Buying United miles (offer)

[Legionomous]

I got an email from United airlines about an offer to purchase miles but don't know if it is actually a good one.

I am getting an offer of 40,000 + 38,000 miles at a price of $1,400. Don't know if it's a good deal. I am planning to make a trip to US at the end of year and want to know if this deal would actually benefit me. I currently have around 60,000 miles in my Unites miles account so hopefully, the additional 78,000 miles would cover my return trip for 2 along with few internal transfers.

 

[Gaara]

I got an email from United airlines about an offer to purchase miles but don't know if it is actually a good one.

I am getting an offer of 40,000 + 38,000 miles at a price of $1,400. Don't know if it's a good deal. I am planning to make a trip to US at the end of year and want to know if this deal would actually benefit me. I currently have around 60,000 miles in my Unites miles account so hopefully, the additional 78,000 miles would cover my return trip for 2 along with few internal transfers.

Cost Calculation:

• Let’s calculate the cost per mile:
  
  • Cost of 78,000 miles = $1,400
  • Cost per mile = $1,400 / 78,000 miles ≈ 1.79 cents per mile.

Assessment:

• The offered rate of 1.79 cents per mile is higher than the average value of 1.2/1.3 cents.

If the cash price for your desired flights is significantly higher than the cost of purchasing miles, this offer might be worthwhile. Otherwise, explore other options.

 

[Legionomous]

Cost Calculation:

• Let’s calculate the cost per mile:
  
  • Cost of 78,000 miles = $1,400
  • Cost per mile = $1,400 / 78,000 miles ≈ 1.79 cents per mile.

Assessment:

• The offered rate of 1.79 cents per mile is higher than the average value of 1.2/1.3 cents.

If the cash price for your desired flights is significantly higher than the cost of purchasing miles, this offer might be worthwhile. Otherwise, explore other options.

Got it! Thanks for the detailed explanation.