trip-calculator

# Trip Cost Calculator "Should I pay cash or use points?" answered with math. Compares the true cost of booking with cash versus each available points currency, accounting for transfer ratios, taxes/fees, and the opportunity cost of burning your points. **No API key needed.** Uses local JSON data files plus flight/hotel search results. ## Data Files | File | Purpose | |------|---------| | `data/points-valuations.json` | CPP valuations per program (floor/ceiling) | | `data/transfer-partners.json` | Credit card → loyalty program transfer ratios | ## When to Use - User has both cash prices (from Duffel/Ignav/Google Flights) and award prices (from seats.aero) - User asks "should I pay cash or use points?" - User wants to know the CPP of a specific redemption - User is deciding between multiple booking strategies for a trip ## Core Concepts ### Cents Per Point (CPP) The value you're getting per point when redeeming: ``` cpp = (cash_price - taxes_on_award) / points_needed × 100 ``` A CPP **above** the floor valuation from `points-valuations.json` means you're getting above-average value. Below floor = poor redemption. ### Opportunity Cost Points have value even when unspent. Burning 100K Chase UR at 1.7 cpp (floor) means you're "spending" $1,700 in future travel flexibility: ``` opportunity_cost = points_needed × floor_cpp / 100 ``` If the cash price is lower than the opportunity cost, pay cash. If higher, use points. ### The Decision Framework ``` IF cash_price <...