Why Buy Miles?

If you’re a frequent flyer on account of work commitments or just a passionate traveler filled with wanderlust, you’re probably used to effortlessly accumulating air miles every few months, but if you’re more like the average traveler who saves up for that dream vacation, you might be wondering what this whole dollar-for-miles business is about.

Is it a smart move to buy miles – or just another big corporation marketing tactic? How do you know you’re getting a good deal? The experts say that with the right amount of calculation, and the right circumstances, savvy travelers can come out on top.

1. The Smart Flyer:

Buying your ticket from the airline itself means you often pay inflated rates, and buying through a travel agent usually means that he’s buying the air miles himself, and selling them to you at a mark-up. Purchasing a unique combination of miles is exactly what you need, may just be exactly what your wallet needs as well.

2. What Air Miles Cost:

The first thing you need to do is see how much each mile costs – keeping in mind taxes and other fees. Compared with the cost of buying a ticket outright, miles usually allow you to spend less. Gary Leff, founder of an online frequent flyer community, has this to say: “Usually, if it’s an expensive trip and if you’re close to having enough miles — close might mean less than 10,000 to 15,000 air miles — buying miles might work out a lot better. It usually works out well for international tickets, especially in business class or first class.

3. Convenience & Benefits:

Remember to keep in mind how convenient it is for you to use your miles. Would it be better to use them now, instead of pulling out an added expense, or do you need them for a trip in the future? Pick what suits you best. That’s the beauty of miles – you can hang on to them until you need them, and then trade them in, often paying fees that are less than the airline rate. They can be used to purchase upgrades on long flights, so you get a better meal, more room to spread your legs, and better entertainment options.

Consider using miles when shorter trips are really expensive per mile flown. For these flights, often to an out-of-the-way locale, airlines often charge much higher rates. At this point, it’s always worth checking out the per-mile travel expense.

Also, when traveling to areas where hotels are expensive, you can use miles to save the amount you would have spent on your ticket, and use it to enjoy your stay more. It’s worth it to snag a free flight if you’re going to be paying resort-style prices.

Monetizing this entire process can only lead to more accuracy. At the end of the day, the choice is dependent of what kind of traveler you are, and what you feel most comfortable drawing out at any given moment.