How Much Does It Cost To Buy United Airlines Miles?

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Chief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

Are you planning to travel soon and wondering how much it would cost to buy United Airlines miles? Look no further! United Airlines offers a variety of options for purchasing miles, which can help you reach your travel goals faster.

United Airlines miles can be used to book flights, upgrades, and even hotel stays. The cost of purchasing miles varies depending on the number of miles you need and the current promotions being offered. In this article, we will explore the different ways to buy United Airlines miles and help you determine if it’s a good investment for your travel plans.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy United Airlines Miles?

How Much Does It Cost to Buy United Airlines Miles?

If you’re a frequent traveler, you understand the importance of airline miles. They can help you save money on flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses. United Airlines is one of the major airlines that offer a loyalty program where you can earn miles for every flight you book. But what if you don’t have enough miles to book a flight? Can you buy United Airlines miles? The answer is yes. In this article, we’ll discuss how much it costs to buy United Airlines miles and whether it’s worth it.

How to Buy United Airlines Miles

United Airlines allows you to buy miles directly from their website. You can purchase up to 175,000 miles per year, including bonuses. The cost of buying miles varies depending on the number of miles you want to purchase. Here’s a breakdown of United Airlines’ pricing structure for buying miles:

  • Buy 1,000 – 9,000 miles for $35 per 1,000 miles
  • Buy 10,000 – 49,000 miles for $33 per 1,000 miles
  • Buy 50,000 – 99,000 miles for $32 per 1,000 miles
  • Buy 100,000 – 175,000 miles for $30 per 1,000 miles
Read More:  How To Use Travel Credit On United Airlines?

If you purchase more than 10,000 miles in a single transaction, you’ll get a 35% bonus miles. Keep in mind that United Airlines may also charge an additional 7.5% tax when you buy miles.

Benefits of Buying United Airlines Miles

Buying United Airlines miles can be beneficial in several ways. For instance, it can help you to:

  • Save money on flight tickets
  • Upgrade to business or first-class seats
  • Extend the validity of your miles
  • Get free hotel stays and car rentals

Moreover, you can buy miles if you’re close to reaching a certain number of miles to qualify for elite status. This may give you access to extra benefits like priority boarding, lounge access, and free checked bags.

Drawbacks of Buying United Airlines Miles

While buying United Airlines miles can be beneficial, it’s important to consider the drawbacks as well. One of the main disadvantages is that buying miles can be expensive, especially if you need a large number of miles. Additionally, if you don’t use your miles before they expire, you may end up losing them, which means you’ll have wasted your money.

Is It Worth Buying United Airlines Miles?

Whether buying United Airlines miles is worth it depends on your travel needs and budget. If you need just a few more miles to book a flight or qualify for elite status, buying miles may be a good idea. However, if you need a large number of miles, it may be more cost-effective to earn miles through flying or using a United Airlines credit card.

It’s also worth noting that the value of United Airlines miles can vary depending on how you use them. Some flights may require more miles than others, and the availability of award seats can also impact the value of your miles. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and compare the cost of buying miles to the cost of booking a flight outright.

Read More:  How To Upgrade Seats On United Airlines?

United Airlines Miles Vs Other Airlines

When it comes to buying miles, United Airlines is relatively competitive in terms of pricing. For instance, American Airlines charges $45 per 1,000 miles, while Delta Airlines charges $35 per 1,000 miles. However, the value of miles can vary depending on the airline and the redemption options available. Therefore, it’s important to compare the value of miles across different airlines before making a purchase.

Conclusion

In conclusion, buying United Airlines miles can be a good option if you need a few more miles to book a flight or qualify for elite status. However, it’s important to consider the cost and value of miles before making a purchase. By doing your research, you can ensure that you’re getting the best deal and maximizing the value of your miles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the process of buying United Airlines miles?

Buying United Airlines miles is a simple process. You can visit the United Airlines website and log in to your MileagePlus account. Then, navigate to the “Buy, transfer, or give miles” section and select the number of miles you want to purchase. Finally, complete the payment process using your preferred method.

Alternatively, you can also buy miles by calling the United Airlines reservations department or through a travel agent.

What are the costs associated with buying United Airlines miles?

The cost of buying United Airlines miles varies depending on the number of miles you want to purchase. Generally, the cost ranges from 2.5 to 3.5 cents per mile. Additionally, the airline may charge a processing fee or taxes on the purchase. It is essential to read the terms and conditions carefully before making the purchase.

Furthermore, United Airlines often runs promotions that offer discounts on buying miles. Keep an eye out for these promotions to get the best deal.

What are the benefits of buying United Airlines miles?

Buying United Airlines miles can offer several benefits, such as helping you reach your desired award quickly. If you’re a frequent flyer, buying miles can be an excellent way to top up your account and redeem an award ticket without having to wait for your earned miles to accumulate.

Additionally, United Airlines allows you to purchase miles for other members, making it a great gift option for your loved ones who enjoy travel.

Read More:  Can I Use United Miles To Upgrade On Singapore Airlines?

How long does it take to receive United Airlines miles after purchase?

United Airlines typically credits the purchased miles to your MileagePlus account instantly. However, it may take up to 48 hours for the miles to reflect in your account. In case of any discrepancies, you can contact the United Airlines customer service for assistance.

It’s important to note that if you purchase miles during peak travel season or when the airline is experiencing high traffic on its website, the processing time may take longer.

What is the minimum and maximum number of United Airlines miles I can buy?

The minimum number of United Airlines miles you can buy is 2,000 miles, while the maximum is 175,000 miles per transaction. However, United Airlines may limit the total number of miles you can purchase in a calendar year.

It’s advisable to calculate the number of miles you need and purchase them in a single transaction to avoid paying additional processing fees or taxes.

United – Purchase flights with Money + Miles


In conclusion, the cost of buying United Airlines miles can vary depending on various factors such as the number of miles you need for your travel, the current promotions offered by the airline, and the timing of your purchase. It is important to note that buying miles can be a good option if you need a few extra miles to top up your account for a redemption, but it may not always be the most cost-effective option.

If you are considering buying United miles, it is important to do your research and compare the cost of buying miles with the cost of purchasing a ticket outright. Additionally, consider the value of the miles you are purchasing, as some redemptions may offer greater value than others.

Ultimately, the decision to buy United Airlines miles should be based on your individual travel needs and budget. By weighing the pros and cons of buying miles, you can make an informed decision that can help you save money and make the most of your travel experiences.

adminChief Editor of - Fancy Fly USA

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