If it someone I know..Not a stranger

Why not? This is permitted by every major frequent flyer program.

Many of us have purchased tickets with miles for friends and family and I would presume most programs allow that.

i've done it many times. iirc, the cert's/tickets had to come to me if there was a different surname. usually given to relatives.

Presumably you are talking about a ticket that has not yet been issued.

If it has been issued already, one cannot just give it away and change the name. Under the Terms and Conditions of most frequent flyer programs (which is where you will find the authoritative answer as to your particular carrier) you would have to return the ticket and redeposit the miles --perhaps with a fee -- and then get a new ticket issued in the passenger's name.

In the early 1980s, many programs allowed tickets to be issued only to passengers with the same surname. With more women keeping their maiden names even after marriage, and a demand by frequent flyers to be able to actually use the awards -- after all, we want our own families to get status, too! -- the airlines liberalized their policies.

But not all carriers allow gifting tickets to whomever one pleases. Qantas still require that there be a close family relationship. There may be others. Check your T & C.

You forgot to mention Southwest Rapid Rewards Ticket. It can be fully transferable to anybody even a stranger.

I have also gotten tickets for my family and friends using my miles. The only thing is that the airlines will mail the ticket/confirmation to your mailing address and you would then give it to the person that you requested the ticket for.

Howardform, I would be more than happy to volunteer to help you test this issue. We are definitely total strangers and I would really like a first class award ticket to Rhodesia. This is a serious offer. I will happily give you my real name, passport number and even throw in a Chia Pet, when you book the ticket.

Do you want to know my preferred FC seating?



OK, the real answer is, yes. You can give me or anyone else on the face of this earth a free award ticket. The ticket will, in all likelihood, need to be mailed to your address of record.

Hey don't let that discourage you, I'll be happy to fly wherever you are to pick up the international FC paper ticket.

Not so fast. If you give me the FC ticket, I'll meet my cousin in Nigeria who has $25,000,000 in bearer bonds that he can not personally get out of the country. If you help us we will give you 10% of the proceeds.

Oh, I almost forgot. Yes, I've got them for my parents. In case you're wondering, they're from New York City not Nigeria.

HAHAHAHAHAHA...that's the funniest thing I have read...

Have you noticed as well the increased frequency of these Nigerian emails?

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Oliver O Ontiveros
NW Gold Elite, SQ PPS/Gold, UA PE, TG Silver, LH Silver, Starwood Plat, HHonors Gold