Benchmark cash fares, indicative miles across every cabin, and the community-verified sweet spots that actually get booked. Live space varies — always confirm before transferring points.
Redemptions the points community keeps returning to — the miles, the taxes, and why they beat the alternatives.
Delta releases genuine SYD–LAX economy space to Velocity at fixed 41.5k one-way with modest taxes — the cheapest cash-equivalent economy redemption ex-Australia.
United charges 88k one-way in business on Air NZ / ANA / Singapore Suites operated partners — no fuel surcharges, taxes under $150.
Saver-level SQ business SYD–SIN–LAX at 92k + ~$260 is stronger than routing on QF for a Sydney departure once you factor cabin quality.
Modeled at each program's typical redemption value. Gold rows mark the smartest balance for that cabin. Economy is included — it's often the true value pick.
| Program | Economy | Premium economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QFQantas Frequent Flyer | ~58,000 | ~116,000 | ~274,000 | ~516,000 |
| VAVirgin Velocity | ~52,000 | ~105,000 | ~248,000 | ~467,000 |
| SQSingapore KrisFlyer | best~48,000 | best~96,000 | best~226,000 | best~426,000 |
| EKEmirates Skywards | ~79,000 | ~157,000 | ~371,000 | ~700,000 |
| UAUnited MileagePlus | ~61,000 | ~122,000 | ~289,000 | ~544,000 |
| AVAvianca LifeMiles | ~55,000 | ~110,000 | ~260,000 | ~490,000 |
| ACAir Canada Aeroplan | ~55,000 | ~110,000 | ~260,000 | ~490,000 |
| AFAir France-KLM Flying Blue | ~61,000 | ~122,000 | ~289,000 | ~544,000 |
| AAAmerican AAdvantage | ~65,000 | ~129,000 | ~306,000 | ~576,000 |
| DLDelta SkyMiles | ~85,000 | ~169,000 | ~400,000 | ~754,000 |
| ASAlaska Mileage Plan | ~50,000 | ~100,000 | ~236,000 | ~445,000 |
| EYEtihad Guest | ~73,000 | ~147,000 | ~347,000 | ~653,000 |
| QRQatar Privilege Club | ~61,000 | ~122,000 | ~289,000 | ~544,000 |
| TKTurkish Miles&Smiles | ~58,000 | ~116,000 | ~274,000 | ~516,000 |
| VSVirgin Atlantic Flying Club | ~55,000 | ~110,000 | ~260,000 | ~490,000 |
| B6JetBlue TrueBlue | ~58,000 | ~116,000 | ~274,000 | ~516,000 |
| SKSAS EuroBonus | ~79,000 | ~157,000 | ~371,000 | ~700,000 |
| AMAeroméxico Rewards | ~79,000 | ~157,000 | ~371,000 | ~700,000 |
| G3GOL Smiles | ~92,000 | ~183,000 | ~433,000 | ~817,000 |
| CMCopa ConnectMiles | ~69,000 | ~138,000 | ~325,000 | ~613,000 |
| ADAzul TudoAzul | ~85,000 | ~169,000 | ~400,000 | ~754,000 |
| BABritish Airways Avios | ~65,000 | ~129,000 | ~306,000 | ~576,000 |
| CXCathay Asia Miles | ~61,000 | ~122,000 | ~289,000 | ~544,000 |
"Best" marks the program that delivers the highest cents-per-point value at our benchmark fare — not necessarily the lowest miles. Actual award pricing varies.
Award tickets aren't free — expect airport taxes, government charges, and (on some programs) fuel surcharges. Long-haul economy typically runs $100–$300 in taxes, business $150–$500, and Qantas–Emirates business to Europe can exceed $1,200 in surcharges alone. Compare taxes as carefully as miles.
Editorial intelligence synthesised from Point Hacks AU, God Save the Points, One Mile at a Time, Frequent Miler, The Points Guy and Australian Frequent Flyer. Confirm live in-program before transferring.