A simple rule for mixing cash and miles on group trips

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Using your points and miles to fly yourself around the world is a blast, to be sure. But using them to bring along a loved one has proven to be a surefire memory maker for me.

While I’ve made a habit of earning miles through strategic spending on certain credit cards and leveraging sign-up bonuses for new cards, most of my family isn’t well-versed on the subject. Their points and miles balances are lower, and they’re less inclined to travel unless I take the lead and book their ticket.

If you’re in a similar place, here’s an approach that has served me well. Whenever I’m bringing, for example, my father-in-law along for a trip, I optimize for using miles for those who do not frequently travel.

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In some cases, I have enough miles to cover everyone on the trip, but as Points Path users know, using miles isn’t always the smartest move. In some cases, you’re better off using cash and saving rewards for a more valuable redemption. In these instances, I’ll prioritize the cash ticket for myself, and the award ticket for the person(s) traveling with me who aren’t frequent flyers themselves.

For example, say you’re booking two flights and only have enough miles for one award ticket. Using miles for a relative who rarely flies avoids wasting earning potential. Paying cash for your own ticket lets you earn miles you’ll actually use later.

My father-in-law won’t travel enough of his own accord to earn a material amount of miles. He also isn’t likely to sign up for travel credit cards given the infrequent nature of his travel. So, I use my miles for his ticket given that award tickets typically earn nothing or a reduced rate. Then, I buy my ticket with cash so at least I’m earning miles that I can put to good use.

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When you’re planning a larger trip with limited points and miles, think carefully about who gets the award ticket and who gets the cash ticket. Optimize the cash ticket(s) for those who travel frequently and are apt to appreciate earning miles on a paid fare, and optimize the award ticket for those who are simply along for the ride.

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