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award-holds

Provides per-program rules for holding award flights before transferring points.

650|67|Updated Mar 21, 2026
Search Tags:#loyalty programs#award flights#travel hacking#frequent flyer#points transfer#airline miles#award holds
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit --skill award-holds
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: award-holds
Source: https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit/tree/main/plugins/travel-hacking-toolkit/skills/award-holds
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit --skill award-holds

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

When booking award flights with transferable points (Amex MR, Chase UR, Marriott Bonvoy), transfers can take minutes to days, and the award seat may disappear while you wait. This Skill tells you which loyalty programs let you place an award on hold, for how long, and at what cost, so you can secure the seat before transferring points.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Per-Program Hold Policies: Covers 9 programs with holds (AA, Lufthansa, Flying Blue, Cathay, Turkish, Virgin Atlantic, ANA, Emirates, EVA Air) plus Singapore as agent-discretionary, and lists programs with no holds (United, Delta, Alaska, Aeroplan, BA, Qatar, and others).
  • Transfer-Speed Matching: Decision rules pair transferable currencies with hold availability, such as always using a hold for Marriott Bonvoy transfers (4 days) and routing Star Alliance awards through Lufthansa's 5-day hold.
  • Use Case: You find Cathay Pacific business class award space but your points are in Bilt. The Skill directs you to book via American AAdvantage's free 24-hour online hold, then transfer Bilt points instantly to ticket the award.

Quick Start

Ask the AI which airline loyalty programs allow me to hold an award flight while I transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy.

Frequently Asked Questions about award-holds

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
Which airline programs allow award flight holds?▼

Nine programs allow award holds: American AAdvantage (24 hours, online), Lufthansa Miles & More (5 days), Flying Blue (3 days), Cathay Asia Miles (2 days), Turkish, Virgin Atlantic, ANA, Emirates, and EVA Air. Singapore KrisFlyer holds are agent-discretionary.

How do I hold an award flight before transferring points?▼

Book through a program that allows holds, such as American AAdvantage's free 24-hour online hold, then transfer your points and ticket the award. For slow transfers like Marriott Bonvoy (4 days), use Lufthansa Miles & More's 5-day hold instead.

Does United or Delta allow award holds?▼

No. United MileagePlus, Delta SkyMiles, Alaska, Aeroplan, British Airways, Qatar, Korean, and Etihad do not allow holds. You must have points in your account at booking time, so redirect the booking through a partner program that holds.

Can I hold an award when transferring Marriott Bonvoy points?▼

Marriott Bonvoy transfers take about 4 days, so a hold is required. American's 24-hour hold will not survive the transfer; use Lufthansa Miles & More's 5-day hold for Star Alliance awards or transfer Bonvoy in advance.

Why did American Airlines reduce its award hold period?▼

American reduced holds from 5 days to 24 hours in late 2024. The 24-hour online hold remains free and self-serve, but it no longer covers slow transfers like Marriott Bonvoy, which require a longer-hold program instead.

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