How to Use Someone Else's Airline Miles: A Simple Guide

Have you ever had a friend or family member with a stack of airline miles they're not using? Maybe they've mentioned you could use them for your next trip, but you're not sure how it works. Using someone else's airline miles is actually simpler than you might think.

The good news is that most airlines allow members to book flights for others using their miles. This isn't some secret loophole—it's a standard feature that airlines permit and even encourage. Whether you're planning a family visit, dream vacation, or just trying to save on your next trip, understanding how to use available miles from generous friends or family can make a big difference to your travel budget.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the straightforward process of using someone else's airline miles, when transferring points makes sense (rarely), and what you need to know about different airline programs—all without the confusing jargon that often surrounds frequent flyer programs.

Can You Actually Use Someone Else's Airline Miles?

Yes, in most cases, you can absolutely use someone else's airline miles for your own travel! The vast majority of airline loyalty programs allow members to book flights for anyone they choose using their accumulated miles.

According to most major airline policies, the miles stay in the account of the original earner, but they can be used to book tickets in anyone's name. This is perfectly legitimate and is often encouraged by airlines as a way to increase loyalty and satisfaction with their programs. As one Reddit user shared, "I used to do it for my employees and I do that for my wife occasionally when she has a solo trip. You just have to have the passenger info to put on their ticket when you purchase it."

However, there are some important distinctions to understand. When we talk about "using someone else's miles," we're specifically referring to having them book a ticket in your name using their miles. We're not talking about transferring their miles to your account (which often comes with hefty fees) or using their frequent flyer number for your flights (which is against airline policies and can result in penalties).

Most domestic U.S. carriers, including American Airlines, Delta, United, and Southwest, allow their members to book tickets for anyone. The same goes for many international carriers like British Airways, Air France/KLM, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. There are some exceptions, particularly with certain Asian airlines that restrict redemptions to family members, but these are less common programs for most travelers.

It's worth noting that while using someone else's miles for a legitimate gift is permitted, trading or selling miles is prohibited by all major airlines. Violating these terms can lead to serious consequences, including the termination of the loyalty account and forfeiture of any booked tickets. Airlines have sophisticated auditing departments that can detect suspicious patterns, so it's important to stay within program guidelines.

If you're new to the frequent flyer space, you might be wondering why airlines allow this practice. The simple answer is that it encourages loyalty and spending on their credit cards and services. When members know they can use their miles to gift travel to loved ones, they're more motivated to accumulate those miles through frequent flying or credit card spending.

The Easiest Way: Having Them Book for You

By far, the simplest and most cost-effective way to use someone else's airline miles is to have them book the ticket for you directly through their frequent flyer account. This approach avoids unnecessary fees and complications that often come with transfers between accounts.

When someone books a flight for you using their miles, the process is remarkably straightforward. The mile-owner simply logs into their frequent flyer account, searches for available award seats just as they would for their own travel, and enters your information as the passenger during the booking process. It's that simple! As Point.me explains, "Booking a points flight for someone else is typically as easy as booking your own flight. The only difference is that you'll enter someone else's travel details instead of your own."

Here's what the mile-owner will need from you to complete the booking:

Your full legal name as it appears on your ID or passport
Your date of birth (for some airlines)
Your passport number (for international flights)
Your contact information (email and phone number)

While not required, it's also helpful to provide your own frequent flyer number for the airline, even if you're not a regular customer. This allows you to earn credit for the flight itself (even though you didn't pay for it with your own miles) and access any basic benefits the airline offers to all members.

One important detail to note: the confirmation email and updates about the flight will typically go to the email address entered during booking. This can be either your email or the account holder's, depending on what's entered. Make sure you have access to the booking confirmation, which contains your record locator (booking reference) - you'll need this if you want to select seats, make changes, or check in online.

As for payment, any taxes and fees associated with the award ticket (which can range from as little as $5.60 for a domestic one-way flight to hundreds of dollars for international premium cabins) can be paid with any credit card. It doesn't have to be the mile-owner's card - they can use yours if that's more convenient.

If you're working with a tech-savvy friend or family member, the entire process can usually be completed online in just a few minutes. However, if the mile-owner prefers, they can also make these bookings by calling the airline's customer service line - though this sometimes incurs an additional phone booking fee that can be avoided by booking online.

