How do I know if using points is a good deal?

Divide the cash price you'd avoid (minus any taxes and fees you still pay on the award) by the number of points required, then multiply by 100 to get cents per point. Compare that to what your points are typically worth — if you're getting more than your baseline value, points win; if less, pay cash and keep the points.

What's a good cents-per-point value?

It depends on the program, but many travelers use 1.2–1.5 cents per point as a rough baseline for flexible points and airline miles. Premium-cabin redemptions can far exceed that; low-value redemptions (like gift cards) often fall below it.

Should I always use points when the value is high?

High value is a strong signal to redeem, but also weigh availability, whether you're earning elite credit (awards usually don't), and whether you're saving points for a bigger trip. The calculator gives you the math; the decision also depends on your goals.

Points vs. Cash Calculator

Should you spend miles or money? Enter the cash price and the award cost and get your cents-per-point value plus a clear recommendation — in one screen.

Cash price of the ticket / stay

Taxes & fees still paid on the award

Points / miles required

Your baseline value: 1.3¢ / point

A common baseline for flexible points and airline miles is about 1.2–1.5¢.

You're getting

1.89¢ / point

Redeeming avoids $472 in cash for 25,000 points.

Use points — you're beating your baseline value.

That's 0.59¢ above your 1.3¢ baseline (45% better).

Also weigh award availability, elite credit (awards usually earn none), and whether you're saving points for a bigger trip.

How the math works

Take the cash price you'd otherwise pay, subtract any taxes and fees you still owe on the award, and divide by the number of points required. Multiply by 100 and you have your value in cents per point. If that number beats what your points are typically worth, redeeming is a good deal; if it falls short, pay cash and keep the points for a higher-value redemption later.

Points are only one way to lower a trip's real cost. Planet returns eligible booking commissions to members as cashback, so even a cash booking can quietly pay you back — money you can put toward the next trip.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if using points is a good deal?: Divide the cash price you'd avoid (minus any taxes and fees you still pay on the award) by the number of points required, then multiply by 100 to get cents per point. Compare that to what your points are typically worth — if you're getting more than your baseline value, points win; if less, pay cash and keep the points.
What's a good cents-per-point value?: It depends on the program, but many travelers use 1.2–1.5 cents per point as a rough baseline for flexible points and airline miles. Premium-cabin redemptions can far exceed that; low-value redemptions (like gift cards) often fall below it.
Should I always use points when the value is high?: High value is a strong signal to redeem, but also weigh availability, whether you're earning elite credit (awards usually don't), and whether you're saving points for a bigger trip. The calculator gives you the math; the decision also depends on your goals.