Airline Miles Value Report (2026): What Miles Are Worth
Across major programs, airline miles typically cost about $9–$20 per 1,000 (roughly 0.9–2.0 cents per mile) to buy on the marketplace, while their redemption value is usually 1.2–1.8 cents per mile and higher for premium cabins. The gap between what you pay and what you get back — the spread — is widest on programs with strong premium-cabin sweet spots, which is where buying miles pays off most.
What this report measures
Two numbers decide whether buying miles is smart: the **cost** to acquire them and the **value** you get when you redeem. This report puts both side by side for major programs. Cost comes from live MileMarketplace pricing (see the miles price index); redemption value reflects widely-cited third-party valuations such as The Points Guy and NerdWallet. We refresh it monthly.
Miles value by program (2026)
Cost figures are typical marketplace ranges per 1,000 miles; redemption values are per-mile estimates that run higher for premium-cabin awards. Treat these as a planning guide and confirm live numbers before buying.
| Program | Cash / 1,000 (buy) | ≈ Cost ¢/mile | Redemption value ¢/mile (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Mileage Plan | $15–$20 | 1.5–2.0 | 1.8 |
| American AAdvantage | $13–$18 | 1.3–1.8 | 1.6 |
| Air Canada Aeroplan | $12–$17 | 1.2–1.7 | 1.5 |
| United MileagePlus | $12–$16 | 1.2–1.6 | 1.35 |
| British Airways Avios | $11–$16 | 1.1–1.6 | 1.5 |
| Qatar / Avios | $12–$17 | 1.2–1.7 | 1.5 |
| Virgin Atlantic | $11–$16 | 1.1–1.6 | 1.5 |
| Avianca LifeMiles | $11–$15 | 1.1–1.5 | 1.5 |
| Singapore KrisFlyer | $13–$18 | 1.3–1.8 | 1.4 |
| ANA Mileage Club | $13–$18 | 1.3–1.8 | 1.4 |
| Emirates Skywards | $13–$18 | 1.3–1.8 | 1.4 |
| Air France-KLM Flying Blue | $10–$15 | 1.0–1.5 | 1.3 |
| Delta SkyMiles | $9–$13 | 0.9–1.3 | 1.2 |
Where the biggest spreads are
The best buying opportunities are programs where redemption value clearly exceeds the per-mile cost, **especially for premium cabins**. Programs like Alaska, American, Aeroplan, Avios, LifeMiles, and Virgin Atlantic frequently show strong spreads on Business and First awards. High-surcharge programs (e.g. Emirates) still work for premium cabins but require netting out the cash surcharge — use the should-I-buy calculator.
How to use this report
- Find your target flight's award cost and any surcharge on a live award search.
- Check the program's per-1,000 price on the price index.
- Run the should-I-buy-miles calculator to confirm the value beats the cash fare.
- Buy only the miles you need, then book — or have our team book the award for you.
Methodology
Cash costs are typical MileMarketplace ranges and move with supply and demand. Redemption values are per-mile estimates synthesised from established third-party valuations; actual value depends entirely on the specific award — premium-cabin redemptions are worth more, and high surcharges reduce net value. This is editorial guidance, not investment advice, and is refreshed monthly.
Put this into action on MileMarketplace
Compare live offers by airline and book award flights with secure checkout.
Frequently asked questions
- How much is an airline mile worth?
- Most airline miles are worth about 1.2–1.8 cents each in redemption value, and more for premium-cabin awards. What you pay to buy them on a marketplace is usually lower, around 0.9–2.0 cents per mile.
- Which airline miles have the best value?
- Programs with strong premium-cabin sweet spots — such as Alaska, American, Aeroplan, Avios, LifeMiles, and Virgin Atlantic — often show the best gap between cost and redemption value.
- Which miles are cheapest to buy?
- Cash prices vary, but programs like Delta and Flying Blue often sell at the lower end per mile, while premium currencies like Alaska sit higher. See the live price index for current numbers.
- Why is redemption value higher than the cash price?
- Marketplace sellers price below a mile's redemption value, so there's a spread between what you pay and what you can get back — that spread is the opportunity when buying miles.
- Do surcharges change which miles are worth buying?
- Yes. High carrier-imposed surcharges (e.g. Emirates) reduce net value, so always subtract the cash surcharge before judging a redemption. The should-I-buy calculator does this for you.
- How often is this report updated?
- Monthly. Cost figures track live marketplace pricing and redemption values are reviewed against current third-party valuations.
- Are these values guaranteed?
- No — they're planning estimates. Actual value depends on the specific award, cabin, route, and surcharges. Always confirm live numbers before buying.
- Where do the redemption values come from?
- They synthesise widely-cited third-party valuations such as The Points Guy and NerdWallet, adapted to typical redemptions. Premium cabins exceed these averages.
Sources
Related guides
- How Much Are Airline Miles Worth? (June 2026 Value Guide)
Airline miles are worth ~1.2–1.8 cents each (The Points Guy, June 2026). See the per-program value chart and what miles sell for in cash.
- Cheapest Airline Miles to Buy Right Now (2026)
The cheapest airline miles to buy come from the secondary market — around $0.006–$0.015/mile vs ~3¢ from airlines. See live prices and how to buy smart.
- Are Airline Miles Worth Buying? When Miles Beat Cash
Buying airline miles is worth it when the all-in mileage cost beats the cash fare — mostly premium cabins. See the math, when to buy, and when to skip.
- The Complete Guide to Buying Emirates Skywards Miles (2026)
How to buy Emirates Skywards miles in 2026: pricing, First Class sweet spots, fuel surcharges, transfer partners, risks, and when it's actually worth it.