Best use of points?
Nov 20, 2011 | 11:10 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NY
Posts: 185
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,
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,
Nov 20, 2011 | 4:01 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Omaha
Programs: AA Life Plat 3.99m, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 1,552
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.
Nov 20, 2011 | 4:28 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NY
Posts: 185
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.
Nov 20, 2011 | 8:15 pm
#4
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Baltic Sea
Programs: SPG Platinum
Posts: 345
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
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
Nov 20, 2011 | 11:14 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, Hilton GLD, Marriott Plat, NEXUS/GE
Posts: 2,872
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.
Nov 21, 2011 | 12:07 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 756
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).
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).