If you fly a lot, it’s pretty easy to rack up frequent flier miles. The hard part is actually redeeming those miles for free flights.
Over the past couple of years, airlines have made it harder and harder for passengers to book rewards travel -- changing program rules and requirements as often as Justin Bieber changes his hairstyle.
Case in point: Last fall, American Airlines announced plans to change its frequent flier program so that miles will be awarded based on the cost of the ticket instead of the distance flown. The change will go into effect later this year, and United and Delta are expected to follow suit.
This means it will take more time and more money to earn rewards travel -- which is frustrating considering the truck loads of cash travelers already spend to collect miles.
Unfortunately, there isn’t anything you can do to change the system, but what some loyalty program members may not know is that there are some unexpected -- and useful -- things you can exchange your miles for. We wouldn’t suggest redeeming your hard-earned miles for something frivolous (like magazine subscriptions), and chances are you can still use your miles to at least get a discounted fare.
But if you feel like throwing caution to the wind, here are some random (and slightly ridiculous) things you can get with airline miles.
College tuition: Air Canada
Between tuition, books and housing, the price tag for college is astronomical. Thanks to Air Canada, they can use frequent flyer miles. Members of the airline’s Aeroplan program are allowed to buy a $250 certificate for every 35,000 miles they redeem. The money is credited directly to a student's account and can be used at 70 colleges and universities in Canada. Even better, miles can also be used to pay down college loans.
While $250 may not seem like a lot of money, it can mean all the difference to a student struggling to pay for housing or books.
Actual airplane seats: All Nippon Airways
Looking for the perfect chair to complete your recently renovated living room? For the sky-high price of 747,000 miles (or 55 round-trip flights from New York to Tokyo), All Nippon Airways (ANA) is selling these actual airplane seats from a 747. Now you can bring the discomfort of air travel into your home.
Bar of pure gold: Etihad Airways
Keeping in line with Etihad Airways’ flashy reputation -- its Dreamliner jets, for instance, have private suites with a reclining lounge seat -- frequent flyers can use miles to buy a bar of solid gold. That’s right, for 88,672 miles, you can be the proud owner of a 10-gram ingot (fancy name for piece of gold) with a purity of 99.99%.
The gold bar (which equals about $400) is engraved with the face of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, who promises to bring you prosperity. If that’s not enough bling for you, Etihad also sells a 50-gram ingot for 390,778 miles and a 100 gram ingot for 772,046 miles.
Yacht rental: Qantas
If you’ve always wanted to experience Dubai like a sheikh but lack the bank account to make it a reality, consider this yacht experience from Qantas Airlines. For a cool 104,000 miles, you and nine of your friends can have this 48-foot yacht all to yourselves – for two hours anyway. The private charter comes with a professional crew, stunning views of the Dubai skyline, and years of bragging rights.
Football jersey: United Airlines
Without a doubt, Jerry Rice is one of the most beloved wide receivers in NFL history. If you never got to see him play in person, here’s have the next best thing – a signed jersey. For just 40,000 miles, United Airlines frequent fliers can purchase an autographed Jerry Rice jersey to display in their home, office or “man den.” Similar jerseys go for about $150 on eBay, so it’s a pretty great gift for the sports enthusiast in your life. While you may never run as fast as the man they called Flash 80, at least now you can dress like him.
Gandalf magical silver scarf: Air New Zealand
Money can’t buy you magic, but Air New Zealand airpoints can! Members of the airlines frequent flier program need just 145 airpoints to buy a Gandalf Magical Silver Scarf. The “Lord of the Rings” inspired accessory is made of wool from Stansborough Grey sheep, a historic breed that the airline claims was around when elves and wizards ruled the land. We don’t know about all that, but flights get cold, so at least you’ll have something to keep you warm.
Diamond ring: Delta Airlines
Delta definitely knows how to keep things classy. For 167,000 Skymiles, travelers can purchase a “Solitare Antique” diamond ring. Sure it’s only a quarter of a karat, but it will certainly be a conversation starter when your friends find out you got it from Delta.
Do you have questions about frequent flier miles? Email us at yfmoneymailbag@yahoo.com.
