If I purchase someone else's plane ticket, can I also acquire their frequent flyer miles?

The frequent flyer miles earned from a flight typically go to the traveler, not the person who bought the ticket.

Airlines award miles to the individual who actually flies on the ticket.

Some airlines do allow you to transfer miles between accounts, but this often requires following specific procedures and paying a fee.

Certain frequent flyer programs may require the passenger to provide their frequent flyer number at the time of booking to ensure the miles are credited correctly.

If the ticket is booked in the traveler's name and they have their own frequent flyer account, the miles will automatically be credited to their account according to the airline's policies.

You cannot simply put your own frequent flyer number on someone else's ticket to earn the miles for a flight you did not take.

This is against most airlines' terms and conditions.

Even if you, as a parent, pay for your child's plane ticket, the miles will be credited to your child's frequent flyer account, not yours, unless you've set up a family pooling or sharing arrangement with the airline.

Airlines have strict rules about who can earn miles from a given flight, and they typically require the passenger's name to match the frequent flyer account.

Some airlines may allow you to retroactively claim miles for a flight made on someone else's ticket, but this often requires providing proof of payment and following a specific process.

The ability to redeem miles for others is generally more flexible than earning them.

Most airlines allow you to use your miles to book tickets for family, friends, or anyone else you choose.

Certain airline loyalty programs may have restrictions or additional fees for redeeming miles on behalf of someone else, so it's important to review the program's policies.

When booking a ticket for someone else, you'll need to provide their full name, date of birth, and any relevant identification details to ensure the ticket is issued correctly.

The type of cabin class (economy, business, first class, etc.) can impact the number of miles earned, as some airlines award miles based on the fare paid rather than just the distance flown.

The specific route and airports used for the flight can also affect the number of miles earned, as some airlines have different earning rates for different regions or routes.

In some cases, airlines may require the ticket to be booked directly through their website or app to ensure the miles are credited correctly, rather than through a third-party booking site.

Airline loyalty programs are constantly evolving, so it's essential to stay up-to-date on any changes to the rules and policies around earning and redeeming miles for flights booked on behalf of others.