What is the Cents Per Point (CPP) Calculator extension?
The CPP Calculator extension is a tool designed to help you calculate the value of points or miles from frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs. It provides guidance on whether it’s better to redeem points or pay in cash for travel bookings by calculating the cents per point (CPP) value.
Where do I download the CPP Calculator?
You can download CPP Calculator on the Chrome Web Store:
How does the CPP Calculator work?
The extension compares the cost of a flight or hotel stay in cash and points, and calculates the CPP value using the formula:
CPP = (Cost In Cash * 100) / Cost In Points
It then compares the calculated CPP against a pre-determined standard valuation for the loyalty program. Based on this, the extension recommends whether to use points or cash.
How do I use the extension?
- Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store.
- Navigate to a supported website.
- Click the extension icon in the toolbar. (To make it easier to access the extension, you can pin it to your Chrome taskbar).
- Enter the cash price (minus any taxes and fees) and the points cost into the provided fields. You can enter a dollar amount – the extension automatically converts it to cents.
- Click “Calculate CPP” to see the estimated cents per point.
- The extension will guide you with a recommendation on whether to use points or cash.
Which websites does the extension support?
The extension supports every website listed on One Mile At A Time‘s point valuations page. The CPP Calculator recognizes:
If the extension detects a supported site, it will automatically display the estimated CPP for that loyalty program. For unsupported sites, you can still manually input data to calculate CPP.
What is the “standard point valuation”?
The standard point valuation is a pre-determined estimate of how much a point or mile is worth in cents for a specific loyalty program. For example, American Airlines AAdvantage points may have an estimated value of 1.5 cents per point. The extension uses this data to help you make informed decisions.
How are these standard point valuations determined?
I use the valuations listed on One Mile At A Time. This link explains the methodology behind how OMAAT’s point valuations are calculated. They are updated periodically based on changes in loyalty program values.
Point valuations are ultimately subjective, and the way that you value your points may not be the same as the “standard point valuation”. There are many different ways to redeem miles and points, and not everyone has the same travel goals. Thus, you may place more or less value on the points for a certain program. For example, point redemptions for domestic travel are often much worse than international travel, but if you have no desire to take transcontinental flights then using the points for domestic travel is far more valuable for you.
What does it mean if my calculated CPP is lower than the standard?
If your calculated CPP is lower than the standard valuation for a specific loyalty program, it means that using points to book may not be the best value. In this case, you might want to consider paying with cash or using a travel portal to complete your booking.
What does it mean if my calculated CPP is higher than the standard?
If your calculated CPP is higher than the standard valuation, it means you’re getting more value for your points. In this case, the extension will recommend that you use points to book your travel.
Does this extension track or store my personal data?
No, the CPP Calculator extension does not collect or store any personal data. All calculations are done locally on your device and are not sent to any server.
Is the CPP Calculator free to use?
Yes, the CPP Calculator is completely free to download and use.
How do I report a bug or request support?
If you encounter any issues or have questions, please contact me or use the comment section below.
Can I suggest additional loyalty programs for the extension?
Yes! I’m always looking to improve and expand the extension. If you want to suggest additional loyalty programs, feel free to contact me or use the comment section below.
Where can I learn more about calculating point values?
For more detailed information on point valuations and loyalty programs, check out the Travel Tips section at SoloPearTravel, or visit other travel industry experts like One Mile at a Time and The Points Guy for in-depth guides.