Japan earthquake: How airline reward program members can donate to relief effort

There has been an outpouring of donations for victims of Japan’s devastating earthquake and tsunami. Now travelers who are members of mileage reward programs have special ways they can heed the call for help.

American Airlines will offer bonus miles to members of its AAdvantage rewards program who donate to the American Red Cross’ Japan earthquake/tsunami relief program. Members who donate $50 will receive 250 bonus miles; $100 or more, 500 bonus miles.

American has raised “more than a million dollars” in past relief efforts where employees and AAdvantage members made donations in similar programs, airline spokesman Tim Smith said in an e-mail. The offer at this American Airlines Web page is good through April 15.

All Nippon Airways will start an online mileage donation program for the victims of the earthquake. The airline will donate 1 Japanese yen for every mile donated by ANA Mileage Club members. Donations must be made in 1,000-mile increments (which represents about a $12 donation) and funds raised will go to the international relief agency Japan Platform. The airline will be accepting donated miles online only starting Thursday through April 15.

The American Red Cross accepts donated air miles on an ongoing basis from Continental, Delta and United airlines. The donated miles are used to fly relief volunteers and staff to disaster areas. Here’s the organization’s Donate Airline miles Web page for instructions on how to do so.

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