My family of 5 was traveling from Phoenix to Disney World and had a specific set of dates we could travel within. I was able to leverage points and cash to book an unforgettable family vacation - on a budget.

Family size: 5
Destination: Florida
Cabin: First class on the way there, main cabin on the return flight.

What It Would Have Cost in Cash

If I booked the exact same flights in the same class on the same dates using cash only:

• Total Cash Cost: $7,891.84

Based on a Google Flights search on the same day that I booked, the price range during our selected dates was:

• $5,000 – $13,644

Rewards Comparison on Our Dates

If I booked the exact same flights in the same class on the same dates using rewards points only:

• Total points required for 5 passengers ranged from:
  477,000 – 1,276,000 miles

What I Actually Paid

• Delta SkyMiles Used: 197,700 miles

• Cash Paid: $721.37

Strategic earning and smart redemptions helped us meet our exact travel goals, dramatically lower our out-of-pocket costs, and enjoy overnight first-class comfort.