Using our tool to find the right card based on your destination can help your generous mile-donor continue to earn the most valuable types of points for future gifts, based on where you and others in their circle typically travel.

When Transferring Miles Makes Sense (and When It Doesn't)

While having someone book a ticket directly for you is usually the best option, there are specific situations where transferring miles between accounts might make sense. However, these situations are limited, and it's important to understand the costs involved before pursuing this route.

Most major airlines charge substantial fees for transferring miles between accounts, making it an expensive proposition in most cases. For instance, American Airlines charges 0.5 cents per mile transferred, Delta charges 1 cent per mile plus a $30 processing fee, Southwest charges 1 cent per point, and United charges a steep 1.5 cents per mile plus a $30 processing fee. These fees quickly add up and significantly devalue the miles being transferred.

To put this in perspective, if someone wanted to transfer 25,000 miles to your account (roughly enough for a domestic round-trip in economy on most airlines), you would pay:

American Airlines: $125
Delta: $280
Southwest: $250
United: $405

When you consider that these miles might only be worth around $250-$375 in actual flight value (based on a common valuation of 1-1.5 cents per mile), the transfer fees often make this a losing proposition. As Point.me notes, "American Airlines is far and away the most reasonable option among popular U.S. airlines — and it's still a bad deal in most cases."

So when might transfers actually make sense? There are a few limited scenarios:

Topping off an account: If you're close to having enough miles for a specific redemption and only need a small transfer to reach your goal, the fees might be worth it. For example, if you need just 5,000 more miles to book a high-value business class ticket, paying $25-$75 for the transfer could be reasonable.
Preventing expiration: If miles are about to expire in someone's account and there's no other way to extend their validity, transferring a small amount might preserve the entire balance.
Family pooling programs: Some airlines offer special family or household accounts that allow free or reduced-cost pooling of miles. British Airways, for example, offers Household Accounts where family members can combine their Avios points. JetBlue and Air Canada also have family pooling options that can be much more cost-effective than standard transfers.

It's worth noting that while direct airline-to-airline transfers are usually expensive, there's another option worth considering: transferable point programs. Credit card rewards programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One Venture miles can often be transferred to multiple airline partners. If your generous friend has points in one of these programs, they might be able to transfer them directly to an airline where you already have an account. This approach avoids the airline's transfer fees, though the points would still need to be in your own airline account ultimately. Learn more about the ins and outs of these transfers at our guide to transfer partners.

The bottom line: while it's possible to transfer miles between accounts, the fees usually make it impractical. Having the mile-owner book directly for you remains the most efficient way to use someone else's airline miles in most situations.

Special Considerations for Different Airline Programs

While the general principle of booking flights for others using your miles applies across most airlines, there are important variations and special considerations depending on the specific loyalty program. Understanding these differences can help you navigate the process more smoothly and avoid unexpected complications.

Major U.S. Carriers

American Airlines AAdvantage: American allows members to book tickets for anyone using their miles. They have one of the more reasonable transfer fees (0.5 cents per mile) if you do need to transfer, though it's still generally not a good value. One unique feature is that American sometimes offers discounted awards for specific routes that could make someone's miles go further when booking for you.

Delta SkyMiles: Delta permits members to book for anyone but charges hefty fees for transfers (1 cent per mile plus a $30 processing fee). Delta's dynamic pricing model means award ticket prices fluctuate based on demand, so having someone check regularly might help find better deals with fewer miles.

United MileagePlus: United allows bookings for others and offers a Family Sharing feature that lets up to eight family members (who don't need to share an address) pool their miles for redemptions. This can be more efficient than paying their high transfer fees.

Southwest Rapid Rewards: Southwest has a straightforward policy allowing members to book for anyone. Their Companion Pass benefit is particularly valuable - if your friend or family member has earned this benefit, they can add you as their companion, and you fly for just the taxes and fees when they book a flight (whether with cash or points).

JetBlue TrueBlue: JetBlue offers Points Pooling, which allows families to combine points without fees - a rare feature among U.S. airlines. This can be an excellent option if someone in your family has JetBlue points they're willing to share.

