{\nposition:absolute;\nborder-radius:50%;\nbackground:rgba(255,255,255,.08);\npointer-events:none;\n}\n\n.fp-glow-1{\nwidth:260px;\nheight:260px;\ntop:-110px;\nright:-100px;\n}\n\n.fp-glow-2{\nwidth:150px;\nheight:150px;\nbottom:-60px;\nleft:-45px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner{\nposition:relative;\nz-index:2;\nmax-width:620px;\nmargin:0 auto;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-badge{\ndisplay:inline-block;\npadding:7px 16px;\nmargin-bottom:16px;\nborder-radius:999px;\nbackground:rgba(255,255,255,.15);\nborder:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.25);\ncolor:#fff;\nfont-size:12px;\nfont-weight:700;\nletter-spacing:.4px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner h2{\nmargin:0 0 16px;\nfont-size:34px;\nline-height:1.2;\nfont-weight:800;\ncolor:#fff;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner p{\nmargin:0 0 28px;\nfont-size:16px;\nline-height:1.75;\ncolor:rgba(255,255,255,.96);\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner p a{\ncolor:#FFD84D !important;\nfont-weight:700;\ntext-decoration:none;\nborder-bottom:2px solid rgba(255,216,77,.35);\ntransition:.3s;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner p a:hover{\ncolor:#ffffff !important;\nborder-bottom-color:#ffffff;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-button{\ndisplay:inline-flex;\nalign-items:center;\njustify-content:center;\npadding:14px 28px;\nbackground:#ffffff;\ncolor:#0A5AFE !important;\nfont-size:15px;\nfont-weight:700;\ntext-decoration:none !important;\nborder-radius:999px;\nbox-shadow:0 12px 28px rgba(0,0,0,.18);\ntransition:all .3s ease;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-button:hover{\ntransform:translateY(-3px);\nbackground:#EEF4FF;\nbox-shadow:0 18px 36px rgba(0,0,0,.22);\n}\n\n\/* Tablet *\/\n\n@media (max-width:768px){\n\n.fp-blue-cta-v2{\npadding:32px 22px;\nmargin:24px auto;\nborder-radius:20px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner{\nmax-width:100%;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner h2{\nfont-size:28px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner p{\nfont-size:15px;\nline-height:1.7;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-button{\ndisplay:flex;\nwidth:100%;\nmax-width:260px;\nmargin:0 auto;\n}\n\n.fp-glow-1{\nwidth:160px;\nheight:160px;\ntop:-60px;\nright:-60px;\n}\n\n.fp-glow-2{\nwidth:100px;\nheight:100px;\nbottom:-30px;\nleft:-25px;\n}\n\n}\n\n\/* Mobile *\/\n\n@media (max-width:480px){\n\n.fp-blue-cta-v2{\npadding:24px 16px;\nmargin:20px auto;\nborder-radius:18px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-badge{\nfont-size:11px;\npadding:6px 14px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner h2{\nfont-size:22px;\nline-height:1.35;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner p{\nfont-size:14px;\nline-height:1.65;\nmargin-bottom:24px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-button{\ndisplay:flex;\nwidth:100%;\nmax-width:230px;\nmargin:0 auto;\npadding:13px 18px;\nfont-size:14px;\n}\n\n.fp-glow-1,\n.fp-glow-2{\ndisplay:none;\n}\n\n}\n\n\/* Small Phones *\/\n\n@media (max-width:360px){\n\n.fp-blue-inner h2{\nfont-size:20px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-inner p{\nfont-size:13px;\n}\n\n.fp-blue-button{\nmax-width:100%;\nfont-size:13px;\npadding:12px 15px;\n}\n\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"fp-blue-cta-v2\">\n\n    <div class=\"fp-blue-glow fp-glow-1\"><\/div>\n    <div class=\"fp-blue-glow fp-glow-2\"><\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fp-blue-inner\">\n\n        <span class=\"fp-blue-badge\">\n            \ud83d\udc8e FlightPoints Pro\n        <\/span>\n\n        <h2>\n            Discover the True Value of Your Points\n        <\/h2>\n\n        <p>\n            Ready to see what your points are really worth?\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\n                Get FlightPoints Pro\n            <\/a>\n            and find the cheapest award seat across every program in seconds.\n        <\/p>\n\n        <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/pricing\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"fp-blue-button\">\n\n            Get FlightPoints Pro\n\n        <\/a>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-top-up-decision-variables-that-actually-matter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Top-Up Decision Variables That Actually Matter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before getting into specific scenarios, it&#8217;s worth understanding the four variables that determine which top-up method makes sense:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. The size of your gap.<\/strong> A 3,000-mile gap is a fundamentally different problem from a 60,000-mile gap. The dollar amount in question changes which top-up methods are economically viable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. The time available before booking deadline.<\/strong> Some methods complete in minutes (instant transfers). Others take 6\u201312 weeks (new credit card welcome bonuses). The seat won&#8217;t wait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. The redemption&#8217;s value per mile.