Utility Breakdown

Overview

The Utility Breakdown shows you the math behind every Best Path recommendation. Instead of trusting a score blindly, you can see exactly how MileIntel calculated the value — and decide whether you agree.

How Value Is Calculated

Best Path uses a multi-factor utility model:

• Cents per point (cpp) — The baseline metric. Cash price of the ticket divided by points required. A 50,000-point redemption on a $750 ticket is 1.5 cpp.
• Program-specific baselines — Not all points are equal. Chase UR has a different baseline value than Delta SkyMiles. Best Path benchmarks each currency against its average redemption value so you know if you're doing better or worse than typical.
• Opportunity cost — What those points could be worth on a different trip. If your United miles average 1.8 cpp on international business class but you're considering a 1.1 cpp domestic redemption, the breakdown flags that gap.
• Cash flow impact — Total out-of-pocket, including taxes on awards. Some "free" award tickets still cost $200+ in fuel surcharges.
• Earning forgone — Cash fares earn miles and qualifying metrics. Award tickets don't. The breakdown quantifies what you're giving up.

Where to Find It

Expand any recommendation card and tap Show Breakdown. Each factor appears with its value and weight in the overall score.

Key Details

• Available on Executive and Black tiers.
• Baselines update as industry data changes.
• You can override baseline values if your personal valuation differs.

Tips

1. If the opportunity cost is high, consider whether you have a specific better use in mind — or if it's theoretical.
2. Overriding baselines is powerful but use it sparingly. The defaults reflect real-world averages.