This is the great conundrum for pilots when it comes to credit card points.

I keep quite a bit of SW points fluctuating because I commute. They are refundable up until the flight. SW points are a good hedge especially when trying to non-rev someplace. If we don't make our non-rev flight we are definitely going on SW on points.

I have never missed a non rev international flight except for an unforseen weight and balance restriction. I also never plan to sit up front during peak travel season (ex- europe in summer) Award space is also usually much harder to find during peak travel season. I always keep some in KLM flying blue just in case I have to make it back from Europe in a rush and cash prices are crazy

So what to do with the points that I earn from Chase- it makes almost no sense to use them on Chase's own website (that is really actually expedia.com- but chase branded) I look at transferring to airline partners or watch for bonus transfers to hotel chains. Key is the bonus transfers- and usually hyatt is the most bang for buck with points, with Hilton being the worst choice (even below IHG). Bonvoy was much better when points were not tied to cash rate. Watch for promotions too- right now Bonvoy is free elite night credit for each night stayed (so two elite nights for one in terms of earning elite status- you do not get a free night in hotel to be clear)


Main take-aways before anyone gets into the points game.

Never ever carry a credit card balance-
Use credit cards for everything, use right credit card for right category, but limit your categories to less than 5 so it doesn't get overwhelming-
It almost never makes sense to buy points-
Points lose their value like inflation-
Follow social media to watch for flight deals-
Be familiar with Chase 5/24 rule and sign-up bonuses.
Any card that has an annual fee you must try to get as many benefits as possible as early in the year as possible, or you forget.