<\/strong> A high-value redemption (Cathay First at 21+ cents per mile) justifies paying more per acquired mile than a low-value redemption (domestic economy at 1.2 cents).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. The transfer partner availability for the program you need.<\/strong> Some airline programs are reachable from many credit card portfolios (Flying Blue from all seven major US currencies). Others are reachable from few (Alaska Atmos Rewards only from Bilt and Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite directly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These four variables interact. A 3,000-mile gap for a high-value Cathay First seat that needs Alaska Atmos Rewards miles is a fundamentally different problem from a 60,000-mile gap for a moderate-value Flying Blue economy seat. The right top-up method depends on the specific scenario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a quick gap analysis, use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\/points-calculator\"><strong>Flightpoints&#8217; Points Calculator<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 it instantly shows your current balance against the redemption you&#8217;re targeting and identifies the cheapest paths to close the gap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.fp-banner{\n    max-width:620px;\n    margin:24px auto;\n    padding:24px;\n    background:#f5f9ff;\n    border:1px solid #d9e8ff;\n    border-radius:18px;\n    text-align:center !important;\n    box-sizing:border-box;\n    font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;\n}\n\n.fp-banner h3{\n    margin:0 0 12px;\n    font-size:20px;\n    font-weight:700;\n    line-height:1.3;\n    color:#111827;\n}\n\n.fp-banner p{\n    margin:0 auto 20px;\n    max-width:520px;\n    font-size:15px;\n    line-height:1.7;\n    color:#4b5563;\n}\n\n.fp-banner .fp-btn-wrap{\n    width:100%;\n    display:block;\n    text-align:center !important;\n}\n\n.fp-banner .fp-btn{\n    display:inline-block !important;\n    min-width:180px;\n    padding:12px 28px;\n    background:#0A5AFE;\n    color:#fff !important;\n    text-decoration:none !important;\n    border-radius:10px;\n    font-size:15px;\n    font-weight:600;\n    line-height:1;\n    margin:0 auto !important;\n    float:none !important;\n    position:relative;\n    left:auto;\n    right:auto;\n}\n\n.fp-banner .fp-btn:hover{\n    background:#0848d4;\n}\n\n@media (max-width:768px){\n\n.fp-banner{\n    padding:20px 18px;\n}\n\n.fp-banner h3{\n    font-size:18px;\n}\n\n.fp-banner p{\n    font-size:14px;\n}\n\n.fp-banner .fp-btn{\n    width:100%;\n    max-width:240px;\n}\n\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"fp-banner\">\n\n<h3>Need to estimate your points?<\/h3>\n\n<p>\nUse the Flightpoints Points Calculator to quickly estimate how many points you can earn or redeem before your next trip.\n<\/p>\n\n<div class=\"fp-btn-wrap\">\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\/points-calculator\" class=\"fp-btn\" target=\"_blank\">\nClick Now\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"the-six-top-up-methods-ranked-by-speed-and-cost\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Six Top-Up Methods Ranked by Speed and Cost<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2026, six distinct paths exist for closing a miles gap. Here they are ranked from fastest to slowest, with cost-per-mile efficiency:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fp-table-wrap\">\n<table class=\"fp-table\">\n    <thead>\n        <tr>\n            <th>Method<\/th>\n            <th>Speed<\/th>\n            <th>Typical Cost Per Mile<\/th>\n        <\/tr>\n    <\/thead>\n\n    <tbody>\n        <tr>\n            <td>Transfer credit card points (instant transfer programs)<\/td>\n            <td>Minutes<\/td>\n            <td>0\u20131.5 cents (depends on credit card valuation)<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n\n        <tr>\n            <td>Buy miles directly from the airline<\/td>\n            <td>Hours<\/td>\n            <td>1.4\u20133.8 cents<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n\n        <tr>\n            <td>Transfer credit card points (slow transfer programs)<\/td>\n            <td>2\u20137 days<\/td>\n            <td>Same as instant transfers, just slower<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n\n        <tr>\n            <td>Shopping portal + dining program activity<\/td>\n            <td>1\u20134 weeks<\/td>\n            <td>&#8220;Free&#8221; if it replaces spending you&#8217;d do anyway<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n\n        <tr>\n            <td>Category spending on co-branded cards<\/td>\n            <td>4\u20138 weeks<\/td>\n            <td>&#8220;Free&#8221; if it replaces spending you&#8217;d do anyway<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n\n        <tr>\n            <td>New credit card welcome bonus<\/td>\n            <td>6\u201312 weeks<\/td>\n            <td>Best per-mile