Hi all. I am new to the forum and I am trying to determine what new card to get. I have a CIBC Aero Gold at present.

One of the most frustrating parts of selecting a new card (for me) is trying to determine the actual points needed to fly from one specific location to another. Oh yeas, all of the cards give some indication on their websites via a mileage chart, but they are not specific enough.

For example, The Capital One Aspire Card and the CIBC Aventura Card both have charts that say stuff like:
Canada and U.S. (Short Haul) 10,000 - 25,000 points (Max. $400 ticket value)
- Canada and U.S. (Long Haul) 20,000 - 40,000 points (Max. $650 ticket value)
- Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, Central America, Caribbean 40,000 - 60,000 points (Max. $1,000 ticket value)
- Europe 50,000 - 70,000 points (Max. $1,200 ticket value)
- Rest of the World 75,000 - 125,000 points (Max. $2,000 ticket value)

Taking just the 'Short Haul' example above, my questions are:

1)What happens if the flight is more than $400?

2)When do I need 10,000 vs 25,000?

They won't let you get specific until you have the card, and I want specifics before I go through the hassles associated with a complete card change.

Perhaps I can get someone with an Aspire or Aventura card to check this particular flight for me:

Penticton BC Canada to Lethbridge Alberta Canada.

With my present card, I need 15000 points for this flight, but the number of seats available is severly restricted for points travel.

Could anyone please help me out by offering answers?

Thanks so much and regards
Geoff