Featured Donation Efforts

September 11, 2001:

While it is to be expected (or hoped, at least) that all U.S. airline and hotel programs will make adjustments in their frequent-travel programs to allow members to donate miles and points specifically to relief-focused organizations, that hasn't happened yet. Here's where things currently stand...

Six Continents Hotels
Members of Six Continents' Priority Club Worldwide can donate Priority Club points in increments of 2,500 for a $10 cash donation to the American Red Cross. Priority Club Worldwide will match each point donation.

Members may donate points to the American Red Cross by calling the Priority Club Worldwide Service Center at 1-800-447-3418 (reference code NB199).

Starwood Hotels
Starwood has pledged a donation of at least $1 million to The September 11th Fund and set up an employee donation program as well.

Members of Starwood's Preferred Guest program can donate their points to the September 11th Fund as well. For now, call 1-888-625-4988 to make donations. Members will be able to make online donations within the next several days at http://www.spg.com.

Delta
Delta itself 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. Through Delta's SkyWish program, SkyMiles members may donate a minimum of 5,000 miles to these same organizations.

Donations can be made via e-mail at delta.bids@delta.com, by calling 1-800-325-3999, via fax at 404-773-1945, or at any Crown Room.

Northwest
From an e-mail sent to WorldPerks members: "If you wish to donate miles (not tax-deductible) to the American Red Cross, please call Northwest AirCares at 1-800-327-2881 for details. To make a tax- deductible fiscal contribution, please contact the American Red Cross directly at 1-800-HELP-NOW."

United
According to United: "Those who wish to donate miles to the relief efforts can donate miles to either the American Red Cross or the September 11th Fund of the United Way of Greater New York. Members interested in donating miles should call Mileage Plus Customer Service at 1-800-421-4655." The United website will be updated to reflect these options in the next few days.

Delta
Delta itself 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. Through Delta's SkyWish program, SkyMiles members may donate a minimum of 5,000 miles to these same organizations.

Make Your Miles Count

If, like most frequent travelers, you have miles and points in multiple programs, the best approach may be to wait until more travel suppliers have implemented miles-for-relief programs, and then donate miles to those programs a) which support those charities which you feel are the most deserving, and b) which match or otherwise add value over and above the miles you donate.