Families earn points in separate accounts but need them in one place for a holiday. Family pooling combines balances so the family can book together, but rules differ sharply between programs.

British Airways Household Accounts pool Avios for up to seven people at one address, Aeroplan Family Sharing combines up to eight members, and JetBlue pools for seven with no fee. United, American, Delta and Southwest do not offer true pooling.

Set up pooling before you need it, since address verification and waiting periods can delay redemptions. Agree who controls bookings, and only pool with genuine household members to avoid account suspension.

Pooling is not always best: an elite member's individual account may offer preferred pricing that a pool loses. Transferable bank points offer a flexible alternative for topping up a family member's account.