Frequent flyers know the hard truth, while it may be easier to earn miles, it is increasingly difficult to redeem them. Now, some airlines are offering to sell additional miles and elite status.

American Airlines has introduced the AAdvantage Pass, which provides automatic Gold status for a year along with 100,000 bonus miles and loyalty points, at a cost of $5,000. But the value is questionable. Gold status sits three tiers below the highest level, making upgrades unlikely.

At a valuation of 1.4 cents per mile, the bonus miles equate to roughly a $1,200 ticket. For many travelers, it may make more sense to skip the pass and simply buy the ticket.