Many airlines make it very easy to use your miles to book a ticket for someone else. The most important detail to be aware of is that you don't need to transfer your miles to someone else to book a ticket in their name. While many airlines offer mileage transfers, it's often at a steep price.

In 2026, most major airline loyalty programs allow you to use your miles to book flights for other people, though the specific rules vary by carrier. Programs like American AAdvantage, United MileagePlus, and Delta SkyMiles generally permit you to book a ticket in anyone's name directly through your account. However, some international carriers, particularly in Asia, require you to "nominate" individuals as redemption beneficiaries. For example, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer allows up to five nominees, while All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) often restrict redemptions to family members within two degrees of kinship. It is vital to remember that while gifting miles is allowed, selling or bartering them is strictly prohibited and can result in your account being terminated. If you are booking for a friend, it is best to handle the reservation yourself rather than transferring points, as transfer fees can be prohibitively expensive.