FF miles
Feb 2, 2001 | 8:43 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 1
FF miles
I am a college student at LSU planning on studying abroad in Germany this summer. I have been told that I can ask corporations and other people/companies for their extra frequent flyer miles, since I don't frequently fly the skies and am on a low budget. I have been referred to you by Charles McCool who said you may have some suggestions for me. I will appreciate any help. Thanks! 
Feb 3, 2001 | 5:31 am
#2
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: EU rotating
Posts: 2,926
Welcome aboard Lyn!!
To the best of my knowledge FF miles cannot be bought, sold, traded or bartered. Award tickets can be bought for you only as a "free" gift by the person wishing to make such a donation. I'm sure there are more competent people on this board to add to my comments. BTW, have a look at Coupon Connection forum.
To the best of my knowledge FF miles cannot be bought, sold, traded or bartered. Award tickets can be bought for you only as a "free" gift by the person wishing to make such a donation. I'm sure there are more competent people on this board to add to my comments. BTW, have a look at Coupon Connection forum.
Feb 3, 2001 | 10:07 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA 2.996MM & Plat Pro, DL 1MM, GM & Flying Colonel
Posts: 25,036
Most airlines allow members to donate miles to charity. The airline picks one or a few charities. The charity can then use donated miles to obtain awards. A typical example is a charity that allows terminally ill children to fulfill a wish. The donated miles cover the child's and a parent's travel to, for example, Disney World.
For you to take advantage of this scheme, you would (a) have to convince an airline that you are a legitimate charity, (b) convince them that you are worthy enough for them to terminate their support of a charity they're already supporting, and then (c) wait for the administrative mechanism to drop, say, the Make-A-Wish foundation and install you in its place.
Frankly, I think your chances of accomplishing this (ever, let alone in time to get a free ticket by this summer) are negligible to none.
Other than charitable donations, it's against every program's rules for members to give anyone miles - even if they want to - so there is no mechanism for them to do so. If a corporation wants to support your studies, it would be simpler for them to buy you a ticket. (Then you could start earning your own miles!)
For you to take advantage of this scheme, you would (a) have to convince an airline that you are a legitimate charity, (b) convince them that you are worthy enough for them to terminate their support of a charity they're already supporting, and then (c) wait for the administrative mechanism to drop, say, the Make-A-Wish foundation and install you in its place.
Frankly, I think your chances of accomplishing this (ever, let alone in time to get a free ticket by this summer) are negligible to none.
Other than charitable donations, it's against every program's rules for members to give anyone miles - even if they want to - so there is no mechanism for them to do so. If a corporation wants to support your studies, it would be simpler for them to buy you a ticket. (Then you could start earning your own miles!)
Feb 4, 2001 | 10:29 pm
#4
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1P; HHonors Silver
Posts: 2,686
United Airlines has marketing programs that allow mileage to be purchased. You probably know about Personal Miles, which lets you purchase miles for yourself (at 2.7875/mile). Give Miles is same thing, except they're transferable to another person. There is an annual [calendar year] maximum of 15,000 miles that can be received through either program. Reward Miles allows companies to purchase miles (at 2.25/mile) for transfer to individuals, with an annual limit of 20,000 miles.
I agree it probably doesn't make sense to travel on a "free" ticket, but if a sponsoring company is going to spring for a paid ticket, they might as well book it with a "B" fare basis and give you 20,000 miles to upgrade both directions to Business Class. Transatlantic Economy Class travel is inhumane, even for a "poor" college student...
Also, do you know about College Plus?
[This message has been edited by EPS (edited 02-04-2001).]
I agree it probably doesn't make sense to travel on a "free" ticket, but if a sponsoring company is going to spring for a paid ticket, they might as well book it with a "B" fare basis and give you 20,000 miles to upgrade both directions to Business Class. Transatlantic Economy Class travel is inhumane, even for a "poor" college student...
Also, do you know about College Plus?
[This message has been edited by EPS (edited 02-04-2001).]