Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. You need 6,000 to 20,000 miles for a free one-way flight, depending on how far you're flying, which airline you're using and the dates of your travel. A one-way international flight will usually cost 35,000-50,000+ miles.

In 2026, the number of miles required for a "free" flight (award flight) depends on whether the airline uses a Fixed-Mile Chart or Dynamic Pricing. For a standard domestic "saver" one-way flight in the US (like NYC to Florida), you typically need 7,500 to 12,500 miles. For a round-trip international flight in Economy (e.g., US to Europe), most programs require between 60,000 and 80,000 miles. If the airline uses dynamic pricing (like Delta or United), a "free" flight could cost as little as 5,000 miles for a short hop or as much as 300,000 miles for a last-minute Business Class seat. It is important to remember that "free" isn't entirely free; you must still pay taxes and fees, which can range from $5.60 for a US domestic flight to over $800 for a British Airways flight through London Heathrow. Generally, earning 15,000 to 20,000 miles is the "entry level" threshold where you can start looking for short-haul reward opportunities.