How to utilize the Points Path extension for comparing cash prices and award rates in Google Flights

Whenever I need to book a flight, I always start with Google Flights, which compiles ticket options and prices all in one place. However, it only shows total costs in dollars, not award rates. To decide whether to book an award flight or pay cash, I typically check airline websites for similar award options or use an award travel tool like Point.me or Roame.travel.

On January 18, a new web browser extension for Google Flights called Points Path was released to the public. When using the desktop version of Google Flights, Points Path shows award rates alongside cash totals for flights from select airlines. The extension also indicates which transferable points can be used with these airlines, advises when to redeem rewards, and suggests when to book a paid fare.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the Points Path extension, covering what it is, how to install it, and how to make the most of it.

What is the Points Path extension?

Points Path is a complimentary web browser extension that displays award rates alongside cash fares in Google Flights, helping you identify the better choice for both one-way and round-trip journeys. After selecting an itinerary, you can either book a paid fare as usual through Google Flights or redeem an award directly with the airline's loyalty program.

When I asked who should utilize Points Path, Julian Kheel — the creator of Points Path and a former editorial director at TPG — responded:

"There are plenty of search tools available for those who are proficient in using their points and are willing to transfer to niche programs for maximum benefits. I find those tools valuable and use them when necessary. However, Points Path is aimed at individuals who lack the time to become experts in redeeming frequent flyer miles. It's for travelers seeking to quickly identify the best available flights with their points or miles, ensuring they’re getting a good deal. Points Path is designed to answer both questions in mere seconds during each search, without needing a separate site or app, as our results are integrated directly within Google Flights."

Thus, while seasoned points and miles enthusiasts might find the Points Path extension useful within Google Flights, they are not its primary audience. Instead, Points Path is tailored for travelers who are unsure about when to redeem their points and miles for flights but still want to maximize the value of their rewards.

Which airline loyalty programs are supported by Points Path?

Currently, Points Path includes award itineraries that can be booked through the Air Canada Aeroplan, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, American Airlines AAdvantage, JetBlue TrueBlue, United MileagePlus, and Delta SkyMiles loyalty programs. It works for flights operated by these airlines and their partners, provided that Google Flights lists an itinerary available through one of these six programs.

Savvy points and miles users understand that the same flight can often be booked using different airline loyalty programs. For instance, an American Airlines flight may be available through the AAdvantage program, as well as through British Airways Avios and other partner currencies. Since its launch in January, Points Path has incorporated several programs; this development isn't surprising, as Kheel mentioned that the Points Path team is "working on expanding additional airline programs to enhance its usefulness."

How to add the Points Path extension to your browser

To install the Points Path extension, you need to be using Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge and subscribe to the Points Path email list. Kheel mentioned that his team's top priority is developing a version of Points Path for Safari.

To get started with Points Path, visit its website and click the blue "Download the extension" button located near the top of the page. This will direct you to a form where you will need to enter your name and email address. After I submitted the form, I received an email titled "Points Path: You're in!" in the Updates tab of my Gmail inbox within just two minutes.

When I clicked the installation link for Points Path from the email, I was using Google Chrome. This took me to the Points Path page on the Chrome Web Store, where I clicked the "Add to Chrome" button to install the extension. The installation process was quick, taking only a few seconds, and then I was ready to use Points Path.

How to utilize Points Path

After installing the Points Path extension, navigate to Google Flights. Be sure to use the standard Google Flights page at flights.google.com, set your language to "English (United States)," and choose dollars as your currency for Points Path to function correctly. You can adjust these settings at the bottom of the Google Flights website.

I searched for a one-way flight from Atlanta to New York this winter, just as I usually do with Google Flights. However, the results look a bit different now that I have the Points Path Chrome extension installed.

I still have access to all the usual filters in Google Flights. For instance, I can refine my search to display only Delta Air Lines flights that don’t leave too early or arrive too late.

If I'm traveling with others, I can easily adjust my search to find flights for two passengers instead.

The first two Delta flight options are quite attractive, especially since these awards require only 14,000 miles plus $11 in taxes and fees for two travelers. I can click on the information icon in the results to view the transferable points currencies available for booking this award.

I can choose a flight as I typically would on Google Flights, but now I have the option to book using Delta miles, thanks to the Points Path extension.

When I click "Continue" next to the option for 14,000 miles plus $11, I am directed to the Points Path website. From there, I can click the "Continue to Delta.com" button to finalize my award flight booking. Once the Delta site loads, wait a moment to give Points Path time to input your search information and initiate a search on Delta's website.

What is the cost of Points Path?

Points Path is currently free to install and use. However, the frequently asked questions section on the Points Path website states that "there may be a small monthly fee for personalized or advanced features" in the future, while assuring that "the basic Points Path search extension will always be free."

Points Path suggestions

A valuable feature of the Points Path extension is its recommendation on whether you should use your rewards or opt for a paid fare.

At a high level, the recommendation is based on assigning a value to each airline's points or miles. According to its frequently asked questions, Points Path has established median values for Aeroplan points, along with miles for Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines. It then factors in the taxes and fees associated with award flights to determine whether you should redeem rewards or choose a paid fare.

As of this writing, Points Path utilizes the following median values:

The median values set by Points Path are somewhat lower than TPG's valuations, which are calculated based on the data-driven valuations framework we introduced in September 2023.

However, many decisions regarding whether to redeem rewards or book a paid fare overlook the differences in what you are purchasing. For instance, if you charge an American flight to your preferred travel rewards credit card and later decide to cancel, you typically receive a credit for future travel rather than a refund. In contrast, if you book an AAdvantage award flight, you can cancel and redeposit your miles without incurring fees. However, while you earn American miles and Loyalty Points on paid flights, you do not earn them on award redemptions.

In summary

I appreciate the Points Path results while searching for flights on Google Flights because they provide insights into award pricing for supported programs. While I'm not the primary audience for Points Path, I recommend it to casual points and miles users as a great way to learn how many points or miles popular programs require for flights.

The Points Path extension also assists travelers in determining when they can maximize the value of their points and miles with select programs. As Kheel mentioned in the Points Path press release upon its exit from beta, "Points Path is tailored for travelers who lack the time to master frequent flyer miles but wish to quickly discover the best available flights with their travel rewards and assess whether they’re getting a good deal."