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How to add or change your frequent flyer number on a booking

Don't miss adding your frequent flyer number to earn rewards and elite status.

Frequent flyer programs offer miles and elite status for eligible flights you take, including with partner airlines that may have their own frequent flyer programs. If you’re a member of several frequent flyer programs, you can pick and choose when you earn miles.

To earn miles and elite credits, simply add your chosen frequent flyer account number to your booking.

Compare travel rewards credit cards

Taking flights isn’t the only way to earn miles. Airline credit cards are also great options, offering rewards for everyday spending. Some cards may offer elite credits when you reach certain spending requirements.

Name Product Welcome Offer Rewards Purchase Interest Rate Annual Fee Min. Credit Score Description
American Express Cobalt Card
30,000 points
Up to 5x points per $1 spent
20.99%
$155.88
Min. recommended credit score: 700
Earn up to 30,000 Membership Rewards points in your first year. Earn 2,500 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $500 in net purchases on your card (up to 30,000 points). That’s up to $300 towards a weekend getaway or concert tickets.
RBC ION+ Visa
7,000 points
3 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$48
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get up to 7,000 points. Get 3,500 Welcome Points on approval and earn 3,500 bonus points when you spend $500 in your first 3 months. Apply by July 31, 2023.
RBC ION Visa
3,500 points
1.5 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0
Min. recommended credit score: 660
Get 3,500 Avion points when you get approved for the card. Apply by July 31, 2023.
BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard
60,000 points
Up to 5x points per $1 spent
20.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($150 thereafter)
Min. recommended credit score: 760
Get up to 60,000 points and get the $150 annual fee waived in the first year.
BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Privilege
90,000 points
5 points per $1 spent
20.99%
$499
Min. recommended credit score: 760
Get up to 90,000 welcome points in your first year.
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Update your booking online

With most airlines and 3rd-party travel websites, you can view your upcoming travel plans and make basic changes online. This includes adding your frequent flyer number to your itinerary. The process varies between services but generally involves:

  1. Going to the booking website. In your flight confirmation email, you’ll find a link where you can update your booking.
  2. Entering your booking details. Usually, you’ll be asked for your name and booking confirmation number.
  3. Updating your passenger details. Your frequent flyer information is usually located in the passenger details section. If it’s not, go through each section until you find it.
  4. Add your frequent flyer details. Provide your frequent flyer membership number, then save the updated details.

Check your booking details through your frequent flyer account

If you’re flying with the frequent flyer program’s main airline, you can check and update your flight details through your membership account.

Example: Updating your Aeroplan number for an Air Canada flight

Here’s how you could add or change your Aeroplan number if you booked a flight on Air Canada:

1. Go to aircanada.com and click on “Sign in” in the top right-hand corner.

2. Enter your Aeroplan number or email and enter your password.Air Canada login page

3. Add your Air Canada booking reference number to your account.

Contact your airline or booking agent

Another option is to call or email the airline or booking agent you went through. Give them your flight details and ask if they can add your frequent flyer number to your booking.

Depending on the company you’ve booked with, you may also be able to use online chat or social media to request this change. Some airlines let you check flight documentation through Facebook Messenger or Twitter. If you choose this option, provide your details only through a direct message rather than a public post.

Add or change your frequent flyer number at check-in

Whether you’re checking in online or at the airport, there’s usually an opportunity to update your basic details. This is usually included under the Passenger section for online and self-service check-in options.

If you can’t find this option, head to a staffed check-in desk at the airport and ask a team member to add your frequent flyer details to your booking.

At a customer service desk

If you check in and later notice your frequent flyer details aren’t on your booking, you may be able to update them at a customer service desk. This largely depends on the airport and airline you’re flying with, so it’s worth looking at the airport map or visiting the airline website to check your options.

If you have access to the airline’s lounge, you could ask the staff there to update your details.

Ask at the boarding gate

This is your last chance to add your frequent flyer number before you fly. Get to your gate before boarding starts, then ask the staff at the gate to update your details. In this instance, being pleasant and polite could go a long way toward getting you what you want. Be aware that there may be restrictions, such as you not being allowed to update your information 2 hours before takeoff.

Add your frequent flyer number after the flight

If you forgot to include your frequent flyer number before your flight, you may be able to submit a claim to have miles and status credits added to your account afterward. Typically, you can do this only if you didn’t include another frequent flyer number for the flight. Contact the airline or travel agency you booked with to submit a claim.

Bottom line

Add your frequent flyer number to bookings so you can earn miles and elite credits. You can add them online or in-person at the airport. If you add the number before your flight, check your boarding pass to confirm your details have been included. Otherwise, hold on to your boarding pass and submit a claim for miles after your trip.

Not sure if you’re credit card earns you points and rewards? Compare travel credit cards to find the most rewarding one for you.

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