Your Extra Airline Miles Could Make A Difference In California's Wildfire Recovery

For weeks, wildfires have been ravaging Southern California, creating unprecedented devastation to communities around Los Angeles. California is certainly no stranger to wildfires, especially in recent years, but the fire that began around January 7, 2025 is one of the worst wildlife events in the history of the United States. Thousands of homes have been destroyed and tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate. At the time of writing, 27 people have tragically died in the fires, and the death toll is expected to rise over the coming days and weeks. Despite the valiant efforts of fire fighters from around the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the fires are still not contained at this time. More fires have been reported near San Diego, fueled by the fierce Santa Ana winds.

Many people have lost everything they own and entire neighborhoods have been destroyed. In the face of such a tragedy, they need all the help they can get to recover. The best way to help support victims of the fires is to donate money to relief efforts. Several major airlines have announced that they will allow customers to donate unused flight miles. United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have set up programs that make donating online easy.

United Airlines, one of the most eco-friendly airlines in America, has already donated $100,000 to two non-profits helping Los Angeles residents recover from the wildfires. The LA Regional Food Bank and California Fire Foundations both received funds from United. Following their contribution, the airline announced that MileagePlus Members can donate their unused miles. Furthermore, United is offering to match donations of up to 5 million miles and $150,000.

To make a donation, head over to United Airlines online donation portal where you'll be able to choose between six organizations. You can make cash or mileage donations to Airlink, Good360, World Central Kitchen, and American Red Cross. Monetary donations can be given to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, and California Fire Foundation. Your donation will need to be made before January 31, 2025. It's a great way to use up miles that are about to expire. 

Alaska Airlines also allows you to put your flight miles towards donations. Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines collectively donated $100,000 to the Los Angeles Fire Department, and their CARE Miles Program allows customers to donate miles to a variety of charities, including the Alaska Airlines Disaster Relief Pool. The funds go towards organizations that "support charities involved with disaster relief efforts and for transportation of medical staff and volunteers."

Up until the January 17 the airline was matching donations. While the deadline has passed at the time of writing, you can still donate your miles online. First, login to your account and then click the donate miles link. Then select your chosen charity from the drop down list — in this case you'll want to select the Disaster Relief Pool.

American Airlines doesn't have a program set up to donate your unused flight miles, but when customers donate through their online portal, they can earn more flight miles. AAdvantage members donating $25 or more will earn 10 miles per dollar that they spend. The offer is available through January 29, 2025. At the time of writing, American Airlines has already raised over $1.5 million and has received donations from over 4,000 people. Donations go to the Red Cross. Delta Airlines also pledged to donate a $1 million grant to the American Red Cross from the Delta Airlines Foundation.