The two main things we use this for:
- Measuring exact distance from Origin to Destination
- Checking a distance-based radius around your Origin
ℹ️ 1. Measuring exact distance from Origin to Destination
you just type in your departure airport code and destination airport code, and it will show you the exact amount of miles (award charts are universally in miles, not km).
for example: JFK-CDG or NRT-LHR or SYD-DEL
You can also map out routes with multiple legs like JFK-DOH-SIN or CGK-DXB-LHR and it will show you the distance of each leg, as well as combined total distance.
This is also the best tool for determining stopover options. Just put in the total route and it will tell you total miles.
🔎 Example:
We recently used this for a booking from Bali to Tokyo via Hong Kong using Aeroplan Miles.
Our route: DPS-BKK-HKG-NRT.
The total was 4,723 miles, which was within the 45k points distance bracket on Aeroplan.
If we booked these flights seperately the price for each flight would have been 30k points. instead we got all 3 for 45k (+5k for stopover fee)
ℹ️ 2. Checking a distance-based radius around your Origin
This is a great way to identify options if:
→ you know your origin → you know how many miles you have → you don’t know exactly where you want to go
If you want to get some ideas and let the points decide you can check the distance bracket you can afford and then see on a map where you can go.
Just write the top distance of the bracket, followed by “mi” for miles, and then “@” and the “origin airport code”
🔎 Example:
If you have enough points for a distance bracket that spans from
1,801-3,000 miles, and you want to fly from Lisbon, this is how:
→ “3000mi@LIS”
Now you will be able to see everywhere you can fly within that distance, which means your points can take you anywhere inside the light area.
👨💻 If you want even more information on how to use GCMap like a pro, here’s a link to a blog By Ricky Zhang that goes into depth.