Swap To Hawaii For Free?

Mile High Swap has been in the news recently so I signed up for a trial run.  The site was launched last month by two marketing execs.

They had an “ah-ha” moment when they saw the value of outstanding frequent flier points was over $500 Billion.  When I heard about Mile High Swap, I had an “ah-ha” thought that this might be a good way to travel free to Hawaii.

Mile High Swap’s Version of How the Program Works

You can post miles, items, or services you’d like to swap for an award ticket or for a specific number of miles.

If you want to make contact with someone who has what you want, however, you pay 99 cents  (or there are other subscription options available).  Right now Mile High Swap is waiving the contact fee for the first 90 days.

The parties decide between them who will pay (or if they’ll split) the airline imposed mileage transfer fee.

My Observation So Far: Not Impressed

I was given the menu option to post TWA Aviator Miles.  The problem is that the TWA frequent flier program has been out of business since 2001.  When I posted these miles (which don’t exist), I was never asked to verify that I had the miles in my account.

My concern is how you can trust the person you swap with?  What would happen if I didn’t get the miles, product or service I was expecting?  Mile High Swap does not offer any guarantees that I could find.

The best way to seal the deal might be to meet in person.  Mile High Swap, however, does not post the location of the person who wants to trade.

What Other Sites Have Mileage Swaps?

Try Craigslist, Points or Loyalty Match.

If you’ve tried swapping miles on any of theses sites, what was your experience?