Donating Miles to Charities
Sep 3, 1999 | 9:18 am
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
Donating Miles to Charities
Frequent flyers get a bad rap. They're seen as mile hungry maniacs who are only interested in hording miles. A majority of the programs offer the option of donating miles to their favorite charity. Have you ever done this? If so, why and to which organization. With American and many other programs following suit, will the introduction of unexpiring miles change the generosity of members?
Sep 3, 1999 | 10:48 am
#2
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Reno, NV (RNO)
Programs: AA LT Platinum, AS, UA Premier Silver, DL, HHonors Gold, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt, IHG Platinum
Posts: 4,723
The only miles I have ever donated were 1500 AA miles that were headed for expiration a year or two ago. In general, I would guess that the elimination of mileage expiration will reduce mileage donations. The key item really is what the tax rules are for deducting these donations as charitable contributions. If you can value them at 2 cents each or more, than mileage donations may continue.
Sep 3, 1999 | 10:57 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: DCA: Go Nats! BWI/CLE: Go Tribe!
Programs: US3, WN, UA, AA, CO
Posts: 1,272
I donated over 14,000 expiring United miles to the American Red Cross last year. (I switched companies in 1997 and stopped flying United for business travel.) United sent me a letter of appreciation as a result.
Sep 3, 1999 | 4:01 pm
#5
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, Bonvoy G; IC S; AA; DL
Posts: 14,496
I donated 92,000 miles since June of 1998 to various environmental organizations so staff could travel mid week or on short notice and not be dinged thousands of dollars.
[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 09-03-1999).]
[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 09-03-1999).]