Just made a terrible value redemption in order to help a family figure

[Lost Redditor]

A friend needs to go see her granddad in the UK as he has terminal cancer. She is strapped for cash and couldn't really afford to go. So I offered to buy her the tickets using points. Of course this is happening in the peak travel time (July) so there were hardly any availability. Found economy seats via USA. She is over the moon about being able to go, and I'm happy for her, but I am sad about my points balance! I also covered most of the taxes/fees so she's getting this trip for $500.

She did promise a lot of baby sitting in return though, so I'm getting something out of it

Has anyone else used points to help out friends in need?

 

[RooFlyer]

What a lovely thing to do!! I've only flown nephews and nieces from BNE to HBA to see their mum.

 

[Quickstatus]

It's never terrible because you helped someone.

For those who wish to use their QF points charitably they can do this
I prefer to donate cash because I'd rather get a tax deduction where I can.

 

[Lost Redditor]

I should clarify the title, terrible value points wise
edited the title

 

[AIRwin]

Has anyone else used points to help out friends in need?

Yes I've used my Velocity points to redeem a flight for a friend to visit her son in PER after she lost her house in the BNE floods last year...

 

[serfty]

I should clarify the title, terrible value points wise
edited the title

So the booking was in revenue classes, not X or T (AA)?

 

[Quickstatus]

She did promise a lot of baby sitting in return though

Pay it forward day is 28 April 2023

 

[Pushka]

A friend needs to go see her granddad in the UK as he has terminal cancer. She is strapped for cash and couldn't really afford to go. So I offered to buy her the tickets using points. Of course this is happening in the peak travel time (July) so there were hardly any availability. Found economy seats via USA. She is over the moon about being able to go, and I'm happy for her, but I am sad about my points balance! I also covered most of the taxes/fees so she's getting this trip for $500.

She did promise a lot of baby sitting in return though, so I'm getting something out of it

Has anyone else used points to help out friends in need?

You can’t put a value on kindness. Hopefully nice Karma visits you soon.

 

[serfty]

Has anyone else used points to help out friends in need?

Yes, now and again over three decades. But more often I'd assist them with revenue options, even contacting airlines over bereavement fare options.

 

[Quickstatus]

bereavement fare options

What fare bucket does Bereavement fares fall under?
And what are the"options" QF is referring to for Int fares

 

[Lost Redditor]

So the booking was in revenue classes, not X or T (AA)?

luckily not that terrible!
I don't exactly know what classes they were, but they were all economy rewards seats. The flight out was good, 55k for SYD-LAX-LHR but the return flight was over 100k, going from Gatwick to Calgary, Tokyo, Sydney.

 

[love_the_life]

You might want to be careful on publicising your good deed as depending on the FF program, a friend may not be an eligible recipient of a reward booking.
It is wonderful that you were able to help though.

 

[Lost Redditor]

You might want to be careful on publicising your good deed as depending on the FF program, a friend may not be an eligible recipient of a reward booking.
It is wonderful that you were able to help though.

Oh, I was not aware of this at all

 

[Quickstatus]

a friend may not be an eligible recipient of a reward booking.

Correct
For QF:

@LostRedditor, I would not worry, I've not heard of Checkin querying the relationship of the ticket holder to the points owner.
See here
Dont need to mention the FF program here....

...
Here are QF rules. Your friend is your foster child.

 

[love_the_life]

Correct
For QF:

@LostRedditor, I would not worry, I've not heard of Checkin querying the relationship of the ticket holder to the points owner.
See here
Dont need to mention the FF program here....

...
Here are QF rules. Your friend is your foster child.

View attachment 324332

Depending on age I have heard half brother or sister can be useful.

 

[Quickstatus]

In South East Asia, male aquaintance senior to you is an "uncle" and female - "auntie"

 

[Lost Redditor]

She's our child's godmother if that counts. I'm sure that if they audit the booking they'd understand and let it slide. I'm not too worried about it.

 

[Pushka]

She's our child's godmother if that counts. I'm sure that if they audit the booking they'd understand and let it slide. I'm not too worried about it.

It will be fine sitting in AFF. Just something to think about if posting elsewhere more mainstream. It won't be queried at checkin etc.

 

[Quickstatus]

audit the booking

Maybe if your whole neighbourhood becomes your relatives when they hear of your generosity. Likely you won't have enough points for your neighbourhood ...or do you

 

[serfty]

She's our child's godmother if that counts. I'm sure that if they audit the booking they'd understand and let it slide. I'm not too worried about it.

It's all good, I have lots of in laws ..