Yes it's against the rules, but ...
 

so is driving 56 mph in many places. Here're the facts: my Dad and I have the same name (I'm a "Jr."); however, my ff cards generally do not have "Jr." on them. We have different addresses. I fly fairly regularly (altho it can be hot and cold) for both business and pleasure; he rarely flies, and has never accrued enough to earn an award (and that will probably not change). I've often thought about asking him use my ff when he flies, but never have. My q's are: (1) what's the likelihood I could get away w/ this, and (2) should I try? thx tls (ps; someone else started a similar thread on the CO board, but for me it would apply to all airlines).

I know a couple of friends who used to do (and are still doing) this with UA. They have exactly the same names except one was Snr and the other Jnr. So, since Jnr flew a lot on biz and never needed free flights then his father took extreme pleasure in claiming award flights at his son's expense.

Does your father have an ID with the exact same name as what's on your FF account? I tend to think the answer is yes based on your post. If so, it would probably work.

However, with all of the new security, and considering existing airline rules, you'd have to be aware of where your father was flying. If you fly LAX-NRT today and your father flies under your name from MIA-LHR tomorrow, you're probably going to get caught one way or another.

(edited to add) For international travel, I know AA has my passport number in my FF profile. That could get your father in trouble when he checks in and they scan his passport into the airline computer or when he arrives at his destination (e.g. when departing for the US, airlines must electronically submit names and passport numbers ahead of time).

d

[This message has been edited by Doppy (edited 02-12-2002).]

I know a married couple who do this all the time. They have first names that are almost the same, and they always book under the same name and FF number. They now have a Platinum card, which they would never have otherwise, get all the extra bonuses, and a Platinum can always upgrade a spouse when they travel together.

Bruce

I agree that you are asking for trouble if you do this internationally, because of the passport numbers. You are risking a lot of headache dealing with some feds for a few miles IMHO.

As for reward travel, I thought you could redeem miles in anyones' name. In other words, you can gift the ticket, but not the miles. I could be mistaken.

So the only reasons to do it is to have the miles he flies count towards your account and to give him the benefits of any status you have. It may be worth it.

I think that "against the rules" is a nice way of putting it. It would be stealing.
Sometimes things that are against the "rules" are not quite as bad. Sometimes they're only against the airline's rules, but not illegal. I don't know, but maybe buying a ticket with extra segments that you don't intend to use because it comes out cheaper that way is against the airline's rules. But I don't think it's illegal, and it's very hard to find fault in taking advantage of such a situation.
But in this case you're ending up with benefits of status that you did not earn, or taking an award from them using "combined" miles when they're not willing to give you the award on such terms. I think that you essentially would be "stealing" that award, or the benefits you earned through status.
I happen to have a cousin with the exact same name as me. I fly quite a bit. He flies occasionally, and not always on the same airline. I suspect that he hasn't even bothered signing up to any programs. It's always felt like a waste to me for his miles to go to "waste" sine it would be so easy to have them credited to my account. Just like it would be so easy for me to get reimbursed by his insurance company for Doctor's visits I've had where he lives.

Flaco, is it also "stealing" when an airline touts an award that has so many strings and undisclosed limitations on it that its illusory? If so, do you have a lecture for the airlines?

I disagree. I have two different US passports. Each one has a different number. I have used both of them on the same trip. One on the outbound and one on the return and I have never had a problem.

Two US passports? A diplomatic and a normal passport? I thought that a single person possessing two valid US passports were generally against the "rules".

Thanks for the info.

I say More power to you! I don't see why this wouldn't work.

There are a number of legitimate purposes for holding two passports. In order to facilitate travel and visa processing needs of frequent travellers abroad, the Passport Office will issue a second passport valid for all countries but limited in validity. The usual validity granted is 2 years.

Also, due to certain political situations around the world, it is sometimes difficult to obtain permission to enter one country if a passport shows evidence of past or intended travel to Israel and/or South Africa. In some cases, visas are denied to US citizens. To avoid this problem, the US Passport Office will issue a second, restricted passport valid for a maximum of 2 years. The validity of the passport may be extended every 2 years till the full 10 year validity is reached.

If the applicant's current passport already has evidence of past or intended travel to Israel, a new passport valid for all countries for 2 years may be issued. The original passport would remain valid.

The passport validity may be extended several times for 2 years each time until full validity of 10 years is reached.

Additionally, many who travel on official business hold a second, "official travel" passport.


[This message has been edited by MatthewClement (edited 02-12-2002).]

You know it is wrong, but do not care if you can get away with it.

Nice thing for a resume.

Then, your father, not you are suggested to do this wrong thing. Let him be detained, jailed or at least humilitated

duh, nice guy.

I wouldn't consider it stealing. What did they steal from you?

If they tell you that if you pay X we will give you Y and they misrepresent the nature of Y, then you can argue that they stole X from you.
But if they advertise a wonderful award and then make only 1 seat available making it virtually impossible for anyone to take advantage of the offer, altough it is disgusting, maybe even "false" advertising, maybe even criminal- what could you possibly claim was stolen?

Regarding my lecture to the airlines- I don't think they really care what I think, except in as much as it effects how much money I throw their way, which is nothing significant.
Although I would not be surprised if thelostshark is of the same opinion, being that this is a public forum I chose to express my opinion. thelostshark will probably just sigh at my opinion and ignore it, which is fine. But maybe not.

When I entered South Africa, I was asked if I wanted a one entry stamp or multiple entries. I needed only the one entry. The stamp is on a removeable piece of paper, not on the page of the passport. Now I know why. Thank you.

I know someone who named his boys so that they had the same name as him, except for their middle or first names - I forget which.

Anyway, when I was checking in for an AA flight with him, he couldn't remember his ff number and the agent looked him up by name, finding him three times (actually, him and his two sons). The agent and I were like, huh, but he explained to me with the agent kind of half listening until he just said, "so which do you want to use."

You aren't shooting the pope, so don't let any of these posters who indicate as much get to you. The airline could care less ... its got bigger worries. Just get an ff account for both of you and either of you can give either number when you check in.

Further, along with the fact that some people have more than one passport, if you don't have your passport no. listed on your profile, how are they going to know who is who (by passport no.) on international flights? And, that's if anyone at the airline even cares.

Lastly, for what airlines pull, it would be hypocritical of them to look toward you first, to begin flinging accusations of lying, cheating or stealing.

[This message has been edited by lisamcgu (edited 02-12-2002).]