Don't know if this was ever mentioned before, and I know this board is not in this kind of business. Still....
Some of the recent posts, such as the one by the Marine's mom, made me think - what if the FT (or its parent org) created a charity fund of miles, to be doled out to sick children, servicemen, and such - at Randy's discression? Could also accept free trips, hotel nights, coupons, etc.

Don't know if this would be legal, or even possible....But it sure can be a good cause, and a great use for the "dormant" miles.

Actually a lot of the airlines already have such programs - I once gave a large donation of miles to Make-a-wish Foundation after an airline crew had treated me with incredible kindness after i'd been injured the night before an sfo-nrt-bkk flight (18hrs travel)

I know, DL has it for years.
What I meant is - all FT participants "pooling" their miles, coupons, etc. For example, I don't have many miles on, say, USAir. Not enough for a free ticket, or even upgrade. Some other people maybe in the same situation. But if say 10 of us combined our miles, there could be enough for a free ticket or 2. Somebody else can donate an upgrade, maybe, or a 50% off coupon.

[This message has been edited by MileJunkie (edited 05-24-2000).]

Looks like we all think alike. If you were to check out the owner of the URL - miledonor.com - you'd find that it is ours. We have been working for some time to get this launched. As the names indicates, it's a charity portal for donating miles. We will try to accomplish several things: 1) educate the public of all the ways you can donate miles through various programs with links, advice and updates on the latest promotions involving these programs; 2) we will also offer advice and step-by-step instructions on how members may donate to the charity of their choice, in case none of the ones offered by programs fit their desires and finally; 3) we will post an area whereby individuals and groups can post needs for the donation of miles.

We will be woeking with many groups who seek donations, such as the RotaryMiles program that Rotary Club has put together. Our attempt will be to educate the public and serve as a portal for all this information. We will also be seeking corporate sponsors because we don't want to make it just an online only experience, we want to back it up with live help and also tie in ratings of various charities (already available such as how much of the bottom dollars really go to the causes) to help people decide where they want to put their miles. We will also try and validate the requests for miles since this becomes an easy target for scams to get free tickets....

Is this what you are thinking of?

I was thinking along the same lines, but this, of course, is much more comprehensive and ambitious. Great job!

Randy, I think your work for charitable causes is exemplary..... in addition to all the work your organization and team has done for us frequent travellers. Thank you and congratulations!


BTW, the rating of charities is an excellent idea.

well done

Great Idea Randy, keep up the good work!

I have some United miles I would like to donate. Count me in.