Author Topic: points or cash? How to decide (Read 3075 times)

belle · « **on:** November 30, 2014, 10:30:19 PM »

I'm looking at expensive flights over xmas week. I can use 160k AA points, or pay $975, for 2 tickets. What to do?

Thank you

Joe4007 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 30, 2014, 10:32:41 PM »

Most definitely pay $975.

ah · « **Reply #2 on:** November 30, 2014, 10:46:08 PM »

Quote from: Joe4007 on November 30, 2014, 10:32:41 PM

Most definitely pay $975.

+1
where to?

belle · « **Reply #3 on:** November 30, 2014, 10:49:50 PM »

Quote from: ah on November 30, 2014, 10:46:08 PM

+1
where to?

NYC - RNO
SFO - NYC

NYC-SFO Roundtrip is just about the same cost...

Myccrabbi · « **Reply #4 on:** November 30, 2014, 10:56:14 PM »

Quote from: Joe4007 on November 30, 2014, 10:32:41 PM

Most definitely pay $975.

+160k

YY · « **Reply #5 on:** December 01, 2014, 12:42:31 AM »

that one is pretty straight forward since 160k is worth at least $1,600 (most FF programs will even let you get that much cash as a reward)
The tougher choice comes when you have to chose between say 75k points or $1,000

@Yehuda · « **Reply #6 on:** February 25, 2015, 01:42:18 PM »

EWR-FLL
$125 on UA
12.5K UA
12.4K MR (booked directly through AMEX travel)
12.5K via UR/MR to many UA partners
BA is not an option because no direct flight.

Obviously, 12.5K is worth more than $125, but if you had to take this flight and you have the points to use, what would you do?

nobiggy · « **Reply #7 on:** February 25, 2015, 01:52:20 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on February 25, 2015, 01:42:18 PM

EWR-FLL
$125 on UA
12.5K UA
12.4K MR (booked directly through AMEX travel)
12.5K via UR/MR to many UA partners
BA is not an option because no direct flight.

Obviously, 12.5K is worth more than $125, but if you had to take this flight and you have the points to use, what would you do?

I would pay $125.
You can then credit the miles flown which is worth $20-$30. If you really want to get "paid back" sell some UR @ 1.45.

dealfinder85 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 25, 2015, 02:02:09 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on February 25, 2015, 01:42:18 PM

EWR-FLL
$125 on UA
12.5K UA
12.4K MR (booked directly through AMEX travel)
12.5K via UR/MR to many UA partners
BA is not an option because no direct flight.

Obviously, 12.5K is worth more than $125, but if you had to take this flight and you have the points to use, what would you do?

i have always wondered similarly
yes, 12.5K is worth more than $125, but i have the 12.5K and dont want to burn $125
but then i think of this and realize its dumb to use the miles

Quote from: nobiggy on February 25, 2015, 01:52:20 PM

If you really want to get "paid back" sell some UR @ 1.45.

HowYaDoin · « **Reply #9 on:** February 25, 2015, 02:05:48 PM »

Quote from: dealfinder85 on February 25, 2015, 02:02:09 PM

i have always wondered similarly
yes, 12.5K is worth more than $125, but i have the 12.5K and dont want to burn $125
but then i think of this and realize its dumb to use the miles

True....but...if you have plenty of miles dont sell them and arent using them for anything else, they dont hold that value any longer so there may be more logic in using the miles

dealfinder85 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2015, 02:07:42 PM »

Quote from: HowYaDoin on February 25, 2015, 02:05:48 PM

True....but...if you have plenty of miles dont sell them and arent using them for anything else, they dont hold that value any longer so there may be more logic in using the miles

agreed

D93 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2015, 02:12:37 PM »

Quote from: @Yehuda on February 25, 2015, 01:42:18 PM

EWR-FLL
$125 on UA
12.5K UA
12.4K MR (booked directly through AMEX travel)
12.5K via UR/MR to many UA partners
BA is not an option because no direct flight.

Obviously, 12.5K is worth more than $125, but if you had to take this flight and you have the points to use, what would you do?

$125
(For the record, ANA is 22k RT)