Best use of points?
 

Hi All,

So I am having a problem / question I have seen a couple of posts about this but it doesn't seem like I can get a clear answer about this.

Lets say I am planning a trip to somewhere like Hawai'i from NYC should I use the points to book the flight or should I pay for it (500-600) and get miles or perhaps do a mix of cash and miles?

What are the best places to use miles for I know within the USA is a waste. Also, If I use points for a flight will I earn miles for status? From what I have found online I wouldn't earn miles for the tix if I use miles to buy it.

Most of my miles/experience is with UA/CO is there a difference with other airlines.

Thanks all,

Depends on how many points you have, I usually use points for wife/kids because I get double miles when I fly on a paid ticket. Plenty of threads on how to value your miles/hotel points.

Between UA and CO about 200-250K in total with all the flights taken this year and flights purchased with my co cards for others.

If you can get more than 2 cents per mile it may be reasonable to redeem for the Hawaii flight. If u have the cash though then it may be better to pay a reasonable fare and earn the miles.

You wont earn elite qualifying miles on award tickets unless u "pay ith points"

No diff w other airlines.

See ThePointsGuy beginner guide. Looks like you need it

Try to redeem for business or first class tickets- I know they can be notoriously hard on routes like EWR-HNL but still present better value than any coach award.

If you can get round trip tickets for under $600 I wouldn't even consider using miles. But if you can score business class award seats that can be a good use of miles.

You're best off with the revenue ticket as that's a fairly low fare and you'd be earning more miles. If you have elite status and route through CA, you'd have a decent shot at an upgrade (if on UA/CO). (Although, yes, with the CO OP+ card and elite status, you stand a slim chance of getting an upgrade on the ticket.)

Cash and points are likely a waste.

No, unless we're talking about something like paying with Amex MR points.

International business or first class travel comes to mind for getting a good value out of miles.

If you're actually in the market for NYC-Hawaii, Hawaiian just announced that direct route and has (had) sub-$500 fares, all-in.
I'm in the minority here, but I redeem coach domestically. It's a good use of miles because the travel I want to do is domestic. And I'd rather get two flights in Y than two in J. Don't let 'cpm' drive your trip. (disclaimer: I do secretly envy those fancy F trips people here take, but don't see value in them myself).