Air Miles Value Calculator
Cents per point — should you book with cash or miles?
Enter your values
ⓘ Live results
Results
- Redemption value
- 1.27 ¢ per point
- Verdict
- Below baseline — pay cash and keep the points
- Value of the points used
- $546.00
- Cash saved by redeeming
- $535.00
- Points forgone by not paying cash
- 3,100 pts ($40.30)
- True net benefit
- -$51.30
Quick answer
Redemption value in cents per point = (cash price − award taxes) ÷ points used × 100. Anything above your programme's baseline is a good redemption.
cpp = (cash price − taxes) ÷ points × 100
How to use the Air Miles Value Calculator
- 1Look up the cash price and the award price for the same flight.
- 2Enter the taxes and carrier fees payable on the award.
- 3Set your baseline value — 1.2–1.5 ¢ suits most airline programmes.
Worked example
Using the values the calculator loads with:
Inputs
- Cash price of the ticket620 $
- Points or miles required42000
- Taxes and fees on the award85 $
- Your programme baseline value1.3 ¢/pt
- Points you would earn paying cash3100
Results
- Redemption value1.27 ¢ per point
- VerdictBelow baseline — pay cash and keep the points
- Value of the points used$546.00
- Cash saved by redeeming$535.00
- Points forgone by not paying cash3,100 pts ($40.30)
- True net benefit-$51.30
Frequently asked questions
What is a good cents-per-point value?
1.0–1.5 ¢ for economy, 2–5 ¢ for business and first class, where cash fares are far higher relative to the award price.
Should I include the points I would have earned?
Yes — booking with points means you earn nothing on that flight, and that opportunity cost is included in the net benefit above.
About this calculator
- Built and reviewed by James Whitfield · How we build and test calculators
- Report an error
Results are estimates for general information. For medical, legal, structural or financial decisions, confirm with a qualified professional.