I have a somewhat different take on the miles game than most. Over the last eight years I (actually we, ned and mrs. ned) have accumulated and burned millions of miles. We use the miles almost exclusively for long haul premium seats and hotel rooms. We also give tickets to our children and siblings. This year we will burn approximately one million miles. For our travel my goal is to have a premium award ticket for the cost of an economy ticket. So if the total of taxes, fuel surcharges, fees, etc., and the cost of acquiring the miles is less than the cost of an economy ticket I am satisfied. I have taken advantage of most of the lucrative activities to accumulate miles: savings bonds, gift cards, cc bonuses, the mint, etc., etc. I no longer engage in any activity unless the reward is substantial. What I do now is take advantage of opportunities to “buy” miles when the price is right for me. This right price for me will vary by program and the form of “buying” will vary. “Buying” may take the form of an outright purchase, paying a surcharge when paying taxes, exchanging miles for a fee, etc. Of course to keep the overall cost of miles reasonable I continue to jump on the good free opportunities that become available.