Long‑distance parenting often means lots of tickets—and lots of points, vouchers, and credits. Without rules, parents argue about who “owns” the miles earned on a child’s travel and how to apply flight credits from cancellations. Clear clauses keep benefits from becoming another battleground.

Points are not cash, but they matter. Most airline programs say points belong to the account holder who purchased the ticket, not the traveler. If one parent buys most tickets on their card, points accrue to that parent. To keep benefits fair, write into the order how points will be used: (1) solely to reduce the child’s future travel costs; (2) alternated by trip; or (3) tracked and credited annually in the travel ledger.

Tracking system. Keep a simple spreadsheet: date, route, purchaser, cost, points earned, and whether points or cash paid for the trip. If points book a ticket, record the cash value (use the airline’s cash fare that day or a reasonable valuation per point). Apply that value to the normal cost split so the non‑purchasing parent isn’t billed for a ticket that cost zero out‑of‑pocket.

Vouchers and credits. Airlines issue credits when plans change. Decide who controls them: the purchaser’s account usually holds the credit, but the order can require that credits be used for the child’s next trip regardless of which parent buys it. Set a deadline to use credits before they expire and a rule for transfers if permitted. If a credit is used, calculate the remaining cash due and apply the usual split to that net amount.

No mileage wars at the gate. Parents should not demand account logins or loyalty‑number changes at airports. Instead, the order can require the purchasing parent to book the child’s ticket under the child’s known frequent‑flyer number so miles accrue consistently to the child’s account if the airline allows minors to earn. If the program prohibits minor accounts, keep accrual with the purchaser but apply point value to reduce future costs as agreed.

Fairness without audits. Avoid turning co‑parenting into a travel‑hacking audit. Use simple rules: “Points earned on child travel reduce the cost of the child’s next trip,” or “Each parent uses their own points for their own tickets; cash reimbursements apply only to cash portions.” The goal is to lower the total family spend on travel, not to equalize loyalty perks.

Edge cases. If an employer funds tickets (e.g., using a corporate account), clarify whether reimbursements apply to the net cost to the family. If a parent flies with the child and upgrades themselves using personal points, that’s their choice and not reimbursable unless pre‑agreed. Keep upgrades and lounge passes out of the ledger unless they directly reduce the child’s travel cost.

Bottom line. Treat miles and credits like coupons earmarked for the child. Track them lightly, apply them to reduce future costs, and prevent last‑minute debates at the check‑in counter.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not legal advice. Airline rules change often. Review current program terms.