Earning frequent flyer miles for your kids just got a little easier
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
You already know flying with a little kiddo isn't always easy, but historically it wasn't always easy to open a frequent flyer account for your children either. There can be extra steps for creating these accounts for minors with red tape such as enrollment and consent forms, phone calls and the necessity of extra email addresses.
However, one major U.S. airline -- Delta -- actually just made it much easier for kids to earn miles as it eliminated the need to download, complete and send in a separate form just to register a child for a SkyMiles account. Now, you simply click a button verifying you are the child's parent or guardian and you can open the SkyMiles account instantly online.
Related: TPG’s best airlines for families
But while Delta just made it easier to earn miles for your kids, some other programs are still more complex. TPG has already written about why kids who fly need their own email addresses for loyalty program purposes. That, too, can be tricky because of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) that protects the privacy of children under 13. Some online providers will not issue an email address if they know it is for a minor. But there are special products and workarounds that can help such as Google's Family Link.
What other hurdles might you have to jump? Let's take a look, airline by airline. And remember, you have to buy a seat for your child in order for him or her to earn miles. Lap infants might earn passport stamps, but they don't earn miles.
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Alaska Airlines
How kids can join: A parent or legal guardian can enroll a child in Mileage Plan online (click the "Sign Up" button on the homepage) if they are at least 13, or by calling customer care (800-654-5669) or the reservations call center (800-252-7522) if they are under 13.
Required info: Minor's name, gender, date of birth, address and phone number, plus an email address and preferred user ID if you sign up for an online account
Note: Children under 13 are not eligible for an online My Account profile, but can be enrolled in Mileage Plan by calling Alaska Airlines at 1-(800) 252-7522.
Related: Airline car seat and bassinet policies around the world
American Airlines
How kids can join: A parent or legal guardian needs to enroll a child who's 13 or younger. You may do so online. Go to AA.com's homepage and click "AAdvantage" and then "Join AAdvantage."
Notably, American Airlines recently ceased expiring the miles of children who are enrolled in AAdvantage as you are now exempt from the requirement to earn or redeem miles every 18 months until after you turn 21.
Required info: Minor's name, date of birth, gender, address, email, phone number, a preferred username and three security questions. If your child has a Known Traveler Number, you enter it on the enrollment form as well.
Related: Maximizing redemptions with American Airlines AAdvantage.
Delta
How kids can join: Parents can now enroll children 13 and under online for a SkyMiles account by simply clicking a button certifying they are the parent or guardian. You will need to enter an email address, user name, password and answer two security questions such as father's middle name, first school or first pet.
Required info: Minor's name, date of birth and address.
Note: As a new member, the child can receive mileage credit for flights taken up to nine months prior to enrollment.
Related: How to save your family money with an annual Delta companion ticket
Frontier
How kids can join: Parents can register their children (13 or younger) for their own Frontier frequent flyer account online (go to the homepage and click the "sign up" text in the upper right corner) or by contacting the call center at (801) 401-9000.
Required info: Minor's name, gender, date of birth, address, telephone number plus an email address if signing up for an online account.
Note: As with adult Frontier Miles accounts, your child's miles will expire after six months if there is no activity. However, Frontier does offer family pooling to those with elite status or the cobranded Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®, so it is possible to pool child and parent miles together.
Related: Everything you need to know about Frontier's Kids Fly Free program
Hawaiian Airlines
How kids can join: Parents can enroll their kids in HawaiianMiles online (click "Join Now" on the homepage) or by calling reservations (1-800-367-5320) or the HawaiianMiles service center (1-877-426-4537).
Required info: Username and email address for online account plus name, gender, date of birth, address and phone number. You'll also have to set up three account security questions, select any email subscriptions and accept the terms of the HawaiianMiles program.
Note: Hawaiian Airlines considers anyone 18 or under a minor but a parent or legal guardian can sign their child up for a frequent flyer account.
Related: 5 reasons to fly Hawaiian Airlines to Hawaii
JetBlue
How kids can join: A parent or legal guardian can enroll kids 13 years old or younger into JetBlue TrueBlue. Log into your TrueBlue account and open the drop-down menu next to your name in the upper right corner. Choose "enroll a child."
Required info: Minor's name, date of birth, email address, phone number, physical address, gender, Known Traveler Number (if your child has Global Entry or TSA PreCheck) and whether or not you want your child's points pooled with your family account. JetBlue offers family pooling to all members, with no elite status or credit card required.
Note: Your child's email account must not be used by any other JetBlue member.
Related: 10 tips for flying JetBlue with kids
Southwest Airlines
How kids can join: A parent or legal guardian has to enroll their child in Southwest Rapid Rewards. You can do so online (click "enroll" at the top of the homepage), via the Southwest mobile app or by calling reservations at 1-800-248-4377.
Required info: Minor's name, date of birth, gender, address, email address, username and two security questions
Related: How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass
Spirit
How kids can join: A parent or legal guardian must enroll children who are 13 or younger. Sign up online. Click "Sign-In" on the homepage and then click "Sign Up Now." Under the current Free Spirit loyalty program, miles expire very quickly, so it might not have been worth your time to enroll your kids unless they took Spirit flights every couple months. But as the revamped Free Spirit program launches on Jan. 21, 2021, this issue is no longer a problem, since the points won’t expire unless there are 12 months of no account activity.
Required info: Minor's name, date of birth, email address and physical address.
Related: Here are five things to love about Spirit Airlines
United
How kids can join: Sign up online at United's website. Click "Sign in" at the upper right of the homepage and then click "Enroll in MileagePlus."
Required info: Minor's name, date of birth, gender, address, phone number and email address.
Note: Only individuals 18 and older can sign up for a United MileagePlus account on their own. A parent or legal guardian must enroll their children who are under 18.
Related: Guide to maximizing United's frequent flyer program
Bottom line
At least within the U.S., it is never too early to sign your kids up for a frequent flyer account -- especially now that miles from many airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, United and Southwest never expire. Even American Airlines will no longer expire the miles of kids until after they turn 21, so start your kids earning miles now so they can get a free award ticket down the line.
Additional reporting by Benét J. Wilson
Photo courtesy of Lisa5201/Getty Images
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.