cost; requires longest timeline<\/td>\n        <\/tr>\n    <\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n.fp-table-wrap{\n    width:100%;\n    margin:24px 0;\n}\n\n.fp-table{\n    width:100%;\n    border-collapse:collapse;\n    table-layout:fixed;\n    font-family:Inter,Arial,sans-serif;\n    border:1px solid #DDE8FF;\n    border-radius:14px;\n    overflow:hidden;\n}\n\n.fp-table th{\n    background:#0A5AFE;\n    color:#fff;\n    padding:14px 10px;\n    text-align:center;\n    font-size:15px;\n    font-weight:600;\n    line-height:1.3;\n}\n\n.fp-table td{\n    padding:14px 10px;\n    text-align:center;\n    font-size:14px;\n    color:#1E293B;\n    line-height:1.5;\n    border-top:1px solid #DDE8FF;\n    border-right:1px solid #DDE8FF;\n    vertical-align:middle;\n    word-break:break-word;\n    overflow-wrap:anywhere;\n}\n\n.fp-table th:last-child,\n.fp-table td:last-child{\n    border-right:none;\n}\n\n\/* Column widths *\/\n.fp-table th:nth-child(1),\n.fp-table td:nth-child(1){width:42%;}\n\n.fp-table th:nth-child(2),\n.fp-table td:nth-child(2){width:18%;}\n\n.fp-table th:nth-child(3),\n.fp-table td:nth-child(3){width:40%;}\n\n.fp-table tbody tr:nth-child(odd){\n    background:#F5F9FF;\n}\n\n.fp-table tbody tr:nth-child(even){\n    background:#ECF4FF;\n}\n\n.fp-table tbody tr:hover{\n    background:#DCEAFF;\n    transition:.25s ease;\n}\n\n@media (max-width:768px){\n\n    .fp-table th{\n        font-size:12px;\n        padding:10px 6px;\n    }\n\n    .fp-table td{\n        font-size:11px;\n        padding:10px 6px;\n        line-height:1.4;\n    }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right method depends on the variables above. Let&#8217;s walk through the specific scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"scenario-1-small-gap-tight-timeline-under-5-000-miles-under-7-days\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:27px\"><strong>Scenario 1: Small Gap, Tight Timeline (Under 5,000 Miles, Under 7 Days)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ve found an award you want to book in the next few days, and you&#8217;re 2,000\u20135,000 miles short. The dollar amount at stake is small. The right move:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best path: Transfer points from a credit card flexible currency.<\/strong> If your target airline accepts transfers from a credit card program you hold, transfer the exact amount you need plus a small buffer. Even at standard 1:1 transfer ratios with no bonus, this is cheaper than buying miles directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Backup path: Direct purchase from the airline.<\/strong> If you don&#8217;t have the transferable points or your target airline doesn&#8217;t accept transfers from your credit cards, direct purchase at the standard rate is acceptable for small dollar amounts. A 3,000-mile direct purchase at 2.5\u20133.5 cents per mile costs $75\u2013$105 \u2014 cheap insurance for locking in a high-value award.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Math example:<\/strong> 4,000 miles short on a 70,000-mile AAdvantage redemption for Qatar Qsuite (cash value $4,500+). Topping up 4,000 miles directly from AA at ~2.5 cents costs $100 \u2014 minor compared to the $4,500+ value of the seat. Cost-effective despite the high per-mile rate, because the absolute dollar amount is small.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"scenario-2-medium-gap-standard-timeline-5-000-25-000-miles-7-30-days\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:27px\"><strong>Scenario 2: Medium Gap, Standard Timeline (5,000\u201325,000 Miles, 7\u201330 Days)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;re 10,000\u201325,000 miles short with at least a week before your booking deadline. This is the sweet spot for strategic credit card point transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best path: Transfer credit card points with an active transfer bonus.<\/strong> Check whether your target airline has any active transfer bonuses from any of your credit card programs. Active May\/June 2026 bonuses (representative examples):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chase Ultimate Rewards \u2192 Air France-KLM Flying Blue: 20% (May 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amex Membership Rewards \u2192 JetBlue TrueBlue: 10% (May 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Capital One Miles \u2192 Qantas Frequent Flyer: 20% (May 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citi ThankYou \u2192 Virgin Atlantic: 30% (March-April 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citi ThankYou \u2192 Avianca LifeMiles: 25% (March-April 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rove Miles \u2192 Aeroplan: 25% (through June 6, 2026)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>World of Hyatt \u2192 Etihad Guest: up to 40% (through June 15, 2026)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A 20% transfer bonus on a 25,000-point gap means you only need to transfer 20,833 of your own points to acquire 25,000 airline miles. That&#8217;s a 16.7% reduction in effective cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second-best path: Transfer credit card points without a bonus.