Are Award Flights Actually Worth It?

Award flights can be worthwhile, but the answer depends on the trip. Comparing the points price with the cash fare, your schedule, and the effort required will help you choose.

Start with the trip's cash fare

Points tend to be more useful when the same flight is expensive to buy outright. That can make a long-haul premium cabin appealing as an award, while a short flight during a quiet season may be easier to book with cash.

Include the time it takes to search

Comparing airline programs takes time, and that effort is part of the decision. For a simple, inexpensive trip, the possible savings may not justify a lengthy search. A broader search tool can reduce that work by checking more than one program at a time.

Consider how flexible your dates are

The same route can be a strong use of points on one date and a weaker one two weeks later. Flexible dates give you more chances to find a useful award fare. If your dates cannot move, compare the available award fare with the cash fare before deciding.

Use points for travel that matters to you

Airline programs change and award availability moves over time. Saving points for a future trip can make sense, but points provide value only when you eventually redeem them.

If you are comparing a specific trip, our points-versus-cash guide walks through the decision, and our award travel guide covers the booking process.