Points value calculator
Is that award seat actually a good use of your points? Compare the cash price with the points plus taxes to see the cents-per-point value.
Results are estimates only and not financial advice. Award availability, surcharges and cash fares change – confirm figures on the airline site before you book.
The formula
cents per point = (cash price − taxes & fees) ÷ points × 100Only the part of the fare that points actually replace counts. Taxes you still pay in cash come off the top.
Worked example
A flight that costs $800 in cash, or 40,000 Qantas Points plus $120 in taxes: ($800 − $120) ÷ 40,000 × 100 = 1.70c per point. On our rule of thumb that's a good deal. If the same seat was only $500 cash, the value would drop to 0.95c and you'd usually be better paying cash.
Our rule of thumb
2c+ excellent · 1.5c+ good deal · 1c+ okay · under 1c usually poor. Paying a bill to mint points? Check the other side of the trade with the bill payment points calculator.
Common questions
How is cents per point worked out?
Take the cash price you'd otherwise pay, subtract any taxes or carrier charges you still pay on the points booking, then divide by the points and multiply by 100. So ($800 − $120) ÷ 40,000 × 100 = 1.7c per point.
Why subtract taxes and fees?
On most award tickets you still pay airport taxes and carrier charges in cash. Those aren't 'bought' with points, so they shouldn't count toward the points' value.
What is a good cents-per-point value?
As a rule of thumb here: 2c or more is excellent, 1.5c or more is a good deal, 1c or more is okay, and under 1c is usually poor – you'd often be better saving the points or paying cash.
Qantas or Velocity – does it matter?
The formula is the same. Use whichever currency the booking is in. Values vary a lot by route, cabin and how far ahead you book.