Can I book a flight for someone else using my frequent flyer points?

Gifting the Gift of Flight: Using Your Frequent Flyer Points for Others

Dreaming of sending a loved one on vacation, but don’t want to foot the entire bill? Your stash of frequent flyer points might just be the perfect solution. While redeeming points for yourself is the most common use, most airlines offer ways to leverage those hard-earned rewards to benefit others, though the process can vary and may involve some careful planning.

The good news is, generally, the answer to “Can I book a flight for someone else using my frequent flyer points?” is a resounding yes! However, the how requires a deeper dive. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

1. Booking an Award Flight Directly:

This is often the simplest and most straightforward approach. Using your online airline account, you can book a flight using your points for anyone you choose. Think of it like buying a plane ticket – except you’re paying with points instead of cash. You’ll simply enter the recipient’s information (name, date of birth, etc.) during the booking process.

Important considerations for booking directly:

• Availability: Award seat availability can be limited, especially during peak season or for popular destinations. Be flexible with dates and airports if possible.
• Recipient Information: Ensure you have the recipient’s legal name as it appears on their government-issued ID. Errors can lead to issues at the airport.
• Paying Taxes and Fees: While the base fare is covered by points, you’ll likely still be responsible for taxes, fees, and any applicable surcharges.

2. Transferring Points (Sometimes):

Some airlines allow you to transfer points directly to another person’s frequent flyer account. This gives the recipient the freedom to book their own flights, choosing their preferred dates, times, and destinations. However, point transfers often come with caveats:

• Eligible Recipients: Many airlines restrict point transfers to eligible family members, often defined as spouses, parents, children, and siblings. Verify the specific criteria with your airline.
• Transfer Fees: Expect to pay a fee for transferring points. These fees can sometimes be substantial, so crunch the numbers to determine if transferring is cost-effective compared to booking directly.
• Minimum/Maximum Transfer Amounts: Airlines typically set limits on the number of points you can transfer per transaction or per year.
• Telephone Transfers: While some transfers can be done online, others require contacting the airline by phone, potentially incurring additional service charges.

3. Family Pooling (Where Available):

A growing number of airlines offer “family pooling” programs. These allow family members to combine their points into a single account, making it easier to accumulate enough points for a larger award flight. If your airline offers this, it can be a fantastic way to collectively pool resources and gift a significant travel experience to one individual or the entire family.

Before You Book: Key Questions to Ask:

• What are the airline’s specific policies regarding booking flights for others with points? Check their website or contact their customer service.
• Are there any blackout dates or restrictions on using points for certain flights?
• What are the taxes, fees, and surcharges associated with the award flight?
• What is the cancellation policy for award tickets booked with points?
• Are there any transfer fees associated with transferring points to another account?

In Conclusion:

Using your frequent flyer points to book a flight for someone else is a generous and rewarding gesture. By understanding the different options, potential fees, and airline-specific policies, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience for your loved one. So, dust off those points and start planning that surprise trip! Just remember to do your research and compare the costs of different approaches to maximize the value of your points and create an unforgettable gift.