Notiflyer has an update on the United-Sony music download site I reported on last week which will allow Mileage Plus members to earn frequent flyer miles for buying songs or spend miles instead of money for song downloads.

Here’s the money quote:

“What Connect has finally done is beat the pirates at their own game to offer better-quality files without consumers having to spend a dime,” said Jay Samit, Sony Connect’s general manager.

Online micropayments have failed as a business model thus far. Could miles as currency revolutionize e-business and save the music industry from itself?