Alaska Airlines miles are known for being some of the most valuable in the loyalty travel world, thanks to a strong partner network, competitive award pricing, and access to premium international flights through the Oneworld alliance. But as we approach the end of the year, many Mileage Plan members are starting to ask: Should I redeem my Alaska miles or sell them for cash?
If you’re not planning to travel in the near future, December might be the perfect time to sell. In this article, we’ll break down the current resale value of Alaska miles, explain why demand is still strong this time of year, and how to sell your miles quickly and securely through Miles123.
Alaska Miles: Valuable, But Not Always Easy to Use
Alaska’s Mileage Plan program is unique in that it still uses published award charts for many partner airlines. This can provide great value—especially when booking business or first-class redemptions on partners like Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, or British Airways.
However, this value is only accessible if you:
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Have flexible travel dates
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Know how to find partner award space
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Plan far in advance
If you’re not a frequent traveler or don’t want to spend time searching for redemptions, holding miles can feel like a missed opportunity—especially with potential program changes always looming.
Why December Is a Smart Time to Sell
1. Travelers Are Still Booking Winter Flights
Many travelers are still making last-minute bookings for holiday trips, New Year’s getaways, and early 2026 vacations. Alaska miles are in demand because they provide access to both domestic routes and international Oneworld partners, especially for travelers on the West Coast or headed to Asia.
2. Avoid Potential Devaluation in 2026
As with many loyalty programs, Alaska Airlines could adjust its award pricing or partner availability in the new year. Selling your miles in December locks in the current value before any changes take effect.
3. Get Cash Before the Holidays
Rather than letting your miles sit unused, selling them now gives you real money—something you can use for gifts, travel, or year-end expenses. Why wait when you could turn your points into spending power today?
When Should You Hold Instead?
If you already have a planned redemption in early 2026—especially for a premium cabin partner flight—holding your miles might still be the right call. But if your miles are sitting unused and you’re not actively watching for award deals, you could be leaving money on the table.
Sell Your Alaska Miles with Confidence at Miles123
Selling Alaska miles through Miles123 is fast, safe, and completely secure:
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Go to Miles123.com
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Select “Sell Alaska Airlines Miles”
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Request a free quote based on your balance
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We verify your miles securely
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You get paid before transferring your miles
There’s no risk, no commitment, and no need to navigate the complex world of redemptions.
If you’re holding unused Alaska Airlines miles, December is one of the best times to sell. Between strong buyer demand and the potential for program updates in the new year, you can maximize your payout and avoid surprises down the line.
Get a free quote today from Miles123, and find out how much your Alaska miles are worth—while the market is still strong.
