Is it worth it to buy extra miles United?

Is Buying United Miles Really Worth It? A Critical Look

United MileagePlus miles can unlock incredible travel opportunities, but the allure of instantly boosting your balance by purchasing miles directly from United can be tempting, yet risky. Before you click that “buy miles” button, it’s crucial to understand when this strategy makes sense and when it’s a costly mistake.

When Buying United Miles Might Be a Smart Move:

The most compelling reason to purchase miles is when you can truly leverage them for exceptional value. Here are a few scenarios where it might be worthwhile:

• Award Flights Offer Substantial Savings: This is the golden rule. Compare the price of a cash ticket to the cost (in miles and any associated fees) of an award flight. If you’re looking at a premium cabin international flight that typically costs thousands of dollars, and you can snag it for a relatively low number of miles plus a reasonable cash outlay, purchasing those miles might be the smarter move. Do the math! Calculate the cost per mile (the total cost of the miles divided by the number of miles purchased) and then compare that to the value you’re getting out of the award flight. Aim for a value significantly higher than United’s standard selling price per mile to justify the purchase.

• Topping Up Your Account for a Specific Redemption: Imagine you’re tantalizingly close to redeeming for your dream vacation, but you’re a few thousand miles short. In this case, buying a small number of miles to reach the necessary threshold for the desired award flight can be a very practical solution. This is especially true if the award flight is limited availability and you don’t have time to earn the remaining miles through other means.

However, Proceed with Caution! The Pitfalls of Buying Miles:

While the above scenarios paint a rosy picture, it’s vital to be aware of the potential downsides:

• Devaluation Risk: Airline miles aren’t immune to devaluation. United can (and does) change the number of miles required for award flights at any time, potentially diminishing the value of your purchased miles. What looks like a good deal today could be less attractive tomorrow.

• High Purchase Price: United, like most airlines, typically sells miles at a relatively high price per mile. This makes it difficult to achieve substantial savings unless you’re redeeming for very high-value flights.

• Award Flight Availability: Just because you have the miles doesn’t guarantee you can book the award flight you want, when you want it. Award availability can be limited, especially for popular routes and during peak travel times. Check availability before purchasing miles to ensure your desired flight is actually redeemable.

• Alternative Earning Options: Before buying, consider other ways to accumulate MileagePlus miles. Credit card sign-up bonuses, everyday spending on co-branded United credit cards, and transferring points from other programs (like Chase Ultimate Rewards) are often more cost-effective methods.

The Bottom Line:

Buying United MileagePlus miles should be a carefully considered decision, not an impulse buy. It can be a worthwhile strategy in specific circumstances, but it’s essential to do your research, compare prices, and understand the potential risks. If you’re chasing a specific high-value award flight that offers significant savings, and you’ve exhausted all other earning options, then buying miles might be the ticket to your dream trip. Otherwise, focus on accumulating miles through more cost-effective means.