How Much Does It Cost To Buy Air Miles May 2026

: Many airlines add a 7.5% federal excise tax on top of the mileage price.

: Buying miles during a sale (e.g., a 70%–140% bonus) can sometimes be cheaper than paying cash for a business or first-class seat. For example, buying $2,000 worth of miles to book a $10,000 first-class ticket provides massive outsized value. how much does it cost to buy air miles

Standard pricing often requires purchasing in increments of 1,000 miles. Below are typical costs for a 50,000-mile block as of early 2026: : ~$1,750 (3.5 cents per mile). American Airlines AAdvantage : ~$1,505 (3.0 cents per mile). Alaska Airlines : ~$1,880 (2.7 cents per mile). United MileagePlus : ~$1,222 (2.4 cents per mile). Frontier/Hawaiian : ~$1,250–$1,270 (2.5 cents per mile). Review: When It's Actually Worth It : Many airlines add a 7