Should I Buy Airline Mileage Multipliers During Check-In?
TPG reader Robert sent me a message on Facebook to ask about buying miles:
"I fly every week for work, mostly with Delta or American. Both airlines offer mileage multipliers whenever I check in for a flight; are those a good deal or just a sucker punch?"
Airlines like to portray frequent flyer programs as a way to give back to loyal customers, but they also happen to be highly profitable. Loyalty programs can bring in billions of dollars of revenue annually; much of that is from selling miles to partners (like credit card issuers and other travel providers), but some is from direct sales to consumers. Buying miles isn't necessarily a bad idea, but if the airline is coming out far ahead on those transactions, then you're probably not getting the best deal.
The American Airlines Mileage Multiplier offers redeemable miles for roughly 3 cents apiece. You can certainly find awards that return that kind of value (even after the recent devaluation), but 3 cents per mile is well above what you'll get for the average redemption. I list AAdvantage miles at 1.5 cents apiece in my latest monthly valuations; buying via the Mileage Multiplier costs roughly double that amount, so in general it's a losing proposition.
Delta's Mileage Booster offers somewhat better value, but it's still not great. You can buy miles for just less than 2 cents apiece when you select the largest booster package (3,000 miles for $59); that's well above my valuation of 1.2 cents apiece. Also, the Mileage Booster has some unfavorable terms if your travel plans aren't set in stone: Any voluntary change made to your flight causes the bonus to be forfeit, so you won't get the miles and you won't get a refund!
If you need to top off your AAdvantage account, you'd be better off waiting for a mileage sale, where you can often buy miles for less than 2 cents apiece. Delta hasn't offered a public discount or bonus for buying SkyMiles recently, so the Mileage Booster is a bit more attractive compared to the standard price of around 3.75 cents per mile. Still, there's no reason to buy in advance; wait until check-in to minimize the risk of forfeiture.
I generally don't recommend buying airline miles unless you need them for a valuable and immediate redemption, and if you're out of other options. There are plenty of ways to get extra miles, including co-branded airline credit cards, transfer partners and other earning opportunities you might not think about normally.
For more ideas about how to boost your frequent flyer account, check out these posts:
- Earning American AAdvantage Miles without Flying
- Earning Delta SkyMiles without Flying
- 9 Ways to Earn more Points and Miles by Double Dipping
If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.
[card card-name='Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite™ MasterCard®' card-id='221410949' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
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- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees