Understanding Redemption Value

Simulated data

The screenshots and data shown in this guide use simulated test data. Program names, point values, and valuations may not reflect current real-world rates. Always verify details with your loyalty program.

Points have value, but how much value depends entirely on how you use them. Two people redeeming the same number of Flying Blue miles can get wildly different returns — one might get 0.8 cents per point on a short domestic economy flight, while another gets 4+ cents per point on a long-haul business class ticket. Flyga tracks both scenarios so you can see exactly where you stand.

Two Types of Value

Every redemption in Flyga shows up to two valuations:

Baseline Value

This is what your points are “generally” worth, based on Flyga’s cents-per-point (CPP) valuation for the program. Think of it as the average value that most people get from a program’s points.

For example, if Flying Blue miles are valued at 1.50 cents each and you redeemed 50,000 miles, your baseline value is $750.

Baseline value is always calculated — you don’t need to enter anything extra.

Effective Redemption Value (ERV)

This is what your points were actually worth for this specific booking. It’s calculated from the fare info you provide:

ERV = (Cash Price - Taxes & Fees Paid) / Points Redeemed

For example, if a business class ticket costs $2,800 in cash but you booked it for 50,000 miles + $85 in taxes:

ERV = ($2,800 - $85) / 50,000 = 5.43 cents per point

That’s well above the 1.50-cent baseline — a great redemption.

Reading the Valuation Card

On the redemption detail page, the Valuation card shows these numbers side by side:

• Baseline Value — The standard valuation amount and CPP badge (e.g., “1.50 cents”)
• Your Redemption — Your effective CPP with a colored badge:
  • Green with an up arrow — You beat the baseline. Nice work.
  • Red with a down arrow — You got less than baseline. Not every redemption will be a home run, and that’s okay.
• Cash Price — The revenue fare you entered
• Taxes/Fees Paid — What you paid in cash alongside your points

Spotting Value on the List Page

Back on the Redemptions list, each card shows a quick ERV summary so you can scan your history at a glance.

Cards with fare info display an ERV badge — green for above-baseline, red for below. Cards without fare info show just the baseline value.

What’s a “Good” Redemption?

There’s no universal answer, but here’s a general framework:

• Below 1 cent per point — You probably could have found better options. Cash bookings or a different program might have been cheaper.
• 1-2 cents per point — Solid, average value. You’re getting a fair deal.
• 2-4 cents per point — Great value. You’re outperforming the baseline and making your points work hard.
• 4+ cents per point — Exceptional. These are the redemptions that make the points hobby worth it — usually long-haul business or first class on premium carriers.

Tip

Don’t let the numbers ruin a good trip. If you redeemed 10,000 points for a $90 hotel and got 0.9 cents per point, but you needed a place to stay and had the points — that’s still a win. The numbers help you optimize, not agonize.

Want to predict your redemption value before you transfer? The Redemption Calculator Deep Dive shows you how to use the Transfer Optimizer to estimate your CPP before committing any points.

Next up: learn how to add flight routing and cabin class with Adding Flight Details.