I pretty much agree with the above post. If the tickets are reasonable priced, I purchase it and save the miles. If, however, I am flying into one airport and leaving from another, which raises the price considerably; or, if I am going somewhere that costs much more than I like, then I use the miles. In my opinion, that's what award travel is for. To make an expensive trip cheaper. I also save miles in case of any family emergencies and needing a quick flight with no advance notice.