The Ultimate Rewards platform uses a third-party booking tool that looks across a variety of airlines and hotels for the best prices, similar to Expedia or Priceline.  The tool itself is accessible and easy to use. However, you can't always choose between the main cabin and basic economy. You also won't earn miles or elite status points on the respective airline or hotel, since you're not booking directly with them. When it comes to customer service, there can sometimes be issues resolving problems with third-party bookings. That said, the rewards rate bump you get for redeeming your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards is worth it for most people. But if you always prefer to book directly with an airline, you'll still get 3x rewards points with the Reserve and 2x rewards points with the Preferred, and can transfer them to your favorite travel partner for redemption.