Points Path is a new Google Chrome extension that allows you to not only see the cash price of a flight but it also shows you the point price for the same flight. When Points Path was first released, you had to wait to be able to use it. You can now sign up and get the extension right away.
How Does Points Path Work?
After you install the Points Path extension on Google Chrome and you do a search for a flight, the extension performs an identical flight search with each of the covered airlines, but requests prices in miles or points instead of cash.
The points and cash prices are then displayed. You will always see the most up to date points/miles and cash prices that are available.
What Airlines Does Points Path Search?
Right now the four airlines that Points Path searches are Delta, United, American Airlines and Jet Blue. Julian Kheel, the creator of Points Path has said that they are going to be adding more airlines like Air Canada, Air France/KLM, and British Airways soon.
How Does Points Path Determine if Points or Cash is the Best Way to Pay?
Points Path has an algorithm that searches thousands of flights every day and determines what a point is worth for each airline. Right now the median value for the three covered airlines is 1.1 cents per mile for Delta, 1.25 cents per mile for United, and 1.3 cents per mile for American Airlines.
The algorithm then uses the valuations of the points to convert it into a cash price. This also factors in taxes and fees. Points Path then compares the cash price versus the converted points price to see which one is the best value. An arrow will then point to which one is the best way to pay for the flight.
Who Should Use Points Path?
Points Path’s main focus is for those people who aren’t seriously into miles and points. It makes it really easy to see what airlines are charging in points for a flight. It then gives you the best recommendation on how to book that flight.
Many people who are into miles and points travel go to Google Flights to see what flights are available. When doing the initial search, having Points Path as a resource can help you to see what is available from a points standpoint right away without having to go to an airlines site.
What Browsers Work with the Extension?
Right now Points Path works with Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers. The Safari browser is coming soon.
How Do You Get the Points Path Extension?
You need to go to the Points Path website to get the extension. Click the blue “Download the Extension” button.
You will then fill out a form with your name and email address. They will then send you an email with a link to get the extension. Click on the “Click here to Install Points Path.”
You will then be taken to the page where you can add the Points Path extension to Chrome.
How Do You Do a Search?
Once you have the extension added to Chrome, you will be ready to use it. You first need to go to Google Flights.
In my example, I did a one way search from Cleveland to New Orleans for May 12th. As you can see, the page not only shows the cash price for each of the flights but also the points prices.
As you can see in the search above, when the points price is the best option, you will see a blue box around the points and a blue arrow pointing to the points price. A gray arrow will point to the cash price if it is the best option. When neither option is the best, you will see a box with arrows pointing to the cash price and the points price.
So, in the search above, the American Airlines flight is the best for a points booking. The United flight is best booked with cash and the Delta flight can be booked with either points or cash.
Google Flights has many different filters that you can apply for a flight. One of the filters allows you to select just one airline. I chose to see only American Airlines flights and so the page populates with only American flights. It still shows me the cash and points prices. Once you see a flight that you like, you can click on it.
You will then be taken to a page where you can select the cash options or the points option. In this case, I clicked “Continue” for the points option.
Next, you will be taken to a Points Path page. On the page, they show you the flight, how many points it cost and the taxes and fees. You then can click the button to be taken to the airline’s site.
After I clicked the button, it didn’t take me directly to the flight. It did take me to a page showing all of the different flights for that day American Airlines had from Cleveland to New Orleans. It was easy to find the flight that I wanted. Once on the page, it is a pretty straightforward process in booking the flight.
In this example, I did a one way domestic flight. The extension works with round trip flights, international flights, as well as different cabin types.
What are some Other Things to Consider?
Points Path looks at a fare strictly from a points versus cash standpoint and which one is the best option when booking a flight. It doesn’t take into account factors like change and cancellation policies of the airlines, earning points from flights, and seating and baggage policies.
Each of the different airlines have different policies as it pertains to these things and so you want to make sure that you understand them before making a decision.
For example, American Airlines will give you a credit if you have to cancel a cash fare. If it is a basic economy ticket, they will charge you $99 to get a partial credit. At the same time with American Airlines, you can cancel a points ticket and keep all of your points no matter what fare the ticket is.
Final Thoughts
Personally, I want to have as many good resources at my disposal when it comes to booking flights and other things related to travel. I find Points Path very useful in doing my initial searches when using Google Flights.
Points Path is really a great option for people who aren’t deep into the weeds when it comes to points and miles travel. It can give you a quick look at which is the best option and then you can make a decision on how you want to book a particular flight.
If you want to learn more about how to save on travel, travel itineraries, how to earn and maximize credit card points and miles and more, go to my blog Travelwidstom.
