Loyalty miles do not have a fixed cash value: a redemption can be worth less than a cent per mile or several cents. Comparing the cents-per-mile you get on a particular flight with a typical valuation tells you whether to use miles or pay cash and keep the miles for a better deal.
How to use the Miles to Dollars Calculator
- Programme (typical value per mile)
- Custom value per mile
- Miles needed
- Taxes and fees on the award
- Cash price of the same ticket
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Choose the programme (or set your own value per mile), enter the miles needed, the taxes and fees charged on the award ticket and the cash price of the same flight.
Tips
- Use your own measured figures – fuel economy, speed and prices vary a lot with driving style, traffic, load and season.
- Pick the unit in each field’s menu (miles or kilometres, mpg or L/100 km); the calculator converts everything for you.
- Fill up to the brim twice and divide the distance by the fuel added to measure real fuel economy.
- For vehicle modifications, treat results as a starting point and confirm with the parts maker or a professional mechanic.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing US and imperial (UK) gallons – a UK gallon is about 20% bigger.
- Using the advertised fuel economy instead of real-world figures.
- Forgetting tolls, parking and wear and tear when comparing driving with public transport.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Programme (typical value per mile) | Choose one: Air Canada Aeroplan (≈ 1.9¢), Alaska (≈ 1.5¢), American AAdvantage (≈ 1.5¢), Delta SkyMiles (≈ 1.2¢) … |
| Custom value per mile | In ¢ |
| Miles needed | A number |
| Taxes and fees on the award | Amount in your currency |
| Cash price of the same ticket | Amount in your currency |
What each result means
- Effective price with miles = [Value of the miles] + [Taxes and fees on the award]
- Cash price minus effective price = [Cash price of the same ticket] – [Effective price with miles]
- Value you get per mile = ([Cash price of the same ticket] – [Taxes and fees on the award])÷[Miles needed]×100
Example values
How the main result changes when Custom value per mile changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Custom value per mile (¢) | Cash price minus effective price |
|---|---|
| 0.6 | 13.8 |
| 0.9 | 13.8 |
| 1.2 | 13.8 |
| 1.5 | 13.8 |
| 1.8 | 13.8 |
| 2.4 | 13.8 |
Formula
Value of miles = miles × value per milePrice with miles = miles × value + taxes and feesValue you get per mile = (cash price − fees) ÷ milesWorked example
Inputs — Programme (typical value per mile): American AAdvantage (≈ 1.5¢); Custom value per mile: 1.2 ¢; Miles needed: 25,000; Taxes and fees on the award: $11.2; Cash price of the same ticket: $400.
Results — Value of the miles = $375.00; Effective price with miles = $386.20; Cash price minus effective price = $13.80; Value you get per mile = 1.56 ¢.
Frequently asked questions
How much is one airline mile worth?
Typically 1–2 cents, depending on the programme and redemption. Valuations are estimates and change over time.
When should I use miles instead of cash?
When the cents per mile you get is above your typical valuation – often on expensive last-minute or premium-cabin flights.
Do I earn miles on award tickets?
Usually not, which slightly favours paying cash for cheap flights.
What formula does the Miles to Dollars Calculator use?
Value of miles = miles × value per mile.