I am in a similar position, I pay my immediate family and I end up paying for extended family as well. Opening frequent flyer accounts from them won’t hurt but you will not see a real benefit from this unless they are flying a lot. Any mile earned are theirs not yours (not factoring the new pooled miles feature from united).
Credit cards with good sign on bonuses may help your strategies when booking/planning.
**Keep in mind travel insurance if you are paying for flights for people other than you and if you are not on the same itinerary. CC travel insurance will most likely NOT cover them.
I am in a similar position, I pay my immediate family and I end up paying for extended family as well. Opening frequent flyer accounts from them won’t hurt but you will not see a real benefit from this unless they are flying a lot. Any mile earned are theirs not yours (not factoring the new pooled miles feature from united). Credit cards with good sign on bonuses may help your strategies when booking/planning. **Keep in mind travel insurance if you are paying for flights for people other than you and if you are not on the same itinerary. CC travel insurance will most likely NOT cover them.