Award ticket

A ticket bought with miles rather than money. Premium-cabin awards are the hobbyist’s sport, and at their best they are unbeatable value — but availability is scarce precisely where demand is (peak dates, flagship routes), taxes and surcharges can run to four figures, and hunting them is a hobby with hours attached. The honest comparison we encourage: value the miles at their alternative uses, add the surcharges, and set that against a negotiated cash fare that earns miles back.