Points on direct flights

[mrlucky200abc]

Are direct flights costing more points that other flights that have the same $ amount.  I did the math on a few different flights and it seems like direct flights are costing more points per dollar.   I haven't check many destinations but it seems that way for me. 

[dfwskier]

Southwest charges your the exact same number of points based on BASE FARE (not counting taxes and fees) on a flight. $150 of base fare  on a non stop will cost the same number of points as $150 of base fare on a connecting flight.

[DancingDavidE]

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@mrlucky200abc wrote:

Are direct flights costing more points that other flights that have the same $ amount.  I did the math on a few different flights and it seems like direct flights are costing more points per dollar.   I haven't check many destinations but it seems that way for me. 

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If you look at total cost the points/dollars ratio may be thrown off by the government fees that are included for each takeoff and landing, so for the same number of points the $5.60 for each landing may be throwing it off slightly and some other fees are included in the cost that don’t apply to points. 

[mrlucky200abc]

Take a look at BDL to TPA on 1/23/25 Price for Direct flight is $159 or 11109 points. your  points are worth .0143  Same day 1:40 flight through BWI is $174 or 11071 points. The points there are valued at .0157 per point.  On Saturday the 25th the direct flight is $124 or 8407 points while other flights that day that cost a bit more but points are a bit less.  

[dfwskier · Accepted solution]

nonstop

8/8/ SW @2805  DAL/MDW base fare $211.05  taxes & fees $30.95

same as above   base fare 17,518 points (value .012/ cents/pt) taxes & fees 5.60

connection with plane change

8/8 SW 3495/2944 DAL/MSY/MDW base fare $243.14.  taxes & fees $42.84

same as above base fare 20181 points   (value .012 cents/pt)  $5.60 taxes and fees.

It looks like you get a better value on the connection, but you really don;t. You just save more money on taxes and fees

[ZevSupport]

Great breakdown!