What is the typical ratio of paid versus free miles in frequent flyer programs? [closed]

I realize that this varies from program to program and depends on various factors. But just as a general rule of thumb what is the ratio of miles you have to pay to free miles in a typical program?

For example, if I fly from round trip New York to LA coach every weekend on American, about how many times will I have to do that before I get a free trip?

ANSWER:

With some addition research I answered the question myself. The typical ratio is betwen 10:1 and 20:1 with 12:1 to 15:1 being most typical. In other words you generally need to make between 12 and 15 flights before you get one free flight.

Best Answer

Different airline have different policies on mile-gain and redeeming miles.

Generally speaking, you can gain higher percentage of miles when you book a higher-class flight, and book a "flexible" flight also gain more than "Saver" flight. Redeem miles on higher class usually is relatively cheaper, for example, redeeming a first class by miles usually cost 3-5 times than a economic class, but it cost more than 10 times by cash.

Moreover, transfer miles from credit card points or membership integration makes the rule more complex.

The blog One Mile At A Time provides a subject valuation of miles and hotel and card points.

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How does a frequent flyer program make money?

But by selling their loyalty program frequent flyer miles to banks, credit card companies, car rental firms, hotels and supermarkets, the airlines have found an almost guaranteed way to make a profit from their tickets.

How much is an airline mile worth in dollars?

The average airline mile across major U.S. companies is worth 1.3 cents.

Is a frequent flyer program worth it?

If you're a very frequent flyer and you're travelling mostly on business, on flights you haven't paid for out of your own pocket, then yes, it's worth it as you'll earn free upgrades once you've built up your status.

How are airline miles worth calculated?

Divide the price of a specific flight (in USD) by the price of the ticket in frequent flyer miles (USD). For example, a flight that costs $7000 divided by the cost in frequent flyer miles of 70,000 = 0.10. But you might notice that airline miles are usually valued somewhere between 0.50 \u2013 2 cents per point.

What is a Frequent Flyer Program? How do you choose one? How do you use it?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: RODNAE Productions, Andrea Piacquadio, Sharon McCutcheon, Andrea Piacquadio