<\/strong> Standard 1:1 transfers are still typically cheaper than direct purchase. A 25,000-point Amex MR transfer to Flying Blue (worth ~$500 at Amex MR baseline valuation) is dramatically less than the ~$700 cost of buying 25,000 Flying Blue miles directly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Watch out:<\/strong> Don&#8217;t transfer until you&#8217;ve verified the award is still showing available. Transfers are irreversible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For more on the mechanics of how credit card transfers work for specific airlines, see the Flightpoints blog on<a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blog\/how-to-book-flights-credit-card-points-miles-2026\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/how-to-book-business-class-with-points-the-complete-guide\/\"><strong>How To Book With Points<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"scenario-3-large-gap-flexible-timeline-25-000-75-000-miles-60-days\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:27px\"><strong>Scenario 3: Large Gap, Flexible Timeline (25,000\u201375,000+ Miles, 60+ Days)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;re 30,000\u201375,000 miles short with at least two months before your booking deadline. The dollar amount of buying miles directly is now prohibitive, but you have time for slower top-up methods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best path: New credit card welcome bonus.<\/strong> A 75,000\u2013150,000-point welcome bonus on a premium card delivers more miles than nearly any other top-up method, and the points are transferable to your target program at 1:1 (often with bonus). Major options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Capital One Venture X: 75,000\u2013100,000 miles after spending<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chase Sapphire Preferred: 60,000\u2013100,000 points after spending<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amex Platinum: 75,000\u2013150,000 Membership Rewards<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Citi Strata Premier: 60,000+ ThankYou points<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chase Ink Business Preferred: 90,000+ points after spending<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The welcome bonus closes your gap entirely and typically leaves you with substantial surplus points for future trips. The trade-offs are application timing (8\u201312 weeks from approval to points posting), the annual fee on premium cards, and the requirement to actually meet the minimum spend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second-best path: Strategic category spending.<\/strong> If you already have a co-branded or premium card and 60+ days, route your routine spending through 3\u20135x bonus categories. A typical card-spending approach delivers 8,000\u201320,000 points per month for an active spender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"scenario-4-sweet-spot-redemption-with-no-transfer-path\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:27px\"><strong>Scenario 4: Sweet Spot Redemption With No Transfer Path<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ve found a high-value redemption (Cathay First for 70,000 Alaska Atmos Rewards miles, JAL First for 70,000 Alaska miles, Hawaiian via certain partner programs) \u2014 but you don&#8217;t have miles in the target program, and your credit cards don&#8217;t transfer there easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best path: Direct earning on a co-branded credit card.<\/strong> For Alaska Atmos Rewards specifically, the only paths in 2026 are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Bilt Rewards (1:1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite (1:1, the only major US bank with direct Alaska transfer)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Atmos Rewards Ascent or Summit Visa cards (earn directly)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Marriott Bonvoy at 3:1 (poor ratio, only useful for small top-ups)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don&#8217;t have any of these, the gap is structural. Your options:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Apply for an Atmos co-branded Visa card<\/strong> if you can wait 8+ weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Top up via Marriott Bonvoy<\/strong> if you have a meaningful Marriott balance (3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 points \u2014 effective 2.4:1)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Buy Alaska Atmos miles directly<\/strong> during a promotional period (typically 80\u2013100% bonus runs 3\u20134 times per year, dropping effective cost to ~1.88 cents per mile)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"scenario-5-multi-passenger-award-family-of-four-multiple-tickets\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:27px\"><strong>Scenario 5: Multi-Passenger Award (Family of Four, Multiple Tickets)<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;re booking 2\u20134 tickets for the same trip, and the total miles required is well above any one program&#8217;s standard award rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best path: Combine balances within the same credit card program.