Originally Posted by
JJeffrey
Buying a bunch of miles like that speculatively is almost always a terrible idea, especially if you don't have any type of award in mind and are not familiar with the AA program.
Finding flights on partner carriers can be both relatively easy, if you know how/what/where to look, or incredibly frustrating and difficult. On certain carriers and routes award space can be next to impossible to find, while on others it's much easier.
In any case, I'd definitely recommend some time reading the AA forum, there are specific threads and wikis related to booking awards in general as well as specific threads for each partner carrier (CX, JL, QF, QR, etc).
Buying airline miles, ironically, makes more sense if you are Concierge Key or EXP, where presumably you already have plenty of miles (unless you control the corporate purse strings rather than fly). All carriers are cutting back on Award Inventory and Upgrades and offering sales and competitively priced options, particularly on International Premium Cabins. Miles are great if you can use them when you want to travel, where you want to travel and which cabin you wish to travel. if you have to use Anytime Awards rates, it is normally cheaper just to buy the ticket rather than buying miles, particularly if you do not book at last minute.