Several frequent flyer programs allow you to purchase miles. In most cases, you can either purchase miles for yourself, or as a gift for someone else. Generally speaking, buying miles is a bad deal. For the cost of purchasing 25,000 miles, the number usually required for a domestic round-trip ticket in the U.S., you could often purchase the same ticket with cash for half that cost. Also, watch out for hidden “transaction fees” that some airlines charge in addition to the cost per mile.

Comparison of costs for purchased miles *

Program Cost for 15,000 Miles Cost for 25,000 Miles Max Per Year
American Airlines AAdvantage $375 $625 40,000
Delta SkyMiles $443.44 $739.06 30,000
Northwest WorldPerks $445 n/a 15,000
US Airways Dividend Miles $525 $875 50,000

* as of August 2007