Alaska Airlines leaves the door open for anyone to fly Business and First Class the world over via its mileage program, Mileage Plan.

That’s because the carrier sells its miles -- and puts no limit (highly unusual) on the amount you can buy. The cost is about $27 (tax included) per 1,000 miles, and there are no service charges for online purchases.

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Here’s how this can work for discount Business Class travel to the Middle East:

A Mileage Plan partner award on British Airways from North America to Africa or India is 140,000 miles in Business Class and 160,000 miles in First Class. Purchasing 140,000 Alaska miles costs $3,780. Purchasing 160,000 Alaska miles costs $4,320.

By comparison, British Airways Executive Club charges 180,000 miles for Business Class, 270,000 miles for First Class.