Frequent flyer miles represent valuable rewards earned through airline loyalty programs. When a member passes away, these miles often become a concern for their loved ones. Many wonder if these hard-earned points can be transferred or redeemed posthumously.
Most major airlines allow for the transfer or redemption of a deceased member’s frequent flyer miles, though policies vary between carriers. Some airlines, like American Express and Frontier, offer options for executors or family members to redeem or transfer points after providing proper documentation. Alaska Airlines informally refers to these as “memorial miles” and may transfer them to a spouse or loved one upon request.
To initiate a transfer of miles from a deceased member’s account, airlines typically require a death certificate and proof of the requester’s legal authority. While not all loyalty programs have clear written policies on this matter, many are willing to work with families on a case-by-case basis to honor the deceased member’s accumulated rewards.
Understanding Frequent Flyer Programs
Frequent flyer programs allow airline passengers to earn miles or points for their travel. These loyalty schemes offer various benefits and rewards to encourage customer retention.
Basic Principles of Loyalty Programs
Airlines use frequent flyer programs to incentivize repeat business. Members earn miles based on flight distances or ticket prices. These miles can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other perks.
Most programs have tiers, with higher levels offering more benefits. Elite status typically requires a certain number of miles or segments flown annually.
Miles can often be earned through credit card spending, hotel stays, and car rentals. Some airlines allow miles to be transferred between family members or gifted to others.
Major Airlines and Their Frequent Flyer Programs
American Airlines AAdvantage is one of the largest loyalty programs. Members can earn and redeem miles on American and partner airlines.
United MileagePlus offers a wide range of redemption options, including flights, hotels, and experiences.
Delta SkyMiles provides benefits like priority boarding and waived baggage fees for elite members.
JetBlue TrueBlue uses a points system instead of miles. Points are earned based on ticket price and fare type.
Southwest Rapid Rewards stands out for its Companion Pass, allowing a designated person to fly free with the member.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is known for its generous mileage earning rates and valuable partnerships.
The Value of Frequent Flyer Miles
Mile values vary between programs and depend on how they’re redeemed. Generally, using miles for premium cabin international flights offers the best value.
Domestic economy tickets typically provide lower cent-per-mile value. However, they can still save members significant money on travel.
Some programs allow miles to be used for hotel stays, car rentals, or merchandise. These options usually offer less value than flight redemptions.
Mile values can fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking well in advance often yields better redemption rates.
Elite status can increase mile value through perks like complimentary upgrades and higher earning rates.
The Aftermath of a Member’s Death
The passing of a frequent flyer program member initiates a series of steps to manage their loyalty account and miles. Proper documentation and procedures are essential for families seeking to transfer or utilize the deceased’s accrued rewards.
Immediate Steps Following Death
Notify the airline of the member’s passing as soon as possible. Contact the loyalty program’s customer service department by phone or email. Provide basic information about the deceased, including their full name, membership number, and date of death.
Request information on the airline’s specific policies for handling deceased members’ accounts. Airlines may have different timeframes and requirements for processing these requests.
Secure the deceased’s account login details if available. This can help with accessing account information and transaction history if needed later.
Legal Documentation and Procedures
Obtain multiple copies of the death certificate. Most airlines require an official death certificate to process any account changes or transfers.
Gather legal documents proving your relationship to the deceased or your authority to manage their estate. This may include:
- Will or trust documents
- Letters of administration
- Court orders
- Power of attorney paperwork
Prepare a written request for the transfer or disposition of the deceased’s miles. Include your contact information and relationship to the member.
Impact on Loyalty Accounts
Airlines typically freeze the deceased member’s account upon notification of death. This prevents unauthorized use of miles or account information.
Some programs allow transfer of miles to a beneficiary or estate. Others may permit redemption of miles for travel by family members. A few airlines might close the account and forfeit unused miles.
Review the specific terms and conditions of the loyalty program. Policies vary widely between airlines. Some may charge fees for mile transfers or impose time limits for claiming miles.
Keep detailed records of all communications with the airline regarding the deceased’s account. Follow up regularly if the process takes time to complete.
Transfer Procedures for Frequent Flyer Miles
Airlines have varying policies for transferring miles after a member’s death. The process typically involves providing documentation and following specific guidelines set by each carrier.
Terms and Guidelines by Airline
American Express allows executors to make a one-time redemption of Membership Rewards points for deceased cardholders. Alaska Airlines informally refers to transferred miles as “memorial miles” and may allow transfers to spouses or loved ones.
Frontier Airlines permits mile transfers to heirs with a death certificate or executor’s letter. Their Family Pooling program enables proactive sharing of miles among up to eight people.
United, Delta, and American Airlines have their own policies for transferring miles posthumously. These often require proof of death and legal documentation.
