No I meant that to use it well, you need numbers.

75000 miles per ticket = cost of 1400$ = 140,000 c
approx 2 c / mile

If you convert miles to cash and use them (pay with miles)
it is at 1c per mile

If you go to Amex MR and try to buy ticket with points, you have to spend 140,000 amex MR points = 1c / mile.

e.g.,
You can buy CO miles at 3c each from the company
You can transfer Amex MR at 1:1 with CO = 3c / mile
Or you can buy a ticket on CO using Amex points = 1c / mile
- what would you rather do?

If you transfer points to the airline during promos, you get more of a bang for the buck, as in DL - above I did in 2008 at 30%. (Interestingly, if you sign up both on DL and Amex for 30% promotions, on both your accounts they both give 30% = 60% !!) I can't guarantee they will do it always, but please log in to both and register in both! Good Luck.

The best use, if you are going go to spend 1400$ is to look for a Biz award for 100k and transfer or use the miles.
I would rather spend 1000$ and go in Biz than spend 800$ and go in economy, but that is me.
I value miles at 1.2 to 1.5 c cost, and try to use them at 3-4 cents value.
Always know the value of the miles before you use them.

You need good middle school math / algebra really.
e.g., 800$ ticket gets you 8000 miles of travel to France
75000 miles with 100$ taxes gives you same trip

8000 miles -800$ = - 75000 miles - 100$
8000 + 75000 miles = $800-100
83000 miles = 700$
1 mile = ~ < 1c value in this trip

If using Biz, check it out with those numbers.

Ok, this is really old post now, but still applies....... You are absolutely too smart for me! LOL Thanks for the advice and the time it took you to write all that out. I am keeping it for future reference and will try to find a smart friend to help me figure it all out.

http://www.delta.com/pet/mrgetaway/pet/main

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