points-optimizer

name	points-optimizer
description	Given a trip and your points balances, find the best award redemption — program, transfer path, routing, and cents-per-point. Ranks all viable options so you don't leave value on the table.

Points Optimizer

Turns a pile of points across multiple programs into a specific booking recommendation with transfer path, routing, and CPP estimate.

Contract

{
  "$schema": "https://json-schema.org/draft/2020-12",
  "title": "Points Optimization Report",
  "purpose": "Rank all viable award options for a given trip using the user's actual points balances. Every option must include a complete transfer path from currency held to program used. CPP is estimated from standard award charts — flag when dynamic pricing applies.",
  "constraints": [
    "Only recommend options the user can actually fund with their current balances (including planned transfers)",
    "Show transfer path at each step: e.g. 'Chase UR → United MileagePlus at 1:1 = 80k miles needed, user has 95k UR'",
    "Flag dynamic pricing programs (Delta SkyMiles, United at times) — CPP may differ from estimate",
    "Flag programs where booking requires a phone call vs. online",
    "Include fuel surcharge warning for BA Avios on partner metal",
    "Rank by CPP descending — best value first"
  ],
  "required": ["trip", "cabin", "options", "recommendation"],
  "properties": {
    "trip": { "type": "string", "description": "Origin → Destination, approximate dates" },
    "cabin": { "enum": ["economy", "premium_economy", "business", "first"] },
    "options": {
      "type": "array",
      "items": {
        "required": ["rank", "program", "airline", "points_required", "transfer_path", "cpp_estimate", "booking_method"],
        "properties": {
          "rank":            { "type": "integer" },
          "program":         { "type": "string", "description": "Award program used to book" },
          "airline":         { "type": "string", "description": "Operating carrier" },
          "points_required": { "type": "integer" },
          "transfer_path":   { "type": "string", "description": "Full path from currency held to booking, with ratios" },
          "cpp_estimate":    { "type": "number", "description": "Cents per point (estimated)" },
          "booking_method":  { "type": "string", "description": "Online, phone call, or partner site" },
          "notes":           { "type": "string" },
          "warnings":        { "type": "array", "items": { "type": "string" } }
        }
      }
    },
    "recommendation": {
      "type": "object",
      "required": ["option", "rationale", "next_step"],
      "properties": {
        "option":    { "type": "string" },
        "rationale": { "type": "string" },
        "next_step": { "type": "string", "description": "Exact first action to take right now" }
      }
    }
  }
}

Key award sweet spots (reference)

Route type	Best program	Why
US → Japan (Business)	AAdvantage (JAL)	60k one-way, online booking, good availability
US → Japan (Business)	Virgin Atlantic (ANA)	67.5k, must call, incredible product
US → Europe (Business)	Air France Flying Blue	Monthly promos, 50–70k one-way
US → Europe (Business)	Avianca LifeMiles	63k, no fuel surcharges, online
US → Middle East/Africa (Business)	Turkish Miles&Smiles	~45k on Star Alliance, call to book
US domestic (any)	Southwest (if you have it)	Best for flexibility + Companion Pass
Hotel: anywhere	World of Hyatt	Best CPP in hotel points
Hotel: luxury	Amex FHR	Rate + breakfast + late checkout — not points