At TPG, we are all about helping you earn and burn points and miles for incredible experiences like flying first class around the world. However, there are other powerful ways to use airline currency. One of our favorites is donating to a charity that is near and dear to our hearts here at TPG — Miles4Migrants.
Miles4Migrants has done extraordinary work helping victims of war, climate change and natural disasters escape sometimes horrific situations. The nonprofit has flown more than 43,000 people from 98 different nations to destinations out of harm's way. The group has done it by redeeming some 740 million points and miles donated by people just like you for flights worth roughly $17 million.
While Miles4Migrants' unique model allows supporters to donate points, miles and travel vouchers, the organization also accepts cash to help cover taxes and fees and purchase flight tickets for routes for which paying miles is not advantageous. Right now, TPG is matching cash donations of up to $15,000 through Dec. 22, so if you don't have extra points or miles to donate, don't fret: You can still do your part to support this group's important work.
Donate cash or your airline miles, credit card points or travel vouchers via this landing page.
What is Miles4Migrants?
Miles4Migrants is a nonprofit that accepts cash, airline miles, credit card points and travel vouchers as donations. It uses money and miles to book airfare for those fleeing persecution, poverty or political or ethnic violence. Miles4Migrants partners with other nonprofits to identify refugees, asylum-seekers and immediate family members who have legal approval to travel but cannot afford the airfare.
Just in time for Giving Tuesday, we are proud to report that TPG is officially a corporate sponsor for Miles4Migrants again this year, matching up to $15,000 in cash donations. To learn more about the amazing work the organization does, visit this landing page.
How to get involved
You can donate from a range of airline loyalty and credit card rewards programs. According to Miles4Migrants, miles from Air Canada Aeroplan, United Airlines MileagePlus and Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan are needed most of all. However, the need is great, so the group accepts donations from most programs.
Right now, donations of points and miles are transferred directly to Miles4Migrants from the following full-time airline loyalty program partners.
- Air Canada Aeroplan
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- JetBlue TrueBlue
- United Airlines MileagePlus
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You can make a cash pledge (or donate miles) on the Miles4Migrants website. The flight booking team at Miles4Migrants will work to match your miles pledged to an individual in need.
Once a match has been found, the group will contact you with the recipient's information. You can then book the flight yourself or have Miles4Migrants do it for you with your help. Oftentimes, you will receive a story and photo of the person or family your miles are helping fly.
If you have Alaska Airlines, Air Canada, Air France-KLM, JetBlue or United miles to donate, Miles4Migrants has direct relationships with these airlines, so you'll be able to donate directly into their pooled account. Pooled accounts provide Miles4Migrants with greater flexibility and efficiency when booking, so these miles are always greatly appreciated.
Besides frequent flyer miles, you can also donate travel vouchers and cash. Miles4Migrants currently accepts vouchers from Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, JetBlue, Iberia, Southwest Airlines and United. Cash donations help to cover any award taxes, fees and surcharges, and are, perhaps, most helpful.
Keep in mind that while cash donations are tax-deductible, donations of points, miles and vouchers are not.
To donate your airline miles, credit card points or travel vouchers to Miles4Migrants this Giving Tuesday, head to this landing page.
Related reading:
- When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
- The best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
