> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.points.casa/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# How to Book a flight
> Turn an award flight result into a booking path using PointsCasa booking states, transfer optimizer, Balance Mix, and savings comparisons.
The booking page is the main PointsCasa workflow.
It takes one flight result and turns it into a practical booking path.
## What the page shows
The page is split into two jobs.
| Area | What it helps with |
| -------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Flight details | Check route, timing, airline, cabin, layovers, and passenger count. |
| Booking path | See how to book, whether to transfer, and what steps to follow. |
## The status badge
The booking summary can show different states.
| Status | Meaning |
| ---------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Direct Booking | You appear to have enough miles in the airline program. |
| Ready to Book | PointsCasa found a usable path from your balances and transfers. |
| Almost There | You are short, but close enough that a top-up or alternate path may help. |
| Need More Points | Your current balances do not cover the booking. |
These are guidance states, not a ticket hold.
## Savings and redemption grade
When cash prices are available, PointsCasa compares the award against the cash fare.
You may see:
* estimated savings
* value per mile
* redemption grade
* whether SmartBuy or iShop is better than transferring
This is why there does not need to be a separate points-vs-cash worksheet. The optimizer handles it when the data is available.
## Balance Mix
Balance Mix appears when PointsCasa can build a transfer path from more than one source.
Use it when you want to change the source mix.
Examples:
* use fewer points from one bank
* preserve a specific airline balance
* exclude a source you do not want to touch
* simplify the booking path when available
When you adjust one source, PointsCasa recalculates the rest of the plan.
## Step-by-step instructions
The booking guide changes based on your situation.
It can show:
* where to log in
* how to check availability
* which transfer portal to open
* how many points to transfer
* transfer ratios and expected miles
* when to return to the airline site and book
Open the collapsed instructions inside each step when you need exact guidance.
## Save and track the flight
Use **Save this flight** when you want to come ba later.
After you complete the booking outside PointsCasa, use **I've booked this flight** so your flights area stays organized.
## Before you transfer
Always confirm the same award on the airline or loyalty program site before moving points.
Check:
* route and date
* cabin
* number of passengers
* miles required
* taxes and fees
* change and cancellation rules
* account names and transfer timing
Then transfer only when you are ready to finish the booking.