Using AMEX Points to Get Our Family Home from Cancun
One of the least exciting parts of planning a family trip is figuring out how to get everyone home without blowing the budget. After an amazing family vacation in Cancun, we needed six one-way tickets from Cancun (CUN) back to Salt Lake City (SLC). Paying cash for six international flights was not appealing, so we turned to a points strategy that worked well for our family of six.
The Points Transfer Strategy
We transferred 111,000 American Express Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. Virgin Atlantic is a sweet spot for booking Delta Air Lines flights, even when you are not flying Virgin Atlantic itself.
This transfer allowed us to book six one-way Delta flights home from Cancun to Salt Lake City on the same itinerary, which is a big win when traveling with kids. Fewer separate bookings means fewer headaches if there are delays or changes.
The Numbers Breakdown
Here is how the redemption worked out:
Points transferred: 111,000 AMEX points
Flights booked: 6 one-way Delta tickets (CUN → SLC)
Cash value of flights: $2,262
Out-of-pocket cost: $469 in taxes and fees
Value per point: 1.62 cents per point
While 1.62 cents per point is not a flashy headline redemption, it served a very real purpose: getting our entire family home on a reliable route without spending over $2,000 in cash.
Why This Was Still a Win for a Family
When traveling as a family of six, availability matters just as much as cents-per-point value.
Finding six award seats on the same flight is often harder than getting a high redemption rate.
Delta’s routing from Cancun to Salt Lake City was straightforward and family-friendly.
Using points helped preserve cash for other trip expenses (and future travel).
Sometimes the best use of points is not about maximizing value on paper, but about minimizing stress and out-of-pocket costs for a large family.
Takeaway for Family Travelers
If you collect American Express Membership Rewards, do not overlook Virgin Atlantic for Delta flights—especially for international routes home. Even at a modest valuation, points can solve big logistical problems when traveling with kids.
Six seats, one booking, and a smooth trip home? That is a travel hack I will take every time.