Every travel lover wants cheap flight tickets along with benefits/upgrades and hence, for a budgeted traveler, the question of paying for flight tickets through miles or cash becomes very crucial. The dilemma is real and there’s a dire need to analyze what is the best scenario where one should pay via cash and what situations require the redemption of those hard-earned miles. Since we do not want to pay in cash and have no money left for the trip, or alternatively pay in miles and realize we lost our worthy miles for no actual real benefit. So, with a little bit of math and a few scenario explanations by LatinOFare you will know everything about booking flights using mileage vs. cash.
Be Smart: Calculate the ticket price difference via miles and cash
This will come very handy. Roughly analyze the mileage program of your airline, assess their miles’ worth, and convert it into an actual price. Compare it with the price when paid via cash afterwards. If the difference is huge and miles are cheaper then pay via miles or else opt for cash and save those miles for better. Also, when calculating the overall ticket price, include the taxes and fees levied on the award tickets. If they add up to a good number, avoid paying through miles because that way you will lose your points and pay the fee, while the actual cost of the ticket in cash maybe lesser in comparison.
If Dicey: Go for ‘Miles’
If you have unsure travel plans that could get cancelled or modified later, it is better to use those miles to book tickets in such scenarios as tickets booked through miles have more chances and options of change and cancellation than the ones paid though cash.
Want the Elite Status? Save your miles for later!
If you are looking forward to gaining the elite status to enjoy the several perks that comes with it then you surely do not want to spend your miles now. Earn more miles and save them to redeem it for class upgrades, free tickets, expedited security, baggage benefits, lounge access, etc. Assess if your perks are more in value than the price of the ticket. You will have to set your priorities.
Short Distance Travel? Pay Cash
We think to utilize your miles for a short distance trip is not ideal. A short trip flight is usually less expensive and also doesn’t require a lot of comfort as a long-distance travel. Hence, when you are going for a short distance pay in cash for the tickets and save those miles – to upgrade to business class, buy more baggage, etc. – when you travel long distance.
Last minute bookings? Redeem Miles
If you happen to book your flight last minute, you are sure to witness rocket high airfares and hence, paying by cash would not be the best choice as the mileage program ticket price will be more attractive than the cash one.
Apart from the above scenarios, you should:
- Pay for tickets in cash:
If you are getting really cheap flight tickets that you cannot miss
Or your ticket will be reimbursed
- Pay for tickets in miles:
If fares are very high and you have no alternate choice
If you are willing to buy premium tickets with superior benefits
When you are short on cash but need a trip super bad
- Pay for tickets in a mix of both:
If the airfare is cheap one way and expensive on the other side
When you are traveling with a companion or family but only have one/few ticket reimbursements
To end the dilemma, you should specifically evaluate the demand of the situation to know when to pay cash, redeem miles or do a mix of both. Happy Traveling!
