Interesting. The reason I ask is because in January 2012 I had a flight booked on British Airways, and collected miles on my Alaska Airlines account. Long story short, I didn't end up making it to the trip (and it didn't occur to me to ask for a refund). I was consoled somewhat when I saw the ~12000 miles credited to my AS account, even though I was not on the flight.

So this is totally not an option on US carriers? You must be present and check-in for the flight in order for the account to be credited the miles & elite qualification?