44 Flight Booking Myths That Are Actually Wasting You Money

Myth 25: Booking with Points Always Means Free Travel

Using points or miles to book flights feels like a travel win—but “free” is almost never truly free. While you may not pay the full cash fare, you’re still responsible for taxes, fuel surcharges, and fees, especially on international itineraries. These costs can run into the hundreds depending on the airline and route. Some redemptions also deliver poor value per point, particularly if you're booking during peak travel periods or choosing less efficient frequent flyer programs. That “free” ticket might actually cost you more than a discounted cash fare would. To avoid wasting your hard-earned points, always calculate the redemption value by dividing the cash fare by the number of points used—you should aim for at least 1.3–1.5 cents per point, though higher is even better. Tools like Award Hacker, Point.me, or The Points Guy’s valuations can help you compare options and ensure you’re getting maximum value. And don’t forget to consider opportunities to transfer points to airline partners, which can sometimes unlock premium cabin deals for the same (or fewer) points.