I would not promote the idea of selling miles. ------------ consequences are dire indeed.

Can't deny the airlines have set up rules to dictate how the miles are used. If you mis-use them they can disappear. Even if you don't mis-use them, program rules say FF programs can be discontinued at anytime by the airline. Maybe if they are nice they'll give you six months to use them up. Wouldn't that be a nightmare finding reward seats!

As I read this thread about mile ownership and how to use those banked miles I thought yeah, just like all that money in the bank, your investments, your 401K and all of a sudden overnight it's gone. Was it really your money just because you had a piece of paper or an account that said a dollar amount?

Best rule is to use the miles (and your money) anyway you want while you got it because tomorrow it can be all gone.