07 Jul FREQUENT FLYER MILES OFTEN CRASH AFTER DEATH
Many accumulate frequent flyer miles or loyalty rewards for traveling with airlines. However, most of the larger commercial airlines do not permit mileage or points to transfer upon the death of the person who accumulated the mileage or points (the “member”). The policies of each airline are different and are subject to change (usually tougher for the member). It’s generally best if you can use or transfer the points prior to death.
The following are the policies of the 4 largest airlines that serve this area:
American Airlines Advantage:
The policy regarding accrued Advantage Rewards is that such benefits are not the property of the member or their estate and have no residual value unless expressly permitted by American Airlines in its sole discretion and are not transferable on death.
However, under limited situations, American Airlines reserves the right to point or miles transfer after a person’s death. A death certificate, a declaration of who is to receive the points, and legal authority (i.e. POA, executor, etc.) are needed for potential transfers.
In the limited situations where member points or mileage accrual is not terminated and loyalty points are not forfeited; payment of fees is required. Americans may require a minimum of 6 months to review to see if there are conflicting claims.
Southwest Airlines:
Although Southwest’s policy is not clear, points are not the property rights of its members. As a result, points cannot be transferred to a member’s estate by will, inheritance or settlement. Points are forfeited upon a member’s death, and the account is deactivated. Some who have access to the account may use the miles to purchase a gift card.
Delta Sky Miles:
Miles are not the property of any member except as specifically outlined in the Membership Guide and Program Rules or otherwise in writing by an officer of Delta. Miles may not be sold, attached, seized, leveled upon, pledged, or transferred under any circumstances, including, without limitation, by operation of law, upon death or in connection with any domestic relation disputes and/or legal proceedings.
In other words, Delta Mileage Rewards cannot be passed at death or even in a divorce proceeding. If a member is about to pass, efforts to transfer should be made as quickly as possible.
United Airlines Mileage Plus:
Mileage accrued in a member’s account is forfeited upon the death of a member. Like the other airlines, its policy is that the mileage is not the property of the member. However, upon the death or divorce of a member, United, in its sole discretion, will credit all or a portion of accrued mileage to an authorized person upon receipt of documentation satisfactory to United and payment of applicable fees. It is best to see if a mileage pool is permitted and use the pool to purchase a ticket for someone else.
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