<\/strong> Amex MR, Chase UR, and Capital One Miles all allow transferring points to authorized users&#8217; loyalty accounts (or pooling balances across cards in the same program). Important 2026 update: <strong>Citi ThankYou Rewards no longer offers point sharing as of May 17, 2026<\/strong> \u2014 so this strategy doesn&#8217;t work for Citi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Second-best path: Earn miles for the entire family from a single household payment relationship.<\/strong> Bilt Rewards is unique here \u2014 when a primary cardholder has authorized users, the authorized user can opt to earn points in their own loyalty account rather than the primary cardholder&#8217;s. This is particularly useful for couples who want to maintain separate balances for separate bookings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Third-best path: Use multiple programs for separate bookings.<\/strong> Rather than transferring all points to one airline, book each passenger through the program that gives them the best individual deal. Person A on Flying Blue, Person B on Virgin Atlantic, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"scenario-6-last-minute-award-discovery\" class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:27px\"><strong>Scenario 6: Last-Minute Award Discovery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You find a sweet spot 24\u201348 hours before you&#8217;d want to fly. The seat is open. You need miles fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Best path: Instant credit card transfers.<\/strong> Some programs complete transfers in literal minutes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>United MileagePlus (Chase UR or Bilt)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>JetBlue TrueBlue (Chase UR or Amex MR)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Aeroplan (Amex MR, Chase UR, Bilt, Capital One)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>World of Hyatt (Chase UR)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>IHG One Rewards (Chase UR)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Avoid programs with slow transfer times for last-minute bookings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Singapore KrisFlyer (2\u20133 days)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ANA Mileage Club (up to 7 days)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Korean Air SkyPass (varies, sometimes slow)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For last-minute bookings, your target program should be the one that accepts instant transfers from your credit card portfolio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!-- FlightPoints Search Banner -->\n<div class=\"fp-search-banner\">\n\n    <span class=\"fp-badge\">Award Search<\/span>\n\n    <h3>Looking for award flights?<\/h3>\n\n    <p>\n        Search airline award availability across multiple loyalty programs in one place.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/search\" class=\"fp-btn\">\n        Search Now\n    <\/a>\n\n<\/div>\n\n<style>\n\n.fp-search-banner{\n    max-width:760px;\n    margin:30px auto;\n    padding:30px 24px;\n    background:#F3F8FF;\n    border:1px solid #D8E7FF;\n    border-radius:16px;\n\n    display:flex !important;\n    flex-direction:column !important;\n    align-items:center !important;\n    justify-content:center !important;\n    text-align:center !important;\n\n    font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;\n    box-sizing:border-box;\n}\n\n.fp-badge{\n    display:inline-block;\n    background:#E5EEFF;\n    color:#0A5AFE;\n    padding:10px 18px;\n    border-radius:999px;\n    font-size:13px;\n    font-weight:700;\n    text-transform:uppercase;\n    letter-spacing:.5px;\n    margin-bottom:18px;\n}\n\n.fp-search-banner h3{\n    margin:0 0 12px !important;\n    padding:0 !important;\n    font-size:20px;\n    font-weight:700;\n    color:#111827;\n    line-height:1.3;\n}\n\n.fp-search-banner p{\n    margin:0 0 24px !important;\n    padding:0 !important;\n    max-width:560px;\n    font-size:16px;\n    color:#5B6475;\n    line-height:1.6;\n}\n\n.fp-btn{\n    display:inline-block !important;\n    background:#0A5AFE;\n    color:#fff !important;\n    text-decoration:none !important;\n    padding:10px 22px;\n    border-radius:6px;\n    font-size:14px;\n    font-weight:600;\n    line-height:1;\n}\n\n.fp-btn:hover{\n    background:#0849D6;\n    color:#fff !important;\n}\n\n@media (max-width:768px){\n\n.fp-search-banner{\n    padding:24px 18px;\n}\n\n.fp-search-banner h3{\n    font-size:18px;\n}\n\n.fp-search-banner p{\n    font-size:15px;\n}\n\n}\n\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-to-avoid-the-common-top-up-traps\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Avoid the Common Top-Up Traps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Five mistakes that cost serious money:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. Transferring points before verifying award availability.