{"id":233316,"date":"2026-04-08T13:00:46","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:00:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/08\/6-ways-the-sapphire-reserve-cards-make-international-travel-even-better-the-points-guy\/"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:00:46","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:00:46","slug":"6-ways-the-sapphire-reserve-cards-make-international-travel-even-better-the-points-guy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entertainment.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/04\/08\/6-ways-the-sapphire-reserve-cards-make-international-travel-even-better-the-points-guy\/","title":{"rendered":"6 ways the Sapphire Reserve cards make international travel even better – The Points Guy"},"content":{"rendered":"


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Traveling is a great way to explore the world and experience a variety of cultures, but international travel can require a lot of planning. From finding the best flights to deciding on where to stay and navigating the actual travel journey to your destination, there’s a lot to consider.<\/p>\n

Thankfully, there are two popular travel rewards credit cards with many features to make this process easier, more rewarding and more luxurious: the Chase Sapphire Reserve\u00ae<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>) and the Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business\u2120<\/a><\/span> (see rates and fees<\/a><\/span>).<\/p>\n

Recently, Colby Kirkpatrick, our senior marketing manager here at TPG, added the Sapphire Reserve to his wallet, while I opened the Sapphire Reserve for Business for my limited liability company. Shortly afterward, we both had the chance to experience these benefits firsthand on a trip to Milan \u2014 and it demonstrated how powerful both cards are when traveling abroad.<\/p>\n

The most flexible travel credit<\/h2>\n
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NICK EWEN\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The first benefit of holding these cards is perhaps the easiest one to use on any <\/em>travel card: a $300 travel credit<\/a><\/span>. Each card membership year, holders of either the Sapphire Reserve or the Sapphire Reserve for Business receive a statement credit for the first $300 in travel expenses charged to the card. This covers virtually any travel purchase<\/a><\/span>, including flights, hotels, rental cars, tours, vacation rentals and even airport parking.<\/p>\n

There’s no need to activate it, and you’re not restricted to a single airline or required to book through a specific site. Simply swipe the card at any eligible travel provider, and the credit should appear in as soon as a day or two.<\/p>\n

Both Colby and I used our annual credits before our Milan trip. Mine took $300 off a Hyatt stay during a business trip to New York in July, and the statement credit posted the same day as the charge.<\/p>\n

Simply put, the flexibility of this benefit is unparalleled.<\/p>\n

Valuable redemption options<\/h2>\n
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CHASE\/ANGELA SUN\/GETTY IMAGES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

When it comes to booking your travels, both cards also feature some incredible redemption options<\/a><\/span> that can significantly extend the value of your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. The first (and newest) option is Points Boost. This feature allows cardmembers of both Sapphire Reserve cards to redeem points for up to 2 cents each through Chase Travel\u2120<\/a><\/span> for premium-cabin flights on select airlines and stays at a variety of luxury hotels.<\/p>\n

And finding these options is very straightforward. When you search for flights or hotels through Chase Travel, simply toggle on the “Points Boost” option on the results page. This will filter to only those options that offer this enhanced value for your rewards.<\/p>\n

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Even better? Any flight you book through Chase Travel counts as a revenue ticket, which means you should be able to earn points or miles and leverage any elite status perks (depending on the fare you purchase).<\/p>\n

Note that for hotels, this applies to all properties in The Edit<\/a><\/span> \u2014 Chase’s curated collection of luxury hotels and resorts<\/a><\/span> (which we’ll cover a bit later) \u2014 and you can even earn loyalty rewards at many properties. Just look for the “Points Boost” icon to see which properties are eligible.<\/p>\n

Beyond Points Boost, you also have access to Chase’s valuable slate of airline and hotel transfer partners<\/a><\/span> as a Sapphire Reserve cardmember. Your Ultimate Rewards points transfer to all of these programs at a 1:1 ratio, and almost all of them will process instantly<\/a><\/span>.<\/p>\n

I used this option for my flight to Milan, as I transferred 70,000 points to my Air Canada Aeroplan account and booked a one-way, business-class flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) via Frankfurt Airport (FRA). This ticket only incurred $102.46 in taxes and fees.<\/p>\n

But booking a flight is just the first part of international travel, and the Sapphire cards enhance your journey once you arrive at the airport, too.<\/p>\n

Premium airport experience<\/h2>\n

Both the Sapphire Reserve and the Sapphire Reserve for Business include some notable features that transform your experience at the airport, both on departure and upon arrival back in the U.S. Each one gives you up to $120 in statement credits every four years when you charge the membership fee for either TSA PreCheck<\/a><\/span> or Global Entry<\/a><\/span> to the card. I opted for Global Entry since it includes TSA PreCheck and gives me access to expedited lanes for reentering the country after an international trip.<\/p>\n

Related: Global Entry vs. TSA PreCheck: Which is more beneficial?<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

I was through security at Terminal C of MCO in just 30 seconds thanks to TSA PreCheck, and when I arrived back from Milan at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), I used the Global Entry kiosk with facial recognition to quickly clear border patrol without even taking out my passport. This allowed me to quickly catch a ride to the city and start enjoying the weekend with my family.<\/p>\n

But another key part of the airport experience is lounge access, and the Sapphire Reserve cards excel in this area, too.<\/p>\n

Each one includes access to all Chase Sapphire Lounges by The Club<\/a><\/span>, with eight locations currently open and three more planned for the near future. And the best part is that you’re allowed two complimentary guests \u2014 a notable enhancement over other premium cards that either charge a fee for all guests or will start doing so in 2026.<\/p>\n

Colby checked out the Sapphire Lounge at New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)<\/a><\/span> as part of his trip. There, he enjoyed craft cocktails, individually plated gourmet food and made-to-order items sent directly to his seat.<\/p>\n

I’ve personally visited many of these lounges, including locations at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and San Diego International Airport (SAN), since they first opened \u2014 and I can attest that they’re among the nicest ones I’ve ever experienced.<\/p>\n

Beyond that, you also enjoy Priority Pass Select membership<\/a><\/span>, which can be helpful at airports without a Chase Sapphire lounge and also includes two guests.<\/p>\n

Luxury hotel perks (and statement credits)<\/h2>\n
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NICK EWEN\/THE POINTS GUY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The luxurious benefits of the Sapphire Reserve cards don’t end at the airport. You also have access to multiple hotel-related perks that greatly enhance your accommodation options \u2014 beginning with The Edit, Chase’s curated collection of luxury hotels and resorts<\/a><\/span> around the world. Whenever you book a stay at an eligible property, you’ll enjoy the following benefits:<\/p>\n