Buying airline miles can make sense in a narrow set of situations, but a promotion or bonus does not automatically create good value. The safest starting point is a specific redemption you can evaluate before purchasing miles.
Start with the award you want
Find the flight or other eligible redemption you are considering and note the miles required plus applicable cash taxes and fees. Award availability can change, so do not assume a redemption will remain available indefinitely.
Calculate the mileage shortfall
Subtract your current eligible balance from the miles required. If you need only a modest top-up, purchasing miles may have a different economic result than buying a large speculative balance.
Alaska Airlines works with Points.com to allow Mileage Plan members to purchase miles. US members considering that option should use the current transaction price and terms shown during the purchase process.
Calculate the complete purchase cost
Use the actual amount you would pay for the required miles, including any charges displayed. If a bonus or discount is available, calculate the final effective cost rather than focusing only on the advertised percentage.
Compare with paying cash
Check the cash price of a suitable flight. The relevant comparison is not simply the theoretical value of one mile; it is the real cost of acquiring the miles plus award taxes and fees versus realistic alternatives for the trip.
Do not ignore flexibility
Cash fares and award bookings can have different change, cancellation and availability rules. Compare those conditions when the trip dates are uncertain.
Avoid speculative purchases without a plan
Mileage programs can change award pricing, rules and availability. Holding a large purchased balance without an intended use introduces risk. A strong bonus alone does not guarantee that future redemptions will justify the cost.
Bottom line
Consider buying miles when you have a specific, available redemption and can calculate the economics before purchase. For Alaska Mileage Plan members using the Points.com purchase flow, verify the current price, transaction limits, award availability, taxes, fees and terms before paying.