Process of Transferring Miles After Death
To initiate a transfer, the executor or heir should contact the airline’s customer service. They must provide the deceased member’s account information and a copy of the death certificate.
Some airlines may require additional documents, such as a will or letters testamentary. The transfer process can take several weeks to complete.
It’s important to act promptly, as some programs have time limits for claiming miles after a member’s death. Unclaimed miles may expire or be forfeited according to the airline’s terms and conditions.
Fees for transferring miles vary by airline. Some may waive charges for deceased members’ accounts, while others may apply standard transfer fees.
Strategies to Manage Miles for Estate Planning
Effective management of frequent flyer miles can ensure their value is preserved and transferred after death. Incorporating miles into estate plans, utilizing family pooling options, and exploring loyalty program partnerships offer ways to maximize these assets.
Incorporating Miles into the Will
Including frequent flyer miles in a will can help ensure they’re distributed according to the account holder’s wishes. Some airlines allow miles to be transferred to designated heirs after death. To facilitate this process, individuals should maintain detailed records of their loyalty program accounts, including login information and account numbers.
It’s crucial to review the specific terms and conditions of each loyalty program, as transfer policies vary. Some programs may require submission of a death certificate and other documentation to process the transfer.
Family Pooling and Transfer Options
Family pooling programs offer a proactive approach to sharing miles. Frontier Airlines’ EarlyReturns program allows members to link up to seven accounts, creating a shared pool of miles. This strategy can simplify the transfer process and potentially extend the lifespan of miles after the account holder’s death.
Other airlines may offer similar options or allow transfers between family members. Researching these possibilities can help identify the most suitable approach for each individual’s circumstances.
Credit card points, such as American Express Membership Rewards, often have more flexible transfer options than airline-specific programs.
Loyalty Program Partnerships and Conversions
Exploring partnerships between loyalty programs can provide additional flexibility in managing miles. Some airline programs allow points to be converted to hotel loyalty programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, or IHG One Rewards.
These conversions can sometimes offer better value or more lenient transfer policies. It’s worth comparing the terms of different programs to identify the most advantageous options for preserving and transferring miles.
Regularly monitoring mileage expiration policies is essential. Keeping accounts active through periodic activity can prevent miles from expiring and maintain their value for potential beneficiaries.
Support and Assistance from Airlines
Airlines offer various options for transferring frequent flyer miles of deceased members. Dedicated customer service teams assist bereaved families through this process. Some carriers also provide memorial miles programs or allow donations to charitable causes.
Customer Service for Bereaved Families
Most major airlines have specialized customer service teams to help families handle deceased members’ accounts. These representatives guide beneficiaries through the required documentation and transfer procedures.
American Airlines’ AAdvantage program allows transfers to spouses or estate beneficiaries. Claimants must submit a death certificate, declaration of transfer request, and proof of legal authority.
Alaska Airlines informally refers to transferred miles as “memorial miles.” While not an official policy, they typically accommodate transfers to spouses or close relatives.
Frontier Airlines permits mile transfers to heirs upon receiving a death certificate or executor’s letter.
Memorial Miles and Charity Donations
Some carriers offer alternative options for managing a deceased member’s miles. Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles program does not allow direct transfers but provides a memorial miles service.
Through this program, Delta transfers miles from the deceased’s account to a designated beneficiary at no cost. This helps preserve the member’s loyalty rewards for their loved ones.
United Airlines gives MileagePlus members the option to donate miles to select charities in memory of the deceased. This allows families to honor their loved one’s legacy through charitable contributions.
Frequent Travelers’ Advice and Considerations
Experienced travelers can maximize their rewards and secure their accounts through smart planning. Taking proactive steps helps ensure miles and points remain accessible and valuable, even after death.
Maximizing Benefits of Reward Points
Frequent travelers should focus on strategic accumulation and use of miles. Consolidating points into a single program can increase their value. Many airlines allow pooling miles among family members, making it easier to reach award thresholds.
TrueBlue members can transfer points to others, offering flexibility. Travelers should consider using points for high-value redemptions like business class flights or upgrades. Keeping accounts active is crucial, as some airlines expire miles after periods of inactivity.
Setting up automatic earning methods, such as linked credit cards or dining programs, helps maintain account status. Travelers should also stay informed about program changes and promotions to optimize their rewards.
Ensuring Secure and Accessible Account Information
Security measures are essential for protecting valuable rewards accounts. Travelers should use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication when available. Keeping login information in a secure location, accessible to a trusted family member, is advisable.
Regularly reviewing account activity can help detect unauthorized use. Some loyalty programs offer beneficiary designations, allowing members to specify who should receive miles upon death. Travelers should document their accounts and update this information annually.
Storing copies of membership numbers, passwords, and account balances with other important documents can aid in estate planning. Frequent travelers might consider discussing their rewards with family members to ensure smooth transfer or use if needed.
