Hello,

I fly frequently between DEN and SFO. I like to travel using points when possible.

I have airline points in the following places: AMEX, Southwest, Capital One, Delta, and US Airways. I've determined the lowest point fair to be 20,000 AMEX points used as Fontier Airline points. There is also $2.5 in fees each leg.

For hotels i have: Amex, Amex SPG, Capital One, Citi HHonors, Priority Club. I've determined Priority Club (Holiday Inn in this case) to be the best use of the points 15k per night. No fees.

Does anyone else fly this route or travel in a similar manner? Wondering if i'm missing any hidden opportunties for short, consistent travel on points alone.

I'm all about high-efficiency point utilization and, i'm sure one of you has some sage wisdom to pass down to a young buck like me.

Thanks,
Sean

Southwest points are a cash equivalent. Each point is always worth about 1.7 cents toward Wanna Get Away fares. So the cheapest way to fly would be to use Southwest points on cheap fares.

CapitalOne points generally work the same way. Usually a point is worth 1 cent.

The other programs are based on a fixed redemption model. The ticket will always be a certain number of points. Thus it's probably a waste on such a short/cheap hop. If 25k Delta miles could take you across the country, why waste them on a short flight?

Advice: Study how each program's points/miles actually work and make an Excel spreadsheet comparing how much each is worth in your particular scenario - take typical flights and compare point/mile cost in each program to cash cost.