<\/strong> Transfers are irreversible. Once you move points from Chase UR to Flying Blue, they&#8217;re Flying Blue miles forever. If the seat disappears, your strategy needs to pivot, but your points are stuck in the new program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fix:<\/strong> Always verify the specific award is bookable in real-time before initiating any transfer. Have your booking screen open in another tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Choosing direct purchase before checking transfer routes.<\/strong> The reflex move when you need miles fast is to buy them directly from the airline. This is the most expensive option in nearly every scenario. Standard buy rates of 2.5\u20133.8 cents per mile are 2\u20133x more than transferring 1:1 from credit card points worth approximately 1.5\u20132 cents each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fix:<\/strong> Use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\/transfer-bonus-tracker\"><strong>Flightpoints&#8217; Transfer Route Finder<\/strong><\/a> to identify every credit card program in your portfolio that transfers to your target airline. Direct purchase should be the fallback, not the default.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Ignoring active transfer bonuses.<\/strong> A 20\u201330% transfer bonus reduces your effective top-up cost by 16\u201323%. Missing an active bonus by transferring a few days early can cost meaningful value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fix:<\/strong> Check <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\"><strong>Flightpoints&#8217; Instant Alerts<\/strong><\/a> before any major transfer. Even waiting 24\u201348 hours for a bonus to arrive can be worth thousands of points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. Buying miles speculatively.<\/strong> Don&#8217;t buy 50,000 miles &#8220;just in case&#8221; you find a use for them. The miles will sit in your account, exposed to devaluation, while your money is locked up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fix:<\/strong> Only buy miles when you&#8217;ve already identified the specific redemption you&#8217;ll use them for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Treating all gaps the same.<\/strong> A 5,000-mile gap doesn&#8217;t require the same strategy as a 50,000-mile gap. The economically right choice changes with gap size, timeline, and redemption value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Fix:<\/strong> Run the math for each specific gap rather than defaulting to a single approach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\n.fp-inline-cta{\n  margin:24px 0;\n  padding:14px 18px;\n  border-left:4px solid #294FFA;\n  background:#E6EEFF;\n  border-radius:0 8px 8px 0;\n  font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\n  line-height:1.6;\n}\n\n.fp-inline-label{\n  color:#294FFA;\n  font-weight:700;\n  font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\n}\n\n.fp-inline-link,\n.fp-inline-link:link,\n.fp-inline-link:visited,\n.fp-inline-link:hover,\n.fp-inline-link:active{\n  color:#111827 !important;\n  text-decoration:none !important;\n  border-bottom:none !important;\n  box-shadow:none !important;\n  font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;\n  font-weight:600;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"fp-inline-cta\">\n  <span class=\"fp-inline-label\">Also Read:<\/span>\n  <a href=\"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/how-to-find-last-minute-award-flights-guide-to-booking-flights-with-miles\/\" class=\"fp-inline-link\">\n    How To Find Last-Minute Award Flights\n  <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-flightpoints-helps-you-decide\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How Flightpoints Helps You Decide<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The top-up decision involves comparing multiple paths in real time \u2014 your point balance across multiple programs, available transfer routes, current transfer bonuses, direct buy rates, the redemption&#8217;s actual value. Doing this manually means 30+ minutes of research per gap. Flightpoints surfaces the answer in seconds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\/points-calculator\"><strong>Points Calculator:<\/strong><\/a> Enter your current balances across all credit card programs you hold, plus the target award. The calculator instantly shows your gap and the cheapest top-up paths available \u2014 transfer routes, current bonus offers, and effective cost-per-mile of each option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/alerts\/create\"><strong>Instant Alerts:<\/strong><\/a> Set up alerts for transfer bonuses involving your target program. Get a push notification the moment a Chase \u2192 Flying Blue or Citi \u2192 Virgin Atlantic bonus launches. For time-sensitive bookings, alerts ensure you don&#8217;t miss the discount window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\/cpp-calculator\"><strong>CPP Calculator:<\/strong><\/a> Verify the cents-per-point value of your top-up. If you&#8217;re considering buying 25,000 miles at $625 to redeem a flight worth $500, the CPP Calculator flags the mismatch immediately. The same logic applies to any top-up method \u2014 does the math actually work for the redemption you&#8217;re targeting?