Short-haul flights are the most underrated use of points. A one-hour flight that costs 200 dollars in cash can cost as little as 7,500 miles, giving far better value per point than many long-haul redemptions.

Cash prices for short flights are high relative to distance, while award prices are often fixed by distance band. That mismatch creates sweet spots, especially with Avios, Aeroplan and Southwest.

Avios charges from 7,500 miles for short partner flights, Aeroplan from 6,000 points for short North American routes, and Southwest prices awards against the cash fare with free cancellation.

Always calculate cents per point before redeeming, and pay cash instead when a budget airline sells the route cheaply. Book early and stay flexible on departure times for the best award availability.