2018: Chicago to Cancun Round Trip
Trip Synopsis
Economy Class Round Trip Chicago to Cancun, Mexico, for 25,749 Merrill+ Points on American Airlines.
MMB Analysis
- Merrill+ Points program has a unique airfare redemption structure: 25,000 points for tickets up to $500 in price, tax included, then 1 point per dollar above $500.
- Redemption sweet spot sits right at $500 worth of air tickets. Under $500, you will be charged for the same 25,000 points. Above $500, you point value decreases from 2 cents per point towards 1 cent per point.
- Chicago to Cancun round trip ticket happens to be $507.49 on American Airlines, ideal for redeeming 50,000 bonus Merrill+ Points I earned from signing up Merrill+ Visa card (a no fee card that was discontinued in 2017).
- Tickets purchased this way are considered revenue tickets, earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles at the normal earning ratio.
- Even though the ticket was labeled “Basic Economy” and the ticket price matched Basic Economy ticket at aa.com, I was able to select seats at Merrill+ web site, confirmed in itinerary email. Somehow, Merrill+ charged me for the Basic Economy price but ticketed regular economy from American Airlines.
Trip Metrics
From | To | Distance (Miles) |
Chicago | Cancun | 1444 |
Cancun | Chicago | 1444 |
Total | 2888 |
Trip Highlights
With two of the three air tickets covered by Merrill+ and three night all-inclusive hotel stay at Viva Wyndham Azteca paid for by Wyndham Rewards points, this end-of-winter-break mini vacation has become very affordable.