Airlines request miles donations as air travel to Haiti is suspended

Civilian flights to Port-au-Prince's International Airport have been suspended as charities try to bring in aid to the country following the devastating earthquake that struck on January 12.

All passenger flights have been suspended to Port-au-Prince Toussaint L'Ouverture International Airport, which sustained damage to electrical and navigational systems in the earthquake. Military and humanitarian flights, however, are beginning to arrive after the airport was secured by the US military and the runway deemed operational.

A concerted effort to bring in aid is now underway by commercial airlines, NGOs and military aircraft. The relief missions daily carrying water, food and non-perishable goods into the airport are planned by American Airlines, largest operator at Toussaint L'Ouverture. Until February 28, American Airlines is also offering a one-time award of 250 bonus AAdvantage frequent flyer miles for a minimum donation of $50, or 500 bonus miles for a donation of $100 or more to the American Red Cross. Spiritair, which also flies to Haiti, has offered 5,000 bonus miles to the first 200,000 people who donate $5 or more to Yéle Haiti, UNICEF or the American Red Cross.

Neighboring Dominican Republic is also receiving aid flights, but says that it is still open for tourism and the infrastructure has not been affected. Although flights in and out of the Dominican Republic’s eight airports have not been disrupted, carriers are warning that passengers should take extra time to get to airports due to road blocks. American carrier JetBlue is allowing passengers due to fly to the Dominican Republic to rebook their tickets.

Cruise operator Royal Caribbean International says that its services to Haiti have not been disrupted but advises customers to check its website for further updates. The Caribbean Tourism Organization said that it was "doing whatever is necessary to offer financial and other assistance and to coordinate relief efforts" in a statement. The US State Department has advised citizens against travel to Haiti.

Websites

American Red Cross - http://www.redcross.org/

UNICEF - http://www.unicef.org/

American Airlines - http://www.aa.com/

Spirit Airlines - http://www.spiritair.com/

JetBlue - http://www.jetblue.com

Air Canada - http://www.aircanada.com

Air France - http://www.airfrance.com