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\/points-or-cash\"><strong>Check Points vs Cash:<\/strong><\/a> When you&#8217;re considering a marginal redemption, this tool compares the cash value of the flight against the total top-up cost (miles purchase + points opportunity cost). If the math doesn&#8217;t favor the award, you&#8217;ll see it clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style data-wp-block-html=\"css\">\n.fp-tool-highlight{\n    max-width:760px;\n    margin:35px auto;\n    padding:40px;\n    background:#ffffff;\n    border:2px solid #E7F0FF;\n    border-radius:22px;\n    text-align:center;\n    font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;\n    position:relative;\n    overflow:hidden;\n}\n\n.fp-tool-highlight::before{\n    content:\"\";\n    position:absolute;\n    width:220px;\n    height:220px;\n    background:#0A5AFE;\n    opacity:.06;\n    border-radius:50%;\n    top:-110px;\n    right:-80px;\n}\n\n.fp-tool-highlight::after{\n    content:\"\";\n    position:absolute;\n    width:160px;\n    height:160px;\n    background:#0A5AFE;\n    opacity:.05;\n    border-radius:50%;\n    bottom:-70px;\n    left:-60px;\n}\n\n.fp-badge{\n    display:inline-block;\n    padding:7px 16px;\n    background:#EEF5FF;\n    color:#0A5AFE;\n    border-radius:50px;\n    font-size:12px;\n    font-weight:700;\n    letter-spacing:1px;\n    margin-bottom:18px;\n}\n\n.fp-tool-highlight h2{\n    margin:0 0 15px;\n    color:#101828;\n    font-size:34px;\n    line-height:1.2;\n    font-weight:700;\n}\n\n.fp-tool-highlight p{\n    max-width:560px;\n    margin:0 auto 28px;\n    color:#667085;\n    font-size:17px;\n    line-height:1.7;\n}\n\n.fp-btn{\n    display:inline-block;\n    padding:13px 26px;\n    background:#0A5AFE;\n    color:#fff;\n    text-decoration:none;\n    border-radius:10px;\n    font-weight:700;\n    transition:.25s;\n}\n\n.fp-btn:hover{\n    background:#004EEA;\n}\n\n@media(max-width:768px){\n\n.fp-tool-highlight{\n    padding:30px 22px;\n}\n\n.fp-tool-highlight h2{\n    font-size:28px;\n}\n\n.fp-tool-highlight p{\n    font-size:15px;\n}\n\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"fp-tool-highlight\">\n    <div class=\"fp-badge\">FLIGHTPOINTS TOOLS<\/div>\n\n    <h2>Everything You Need to Book Smarter.<\/h2>\n\n    <p>\n        Compare award prices, calculate point values, estimate transfer bonuses,\n        and make every redemption count\u2014all in one place.\n    <\/p>\n\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flightpoints.com\/tools\" class=\"fp-btn\">\n        Explore All Tools\n    <\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 id=\"bottom-line-match-the-method-to-the-scenario\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Bottom Line: Match the Method to the Scenario<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The biggest mistake travelers make on top-up decisions is treating every gap the same. A 3,000-mile gap for a same-day booking is a different problem from a 50,000-mile gap for a trip in 4 months. Each has a different best answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right top-up strategy starts from understanding your specific situation: how big is the gap, how soon do you need the miles, how valuable is the redemption, and what programs are reachable from your credit card portfolio? Once you have answers to those four questions, the right method is usually clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The economically optimal default for 2026, for most travelers, is: transfer credit card points from your flexible currency at 1:1 (or better with a transfer bonus) to the airline program where you&#8217;ve already verified an award is available. Direct purchases make sense only for small gaps or during major promotional periods. New credit card welcome bonuses work for longer timelines and larger gaps. Category spending and shopping portals fill smaller gaps without extra cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever path you choose, the foundation is knowing your gap, your timeline, and the math for each option in real time. That&#8217;s exactly what Flightpoints&#8217; tools were built for \u2014 so you make the right call quickly, lock in the seat, and move on.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q:<\/strong> <strong>What&#8217;s the cheapest way to top up airline miles in 2026?