Donating frequent flyer miles

[Barb D]

I have to use my US Air frequent flyer miles before they expire, and it looks like magazine subscriptions are the only way to do it.

Updated ... turns out I can donate them. I'll be donating them to the Operation Hero Miles, an organization which reunites wounded soldiers with their families, instead of redeeming them for magazine subscriptions we don't need.

Just found info for donating to the Red Cross: http://www.redcross.org/donate/donatemiles.html

and Make A Wish:
http://www.wish.org/help/donate/non_cash_gifts/airline_miles

I'm sure there are more!

ETA: I had wondered about whether this is tax deductible. It turns out the IRS considers this a donation from the airline, not from the individual, so it is not tax deductible.

 

[golfgal]

My guess is no because you didn't "pay" for the miles you earned them as a reward. DH donated his miles after 9-11 and I don't remember having anything on our tax forms for that.

 

[Barb D]

My guess is no because you didn't "pay" for the miles you earned them as a reward. DH donated his miles after 9-11 and I don't remember having anything on our tax forms for that.

You're right; I just found the info and updated my original post. I guess the airlines get big tax deductions for this! I didn't do it for the tax deduction, anyway.