Before It’s Too Late : Executive Travel

Can’t be bothered to keep tabs on expiring miles? Some options.

* Delegate. Mileage accounting could be a good job for your kids or retired parents--and you can pay them in trips. Or you can join Privilege Flyer ([800] 333-5937), which consolidates all your mileage in one statement and will request award travel.

* Use software. If you are willing to record all your trips, several software products will organize things. Among the choices are MaxMiles ([800] 357-4629) and Professional Traveler by Travelware ([801] 965-1800, Ext. 30).

* Use upgrades. Don’t worry about saving for big trips. Just keep cashing in miles for smaller awards, such as upgrades or hotel specials. Miles are generally worth less that way, but anything beats expiration.

* Choose longevity. When you have a choice, put miles or points earned on the ground into a hotel or credit card mileage program. Most of those, such as Diners Club and American Express, let your miles collect dust for many years--although Westin, Omni, Travelodge and Sofitel do have expirations.

* Charity. All the major airlines allow you to donate miles to people who need them. Many also allow you to transfer the miles to a needy person you know--as long as you truly give them away.