Originally Posted by vasantn

I'll stir the pot here ...

My sympathies are with the OP.

Personally, I would not sell my miles for a couple of good reasons. But in principle, they are MY miles and I should be allowed to use them in any way I see fit. Whether or not I derive a financial benefit is not the airlines' business.

There is no question that such transactions have a negative economic impact on the airlines, as they result in less "breakage" (non-use of miles) than anticipated. But the airlines could build the reduced breakage into their economic models and adjust their FF programs accordingly. Let the free market prevail!

There is nothing illegal (in the customary sense) in the OP's actions. No one was cheated. The OP broke unilateral rules promulgated by the airlines, and may have to suffer the consequences. But to suggest that what he did was unethical, immoral, sinful, etc. is just plain ridiculous.