Point Redemption Values (cost, Paris, airlines, airports)

[BajanYankee]

I know some blogs focus on the buying power of points across various loyalty programs. I wanted to see if folks were willing to keep a running tab on redemption values across different airlines leaving from various locations in the U.S.

For example, using a departure date of November 8 with a return of November 15...

Non-Stop Roundtrip from New York to Tokyo (United)

Cost in miles: 70,000 miles + $47.56
Cost in cash: $1,099.66
Redemption value ($1,099/70,000) = 1.57 cents per point


One Stop from New York to Tokyo (Delta)

Cost in miles: 70,000 miles + $53.16
Cost in cash: $1,114.26
Redemption value ($1,114/70,000) = 1.59 cents per point

Non-Stop Roundtrip from New York to San Francisco (United)

Cost in miles: 25,000 miles + $11.20
Cost in cash: $316.20
Redemption value ($316/25,000) = 1.26 cents per point

Non-Stop Roundtrip from New York to San Francisco (Delta)

Cost in miles: 25,000 miles + $11.20
Cost in cash: $316.20
Redemption value ($316/25,000) = 1.26 cents per point

Non-Stop Roundtrip from New York to Paris (United)

Cost in miles: 60,000 miles + $81.26
Cost in cash: $748.36
Redemption value ($748/60,000) = 1.24 cents per point

Non-Stop Roundtrip from New York to Paris (Delta)

Cost in miles: 60,000 + $78.36
Cost in cash: $745.46
Redemption value ($745/60,000) = 1.24 cents per point

[barneyg]

cpp needs to take into account the taxes and fees on the award flight, for example (1099-47)/70000 for NYC-Tokyo.

Simple economy roundtrips in competitive markets are unlikely to show good value.

[Dd714]

Wait a second, this is all wrong - Delta has a "tier" level redemption for using frequent flyer miles (not sure how united works). I believe you are using the lowest tier? Good luck on that, there are very few seats available at that level particularly on the most traveled routes and when you try to book they seem to be never available for your chosen route and times. Medium or even high tier (which essentially doubles the miles you need) would be more appropriate to use.

Of course ticket prices are a moving target as well.

[BajanYankee]

Originally Posted by Dd714

Of course ticket prices are a moving target as well.

As are the points required to purchase a ticket. But that's the point. The point is to keep a tab of redemption values over time.

[beachmouse]

Originally Posted by Dd714

Wait a second, this is all wrong - Delta has a "tier" level redemption for using frequent flyer miles (not sure how united works). I believe you are using the lowest tier? Good luck on that, there are very few seats available at that level particularly on the most traveled routes and when you try to book they seem to be never available for your chosen route and times. Medium or even high tier (which essentially doubles the miles you need) would be more appropriate to use.

Of course ticket prices are a moving target as well.

Delta's cheap redemption options vary a lot based on starting point. Despite their reputation, I find it quite easy to find 60-70K transatlantic options out of my home airport, and a few adjacent ones. (Cheap redemption options to Hawaii from a local starting point remain a unicorn though.)

United, which is supposed to be the 'easy' redemption program, has close to zero saver award availability out of local airports for me- the problem is that the region is served by tiny plane United Express, and bad saver availability on that first leg to Houston makes the whole trip reprice to standard award level for any overseas legs as well.

[Gardyloo]

Or look at it another way,

Cathay Pacific, business class, Vancouver to New York return, 7 day stay
Cash price (USD) $2858
American Airlines miles required - 60,000 (plus don't know on taxes, guess $110 as it's Canada.)
Net value per mile - 4.61 cpm.