Can I buy/transfer frequent flyer miles from someone else?

Question

I am hoping to go on a trip to Europe with my best friend next summer before I get married, but as university students, we're both kinda tight on cash. I was wondering if I posted an ad somewhere, if I would be allowed to transfer or buy frequent flyer miles from anyone willing to give/sell them to me?? Right now I have Airmiles and United Mileage Plus miles. Thanks!

Gerald J · Accepted Answer

You can, but the problem is that it costs a fair amount to transfer the miles. Even if someone was to gift you some miles, United for example, charges $67 per thousand miles plus taxes. Considering the amount of miles needed to fly to Europe, unless you only need a few thousand miles, it probably isn't worth it.
Check out what it costs to transfer or gift miles:
http://www.ualmiles.com/GiveMiles.jsp?x2.x=40&x2.y=11

? · Answer

United allows you to "give" miles to someone else with a United Frequent Flyer account. If you happen to come to some other arrangements on the side, that's your business.

shanita · Answer

Round the world is awesome no matter if you are the pilot or the passenger- best to take turns at though! Usually the passenger gets real fidgety and that is when it time for the pilot to take a break and relax for a while. My airline requires no points- just that you have heart and soul in the flight!

Scotty Doesnt Know · Answer

Airlines don't typically allow you to transfer miles.  Once you've accumulated enough points for an award, they'll often let you get the award ticket in anyone's name you designate, but you can't transfer points and miles...

EXCEPT...

the airlines are starting to warm up to points.com, an online exchange sanctioned by the airline where you can buy, sell, trade and swap airline miles and hotel points.

Can I buy/transfer frequent flyer miles from someone else?

4 Answers