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trip-calculator

Compares cash versus points redemption costs using CPP math, transfer ratios, and opportunity cost.

650|67|Updated Mar 21, 2026
Search Tags:#cpp#points#miles#transfer partners#award flights#travel hacking#cash vs points
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit --skill trip-calculator
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: trip-calculator
Source: https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit/tree/main/plugins/travel-hacking-toolkit/skills/trip-calculator
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/borski/travel-hacking-toolkit --skill trip-calculator

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Deciding whether to pay cash or redeem points for a flight or hotel is hard because award taxes, credit card transfer ratios, and the hidden value of unspent points distort the comparison. This Skill answers the question with math, computing cents-per-point (CPP) for every redemption path and recommending the best booking strategy.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • CPP Calculation: Computes cents-per-point for each award option by subtracting award taxes from the cash price and dividing by miles required, then rates the redemption against floor and ceiling valuations.
  • Transfer Ratio Optimization: Factors in credit card transfer ratios (Chase UR, Amex MR, Capital One, Bilt) from local JSON data to find the cheapest transferable currency path to a given loyalty program.
  • Opportunity Cost Decision Framework: Compares the cash price against the floor-value opportunity cost of burning points, recommending cash when points are worth more saved.
  • Use Case: You find a $4,200 business class fare to Tokyo and award seats at 75,000 Aeroplan miles plus $120 taxes. The Skill calculates 5.44 CPP, rates it Excellent against the Chase UR floor, and recommends transferring points instead of paying cash.

Quick Start

Ask the AI whether you should pay cash or use points for a specific flight or hotel, providing the cash price and the award mileage cost.

Frequently Asked Questions about trip-calculator

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?▼

Subtract the award ticket taxes from the cash price, divide by the miles required, and multiply by 100. For example, a $1,200 fare booked for 50,000 miles plus $100 taxes yields 2.2 cents per point.

Should I pay cash or use points for a flight?▼

Compare the cash price against the opportunity cost of your points, which is the miles needed multiplied by the floor valuation. If the cash price exceeds the opportunity cost, redeem points; otherwise pay cash and preserve point flexibility.

How do credit card transfer ratios affect award value?▼

Transfer ratios change the effective points cost of an award. A 72,500-mile Emirates award via Capital One at 4:3 costs 96,667 points, while Bilt transfers 1:1, so always check every transferable currency before moving points.

Does the trip-calculator skill require an API key?▼

No API key is required. It uses local JSON data files for point valuations and transfer partners, combined with cash and award prices gathered from other search tools like seats.aero or Duffel.

When is Chase Travel portal better than transferring points?▼

The portal wins when its actual quoted CPP exceeds the award transfer CPP. Sapphire Reserve Points Boost pricing varies by booking, so pull the real portal quote rather than assuming a fixed 1.5 cpp rate.

What are common mistakes when comparing cash vs points?▼

Common pitfalls include ignoring award taxes and fuel surcharges, comparing one-way awards to round-trip cash fares, forgetting transfer ratios, and skipping portal pricing checks. Any of these can flip the correct decision.

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