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If you frequently travel with your family, you might be overlooking a simple yet powerful strategy to maximize your rewards: enrolling your children in airline loyalty programs. I only realized the potential of this after reading a Reddit thread filled with insights from seasoned frequent fliers. Many shared that their kids not only had loyalty accounts but had even earned status with certain airlines—an advantage that can make a surprising difference over time.

This approach allows families to accumulate miles more efficiently and unlock valuable travel perks. Let’s look at how it works in practice. Suppose you often fly with Alaska Airlines and are planning a trip from Chicago to Seattle. Alaska’s Mileage Plan primarily awards elite status based on miles flown rather than the amount spent, which can be especially beneficial for families. A solo traveler with Atmos Silver status might earn around 1,700 miles for that one-way flight. But if you’re traveling with your partner and children, each person earns their own miles for the journey—effectively multiplying your household’s total earnings. This can apply not only to immediate family members but also to extended relatives traveling under the same reservation.

Over time, these individual accounts add up to a significant advantage. If your children consistently earn miles through their loyalty memberships, you’re collectively building a larger pool of rewards that can be redeemed for future vacations, upgrades, or even solo trips later on. It’s an easy way to stretch your travel budget while still enjoying premium experiences.

Ultimately, enrolling your kids in airline loyalty programs isn’t just about maximizing rewards—it’s about cultivating a long-term love of travel and teaching them the value of smart planning. What begins as a few extra miles earned on family trips can grow into opportunities for greater adventures, flexibility, and comfort on future journeys.