I know that some of the airlines allow you to donate your frequent flyer miles to certain organizations. <BR> <BR>Does anyone know if any organization or airline has set up a program to donate frequent flyer miles for bereavement flights? The reason I ask, is that I'm sure there are going to be many family members that will need to attend funerals and memorial services that might not have the funds to travel now. <BR> <BR>Leslie

Great idea, Leslie. <BR> <BR>But I suspect that any of us that have any sizable "stash" of FF miles have something even more important to contribute - - cash. I'm not saying that I am pledging hundreds or thousands of dollars to the Red Cross or other similar organizations. I believe that I should and could. <BR> <BR>I have been almost waiting to hear President Bush ask every American who can afford it - - to take that income tax refund check and send the $600 (or whatever you got back) to the relief fund or any of various other equally worthy causes. <BR> <BR>I wonder if I would step up to that plate. <BR> <BR>Pensively... <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Rex, <BR> <BR>It's funny that you mention the refund check. I received mine today. Since I got home early this afternoon because of the bomb scare in my office building, I went to our local Red Cross to donate blood. I had to provide identification to the Red Cross, I noticed the check in my handbag (which I had intended to deposit in the bank) and signed it over to the Red Cross. It was truly spur of the moment, but it seemed to be the right thing to do. <BR> <BR>Leslie <BR> <BR>

Gulpp!! <BR> <BR>Well, Leslie, that's quite a gauntlet you've thrown down in front of me (I set myself up for it didn't I?) <BR> <BR>I don't know what I will do. I have always had the philosophical view that higher education is the only "charity" that I give to, partly because I have multiple alma maters (some other pedant will undoubtedly tell that this is not the proper plural for alma mater - - is it almae mater?) <BR> <BR>In any event, I think you DID just buy some needy person a plane trip home, Leslie - - or clothes, or groceries, or something just as worthy. <BR> <BR>Good for you. <BR> <BR>

Rex, <BR> <BR>Although you have a wife and 3 daughters (2 in college and 1 enrolling shortly), your income is probably many times more than mine. I'm not spending your money, but I urge you to at least match my donation. If you can't do that, possibly you can go through your closets -- I understand that besides money, the different agencies are looking for socks, jeans, work gloves, clean underwear, etc. I'm sure that there are many donation drop off points in your area. <BR> <BR>Leslie

Great ideas. I have small amounts of frequent flyer points to donate on a few different airlines. They would probably expire before I would get to use them anyway. Let us know where they can be donated.

- <BR>Good idea, Leslie. And I've just checked Delta Airline's website to see latest information and found this: <BR> <BR> \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ <BR>SkyWish: How to Donate Miles <BR> <BR>Delta is deeply saddened by the events of September 11, 2001 and, like you, wants to help those affected by this tragedy. Delta has donated 8 million miles, 2 million each to American Red Cross, CARE, United Way of America and United Way International to immediately assist in relief efforts. <BR> <BR>Delta SkyMiles members may also donate miles through the SkyWish program to aid in the transport of rescue workers, relief personnel and other individuals affected by these events. SkyMiles members may donate their miles to any or all of these organizations. <BR> <BR>As always, members may make donations of any amount above a 5,000 mile minimum. <BR> <BR>Donations can be made via e-mail at [email protected], by calling 1-800-325-3999, via fax at 404-773-1945, or at any Crown Room Club location worldwide. Please include your SkyMiles number, the amount of miles you wish to donate and the charity you would like your miles to benefit. You may donate to more than one of the charities listed above. <BR> <BR>=========================== <BR>I'll check on the other major carrier sites to see if they have made arrangements to do likewise. <BR>

Robin, <BR> <BR>Thanks for the info and doing the research. I have miles on Delta that I will certainly contribute. <BR> <BR>Leslie

- <BR>I've now checked websites for American, Continental, United & Northwest Airlines. They don't have anything specifically addressing how to donate miles --- or at least there is not any mention on their sites. Did find discussion on 'Smarter Living' re: bereavement fares. <BR> <BR>(from http://www.smarterliving.com/ ) <BR> <BR>/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// <BR>Plane Talk on Bereavement Fares <BR> <BR>Bereavement fares—sad as the subject may be—need to be addressed in light of the current situation. Many travelers are unaware that airlines offer discounted bereavement or compassion fares for families who need to travel to funerals or to medical emergencies. Airlines are also working with the American Red Cross to provide other options. <BR> <BR>With families in turmoil who are trying to reunite, negotiating a good airfare is the least of their worries. Yet with a little information, many can save a great deal of worry and money should the need arise. <BR> <BR>Fare Deals? <BR> <BR>With the exception of Southwest, all major U.S. airlines offer bereavement fares, which are discounted tickets for family members traveling to a funeral or medical emergency. These fares range anywhere from 15 percent to 70 percent off the walk-up full fare. These percentages vary by market and seat availability. <BR> <BR>Northwest Airlines has the most liberal bereavement policies by offering discounts up to 70 percent off a full or unrestricted fare. American, Delta, Continental, and US Airways offer savings around 50 percent off a full fare. Low-fare carrier Southwest feels its regular fares are low enough to fall below bereavement fares on other airlines. <BR> <BR>JetBlue has made special compassionate fares available for travelers to reach loved ones in New York. These fares will be available for travel by September 19 and completed by October 2. <BR> <BR>Other Options <BR> <BR>Instead of offering a bereavement fare, some airlines will waive the advance-purchase requirement. Rather than paying the full fare, customers pay only the lower 14- or 21-day advance-purchase fare. United offers a seven-day advance fare, which can save about 15 percent. <BR> <BR>Some airlines' bereavement fares allow for an "open-jaw return," meaning that you do not have to indicate your return flight in advance. Instead, you can come back when you want, at no additional cost. <BR> <BR>What if you are already traveling when you hear the bad news? Typically, you can use your return ticket to fly standby. Because of the circumstances, some airlines will waive any ticket-changing fee or change in fare at the airport. Those that don't will advise you to submit a copy of the death certificate, along with a request for a refund <BR>

