Do your homework, find out the regularly available cash fares for the trips you wish to book as awards, and then work out if this is a good promotion for you.... (travelingformiles.com)
No increase is planned on cash fares, which start at $ 2 now. (syracuse.com)
I have found that flights (at least in winter 2015 / 2016) have been cheaper in terms of cash fares than would otherwise have warranted based on the points prices. (creditwalk.ca)