Air miles are a valuable asset for frequent travelers. However, there are chances that your known ones accumulate the miles and can’t use them before they expire. In this scenario, you can definitely use their miles, but while adhering to the guidelines or instructions set by the related airline. This is because the miles system is governed by certain basic rules. Each airline has its own rules regarding the transfer of miles, and some may be more restrictive than others.
Airlines typically allow you to transfer miles between family members, business partners or even friends. However, this transfer is usually limited to a certain number of miles per year and may incur fees.
This article takes you through the steps of using someone else’s airline miles. You can also read about the best practices to enjoy a smooth experience.
Can I Use Someone Else’s Airline Miles?
Yes! Most of the airlines allow travelers to let others use their miles. So, if you wish to use miles earned by someone else, here’s what you need to do.
Check with the Airline
First of all, it’s important to know about the transfer rules for miles set by the airline you choose to book a flight with. You can contact their customer support department. Certain airlines might impose limitations or conditions, including identity or relationship verification. In fact, the traveler who needs to share or transfer miles to you may also need to pay a defined fee. Thus, gather every single detail while you plan to use their miles.
For example, if you want to use someone else’s Southwest Airlines miles then you can easily go for it. The airline allows miles holders to transfer, gift, or even donate their earned points to others. So, gather details about rules or regulations surrounding this policy set by the airline.
Keep Documents Ready
Once you find all the information about the airline’s policy and you are ready to use the miles earned by someone else, you may need to show a proof of your relationship with the principal miles holder and may be other relevant certificates, aligning with the airline’s policy. So, make sure to prepare and keep ready all the documents or a copy of your ID, proof of address, or a letter defining your relationship with that person.
Needless to say, make sure that your details including full name, date of birth, and others provided by the principal miles holder to the airline matches the information given on your identity documents.
Transfer the Miles
Now the principal cardholder needs to transfer the miles to you. Once they approve of or authorize the same, you can start the transfer process online. It is also advised to speak to the airline’s customer service department to gain clarity on the steps to be followed.
You must be aware that trading or selling miles is generally prohibited by airlines and could result in account suspension. So, they must always be used by the principal holders in good faith.
Make Wise Use of Miles
Now it’s your responsibility to carefully read through the instructions or guidelines revolving around using the miles. So, once they have been transferred, make sure you get the most out of it. Keep an eye on blackout dates, travel limitations, and fare rules.
Thus, these are the crucial steps to be followed while using someone else’s miles. Be careful and make sure to abide by all the defined instructions in order to proceed without facing any complication.
Additional Points to Consider
Here are some of the important points to consider.
Have a Clear Conversation with the Principal Miles Holder
You must communicate everything clearly to the primary cardholder. This helps prevent any possible miscommunications which might lead to problems at a later stage.
Maintain Documents
It is beneficial to maintain a record of all transactions, including the transfer of miles. Moreover, any further reservations made with those miles should also be documented. This will help you avoid any disagreements or issues.
Monitor Your Account
Keep a check on your account activity and make sure that any transferred miles are accurately recorded in the same.
Common Restrictions on Using Someone Else’s Miles
Here’s what you will usually find to be restricted by airlines.
Transfer Charges
Some of the airlines have defined significant fees to be paid for transferring miles between accounts, thereby making it less economical.
Policies Only for Families
You won’t be able to transfer your miles to friends, as many airlines allow you to do the same for your immediate family members only. So, there are travel companion restrictions.
Redemption Groups
Some airlines like Cathay Pacific etc., have defined a rule that their customers can use miles for a limited number of individuals who have been nominated already. They are called a “Redemption Group”.
Account Holder Authorization
According to some airlines, it is mandatory for account holders to authorize the transaction. This could be done through a PIN system or by creating a reservation on their own.
Prohibition on Bartering
Trading or selling miles is generally prohibited by airlines, and it can lead to account suspension.
Ticketing Restrictions
As per some airlines, you may need to book tickets in the same name as the person who earned the miles. It may not be allowed to book tickets for someone else at all.
Name Changes
Some airlines may also define restrictions on changing names on a ticket, despite the fact that the name is identical to the person who earned the miles. This can lead to issues if you need to book a ticket for someone else.
Age Restrictions
Some airlines also define restrictions based on age. You may not be able to book a ticket using someone else’s miles if you do not belong to the age bracket set by the airline you need to fly with.
Distance Restrictions
Some airlines may have set distance restrictions. It means how far you can travel using someone else’s miles.
Fare Restrictions
Airlines may have announced fare restrictions on what types of fares can be booked using someone else’s miles.
Reward Chart Restrictions
You may also find restrictions set on which reward chart can be used when booking a ticket using miles earned by someone else.
Travel Dates Restrictions
Restrictions on which travel dates can be booked using someone else’s miles may also be defined. For example, you may not be allowed to fly using miles of another traveler if you book a flight for a blackout date or peak travel season.
Itinerary Restrictions
Restrictions based on itineraries is another challenge. Your airline might have set a limitation on the types of itineraries that can be booked using someone else’s miles. For example, you may be allowed to book only one-way tickets or a flight with multiple stopovers.
Award Availability Restrictions
Some of the airlines also keep a check on which award availability can be booked using someone else’s miles, for example, limited seats, specific routes etc.
