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According to a recent LA Times article, at least 15% of all airline reward miles expire without being used. Airlines issue billions of dollars worth of reward miles each year in the U.S. Consequently, this means that an enormous amount of money goes to waste.
I know how easy it is to let airline rewards expire. I’m guilty of doing that myself a few years ago. At the time, it never occurred to me that a wonderful option is to donate unused miles to charity.
Today I’ll let you know about several charities that are thrilled to receive your unused miles. Before we begin, consider these three important factors:
- Each airline has its preferred list of charities. Contact your airline directly to find out if you can donate miles to the charity of your choice.
- Every airline rewards program uses different criteria for donating miles. For example, you may need to donate a minimum of 500 miles, or they might require donations in increments of $1000.
- The IRS considers donations of airline points or miles as a gift from the airline to the charity. Therefore, you generally cannot deduct donated miles on your individual income taxes. See publication 526 for more information.
These are 5 of the most well-known charities to receive donations of airline miles. Click on the name for more information.
Dream Foundation
This organization grants dreams to terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of 9 months or less. Donated airline miles allow patients and their families the opportunity to travel to make last memories.
(Note: Does your facility sponsor a program that grants wishes to your residents? The Dream Foundation may be an excellent resource to help fulfill a wish.)
American Cancer Society
Make A Wish
This charity grants special wishes to children under the age of 18 with critical illnesses. All expenses related to the wish are fully covered. Donated miles provide flights for the children and their family members when the wish involves air travel.
American Red Cross
One mission of the ARC is to provide emergency help and disaster relief. Donated miles enable volunteers and staff to quickly reach areas affected by natural and human-caused disasters.
Hero Miles
Wounded, injured, and ill service members receive travel assistance through this group. While on approved leave, they may receive a round-trip airline ticket for a trip from a military or VA medical center to their home. (This applies if they are not eligible for government-funded airfare.) They also may receive an airline ticket to allow their family or close friends to visit while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center.
Now, let’s all check our accounts for unused miles that we can donate to a grateful charity!
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