When I need to book flight tickets, my initial go-to is Google Flights, which compiles ticket options and prices in one convenient location. However, Google Flights shows totals only in dollar amounts, not in award rates. Therefore, to determine whether to opt for an award flight or a cash rate, I typically also visit airline websites to look for comparable award flights or use an award travel tool such as Point.me or Roame.travel to start my search.
On January 18, a new browser extension for Google Flights called Points Path was released to the public. When using Google Flights on a desktop, Points Path shows award rates alongside cash prices for flights with certain airlines. The extension also provides information on which transferable points you can use with the supported airlines, advises on when to utilize rewards, and suggests when it’s better to book a paid fare.
Let’s examine the Points Path extension in detail, covering what it is, how to install it, and how to utilize it.
What does Points Path refer to?
Points Path is a complimentary browser extension for web users that displays award rates alongside cash prices on Google Flights, helping to identify the better option for both one-way and round-trip journeys. After choosing an itinerary, you have the flexibility to book the trip at the paid rate through Google Flights or redeem it with airline loyalty points.
When questioned about who should utilize Points Path, Julian Kheel — the creator of Points Path and an ex-editorial director for TPG — responded to me:
There are numerous search tools available for individuals who are proficient in managing their points and are willing to transfer them to lesser-known programs to maximize their value. These tools are excellent, and I personally use them when necessary. However, Points Path is created for those who don’t have the time to become frequent flyer miles experts. It caters to travelers who want to swiftly locate the best flights using the points or miles they possess, and to determine if they’re getting a good deal. Points Path is designed to provide both answers within seconds whenever you search, without needing a separate website or app, as the results are displayed directly within Google Flights.
While seasoned points and miles enthusiasts might find the Points Path extension on Google Flights intriguing, they are not the primary audience for this tool. Points Path is intended to assist travelers who are uncertain about when to redeem their points and miles but still wish to maximize the value of their rewards.
Related: Tips for determining whether to use cash or miles for purchasing airline tickets.
Which airline loyalty programs are included in Points Path’s coverage?
Points Path currently evaluates award itineraries available via the loyalty programs of Air Canada Aeroplan, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage, JetBlue TrueBlue, United MileagePlus, and Delta SkyMiles. It is applicable for flights operated by these airlines and their partners, provided that Google Flights lists an itinerary sold by any of these six programs.
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Seasoned points and miles enthusiasts are aware that the same flight can frequently be booked via different airline loyalty schemes. For instance, an American Airlines flight can typically be reserved through the American AAdvantage program, yet it might also be available using British Airways Avios or other partner currencies. Points Path has integrated several new programs since its debut in January; this development aligns with Kheel’s statement that the Points Path team is “actively working on adding additional airline programs to enhance the utility of Points Path.”
Related: Top methods to accumulate airline frequent flyer miles
Instructions for installing the Points Path extension.
To install the Points Path extension, you need to be a user of Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and subscribe to the Points Path email list. However, Kheel assured me that his team’s “main priority is to make a Safari version of Points Path available.”
To access Points Path, go to its website and click the blue “Download the extension” button located towards the top of the page. This action will direct you to a form where you need to enter your name and email address. After completing the form, I received an email titled “Points Path: You’re in!” in the Updates tab of my Gmail inbox within two minutes.
I used Google Chrome when I clicked on the Points Path installation link found in the email. This action redirected me to the Points Path page on the Chrome Web Store. From there, I pressed the “Add to Chrome” button to install the Points Path extension. The installation process completed in just a few seconds, after which I was able to start using the Points Path extension.
Related: The comprehensive guide on searching for award availability with major airlines.
Guidelines for Utilizing Points Path
After installing the Points Path extension, navigate to Google Flights. It’s necessary to access the standard Google Flights site at flights.google.com, set the language to “English (United States),” and opt for dollars as your currency to ensure Points Path functions correctly. You can modify your language and currency settings at the bottom of the Google Flights webpage.
I looked up a one-way flight from Atlanta to New York for this winter, just like I usually do with Google Flights. But my search results appear a bit different now since I added the Points Path Chrome extension.
I am still able to utilize all the usual Google Flights filters. For instance, I can narrow down my search to display only Delta Air Lines flights that do not leave too early or get in too late.
And if I’m not traveling alone, I can adjust my search to include two passengers.
The initial two Delta flight choices seem attractive, particularly because these awards require just 14,000 miles along with $11 in taxes and fees for two travelers. By clicking on the information icon in the results, I can view the transferable points currencies that I could use to secure this award.
I can choose a flight as usual on Google Flights, but with the Points Path extension, there’s now an option to book using Delta miles.
When I select “Continue” next to the 14,000 miles plus $11 option, I am redirected to the Points Path website. On that page, click the “Continue to Delta.com” button to reserve your award flight. After the Delta site loads, pause briefly so that Points Path can enter your search information and initiate a search on Delta’s website on your behalf.
Related: 6 valuable award chart opportunities to help you save on domestic flights.
What is the price of Points Path?
Points Path can currently be installed and used at no cost. Nevertheless, the FAQ section on the Points Path website notes that “there might be a modest monthly fee for personalized or advanced features” in the future, but assures that “the basic Points Path search extension will remain free forever.”
Points Path recommendations
A beneficial feature of the Points Path extension is its advice on whether to redeem rewards or opt for a paid booking rate.
On a broad scale, the suggestion is formulated by assigning a specific worth to each airline’s points or miles. Based on its FAQ section, Points Path has established median values for Aeroplan points, and miles for airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines. The system then factors in the taxes and fees associated with award flights to determine if you should use your rewards or opt for a paid booking.
As of the time this document was written, Points Path utilizes the following median values:
| Program | Points Path central value | TPG’s valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada Aeroplan | 1.4 cents per point | 1.5 cents per point |
| Alaska Airlines Loyalty Program | 1.45 cents per mile | 1.55 cents per mile |
| American Airlines AAdvantage | 1.3 cents per mile | 1.7 cents per mile |
| Delta SkyMiles | 1.1 cents per mile | 1.15 cents per mile |
| JetBlue TrueBlue | 1.3 cents per point | 1.35 cents per point |
| United MileagePlus | 1.25 cents per mile | 1.35 cents per mile |
Median values from Points Path are marginally below the valuations from TPG, which we determine using the data-driven valuation method we unveiled in September 2023.
However, a common oversight in decisions about redeeming rewards versus booking a paid rate is the difference in what you’re actually acquiring. For instance, if you pay for an American Airlines flight with your preferred travel rewards credit card and later cancel, you’ll typically receive a credit for a future trip rather than a refund. On the other hand, if you reserve a flight using AAdvantage miles, you can cancel and redeposit your miles without any fees. Nevertheless, you will accumulate American miles and Loyalty Points on paid flights but not on award bookings.
Related: Why and how to determine the value of award redemptions
Bottom line
I like reviewing Points Path outcomes when I look for flights on Google Flights because it helps me understand award pricing with affiliated programs. Even though I’m not the primary user Points Path aims for, I suggest it to casual points and miles users as an effective tool to get familiar with the points or miles costs in well-known programs.
The Points Path extension aids travelers in determining when they can maximize the value of their points and miles with specific programs. As Kheel mentioned in the Points Path press release upon the extension’s exit from its beta phase, “Points Path is tailored for travelers who don’t have the time to become frequent flyer miles experts but who wish to swiftly identify the best flights available with their travel rewards and understand if they are getting a good deal when utilizing them.”
Related: The top airline credit cards that have annual fees below $100