Buying miles from???
 

Hi,
I'm short 5100 miles for a reward on United. I can buy more miles from them ( $228 for 6000 miles + $35 fee) or they told me if I knew someone like a friend or family member who was willing, I they could transfer miles to my account. I don't know anyone but I've seen offers online such as on Craig's list. Is this wise? Is it allowed by the airlines?
Any other ideas??
Thanks.

Did you ask about the fee to transfer miles? I don't think that option is cheap.

Keith

Yes,it comes to about $85 vs. $280 to buy them.

Is the $ 85 the fee for transfer of miles?
How much will this "stranger" charge you for the 6000 miles he is "giving" you? Unless it's a family member it won't be free.

I don't think it is wise. It is not allowed by United Mileage Plus.

Lots of ways to earn miles are shown here:
http://tinyurl.com/68rd9z

Deposit $2500 to a Fidelity account and earn 5000 miles.

Subscribe to Netflix and earn 1000 miles.

You can get 5000 by dining:
http://tinyurl.com/5s7avw

250 miles to sign up. That alone gets you to the point where you would just need to buy 5000 miles.

Another 250 miles if you dine within 30 days.

Earn 5 miles per dollar spent, so 1000 miles for $200. Sign up for the summer sizzle bonus and have a $200 dine by the end of the month.

That's 2500 miles.

Get 15 miles per dollar at ftd dot com. So, 1500 miles for $100 in flowers or gifts.

Sign up to Netflix for 1000 bonus miles.

Definitely do not buy miles from a stranger (e.g. through Craig's List offers). Most airlines prohibit this practice and if you're caught, you'll get stuck at the airport forking out major $ to buy a full fare ticket if you want to travel.

Thanks for the advice all. I think I will just buy miles since I want to get them quickly in order to better my odds of getting the flight I want.
Thanks

Curious about where from/to and when and what class?

Of course, you will check availability before buying the miles.

I would value 6,000 miles at $90. If you're generous, it's $120. Of course, you are talking about an incremental cost to capture value from larger amount, but really, how efficient and cost-effective is your plan? Be sure to add in the miles that you will not earn by choosing an award flight instead of a paid flight as you calculate the true cost.

If you are booking a very expensive premium class international ticket, then maybe this makes some sense, but I would agree with others who say that you should find another way to capture the miles. Depending on where you are and how savvy you are, you could might be able to take a flight that would earn 6,000 miles for close to the same money.

NEVER buy miles or award tickets outside of the rules of the program.