A week ago, I didn’t have any summer travel plans booked for the month of July. I have over a six figure balance in my British Airways account and that had me thinking about short hops from Los Angeles. I knew American Airlines flew a non-stop from Los Angeles to Cabo, so I looked on American Airlines to see if there was availability for the month of July.
There was plenty of milesAAver available for 17,500 each way for the month of July. Booking this round-trip on American Airlines would cost 35,000 miles round-trip. Since it’s a short flight, I used British Airways miles to book this round-trip flight for a total of 15,000 Avios + $83.58 in taxes.
Since I am a die-hard Starwood fan, I looked on spg.com and saw that there were two Starwood resort properties in Cabo.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Los Cabos was going for $179+ taxes and the Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Golf & Spa Resort, Los Cabos was going for $175+ taxes. I used hotelscombined.com to look for a BRG (Best Rate Guarantee) on both hotels. See my post on How to Find the Absolute Lowest Price on Your Next Hotel Room Booking.
Using my BRG tactics, I was able to find a Best Rate Guarantee on both resort hotels. I booked a night at the Sheraton Cabo for $139.16 and the Westin Cabo for $125.42.
I chose 2,000 Starpoints as my BRG Reward, so I will get my Platinum benefits and an additional 4,000 Starpoints after staying at the two hotels.
Car rentals in Cabo are pretty cheap. I ran a search on Orbitz for a 2 day car rental and it came out to be $9.68 taxes included.
What I spent:
Flights – 15,000 British Airways Avios + $83.58 in taxes
Hotels – $264.48
Car Rental – $9.68
Total spent: 15,000 British Airways Avios + $357.74 cash
What I will receive:
Flights – Executive Platinum’s on American Airlines get a Snack + Beverage for free. I plan to standby for an earlier flight to Cabo for free using my Executive Platinum status
Hotels – I will be getting the Starwood Platinum treatment at both resort hotels. Free room upgrade, 1,000 Starpoints as a Platinum amenity from both hotels (500 each), 4,000 Starpoints as a BRG reward for both hotels, free internet, free Club Lounge access for evening appetizers and breakfast, and 4pm late-checkout.
Conclusion:
I spent 15,000 British Airways Avios + $357.74 cash and will be getting back in return 5,000 Starpoints worth at least $150 (at 3 cents per point). It will be my first time in Cabo and I can’t wait to share it all with you in the form of a trip report.