The Value of Airline Points and Miles: An Insight

Using airline points and miles can be a fascinating way to save money on expensive travel. From cruises and long-haul flights to economy class tickets, these points offer a unique currency that can be incredibly valuable. Let's explore some real-life scenarios and the reasons why people opt for points over cash.

Story One: A memorable cruise

Several years ago, my wife and I took a cruise from Rome to Miami. We needed to fly to Rome from Salt Lake City. With an investment of about 160,000 Delta SkyMiles, we were able to fly business class. The experience was nothing short of delightful. I slept most of the flight on my lie-flat bed, enjoyed a fantastic dinner, and even had ice cream with a fudge and whipped cream topping. My wife, with a food allergy, ordered a special meal, and it was prepared alongside the others. She found it delicious!

I chose to use miles instead of cash because these flights would have easily cost upwards of $4,000 each. Lucky for us, we managed to grab this fantastic deal. For me, this wasn't just about the flight; it was about the exceptional value we received for our miles.

Story Two: Premium First-Class Flight Experience

I used points instead of cash to purchase round-trip first-class tickets for a vacation. The reason I did this was that, while I can buy pretty much anything with cash, miles are far less ubiquitous. I couldn't find first-class tickets at a price that made sense, so the miles became the perfect solution. The indulgence of first-class travel is a unique experience, and miles provided the flexibility I needed to make that happen.

Story Three: Premium Business Class Flights and Amazing Economy Class Fare

Back in 2009, I used almost all of my British Airways airmiles to buy round-trip business class return flights from London Heathrow to Los Angeles. This was a significant investment of points, amounting to several thousand dollars. The experience was unforgettable, but I was able to convert my points effectively into a luxurious journey.

In July 2016, I used my British Airways airmiles to buy a one-way ticket on Japan Airlines from Los Angeles to Osaka. The 12-hour flight in economy class cost just ￡20, or roughly US$25. This example clearly illustrates the substantial value and flexibility of airline points—especially when traveling to destinations with high fare prices.

Story Four: Family Flights

I used my miles to fly my grandson, my granddaughter, and even myself to London from St Louis via ORD and DFW. Using my accumulated miles, the journey only took me six months to earn back. This demonstrates the efficiency of points not just for personal travel but also for family trips. The ability to double up on the points with family members is a significant benefit of using points for travel.

Story Five: Tokyo First-Class Tickets

I purchased tickets for a long weekend in Tokyo from London with Japan Airlines (JAL) First Class both ways for two people. When bought just a week before travel, the cash value was around ￡22,000. Despite the high cost, my partner and I greatly enjoyed the experience. This scenario underscores the flexibility and value that miles can bring to high-end travel.

Conclusion

The stories above illustrate the versatility and value of airline points and miles in various travel scenarios. Whether it's for a business-class flight, a luxurious cruise, or a family vacation, points can offer exceptional deals that make travel more accessible and rewarding. Points represent a unique form of currency that can be used to secure flights and experiences that might be otherwise unaffordable. Looking into the future, it is clear that airline points and miles will continue to be a valuable currency in the realm of travel rewards.