I posted this same query in the *A forum and apologize to those of you who are reading it twice.

While traveling in Brazil last week, I met a man who's son, who he hasn't seen in a couple of years, lives in Rome. I would like to help him out by using some of my US miles so that he can go see his son.

Looking at the *A schedules, it looks like travel on LH, or a combination of RG and LH, probably is the most promising for traveling GIG-FCO. What inventory should I be looking for for a free coach ticket on these airlines? Is it the same inventory for all *A airlines?

Also, since I don't know man very well, I am concerned that US will be suspicious of my selling him the miles (or of some other transaction that violates the rules). Is this a legitimate concern? Is there anything I can do to minimize the risk?

I agree with your assesment that LH and RG are the best options -- in fact I don't think there is really much of an alternative unless you take UA through the USA which is a huge hassle for Brazil passport holders and quite out of the way.

As is the case for most award tickets, the difficulity is actually finding availability. If you are lucky, you can get him onto the GIG-FRA non-stop to connect with a LH flight to FCO.

People issue tickets for others all the time. As long as you are the one making the reservation, the agents shouldn't be too concerned. Don't forget that you'll need to pay the ticketing fee and taxes as well.

US will only be suspicious if you tell them you're selling miles, which is of course prohibited in the Dividend Miles program Terms and Conditions. To issue the ticket in someone's name, you just request it that way. That's it. There are taxes to be paid, and of course a redepsosit fee if it needs to be cancelled

The only way to build/inquire about the itenerary you want is to call USAirways(assuming that's where the miles are being drawn from). They can work on the routing with you. But, it's best you have some routings already mapped out so they can plug them in and see what's available.

Varig Airlines from GIG to FRA, then onto FCO is the most direct routing. Otherwise, you're looking at a few connections in various cities..

The only way to build/inquire about the itenerary you want is to call USAirways(assuming that's where the miles are being drawn from).

Is it not possible to research availability using an availability tool before I call US? On AA, I always know what flights have award availability before I call by looking for Z, U or T inventory on an availability tool.

You can only research availability of award flights on US metal on usairways.com. You may be able to get that info on websites of other carriers, but it would honestly be easier to call the desk and let them know the routing and/or carriers you're looking at for the award ticket.

Is it not possible to research availability using an availability tool before I call US? On AA, I always know what flights have award availability before I call by looking for Z, U or T inventory on an availability tool.


It might be possible on tools like itn.net if you know the award booking codes for each carrier you wish to travel, *AND* if they are actually viewable on the online booking codes. That's why I say to just design your itenerary and call with the flight numbers/dates.

It might be possible on tools like itn.net if you know the award booking codes for each carrier you wish to travel, *AND* if they are actually viewable on the online booking codes. That's why I say to just design your itenerary and call with the flight numbers/dates.

They almost certainly will not show up on the ITN sites. However, using the availability tool that is downloadable from FT probably will work. I just need to know what inventory to look for! I certainly will call; I just like to have done my homework beforehand.