International Airlines and Special Programs

British Airways Executive Club: British Airways allows members to book for anyone, but there's a special consideration if the member has a Household Account. In that case, they'll need to add non-household members to their "Family & Friends" list before booking for them. BA's Avios points are particularly valuable for short-haul flights, so this might be a good option for regional trips.

Air Canada Aeroplan: Aeroplan allows Family Sharing for up to eight family members, with miles that can be combined and used by any member. This is one of the more flexible family pooling programs available.

Qantas Frequent Flyer: Qantas has stricter policies, generally restricting redemptions to family members. If you're not related to the mile-owner, this might not be a viable option.

Specialized Account Types

Credit Card Transfer Partners: If your friend or family member has credit card points rather than airline miles, they might have more options. Programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards, and Capital One miles can be transferred to multiple airline partners, offering greater flexibility. Understanding the value of different transfer partners can help maximize the value of these points.

Elite Status Considerations: If the person booking for you has elite status with an airline, be aware that their status benefits (like priority boarding or free checked bags) typically don't transfer to you when they book an award ticket in your name. However, some programs do make exceptions for close family members, so it's worth checking the specific airline's policy.

When navigating these different programs, communication is key. Make sure the mile-owner understands their program's specific policies before making any booking commitments, and be prepared to provide all necessary information promptly to facilitate the booking process.

Avoiding Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

Using someone else's airline miles can be straightforward, but there are several common mistakes and pitfalls that can cause headaches or even lead to serious problems. Being aware of these issues can help ensure a smooth experience for both you and the person sharing their miles with you.

Policy Violations to Avoid

Selling or Bartering Miles: This is perhaps the most serious pitfall to avoid. Airline terms and conditions explicitly prohibit selling or bartering miles or awards. If an airline suspects this activity (for example, if someone regularly books tickets for people they don't know), they can close the account and invalidate any existing tickets. As One Mile at a Time warns, "Bartering airline miles violates the policies of virtually any airline loyalty program, and your account could be suspended and ticket could be forfeited if you're caught doing this."

Frequent Flyer Number Misuse: Never attempt to use someone else's frequent flyer number for your own flights. This is against airline policies and can result in the miles being forfeited and potential penalties. As one Stack Exchange response clearly states, "The FF number isn't assigned for the purchase, it's for when the person associated with the FF number travels. Names are checked."

Last-Minute Name Changes: Once a ticket is booked with miles, changing the passenger name is typically either prohibited or comes with significant fees. Make sure all details are correct before finalizing the booking to avoid complications.

Communication Tips

Clear Timeline Expectations: Be clear about when you need the booking completed. Remember that award availability can change quickly, so having your friend or family member book as soon as suitable options are found is often best.

Provide Complete Information: Ensure you provide all necessary details correctly the first time, including your full name exactly as it appears on your ID, date of birth, and passport information for international travel. Errors can be difficult and expensive to correct after booking.

Record Locator Access: Make sure you get the booking confirmation with the record locator (booking reference). This is essential for managing your reservation, selecting seats, and checking in. As AFAR magazine notes, "Let your giftee know that once you enter their details, such as their email and phone number, all further communication regarding the ticket will go to them."

Express Appreciation: Remember that someone using their miles for you is giving you a valuable gift. These miles were earned through their travel or spending, and have real value. A sincere thank you goes a long way, and perhaps consider a small gift or offering to cover the taxes and fees as a gesture of appreciation.

Planning Considerations

Award Availability Challenges: Award seats are limited, especially for popular routes and times. Being flexible with your dates and even destinations can significantly increase your chances of finding good options with someone else's miles.

Booking Window Awareness: Many airlines release award seats around 11 months in advance, and these often get booked quickly, especially for premium cabins or popular destinations. Plan ahead whenever possible.

Account for Taxes and Fees: While the miles cover the base fare, there are always taxes and fees that must be paid in cash. These can range from minimal ($5.60 for a one-way domestic flight in the US) to substantial (several hundred dollars for international business class on certain airlines). Be prepared to cover these costs or discuss them with the person booking for you.

Cancelation Policies: Understand the airline's change and cancelation policies for award tickets before booking. Some airlines offer free changes or cancelations for award tickets, while others charge fees. If your plans might change, factor this into your decision.

