The Extra Mile

On the Menu: Frequent Flyer Miles for Dining

Q&A: Which Programs Have Family Accounts?

April 28, 2002 - Hungry for miles? Of all the myriad ways to earn frequent flyer miles, dining-for-miles may be the most consistently rewarding.

Miles for dining are offered through the frequent flyer programs of Alaska Airlines, American, America West, Continental, Delta, Northwest and United. Generally, members earn 10 miles for every $1 charged to a registered credit card at participating restaurants. And periodic special offers can boost that already-generous earning rate even higher.

Example: between April 1 and May 31, 2002, United Mileage Plus members who participate in Mileage Plus Dining will earn double miles (20 miles for every $1 charged) at more than 1,500 participating restaurants. And if the registered credit card is a Mileage Plus Visa, you will earn an additional mile, for a total of 21 miles per $1 charged.

For a list of participating restaurants, see http://mpdining.idine.com.

(As with many promotions, you must pre-register to receive the bonus. In this case, use promotion code MPG 212.)

Readers: Miles on their Minds

Question from Gail

I have been trying to find frequent flyer programs where the family has one number and any member of that family is able to place their bonus miles into it. Makes sense to me and avoids some piddling additions to some accounts that therefore go unused or to magazine subscriptions that never arrive. Any help would be appreciated.

Answer

Among the U.S. airline programs, the answer is a resounding "Not."

While there are occasional limited-time transfer opportunities (see the Continental offer above), U.S. frequent flyer programs are designed to generate individual, not family, loyalty.

Typical of the airlines' policies is the following from United's Mileage Plus terms and conditions: "The Mileage Plus Program is maintained for the benefit and participation of individual members only. Only individuals are eligible for Mileage Plus membership, and each member may maintain only one account."

The hotel programs have been somewhat more accommodating in this area. Hilton's HHonors program features Mutual Fund accounts, allowing married couples to earn and redeem points to and from a shared account. The Starwood Preferred Guest program permits two members with the same mailing address to transfer points. And Six Continents' Priority Club Rewards allows unlimited transfer, but for a price: $5 for every 1,000 points transferred.

Some foreign carrier programs -- e.g. British Airways Executive Club and Japan Airlines Mileage Bank -- do offer family accounts. But for most, the benefits of family mileage pooling would be more than offset by the disadvantages of participating in a program designed primarily for members outside the U.S.