A Last-Minute Pilgrimage to Rome: How Points and Miles Made It Possible

Imagine this: You hear the news that a beloved spiritual leader has passed away, and you feel compelled to pay your respects. However, the funeral is across the ocean, and airfare and hotel prices are sky-high. This was my dilemma when Pope Benedict XVI passed away on New Year’s Eve 2022.

I knew I had to be there, but the cost of a last-minute trip seemed impossible. Instead of handing over a fortune, I decided to get creative. I would use my frequent flyer miles and hotel points to make this pilgrimage a reality.

John seated in an airplane seat during flight while wearing a Wheelchair Travel logo t-shirt.

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A Journey of Faith and Points

Pope Benedict was to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from January 2nd to January 4th, with his funeral mass on January 5th. I wanted to experience both events, but I couldn’t leave until January 2nd. My ideal itinerary was a 3-night stay in Rome, departing on January 6th, the day after the funeral.

Despite the late notice and high demand for flights to Rome, I was determined to make it work. Flexibility was key, knowing that I might need to adjust my plans to find the best deals.

Steps of Saint Peter's Basilica, with Pope Francis seated in front of the coffin of Pope Benedict.

Navigating the Skies with Miles

I rarely search for round-trip award tickets because most airlines allow you to book one-way tickets using miles without any extra fees.

Although I dreamed of flying business class, there were no seats available on my preferred dates. I decided to settle for economy class for my journey to Rome. I used 30,000 American Airlines AAdvantage miles plus $5.60 in taxes and fees for a flight from Boston to Rome with connections in Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia.

The timing was perfect, as I arrived in Rome on the morning of January 3rd, exactly as planned.

Finding a return flight proved more challenging. When I initially searched for a flight back to Boston on January 6th, there were no seats available. I kept searching, but it wasn’t until after I had arrived in Rome that I finally secured a return ticket. A risky move, but it paid off!

I booked a business class ticket from Rome to Boston with a connection in London for 57,500 American Airlines miles plus $387.95 in taxes and fees. The hefty taxes and fees were due to flying with British Airways, which charges a high fuel surcharge even for award tickets booked through partner airlines.

Luxury on a Budget: Hotel Points to the Rescue

Rome boasts many hotels that can be booked with rewards points, but I found a great deal at the Sina Barbini Bristol hotel. This 5-star hotel, located on Rome’s Piazza Barberini, is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.

For 135,200 Marriott Bonvoy points plus 21 EUR in taxes and fees, I booked a 3-night stay in a wheelchair-accessible room with a roll-in shower. At the time of booking, cash room rates were 521 EUR per night, equivalent to about $564 USD. Using points saved me close to $1,700 USD, making it a major win! My Titanium status in the Marriott loyalty program also provided the added bonus of free daily breakfast, worth roughly $100 over my stay.

The Total Cost: A Triumph of Points and Miles

My goal for this trip was to keep my out-of-pocket expenses under $1,000, since I was using points for flights and hotels.

Here’s a breakdown of my spending:

Flights: 87,500 frequent flyer miles + $393.55 in taxes and fees
Hotel: 135,200 Marriott Bonvoy points + 21 EUR in taxes and fees (approximately $23 USD)
Other expenses: $377.13 (ground transportation, meals, souvenirs)

The total cost of this trip came to $590.68. While my $1,000 budget was flexible, I was thrilled to have met my goal.

The Power of Points and Miles

Points and miles are truly a travel equalizer. They make it possible for individuals who may not have a lot of money to experience the world and enjoy incredible destinations at a fraction of the cost. Used wisely, they can unlock opportunities that might otherwise be unattainable.

The truth is, as much as I wanted to travel to Rome for this special occasion, I wouldn’t have spent the money if I hadn’t had my points and miles. I collect them precisely for these moments – when life throws a curveball or a dream opportunity arises. I don’t have to worry about the cost because my points and miles can take me there.