Is it possible to use one frequent flyer program for status and another for earnings?

Say I have elite status on one airline in an alliance but I want to accumulate miles in another airline in the alliance. Can I give one number for the purpose of status recognition and the other for earnings, on the same flight?

I thought I remembered this was possible, but I forget the details. If so, what should I tell the travel agent in order to do this?

air-travel loyalty-programs

Best Answer

So I am no expert in this but the method described in all the fancy travel blogs I follow, in the case the strategy described by @Calchas above (+1) fails, is to try to enter the lounge with your status card. If the lounge agent insists that the status program must also be the one that you earn miles for, have them change it on the spot, get in, and change it back to your preferred earning program online as soon as you are inside the lounge or at the boarding gate. That assumes you know how to do so (and it being possible).

Also be aware that sometimes it works and sometimes it does not (link credit @Berwyn). YMMV

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Can you have multiple frequent flyer programs?

In order to get as many frequent flyer miles as you possibly can and not be left out on any, you don't have to enroll in every single airline's program. If you become a member in one program per alliance then you'll be good with every other airline in it as well.

Can you use same frequent flyer number?

Most frequent flyer programs only allow you to credit mileage to the account of the person flying. Inputting the same frequent flyer number for two different passengers wouldn't work, because the name on the account has to match the name on the ticket.

Can I earn miles if I buy a ticket for someone else?

Yes, the member who travels will earn the miles, not the member who purchases the ticket.

How do I combine frequent flyer miles?

One of the easiest ways to combine miles between airlines is to enroll in a frequent flyer program in an airline that has several partners. ...

Another good strategy to easily combine air miles with other airlines is to enroll in American Express Membership Rewards program (membershiprewards.com).

What is a Frequent Flyer Program? How do you choose one? How do you use it?

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