I have been in the Air Miles program for quite a while. The number of miles needed has increased depending on where you are flying. The last time I was going to use the Air Miles program the fees totaled almost $200.00, so for a few dollars more I booked with UA as I am a PE and their miles are certainly worth more than the Air Miles program. The ticket value through the Air Miles program for the flights would have cost $475.00, the cost purchasing through UA was $300.00. Where I get the Air Miles from is Safeway, and they always have a promotion on such as buy 5/6 items get 50 air miles but at $.30 per mile that is worth only $15.00, the 5/6 items usually cost much more than that so if your buying just to get air miles your not getting value at all.