Originally Posted by
wayan
The cash price for the tickets is between $160-180 with the cheaper flights at a slightly less convenient time (an hour earlier) so really, I value each flight the same. And since its wife and kids flying, status and points earned or not, is not material for me. That's what makes this question so interesting for me.
Does one spend higher or lower value miles first?
The idea of Chase points being transferable to hotel is a good one. As is my ability to earn 20K United miles or 6K Chase points every month through work travel.
No offense, but at the price point of those tickets, I think you are way over thinking this. I probably wouldn't even redeem (I'd just pay cash) for fares that low, but that is just me.
I think several people have weighed with a recommendation for you (including me), but at the end of the day only you can decide what you are going to do. But honestly, I don't think I'd waste 15 minutes pondering $160 to $180 fares...
Regards
P.S. And there is no way on planet earth I'd waste Chase UR points to redeem for flights with a cash price that low. I get far, far greater value from UR points than that.