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points-valuations

Compares cents-per-point valuations across loyalty programs to decide points-versus-cash redemptions.

650|67|Updated Mar 21, 2026
Search Tags:#redemption#loyalty programs#award flights#travel hacking#cents per point#points valuation#transfer bonuses
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit --skill points-valuations
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: points-valuations
Source: https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit/tree/main/plugins/travel-hacking-toolkit/skills/points-valuations
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit --skill points-valuations

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Deciding whether to pay cash or redeem points for a flight is hard because loyalty program values vary widely, fuel surcharges distort the math, and transfer bonuses change the equation. This Skill provides aggregated cents-per-point (cpp) valuations from four publications plus decision rules so every redemption recommendation is grounded in real numbers.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Multi-source valuations: Aggregates floor and ceiling cpp values from The Points Guy, Upgraded Points, One Mile at a Time, and View From The Wing, with guidance on which sources to trust for decisions.
  • Correct CPP computation: Enforces the true out-of-pocket formula (cash price minus award taxes and surcharges, divided by miles) and flags surcharge-heavy programs like British Airways and Lufthansa versus surcharge-light ones like United and ANA.
  • Decision sequence: A seven-step ordered workflow covering floor/ceiling comparison, transfer reachability, active transfer bonuses, opportunity cost, dynamic portal rates (Chase Points Boost), and a final verdict.
  • Use Case: A user asks whether 60,000 miles for a business class flight to Tokyo is a good deal. The Skill computes cpp net of surcharges, checks it against the program floor, verifies transfer paths and active bonuses, and returns a points-or-cash verdict with the math shown.

Quick Start

Ask the AI whether you should use points or pay cash for a specific flight, including the mileage cost and any award taxes or surcharges.

Frequently Asked Questions about points-valuations

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I calculate cents per point for a flight redemption?▼

Compute cpp as (cash price minus taxes and fees you still pay) times 100, divided by miles required. Use total out-of-pocket cost, not gross fare, since award surcharges can range from $5 on United to $800 or more on British Airways.

What is a good cents per point value for airline miles?▼

Compare your computed cpp against the program's floor value from the aggregated valuations. Below the floor is objectively poor value, while beating the ceiling is exceptional. When floor and ceiling differ by 0.3cpp or more, treat the value as a range.

Which points valuation source is most accurate?▼

View From The Wing and One Mile at a Time are the most conservative and useful for real decisions. The Points Guy systematically overvalues due to affiliate incentives, so default to the floor value across sources for burn decisions.

How do transfer bonuses affect point redemption value?▼

A 20-50% transfer bonus divides the effective miles cost and can flip a poor redemption into an exceptional one. Check active bonuses with expiry dates before valuing any transfer, and plug the effective ratio directly into the cpp formula.

Should I use the Chase portal or transfer points to airlines?▼

Compare the actual portal quote against the transfer cost, since Chase Points Boost pricing is dynamic at roughly 1.5-2.0cpp on select bookings. Transfers win on miles count more often, but always verify the real portal rate rather than assuming a fixed value.

When should I avoid using points for a flight?▼

Avoid redeeming when the cpp falls below the program floor, when surcharges destroy the value, or when the currency has a better practical use elsewhere, such as burning Chase UR at 1.2cpp when Hyatt transfers yield 1.5-2.0cpp.

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