Can I Use My Frequent Flier Miles to Buy a Ticket for Someone Else?

Travelers know the value of enrolling in a frequent-flier program and ratcheting up the miles with each flight they take or with each purchase they make with a credit card linked to their mileage program. But there might come a situation when the traveler has to use the miles to buy a ticket for someone else.

Decide the Destination

The destination decides the number of miles that will be used. Most airlines charge 25,000 miles for a flight anywhere in the contiguous U.S.

Decide the Date of Travel

If you book early enough, you might be able to get a saver award, which uses fewer miles than the standard award.

Make the Reservation

Log in to your account and book the ticket. Give the passenger's name and details. You can also make the reservation over the phone.

Pay the Booking Fee

The amount varies with the airlines, but there are fees and taxes to be paid. There might be an additional processing fee, depending on how close to the date of travel the booking is made.

Sign the Authorization Form

If the passenger does not share the same last name, then you will have to go to the airline office to sign an authorization form for the release of miles.

Warnings

You do not have to travel with the passenger. Check your mileage balance to make sure there has been no unauthorized use.

References

• Frequent Flier Program

Resources

• Detailed Frequent Flier Information