As the holiday season approaches, more travelers are looking to lock in their year-end travel plans—and that includes using miles to book flights. While most attention is usually focused on the major U.S. carriers, Alaska Airlines and Copa Airlines both offer valuable miles that are often overlooked.
If you’ve accumulated miles with either airline and aren’t planning to redeem them soon, Q4 may be the perfect time to sell. In this article, we’ll compare the resale value of Alaska vs. Copa miles, explain why they’re still in demand, and help you decide whether now is the right time to turn those miles into cash.
Alaska vs. Copa Miles: How Do They Compare in Q4?
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- Part of the Oneworld alliance, offering access to premium international carriers like Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, and British Airways.
- Known for retaining award charts for many partners, which provides better redemption predictability than programs that use dynamic pricing.
- High value for long-haul premium redemptions, especially for savvy travelers booking in business or first class.
Resale Outlook: Alaska miles generally command strong resale rates, especially in Q4 when buyers are searching for high-value redemptions. International travelers often seek these miles to lock in partner flights before award space disappears.
Copa Airlines ConnectMiles
- Member of the Star Alliance, giving access to a large international network including Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and United.
- Strong coverage across Central and South America, making them highly useful for regional holiday travel.
- Often overlooked but valuable for those needing short-haul and multi-city Latin America itineraries.
Resale Outlook: Copa miles hold steady resale value, especially with increased travel between the U.S. and Latin America during the holidays. While they don’t match Alaska’s premium cabin appeal, they remain in demand for regional trips and partner redemptions.
Why Sell Before the Holidays?
The fourth quarter is one of the busiest times for air travel. As demand spikes for both domestic and international routes, so does the need for miles—especially among last-minute bookers and travelers looking to avoid high cash fares.
Selling in October or early November ensures you:
- Take advantage of high resale rates before availability tightens
- Avoid the risk of devaluation or reduced redemption options
- Get cash while demand is at its peak
Waiting until December or into the new year could result in lower payouts, as award availability drops and buyers reduce their purchasing activity.
Why Use Miles123 for Smaller Programs Like Alaska and Copa
Selling miles from non-major carriers can be more difficult—but that’s where Miles123 excels. We work with a wide range of airline programs, including Alaska and Copa, and make the process simple:
- Visit Miles123.com
- Choose Alaska Airlines or Copa Airlines from the dropdown menu
- Get a Free Quote – No pressure, no hidden fees
- Verify Your Miles – We confirm your balance securely
- Get Paid First – You’ll receive your payment before the miles are transferred
If you’re not planning to travel with Alaska or Copa Airlines in the coming months, holding on to your miles may not be the best move. With holiday travel demand climbing and buyers actively searching for both types of miles, now is an ideal time to sell.
Get your free quote from Miles123 today, and turn your Alaska or Copa miles into cash—before the year ends and the market shifts.
