Donating airline miles is not typically the first thought that comes to one’s mind when thinking of what to do with points/miles. Those who earn points, whether it be through frequent flying, credit card spending, or even airline programs for extra earnings, usually search for the best redemptions for flights and hotels. But donating airline miles/points is a perfect way to support charitable causes in the United States.
Several major airlines in the US, including United Airlines , Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines , and Alaska Airlines, offer frequent fliers the opportunity to support various organizations. Airline miles can be used for several things like covering travel expenses for medical treatment, disaster relief, transportation of military families, helping kids’ dreams come true. As mentioned in a previous story, airline miles can also help provide training for guide dogs, as well as support food banks.
The donation process is quite simple and is done on frequent flier programs, which show all of their partners. Some airlines even offer members the chance to donate directly to charities on their websites. Points and miles can also be used to support sustainability/environmental initiatives like conservation organizations that transport wildlife for relocation or transportation.
During times of disaster, US airlines commonly launch campaigns and encourage passengers to donate to relief efforts. While monetary donations to nonprofit organizations in the US are tax-deductible, points and miles are not as they are not considered taxable income. Donating points and miles is a perfect way to support organizations doing good work and is a practical solution for those that would not use miles for travel, or simply do not have enough to cover flights.
Additionally, for those who would like to support nonprofits but cannot afford to do so financially, points and miles are a great alternative. Covering every single airline’s partners would make for a really long story, so let’s take a look at a couple of organizations that can be supported in the US. The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a Christian nonprofit organization that was founded in England in 1865 and has since expanded to more than 140 countries worldwide.
In the US, The Salvation Army is most well-known for its bell-ringing campaigns at Christmastime, where some employees, but largely a volunteer effort, ring the bell in front of grocery stores and malls in order to raise money for their work throughout the year. Nationwide, the organization is well-known for having food pantries and providing Christmas gifts for families in need, but it does so much more. The Salvation Army has camps located all throughout the country, where every summer, thousands of kids get to experience an unforgettable week.
The organization also has adult rehabilitation centers (ARCs) that help people out of their addictions and guide them in launching careers. One unknown fact by most people is that The Salvation Army’s thrift stores’ sole purpose is to fund the ARCs. Disaster relief is typically attributed to the American Red Cross, but The Salvation Army is present at disasters, providing food, clothing, counseling, as well as other needs.
Following the attacks on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, The Salvation Army was the first relief organization at Ground Zero and the last one to leave. According to its website, only Delta SkyMiles can be donated to The Salvation Army. Miles are used to transport personnel to disaster relief sites and to provide travel for those in need of emergency medical care or who have social service emergencies outside their area.
The minimum donation requirement is 1,000 miles and can be made at the SkyWish website or by calling the SkyMiles automated phone line. American Red Cross The American Red Cross, one of the biggest relief organizations in the country, is partnered with several airlines for points and miles donations. According to its website, members of the following frequent flier programs can donate; Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
Donating is simple, and the breakdown of how to do so is below. " The American Red Cross is Delta Air Line’s longest-standing nonprofit partner. The partnership has allowed the airline, its customers and employees to help those in need since 1941 .
" Airline How to donate Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can donate through the CARE Miles program by signing in to Mileage Plan and choosing the donate miles option. American Airlines Miles can be donated through the Miles of Hope program in increments of 1,000. Delta Air Lines Donations should be made through the airline’s SkyWish program.
JetBlue TrueBlue members can use points through the donation page by selecting the Red Cross. Minimum donation starts at 500 points. United Airlines MileagePlus miles can be donated through the MileagePlus charity program or through the phone.
The minimum donation amount is 1,000 miles. Southwest Airlines Donations can be made by logging into the Rapid Rewards portal, in the Rapid Rewards Points Center. Then by clicking on the Donate Points button to start the process.
Other charities One of the most popular charities that airlines partner with is the Make-a-Wish Foundation. Since 1980, it has specialized in fulfilling dreams for children with critical illnesses. In its 44-year history, Make-a-Wish has expanded to 50 countries around the world and granted more than 300,000 wishes in the United States alone.
Some US airlines, like American Airlines, partner with Make-A-Wish to help make dreams come true. For example, earlier this year, American Airlines sent 20 children and their families to Disney World..
