What Happens To Your Frequent Flyer Miles When Your Loved One Dies

It’s funny how people seem to leave some really funny things in their will. They believe that the item they have left behind will continue to be cherished. Somehow the cute teapot your aunt left you in her will is stored away in a forgotten cupboard, and the ugly sofa hasn’t seen the light of day in years. What happens if that loved one was a frequent flyer? What happens to your frequent flyer miles when your loved one dies? While some airlines are against transferring of airline miles, there have been cases where close family or partners have made a request for the airline miles and it has been granted.  

1. Transfer of Miles after a Death

Were you aware that you could leave frequent flyers to a loved one in the case of the death? This is usually the case, but it depends on the airline's policy. Airfarewatchdog has created a chart of rules, which allows the family of the deceased to claim airline miles. The article gives a clear insight of what is involved in transferring frequent flyer miles in case of death. According to the founder of the website, the chart of rules is long overdue because a lot of us will be faced with the possibility of leaving or inheriting airline miles.  

2. Policies of Major Airlines in the US

Delta Airlines:

This airline doesn’t leave room for much wiggling because it firmly states that the Delta airline miles are not the property of any member. They have clearly stated in their terms and conditions that the frequent flyer miles are the property of the airline and cannot be transferred, attached, levied upon or seized upon death or, in connection with any domestic relations disputes.  

United Airlines:

United Airlines policy is very similar to Delta’s because it also clearly states in its terms and conditions that the United airline miles and certificates are not transferable upon death. However, there are some loopholes involved because Airfare Watchdog says the airline does consider the request on a case by case basis. If the case is accepted, a family member will need to submit a death certificate and pay $75 to have airline miles transferred.  

Read: Five Common Myths About Selling Airline Miles

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Southwest Airline:

This airline has a very blunt policy on its Rapid Rewards program, which boldly states that the airline miles, may not be transferred to a members estate or part of moved as part of settlement, inheritance or will. Once a frequent flyer member has died his miles will become inactive after 24 months from the last earning date and will no longer be usable. Again, according to Airfarewatchdog, there is nothing stopping a family member from using the deceased’s awards till they expire.  

American Airlines:

This airline is one of the leading airlines in the US and firmly states in its terms and conditions that the AAdvantage airline miles cannot be moved or transferred upon death or during a settlement. However, the airline says it has the choice to offer airline miles to those persons identified in court approved divorce decrees and wills.