Using our tool to find the right card based on your destination can help you or your generous mile-donor better understand which points are most valuable for specific routes, potentially guiding future credit card choices for maximum benefit.

Quick Takeaways

Most airline loyalty programs allow members to book flights for anyone using their miles – this is the easiest and most cost-effective way to use someone else's miles.
Having the mile-owner book the ticket directly for you avoids transfer fees and is usually a simple process requiring just your personal details.
Transferring miles between accounts typically comes with substantial fees (ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 cents per mile plus processing fees) and is rarely the best option.
Family pooling programs (available with JetBlue, United, Air Canada, and British Airways among others) offer a more cost-effective way to share miles among close family members.
Credit card points from programs like Chase, Amex, and Capital One can be transferred to multiple airline partners, offering greater flexibility than airline-specific miles.
When someone books a ticket for you, you can still earn miles for the flight itself by adding your own frequent flyer number to the reservation.
The person booking for you needs your full legal name, birth date (sometimes), and passport details for international flights.
Selling or bartering miles violates airline policies and can result in account termination and ticket invalidation.
Booking award tickets well in advance is recommended as availability is limited, especially for popular routes and premium cabins.
While miles cover the base fare, taxes and fees must be paid in cash and can range from minimal to substantial depending on the route and airline.

Conclusion

Using someone else's airline miles can open doors to travel opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. As we've explored in this guide, the process is generally straightforward: in most cases, the mile-owner simply books a ticket in your name through their frequent flyer account, and you're ready to fly.

The key takeaway is that direct booking is almost always better than transferring miles between accounts. While transfers are possible, the associated fees typically erode too much value to make them worthwhile. Special cases like family pooling programs and credit card transfer partners offer more efficient alternatives in specific situations.

Different airline programs have their own nuances, so it's worth familiarizing yourself with the policies of the specific airline whose miles you'll be using. Whether it's a major U.S. carrier or an international airline, understanding these details can help ensure a smooth booking process.

Remember that using someone's miles is a gift that has real value. These miles were earned through travel or spending, and sharing them with you represents genuine generosity. Express your appreciation appropriately, and consider covering the taxes and fees as a gesture of thanks.

As you become more familiar with the world of miles and points, you might find yourself on the other side of this equation someday - able to help friends or family members with your own accumulated miles. When that time comes, you'll have the knowledge to navigate the process confidently.

Ready to start planning your own points and miles strategy? Our tool can help you find the right credit card based on your destination, allowing you to start building your own miles balance for future travels. And when you're ready to learn more about maximizing value through point transfers, our guide to transfer partners is an excellent next step.

Happy travels, whether you're flying on your own miles or someone else's!

FAQs

Q: Can I just give someone my frequent flyer number to use when they book their own flight?

A: No, this is against airline policies and can result in penalties including forfeiture of miles. The frequent flyer number should always belong to the person actually traveling. Airlines verify this information and can detect misuse.

Q: Do I need to be related to someone for them to book a flight for me using their miles?

A: For most major U.S. and European airlines, you don't need to be related - they can book for anyone. However, some Asian airlines like Qantas restrict redemptions to family members. Always check the specific airline's policy.

Q: If someone books a flight for me using their miles, can I still earn miles for that flight?

A: Yes, you can earn miles for a flight booked with someone else's miles by adding your own frequent flyer number to the reservation. You'll earn miles based on the distance flown or fare paid, depending on the airline's earning structure.

Q: What happens if I need to change or cancel a flight that was booked for me using someone else's miles?

A: Policies vary by airline, but generally, any miles refunded from a cancellation will go back to the original account they came from. Either you or the account holder may be able to make changes, depending on the airline's policies. Having the booking reference number is essential for making any changes.

Q: Can someone use their credit card points to book a flight for me directly through a travel portal?

A: Yes, credit card travel portals like Chase Ultimate Rewards or American Express Travel allow cardholders to book tickets for anyone. However, booking through these portals typically provides less value than transferring points to airline partners first. Our guide to transfer partners explains how to maximize value through strategic transfers.

Have you ever used someone else's airline miles to travel somewhere special? We'd love to hear about your experience! Share your story in the comments below and let us know if you have any other questions about navigating the world of points and miles.

Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.