<\/strong><br><strong>A: <\/strong>Transferring credit card points from a flexible currency (Amex MR, Chase UR, Citi ThankYou, Capital One Miles, Bilt Rewards, Wells Fargo Rewards, or Bank of America Premium Rewards) to your target airline at 1:1 is the cheapest path in most cases \u2014 especially when an active transfer bonus is in effect. Buying miles directly from the airline is usually 2\u20133x more expensive per mile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q:<\/strong> <strong>Should I always wait for a transfer bonus?<\/strong><br><strong>A: <\/strong>Not always. Bonuses run 7\u201330 days typically, and waiting for a bonus that may not materialize can cost you the award seat. If the redemption value is high (sweet spot) and the seat is at risk of disappearing, transfer now. If your timeline is flexible and the redemption is moderate, waiting for an active bonus can reduce your cost by 15\u201325%.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q:<\/strong> <strong>How long do credit card transfers take?<\/strong><br><strong>A: <\/strong>Most transfers complete within minutes (United MileagePlus, JetBlue, Aeroplan, Hyatt, Hilton) or within 1\u201324 hours (Flying Blue, BA Avios, Virgin Atlantic, LifeMiles, Turkish, Iberia, Aer Lingus). Some are slower: Singapore KrisFlyer takes 2\u20133 days; ANA Mileage Club can take up to 7 days. Plan accordingly for tight booking deadlines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: Can I top up miles for a flight booking 30 days out?<\/strong><br><strong>A: <\/strong>Yes for most scenarios. Direct purchases post within hours. Credit card transfers post within 24 hours for most major programs. New credit card welcome bonuses are too slow (typically 8\u201312 weeks from application to points posting). Category spending and shopping portal activity may be too slow if you need a lot of miles in a short window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: When should I open a new credit card to top up?<\/strong><br><strong>A: <\/strong>When your gap is 50,000+ miles AND you have 90+ days before booking. A 75,000\u2013150,000-point welcome bonus delivers more miles than any other method and at the lowest per-mile cost. For smaller gaps or tighter timelines, the credit card approach is too slow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q:<\/strong> <strong>Should I buy miles directly from an airline?<\/strong><br><strong>A:<\/strong> Only in specific situations: (1) you&#8217;re 1,000\u20135,000 miles short and need to lock in a booking immediately, (2) a meaningful promotional bonus (80%+) is active on the program, (3) your redemption value exceeds 3 cents per mile (premium cabin international). Outside these scenarios, transferring credit card points is almost always cheaper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q:<\/strong> <strong>Can I combine miles across multiple credit card programs?<\/strong><br><strong>A: <\/strong>Indirectly. You can&#8217;t transfer Amex MR points directly to Chase UR points. What you can do is transfer multiple credit card programs to the same airline or hotel program. For example, transferring 30,000 Amex MR points and 30,000 Chase UR points to Flying Blue gives you 60,000 Flying Blue miles for a single booking. Note that Citi ThankYou Rewards no longer offers point sharing between accounts as of May 17, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Q: What if I miss the booking window for my target award?<\/strong><br><strong>A:<\/strong> The award seat is gone. Your transferred points stay in the airline program \u2014 they don&#8217;t return to your credit card. You&#8217;d then need to find an alternative redemption in that program. To avoid this scenario: don&#8217;t transfer points until the award is verified and you&#8217;re ready to book immediately afterward.<br>The biggest mistake travelers make on top-up decisions is treating every gap the same. A 3,000-mile gap for a same-day booking is a different problem from a 50,000-mile gap for a trip in 4 months. Each has a different best answer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"You found the award seat. Maybe it&#8217;s a Qatar Qsuite from JFK to Doha at 70,000 AAdvantage miles.&hellip;","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2431,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[22,160,70],"tags":[30,122,165,16,166],"class_list":["post-2323","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-award-travel-basics","category-guide","category-how-to","tag-airline-alliance","tag-award-flight-search","tag-choose-the-right-miles-top-up-option","tag-flightpoints","tag-point","cs-entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2323","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2323"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2323\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2439,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2323\/revisions\/2439"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2431"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2323"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2323"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flightpoints.com\/blogs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2323"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}