Debunking Popular Myths About Buying Airline Miles

Everyone wants to know how to buy airline miles, and why wouldn’t they? Buying airline miles will bridge the gap between the lack of a few thousand miles and a reward seat (or even an upgrade to business class). Some wonder if buying airline miles is worth it because at the end of the day you’re still spending money to book the reward ticket. We’re answering all the questions that stop you from buying airline miles. Keep on reading to see how we’ve debunked popular myths about buying airline miles.

Read: 5 Myths About Frequent Flyer Miles

1. Can I Buy Airline Miles Only From The Airline?

In the last few months, airlines have started selling their miles on their official websites. These airline miles can be purchased if you’re part of their loyalty program. Despite the airlines being the official source for buying miles, there are other options out there as well.

Frequent flyers can purchase airline miles from mileage brokers at a very reasonable price. Mileage brokers claim they sell airline miles at the lowest possible rate. The miles are transferred directly into the individual’s personal loyalty account after the payment is made.

Read: Battle of the travel myths and truths!

2. Mileage Brokers Are Not Scams

This is a common myth that is worth debunking because mileage brokers are not scams. There are so many legit mileage brokers online with an excellent reputation. Frequent flyers and travel agents all source their airline miles from them. Yes, there are some scams out there, but they don’t have any link to the real mileage brokers.

3. Will Buying Airline Miles Help Me Save On My Airline Ticket?

Many assume that buying airline miles and putting them towards an airline ticket will automatically help you save money. Sorry to burst your bubble but this is not the case. In order to save money on your ticket or upgrade you should only buy airline miles when you’re a couple of thousand airline miles short of the desired number.

Read: Dispelling The Most Common Myths About European Travel

In order to save money, you should buy airline miles from the airline directly or mileage brokers only if you’re short a couple of thousand miles. If you buy airline miles when you have less than half of the desired number, you’ll be losing money. At the end of the day, you’ll spend more on airline miles than you would on the airline ticket on its own.

Read: All The Different Ways Travel Makes You Awesome

4. Is Buying Airline Miles From Mileage Brokers Illegal?

Buying airline miles is very much legal all over the United States except Utah. So if you’re scared of being caught buying miles, you don’t have to worry. Airlines can’t take you to court for purchasing miles.

Read: Airline Miles Secrets Worth Knowing

5. Is Signing Up To A Loyalty Program Worth It?

If you’re someone who loves traveling then we insist (yes, that’s a strong word) that you sign up to an airline loyalty program. You can easily earn airline miles through co-branded credit cards and once you have enough, you can book a reward ticket. Loyalty members also get free access to the airport lounge (whether they’re flying business class or not). The perks are pretty much endless, and hey, signing up is free.