I was too quick to make the comments I made, in response to Leslie's original post. <BR> <BR>And then I felt especially red-faced that she "called my hand", asking how/when I was going to match the donation she made. I felt especially pre-occupied by the prospect of being stuck with the entire cost of our villa rental, as participants on the fall Fodorites' trip were wavering over what to do. <BR> <BR>Tonight, I have received the terrific reassuring news that at least six of seven - - (and maybe 7 of 7!) - - of the participants are going to join in solidarity and proceed with the trip, despite whatever logistical travel difficulties we may encounter (we are almost certain to mis-connect to our Lufthansa flights through Frankfurt to Italy, for example). <BR> <BR>This wonderful decision by every one participating on this strange and happy odyssey makes my concerns about giving to the Red Cross now seem very petty. <BR> <BR>I'll prepare my check to send to the Red Cross before we leave. <BR>

It's been amazing here in NYC to see how even people who literally have nothing have been moved to do SOMETHING to help. Rescue volunteers who have been collecting cash donations at one church in Manhattan have related on television how a homeless man walked in and emptied his cup, literally all the money he has in the world, into the rescue collection. Though he clearly is not spending time on European travel sites, I want to offer public thanks to that man and everyone else who is making their own sacrifices on behalf of our city.

For all of you generous people making cash contributions to benefit the victims of the 9/11 attack: <BR> <BR>Check with your employer. Many companies are matching employee contributions.

Michelle, excellent advice! And, for those who wish that their companies were donating, setting up fund drives, etc., try to start something in your own office. I started a small drive in our Corporate Office (for blood and cash donations) ... now, I've just received the green light to take both efforts nationwide for all 15,000 of our employees. And (fingers crossed) our Company may partially match the employee donations. Just keep asking and someone may say yes. <BR> <BR>Also, for Chicagoans like me who aren't rolling in money, you can look for great opportunities to donate time at www.chicagovolunteer.net. <BR> <BR>p.s. Way to go, Leslie! Since our company uses United, I just got off of the phone with our rep. United and many other airlines have donated millions of FF miles, but they have a list of charities that accept FF mile donations. I just called the Mileage Plus tollfree number ... the whole process took less than 10 minutes.

From Smarter Living: <BR> <BR>Donate Miles to Assist Relief Efforts <BR> <BR>Several airlines are allowing their frequent fliers to donate miles toward the relief efforts in New York and Washington. Participating airlines include Delta and Northwest. <BR> <BR>Delta Airlines has donated eight million miles to American Red Cross, CARE, United Way of America, and United Way International to aid in the relief of the September 11 tragedy. Delta SkyMiles members may also help by making donations of their own SkyMiles to any or all of the above organizations through Delta's SkyWish program. The minimum donation is 5,000 miles and may be made via e-mail at [email protected], by telephone at 800-325-3999, via fax at 404-773-1945, or at any Crown Room Club location. <BR> <BR>Northwest WorldPerks members may also donate their miles to the American Red Cross by calling 800-327-2881. This contribution will not be tax-deductible. Those wishing to make a tax-deductible cash donation should contact the Red Cross directly, at 800-HELP-NOW (800-435-7669). <BR>

Another article from Smarter Living: <BR> <BR>Priority Club Matches Point Donations to Red Cross <BR> <BR>Members of Priority Club Worldwide may now donate their Priority Club points to the Red Cross, through the new "Road to Recovery" program. Donations may be made in increments of 2,500 points (the equivalent of $10 in cash). Priority Club will then match each donation made. To make donations, call the Priority Club Worldwide Service Center at 800-447-3418. <BR>

More from Smarter Living: <BR> <BR>Donating Miles to Charity Programs <BR> <BR>In the wake of the September 11 tragedy, we wonder what we can do to help those in need. All of the airline programs [state the name of their program after the name of the airline] below will transfer your miles to the charities listed: <BR> <BR>Alaska, Charity Miles, Charity Supported: Make-A-Wish Foundation, AirLifeLine, The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, The Alaska Children's Trust <BR> <BR>American, Miles for Kids in Need, Charities Supported: A Wish With Wings, Hearts in Motion, Make-A-Wish Foundation, American Cancer Society, Starlight Foundation, Variety Clubs International <BR> <BR>America West, Miles of Hope, Charities Supported: American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Angel Flight, National Runaway Switchboard <BR> <BR>Continental, Charities Supported: AmeriCares, The Brass Ring Society, Healing The Children, Make-A-Wish Foundation <BR> <BR>Delta, Sky Wish, Charities Supported: CARE,Make-A-Wish Foundation, The United Way of America, The United Way International <BR> <BR>Midwest Express, Miracle Miles, Charities Supported: Various Charitable Organizations <BR> <BR>Northwest, Air Cares, Charities Supported: Various Charitable Organizations <BR> <BR>Southwest, Give Your Heart Wings, Charities Supported: Various Charitable Organizations <BR> <BR>United Charity Miles, Charities Supported: AIDS Project Los Angeles, American Red Cross, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Salvation Army, Special Olympics, Transplant Recipients International Organization <BR> <BR>US Airways, Dividend Miles Charity Program, Charities Supported: Make-A-Wish Foundation, Save the Children