In an era where cash deals on flights and vacation packages are increasingly attractive, airline miles often find better use in non-travel redemptions. For those who don't fly frequently or accumulate miles through airline-affiliated credit cards, the stash of miles may fall short of a free flight. Yet, letting your miles languish in your account doesn't make them any more valuable, especially with expiration policies that can void miles after 18 to 24 months of inactivity. This article explores creative and practical ways to utilize those miles, ensuring they don't go to waste.
Airline miles are not immune to depreciation. In fact, most airlines have policies that render miles inactive if there's no account activity within a period of 18 months to two years. This means that even a small number of miles can become worthless if left untouched. It's important to note that the value per mile is often less when redeeming for low-mileage awards, which is why many travelers overlook these options. However, there are several ways to make the most of your miles before they expire.
For those with a modest balance of frequent flier miles, there are still rewarding options available. For instance, nine major U.S. airlines, including AirTran, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, United, and US Airways, partner with "Magazines for Miles" to offer magazine subscriptions in exchange for a small number of miles. This service allows travelers to keep up with their favorite reads without spending a dime.
United Airlines, in particular, showcases a variety of low-mileage award options. For example, a $30 mixed rose bouquet from FTD is available for 4,600 miles, while four $25 Restaurant.com gift certificates can be snagged for just 2,000 miles. For those with a sweet tooth or a love for coffee, Godiva chocolates, fruit baskets, and Starbucks coffee are on offer for 5,000 miles or less.
Another noble option for your unused miles is to donate them to charity. Organizations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation accept miles as donations, allowing you to contribute to a good cause and potentially change lives with miles that would otherwise go unused.
To prevent your miles from expiring, engaging in any activity that adds or subtracts miles from your account can reset the expiration clock. This means that even redeeming a small number of miles can keep your account active and your remaining miles safe.
While the options for low-mileage awards are not often discussed, they can provide significant value. For instance, according to a survey by The Points Guy, the average value of an airline mile ranges from 1 to 2 cents. This means that even a redemption of 2,000 miles for a $25 gift certificate exceeds the average value per mile.
Furthermore, a study by MileCards revealed that magazine subscriptions are one of the most cost-effective ways to use miles, with some subscriptions offering a value of up to 2.5 cents per mile.
In conclusion, there are numerous ways to utilize your airline miles, even when you don't have enough for a flight. From magazine subscriptions to charitable donations, these options not only provide value but also ensure that your hard-earned miles don't go to waste. Keep your account active, explore alternative redemptions, and make the most of every mile.
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Dramatic Rise in US Air Travel Forecasted
The aviation industry in the United States is poised for a significant upsurge, with projections indicating a more than 60% increase in airline passenger travel within the next two decades. This growth is attributed to the affordability of air travel and enticing vacation packages, which continue to attract a burgeoning number of travelers.
