TFCanswers: Is it better to book in Economy using points or better to keep them for Business?
This question, perhaps, is the most recurring one I am asked by friends and readers of our site. E [...]
This question, perhaps, is the most recurring one I am asked by friends and readers of our site. And I must admit that the perfect answer does not exist. The reason is that it all depends on the needs of the individual traveler, the ease with which one accumulates points, and the period in which one wants to travel.
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Of course, flying business class is absolutely the best way to use the points, but it is necessary to have on hand, at least twice as many as are usually needed for the same flight in coach class. Then there is a second factor that should not be underestimated, which is seat availability. Airlines make available many more award seats in economy than are available in premium classes.
An important weight then, when it comes to award tickets, is the taxes and surcharges that must still be paid. And so ultimately the assessment to be made is: how much do I pay? What do I get? Not forgetting that if you are traveling alone or as a family, many more variables come into play: more points to use and more award seats to locate.
Of course, flying business means access to airport lounges, priority boarding a comfortable seat that becomes a bed. Some offer starred dining, some offer the finest wines, and some allow their passengers to shower on the plane.
So going back to the question, does it make sense to book or not? Here is my answer
When is it justifiable to use points to book in economy
- When you have to take that flight and the cost of the economy ticket is expensive, much more than what it normally costs. It's no secret that in high season the cost of tickets splashes to absurd prices, that's where using points makes a lot of sense. I have personally seen GOA/FCO tickets in economy at over 400€, in that case using a handful of Millemiglia points made perfect sense. Just as it can make sense today to use a few Avios points to fly from FCO to LHR, rather than shelling out many more euros than usual.
- When you don't accumulate enough points for a business. We have told on our site how easy it is to accumulate hundreds of thousands of points without spending large sums of money, only because of bonuses such as introducing a friend. But if not, then it's okay to set achievable goals, and an economy in Bangkok with 60€ tax is a great goal.
- When traveling as a family. Using points can allow you to detach 4 tickets without having to splurge and save a few thousand compared to buying cash tickets.
- When you have elite status in that company. (Or in the alliance). The reason is simple: the seat will be economy, but everything else will be a business experience. Lounge access, priority boarding, free premium seat. And most importantly, a major savings in terms of spending points resulting in the ability to use those leftover points for a second flight.
- When points are running out. Using them is always better than losing them.
In other cases, and they are endless, my advice is to hang in there and focus on accumulating points that never expire, like the American Express Membership Rewards, and design a reward travel strategy that leads to a clear and precise goal.
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