My answers follow you questions below. I am assuming this is a normal SkyMiles award and not some other promo, giveaway, etc. Meaning it came out of your Mothers Skymiles account.

Originally posted by connex2me:
Hi there,
I have a few questions about an Skymiles award certificate issued on my mom's name for travel within Europe on AF.

1) Am I correct that my mom can give this award certificate to me so I can request an award for myself?
** She can get you an award but must personally sign it over at a ticket office or airport.

2) Is there any chance to exchange the certificate against another certificate of less mileage value (OW BizElite Upgrade Europe-US)? Any penalties or fees to pay?
** You have to turn it back in to get the miles redeposited. There is a fee.

3) Is there any way to get the mileage value of the certificate posted on my own SM account?
** No, that would be transferring miles to another account. No way. Ever.

4) Or can I combine the certificate with some of my own SM mileage and get an award of higher mileage value?
** No, your miles are your miles. Her miles are her miles.

5) If I want book the Y class ticket for travel within Europe as the certificate states, how many days do I have to do that in advance? Any fees?
** You better double check this. It should be for a coach ticket, which is different than a Y ticket. You sit in the same place, just a different code. You can book last minute if AWARD seats are available. Check the SkyMiles web site for fees for redemptions under 7 days from flight.


Thanks!