1. [ ] Do research steps
- [x] Familiarize routes with [FlightConnections](https://www.flightconnections.com/)
- [x] Search for flights
- [x] Search the aggregators (use [FlightTabs](https://master.d2rp0k6262jac2.amplifyapp.com/) to check flight search engines)
- [x] Definitely search these
- [x] [[ITA Matrix]]
- [x] [[Skiplagged]]
- [x] Maybe search these
- [ ] [[Google Flights]]
- [ ] [Kayak Explore](https://www.kayak.com/explore)
- Good for destination flexibility
- [ ] Same results?
- [ ] [[SkyScanner]]
- [ ] [Priceline](https://www.priceline.com/flights/)
- [ ] [Momondo](https://www.momondo.com/)
- [x] Check semi-private jet airlines?
- [ ] [[JSX Airlines|JSX]]
- [ ] [Aero](https://aero.com/)
- Only hub is LA
- Napa, Sun Valley, Park City, Aspen, Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Los Cabos
- [ ] [Blade](https://www.blade.com/)
- [ ] [TradeWind](https://www.flytradewind.com/)
- Northeast US or Caribbean (regional only, no Northeast US <-> Caribbean service)
- [ ] [XO](https://flyxo.com/)
- [ ] [SurfAir](https://www.surfair.com/)
- Very regional and random
- [x] Check current transfer bonuses
- [x] [Chase Ultimate Rewards](https://ultimaterewardspoints.chase.com/transfer-points/list-programs)
- [General Transfer Bonuses](https://travel-on-points.com/current-point-transfer-bonuses/#List_of_Current_Point_Transfer_Bonuses)
- [[Chase Ultimate Rewards Direct Airline Transfer Partners]]
- [x] [Bilt](https://thepointsguy.com/news/bilt-rent-day-promo/)
- [ ] See current United cardmember point discounts on flight day (or near)
- You may need to search for the flight by miles on [United](https://www.united.com/en/us/) to see the cardmember discounts
- [ ] Remember the [[United Excursionist Perk]]
- [ ] Do points research
- [ ] Check current balances for main point systems / airlines
- Systems
- [[Chase Ultimate Rewards]] — don't forget Business Ink points
- [[Bilt Rewards]]
- Main 4 US airlines
- United
- American
- Delta
- Southwest
- Europe
- AirFrance
- British Airways
- Virgin Atlantic
- Latin America
- LATAM
- [ ] Check out various travel point aggregator sites
- [ ] Check [Roame](https://roame.travel/)
- Need to sign in
- [ ] Check [AwardHacker](https://www.awardhacker.com/)
- Doesn't show actual availability, but best possible deals for routes
- [ ] Check [Seats.aero](https://seats.aero/search)
- [ ] Check [point.me](https://www.point.me/)?
- May need to sign up, but might be able to use for free using Bilt app?
- [ ] Check [PointsYeah](https://pointsyeah.com)
- Need to sign in
- [ ] ~~Check [Foxtrot Dash](https://www.foxtrotdash.com/)~~
- Tried this once, was totally useless, maybe remove from the list
- Flexible award chart search
2. [ ] Decide on flight
- [ ] If United
- [ ] Remember United card point bonuses
- [Club - 4x miles](https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/united/club-infinite)
- [Quest - 3x miles](https://creditcards.chase.com/travel-credit-cards/united/united-quest)
- [Explorer - 2x miles](https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/united/united-explorer-card/earn-rewards)
- [ ] Check current [Bilt Balance](https://www.biltrewards.com/account/status-tracker)
- [[Bilt Rewards Direct Transfer Partner Airlines]]
3. [ ] Do pre-buy steps
- [ ] Run flight through
- [ ] [Nerdwallet Points and Miles vs. Cash Calculator](https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/calculator-should-you-book-a-flight-with-cash-or-miles)
- [ ] [TPG Awards vs Cash Calculator](https://thepointsguy.com/calculator/)
- [ ] Check if you can buy with airline points balance (or top up the points with Ultimate Rewards if it is close)
- [ ] Calculate if buying directly from [Chase Ultimate Rewards](https://ultimaterewardspoints.chase.com/) is worth it or not
- [ ] Check [possible flight credits](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10T7DjXeaQ1hAuE4aBe4f-tZoOyEurLE9qnz4dO-tPhI/edit#gid=0)
4. [ ] Buy