Dealing with a loved one’s passing brings many challenges, including deciding what to do with their airline status and frequent flyer miles. While policies vary between airlines, many offer options for surviving family members to access or transfer these valuable travel perks.

Some airlines allow heirs to inherit miles or make one-time redemptions after providing proper documentation. For example, American Express may permit a deceased member’s executor to redeem Membership Rewards points once. Other carriers like Frontier Airlines have more flexible policies, allowing designated beneficiaries to receive miles directly.

Family pooling programs provide another avenue for preserving airline status benefits. By linking accounts before death, accumulated miles can remain accessible to other family members. This proactive approach ensures hard-earned rewards aren’t lost and can still be used for future travel plans.

Understanding Airline Policies After Death

Airlines have specific procedures for handling accounts and miles after a member’s passing. These policies vary between carriers, with some offering more flexibility than others.

Overview of Airline Policies

Most airlines require notification of a member’s death to process account changes. Some carriers allow miles to be transferred to designated heirs or family members. Frontier Airlines’ EarlyReturns program permits mile transfers to heirs after death. Their Family Pooling option lets members link accounts with up to seven others, creating a shared mile pool.

Delta Air Lines offers a Bereavement Policy for SkyMiles members needing to travel due to a family member’s death or imminent passing. This policy provides discounted fares for eligible travelers.

Alaska Airlines gives a 10% discount on bereavement flights booked within seven days of a loved one’s death.

Importance of a Death Certificate

A death certificate is crucial when dealing with airline accounts after a member’s passing. It serves as official proof of death, which airlines require to process account changes or mile transfers.

Airlines use death certificates to verify the account holder’s passing and protect against fraudulent claims. This document is often necessary to initiate the process of transferring miles, closing accounts, or accessing bereavement fares.

Survivors should obtain multiple copies of the death certificate, as airlines and other institutions may require original documents for their records.

Navigating Frequent Flier Programs

Frequent flier programs offer options for surviving family members to manage or transfer miles after a member’s death. Airlines have varying policies on transferring or inheriting miles, with some offering more flexibility than others.

Transfer of Airline Miles

Many airlines allow the transfer of miles to beneficiaries after a member’s death. Delta SkyMiles permits the transfer of miles to a designated beneficiary or estate. United MileagePlus offers a similar option, requiring documentation such as a death certificate and proof of executorship. American Airlines AAdvantage allows transfers to estate beneficiaries within 12 months of the member’s passing.

Some programs, like Southwest Rapid Rewards, do not officially allow mile transfers after death. However, they may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. It’s advisable to contact the airline’s customer service for specific guidance.

Survivor Benefits in Loyalty Programs

Certain loyalty programs offer survivor benefits to ease the process for family members. Alaska Airlines informally refers to inherited miles as “memorial miles” and may allow their use by surviving family members. JetBlue’s TrueBlue program provides a family pooling option, allowing members to share points with up to seven designated individuals.

Frontier Airlines’ EarlyReturns program enables members to proactively link accounts with family members. This feature ensures that miles remain accessible to the family unit even after a member’s death.

Managing Airline-Specific Frequent Flier Accounts

Each airline has unique procedures for managing deceased members’ accounts. American Express Membership Rewards allows executors to make a one-time points redemption by calling their dedicated hotline. United Airlines requires a written request and supporting documentation to process mile transfers.

Delta Air Lines may request additional paperwork, such as a copy of the will or trust documents. It’s crucial to act promptly, as some airlines impose time limits for claiming or transferring miles after a member’s death.

To streamline the process, families should maintain accurate records of frequent flier account information and consider designating beneficiaries in advance when possible.

Airline Customer Service Engagement

Contacting airline customer service is crucial when dealing with unexpected travel changes due to a family member’s death. Representatives can guide passengers through refund processes and explain bereavement fare options.

Initiating a Refund Request

To start a refund request, contact the airline’s customer service department promptly. Many airlines have specific policies for death-related cancellations. For example, JetBlue offers full refunds minus a $50 processing fee when a family member dies.

Gather necessary documentation before calling. Airlines typically require a death certificate to process refunds related to bereavement. Be prepared to provide booking details and explain the situation clearly.

Some carriers may waive change fees instead of offering refunds. Ask about both options to determine the best solution for your circumstances.

Understanding Bereavement Fares

Bereavement fares are discounted tickets offered by some airlines for passengers traveling due to a family member’s death or imminent passing. These fares can provide flexibility and potential cost savings during difficult times.

Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines still offer bereavement fares. To secure these rates, call the airline’s dedicated reservations line. Be prepared to provide information about the deceased and your relationship.

Bereavement fares may have restrictions. For instance, Delta’s policy applies to adults and children, with specific rules for infants. Verify eligibility criteria and compare prices with standard fares, as bereavement rates aren’t always the cheapest option.

Financial Aspects and Insurance

When dealing with airline status after a family member’s death, several financial considerations come into play. Travel insurance, credit card points, and life insurance policies can impact the options available to surviving family members.

Travel Insurance Considerations

Travel insurance often includes coverage for trip cancellations due to death of a family member. Many policies offer reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses. Some insurers provide emergency travel assistance to help survivors return home quickly.

It’s crucial to review policy details carefully. Coverage may vary based on the relationship to the deceased and the timing of the death relative to the planned trip. Some policies have specific definitions of “immediate family” that affect eligibility.

