Buying Airline Miles and Points - Maybe/Maybe Not

Airline miles and hotel points can be a powerful tool for reducing travel costs, particularly when used strategically. While these loyalty currencies are often earned through flying or credit card spending, they can also be purchased outright. However, buying miles is not always a good deal. Knowing when to buy and when to pass can mean the difference between a great redemption and wasted money.

How Buying Miles Works

Many airlines and hotel programs sell miles and points, sometimes with promotional discounts or bonus offers. The standard purchase price is often high—typically around 2 to 3 cents per mile—but periodic sales can reduce that cost significantly.

For example, an airline may offer a 100% bonus on purchased miles, effectively cutting the price in half. These promotions make it more attractive to buy miles, but even with a bonus, purchasing miles is only worthwhile in certain circumstances.

 

When Buying Miles Makes Sense

There are specific situations where buying miles or points can save money compared to paying cash for a flight or hotel stay.

1. When You’re Close to a Redemption Goal

If you are just a few thousand miles short of booking an award flight or free hotel stay, buying a small number of miles can make sense. Many programs allow purchases in small increments, allowing travelers to top off their accounts without excessive spending.

Example:
  • You have 67,000 miles, but a business-class award flight requires 70,000 miles.
  • Buying 3,000 miles may cost $90, while the cash ticket price is $2,500.
  • In this case, buying miles makes financial sense.

However, buying miles in large quantities without a specific redemption in mind is usually not a smart move.

2. Booking Premium Cabin Flights at a Discount

One of the best reasons to buy miles is to book international business or first-class flights that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive.

Example:
  • A round-trip business class ticket from the U.S. to Europe costs $5,000 in cash.
  • The same ticket is available for 120,000 miles.
  • If an airline is running a promotion selling miles for 1.5 cents each, buying 120,000 miles would cost $1,800.
  • You just saved $3,200 compared to paying cash.

This strategy works well with airlines that offer generous award availability and competitive redemption rates.

3. Maximizing Promotions on Purchased Miles

Airlines frequently run promotions offering 50%–100% bonuses on purchased miles. These limited-time offers significantly reduce the cost per mile, making it more attractive to buy.

If you have an upcoming trip in mind and can take advantage of a sale, purchasing miles at a lower price can lead to a valuable redemption. However, if award space is limited, this strategy can backfire.

4. Last-Minute Bookings

Airline tickets tend to be expensive when booked close to departure. In some cases, award tickets remain available at a fixed mileage cost, making them a better deal than paying cash.

If buying miles allows you to book an award seat for significantly less than the cash fare, it can be a worthwhile investment.

 

When Buying Miles Is a Bad Idea

While there are smart ways to use purchased miles, there are also many situations where it’s best to avoid them.

1. Buying Without a Specific Use

Buying miles speculatively—without a planned redemption—is generally a bad idea. Airlines frequently devalue their loyalty programs, meaning the miles you buy today may be worth less in the future.

2. Redeeming for Economy Flights

For economy tickets, the cost of purchasing miles often exceeds the price of a regular cash fare. Airlines sometimes charge inflated mileage rates for economy redemptions, and taxes and fees can further reduce the value.

Example:
  • A round-trip domestic flight costs 25,000 miles or $250 in cash.
  • If the airline sells miles for 2 cents each, buying 25,000 miles would cost $500—double the cash fare.
  • In this case, it’s better to pay cash.
3. Ignoring Award Availability

Before buying miles, always check that award seats are available. Some travelers buy miles expecting to book a specific flight, only to find out that no award seats are open. This can leave you stuck with miles you can’t use efficiently.

4. Not Factoring in Fees and Restrictions

Some airlines impose hefty taxes and fees on award bookings, particularly for flights originating in certain regions. British Airways, for example, often charges high fuel surcharges on award tickets, sometimes making an award redemption nearly as expensive as a cash ticket.

 
Key Considerations Before Buying Miles

If you’re thinking about buying miles, ask yourself these questions:

✔ Do I have a specific redemption in mind? If not, wait until you need them.
✔ Am I getting a good deal compared to the cash fare? Always do the math.
✔ Is there an active promotion offering bonus miles? If so, it may be a better time to buy.
✔ Are there award seats available? Check before purchasing.
✔ What is the program’s history of devaluations? Some programs devalue miles frequently, reducing long-term value.

 

Final Thoughts

Buying airline miles and hotel points can be a smart move, but only under the right circumstances. If you’re topping off an account for a valuable redemption, taking advantage of a promotion, or booking an expensive business-class ticket at a discount, buying miles can be worthwhile.

However, purchasing miles speculatively, using them for economy flights, or ignoring award availability can lead to wasted money. Always evaluate the cost per mile, check for promotions, and compare the value against the cash price of a ticket before making a purchase.