Are frequent flyer points a scam?

[Netease]

I booked a flight from CNX to BKK for the wife, if I paid cash price the TAX and fees were 100 BHT but using frequent flyer points the TAX and fees were 855 BHT paid in cash

Am I missing something? Can someone explain the difference for me please?

[KhunLA]

Shouldn't be, as long as you read the 'not so fine print'.  I used up all mine 'TG/UA' via a free UA domestic flight, and a stay at Sheraton (bkk grand suk), and lovely it was. 

 

Strange, with the hotel stay, I had to pay the tax + SC, which was shy of 700 baht, which at the time, was what I was spending for basic hotels anyway.  Very nice upgrade though.

 

Use them or lose 'em.