Originally Posted by
dominick
What sort of flights do you find of good value, because from my (fairly quick) scan and reading on the subject, the taxes were exorbitant (Aeroplan looks like a deal in comparison).
I thought the hotels gave someone the same sort of valuation as cash miles, so unless I see some good bookings, I'm inclined so spend on a couple of nights of a hotel at some point in the near future.
Thx.
I regard AirMiles as a loyalty program of last resort. Their redemption table is disingenuous as they are actually dynamic, meaning they fluctuate upwards, similar to DL and HH. That being said, I have had success in using them on short haul flights from YUL when other options have been less financially appealing. The flight for which I have used AirMiles was redeemed at the standard redemption rate + $160 CAD in additional fees/taxes. DL redemptions were 32,500 SkyMiles + $84.50 CAD in fees/taxes. Cash fares on DL in the main cabin were $508.65 CAD, or $415.20 CAD in Basic Economy. Bear in mind that my AirMiles booking was for the main cabin, not basic economy. I effectively saved $348.65 CAD using the AirMiles redemption. The value of these AirMiles would effectively be ~.0.19 CAD/AirMile. Comparing the AirMiles redemption to that of the DL is a bit more complicated. I recently redeemed 30,000 SkyMiles for a flight from YUL-PVG in main cabin economy, making a short haul redemption value of 32,500 on a 90 minute flight seem exorbitant. As far as receiving credit for AirMiles redemption flights, I have yet to see that happen. However, this will be my first DL redemption, so I will reserve judgement until they have been flown.