Travelers should keep all relevant documentation, including death certificates and receipts, to support claims. Prompt notification to the insurance provider is typically required to ensure smooth processing of benefits.

Credit Card Points and Survivorship

Credit card rewards programs often have policies regarding points after a cardholder’s death. American Express Membership Rewards, for example, may allow transfer of points to a surviving spouse or beneficiary.

Some credit card companies require notification within a specific timeframe to preserve points. Others may automatically close accounts upon notification of death, potentially forfeiting unused rewards.

Survivors should contact the card issuer promptly to understand their options. In some cases, redeeming points for travel or merchandise before account closure may be advisable. Documentation such as death certificates and proof of executor status is typically required.

Life Insurance and Travel Benefits

Some life insurance policies include travel-related benefits that can assist surviving family members. These may cover repatriation of remains or provide funds for emergency travel.

Certain policies offer accidental death benefits that pay out additional sums if the insured dies while traveling. This can provide financial support for survivors dealing with unexpected travel expenses.

It’s important to review life insurance policies for any travel-specific clauses. Some insurers partner with assistance companies to provide 24/7 support for beneficiaries needing help with travel arrangements after a policyholder’s death.

Survivors should contact the life insurance company promptly to initiate claims and inquire about any available travel benefits. Having policy details readily accessible can expedite the process during a difficult time.

Dealing with Specific Airlines

Airlines have varying policies for handling frequent flyer accounts after a member’s death. Some offer more flexibility than others in transferring or redeeming miles. Understanding each airline’s approach can help families navigate this process during a difficult time.

Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards

Southwest Airlines takes a compassionate approach to their Rapid Rewards program after a member’s passing. The airline allows the transfer of points to another Rapid Rewards account. To initiate this process, a family member must contact Southwest’s customer service.

Required documentation typically includes:

• Death certificate
• Copy of the executor’s ID
• Letter from the executor requesting the transfer

Southwest does not charge a fee for this service. Points can be transferred to any designated Rapid Rewards member, not just immediate family. This policy provides flexibility for families to decide how best to use the deceased member’s points.

Delta Air Lines and SkyMiles Members

Delta Air Lines offers options for SkyMiles accounts after a member’s death. The airline allows for the transfer of miles to a beneficiary. This process requires specific documentation:

• Copy of the death certificate
• Proof of beneficiary’s identity
• Legal documents showing the right to act on the deceased’s behalf

Delta may charge a fee for mile transfers. The airline evaluates transfer requests on a case-by-case basis. SkyMiles accounts with no activity for 24 months may be closed, so timely action is important.

Delta also provides compassionate travel options for immediate family members in the event of a death or imminent death. These may include waived fees or discounted fares.

American Airlines and AAdvantage Mileage

American Airlines’ AAdvantage program allows for the transfer of miles after a member’s death. The process requires:

• Copy of the death certificate
• Legal documentation of executorship
• Completed request form

American Airlines charges a fee of $50 per 10,000 miles transferred. Miles can be transferred to any AAdvantage member, not just family. The airline also offers a reinstatement option for miles used to book travel that was not taken due to the member’s death.

AAdvantage accounts remain active as long as there’s qualifying activity within 18 months. Families should act promptly to ensure miles aren’t lost due to inactivity.

United Airlines’ MileagePlus Program

United Airlines’ MileagePlus program does not allow the transfer of miles after a member’s death. However, they do offer alternatives:

• Miles can be used to book travel for others before the account is closed
• The airline may make exceptions for spouses or domestic partners

To close a deceased member’s account, United requires:

• Death certificate
• Proof of executorship

United suggests using miles for travel or donations before an account closure. The airline provides a grace period for families to make arrangements, but this period is not publicly specified.

JetBlue’s TrueBlue Engagement

JetBlue’s TrueBlue program takes a unique approach to member accounts after death. The airline allows for the transfer of points to another TrueBlue member. This process requires:

• Death certificate
• Legal documentation of right to act on the deceased’s behalf
• Completed transfer request form

JetBlue does not charge a fee for this service. Points can be transferred to any TrueBlue member, offering flexibility for families. The airline also allows for the use of points to book travel for others before account closure.

TrueBlue points do not expire, giving families more time to decide how to handle the account. JetBlue’s customer service team works with families to explore options and assist with the transfer process.

Additional Resources and Options

Airline status holders have alternatives for maximizing their benefits after death. These options extend beyond traditional airline programs, offering ways to utilize accumulated points and miles.

Utilization of Hotel Loyalty Programs

Hotel loyalty programs often provide more flexible transfer and inheritance policies than airlines. Many allow members to pass on points to designated beneficiaries or family members after death. Some programs, like Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy, permit point transfers between accounts even while the member is living.

These hotel points can be valuable for booking accommodations during bereavement travel or future family trips. Members should review their program’s terms and consider designating beneficiaries to ensure a smooth transfer process.

Converting Points to Gift Cards or Services

Another option for utilizing airline miles or hotel points is converting them to gift cards or services. This strategy can be particularly useful if the points are set to expire or cannot be transferred directly to family members.

Many loyalty programs partner with retailers, restaurants, and service providers, allowing point redemption for gift cards. These can be used for everyday expenses or travel-related costs. Some programs also offer options to donate points to charitable organizations, providing a meaningful way to honor the deceased’s legacy.