Hence, these are some common restrictions that are defined to eliminate the misuse of miles. Rest it’s always recommended to check the specific policies of the airline you are traveling with in order to avoid any hassle.
Which Airlines Offer Loyalty or Reward Programs?
Here is a list of some major airlines and their loyalty programs.
Top U.S. Airlines
American Airlines – AAdvantage
Delta Air Lines – SkyMiles
United Airlines – MileagePlus
Southwest Airlines – Rapid Rewards
Alaska Airlines – Mileage Plan
Hawaiian Airlines – HawaiianMiles
JetBlue Airways – TrueBlue
Low-Cost U.S. Airlines
Spirit Airlines – Free Spirit
Frontier Airlines – EarlyReturns
Other Leading International Airlines
Air Canada – Aeroplan
Air France – Flying Blue
British Airways – Executive Club
Cathay Pacific – Asia Miles
China Airlines – Dynasty Flyer
Emirates – Emirates Skywards
Etihad Airways – Etihad Guest
Lufthansa – Miles & More
Qantas – Qantas Frequent Flyer
Singapore Airlines – KrisFlyer
Thai Airways – Royal Orchid Plus
Turkish Airlines – Miles&Smiles
Regional Airlines
Envoy Air (formerly American Eagle) – Envoy Elite
ExpressJet (formerly United Express) – United Express Rewards
Please Note: This is not a complete list. There are also other airlines with loyalty programs. Some of the airlines may even have collaborations or partnerships with other airlines or credit card companies, which enables you to earn and redeem miles across multiple programs.
You are highly recommended to gather complete details about the loyalty programs of airlines you frequently fly with. Read through their benefits to see which one aligns well with your travel habits and preferences.
Benefits of Using Airline Miles
Using airline miles elevates your overall travel experience as you can enjoy perks and rewards. Here are some of the major benefits of using airline miles.
Free of Cost Flight Reservations
The primary benefit is enjoying free flights to your desired destinations. You can redeem your miles for economy, premium economy, business, or even first-class tickets.
Upgrades
You can easily upgrade your ticket to a higher class of service, such as from economy to business or first class, using your earned miles.
Extensive Options
You can use miles to reserve flights even on partner airlines. Hence, it provides you with more options and flexibility while you plan your travel.
Hotel Stays
You can use your miles to book a hotel room or a vacation package, as many airlines offer hotel stays as redemption options to account holders.
Car Rentals
Car rentals are another redemption option offered by many airlines. Thus, it gives you the flexibility to rent a car for your trip.
End-Moment Travel
Airline miles can also be used for last-minute travel. This is especially useful if you need to reserve a flight on an urgent basis or due to a sudden plan.
No Blackout Dates
You will find that most of the airlines do not define any blackout dates. So, you can redeem your miles on flight bookings on any day of the year.
Travel Perks
Many airlines make available additional perks such as free baggage purchase, priority check-in and boarding, and airport lounge access, when you redeem your miles for flights.
Thus, you can relish personalized travel experiences that cater to your preferences and interests, if you choose to fly using miles.
Concluding Words
No doubt, using someone else’s airline miles can be a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy travel rewards. However, it’s important for you to pay attention to the rules and regulations governing mile transfers and follow best practices to ensure a smooth experience. You must communicate everything clearly to the primary account holder, maintain or track records, and be aware of the applicable fee. Please also bear in mind to always check with the airline’s customer service department for specific guidance on their transfer policies and procedures. Hence, you can enjoy the benefits of someone else’s airline miles without any stress or complication.
Related FAQ’s!
Here are some of the major queries related to airline miles, addressed for your consideration. Take a look.
Yes, you can use someone else’s miles. They can reserve a flight and book a hotel stay by performing everything directly from their account. You need to share your personal details, including your name and date of birth. You may also need to share your passport number with them, in case you are traveling on an international route. However, you must check if there is any restriction set by the airline for miles to be used by immediate family members only.
You can mention the person as a redemption nominee for whom you wish to make a reservation. That’s how you can use your miles to purchase a flight ticket for someone else, whether for your immediate family members or friends, as per rules defined by your airlines.
Yes, most of the airlines allow customers to donate their airline miles to a charitable organization. You are advised to seek guidance from the customer care department of your airline for complete details.
As per the policy defined by Delta Airlines, membership numbers cannot be transferred. Only one person is allowed to be registered per SkyMiles account.
Most airlines allow you to transfer your points online to your family members. Make sure to read through all the terms and conditions for the same. You are suggested to contact the customer support department of your airline for complete details.
Many airlines allow customers to redeem their miles while they reserve flights, get their seats upgraded, or avail any other associated service. However, miles cannot be converted directly to cash. Still, you are advised to get in touch with the customer service team of your airline for actual details.
Many airlines have enabled the facility of lifetime validity of miles for their passengers. However, it might be entirely different in the case of your airline. Thus, you need to confirm from the customer service department about the validity or expiry date of your miles.
Alaska Airlines does not allow children up to the age of 13 to create an account on their website. Nevertheless, you may create the Alaska Mileage Plan™ account for your child aged 13 by contacting the customer service team of the airline.
Some airlines allow their customers to make partial payments of eligible flights using their miles, while some may not. So, you need to confirm with your airline. For example, some Delta Amex Card holders can make full or partial payment for their eligible flights using the miles.
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