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Air travel has become an essential part of our lives, and frequent flyer programs have made it easier for us to earn miles and travel the world. However, what happens to those hard-earned American Airlines miles when someone passes away? It’s a question that many people have, yet few know the answer to. In this article, we’ll explore the fate of American Airlines miles when someone dies and what steps need to be taken to ensure they don’t go to waste.
Losing a loved one is a difficult time, and dealing with their estate can be overwhelming. The last thing anyone wants to worry about is what happens to their frequent flyer miles. American Airlines has several policies in place to help manage these situations, but it’s important to understand the process and take action to protect your loved one’s miles. Let’s dive into the details and answer some of the most common questions about American Airlines miles and death.
What Happens to American Airlines Miles When Someone Dies?
Losing a loved one is always a difficult time, and dealing with their possessions can be an additional stressor. If the deceased had accumulated American Airlines miles, it’s important to know what happens to them and how to handle them. In this article, we’ll go over the steps to take and the options available to you after someone passes away with American Airlines miles.
1. Contact American Airlines
The first step after a loved one passes away with American Airlines miles is to contact the airline. You’ll need to provide them with the deceased’s name, AAdvantage number, and date of birth to verify their account. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of death, such as a death certificate or obituary. Once the airline has verified the account and the death, they’ll be able to advise you on the options available.
There are typically two options available for American Airlines miles after someone passes away. The first option is to transfer the miles to another AAdvantage account. The second option is to redeem the miles for travel or other rewards.
2. Transfer the Miles
If you choose to transfer the miles to another AAdvantage account, you’ll need to provide the airline with the name and AAdvantage number of the recipient. There may be fees associated with transferring miles, and the recipient must also be an AAdvantage member. Once the transfer is complete, the miles will be in the recipient’s account and can be used for travel or other rewards.
It’s important to note that American Airlines miles cannot be transferred to non-AAdvantage members or sold for cash. Additionally, the transfer must be completed within one year of the date of death.
3. Redeem the Miles
If you choose to redeem the miles for travel or other rewards, you’ll need to provide the airline with the details of the booking or reward. The airline may require additional documentation, such as a death certificate or power of attorney, to complete the redemption.
Redeeming the miles for travel can be a good option if you’re planning to travel yourself or if you want to use the miles to book a trip for someone else. Depending on the number of miles available, you may be able to book multiple flights or upgrades.
4. Benefits of Transferring Miles
Transferring miles to another AAdvantage account can be beneficial if the recipient is a frequent traveler or has a specific trip in mind. It can also be a way to ensure that the deceased’s miles are used in a way that honors their memory.
Another benefit of transferring miles is that it can help to prevent the miles from expiring. American Airlines miles expire after 18 months of inactivity, so transferring the miles to another account can keep them active and prevent them from being lost.
5. Benefits of Redeeming Miles
Redeeming miles for travel or other rewards can be beneficial if you’re planning to use them yourself or if you want to give them as a gift. It can also be a way to use the miles in a way that the deceased may have wanted.
Another benefit of redeeming miles is that it can help to provide closure. Using the miles for travel or other rewards can be a way to remember the deceased and honor their legacy.
6. Vs. Other Airlines
When it comes to handling miles after someone passes away, American Airlines is similar to other major airlines. Most airlines allow miles to be transferred to another account or redeemed for travel or other rewards. However, the specific policies and fees may vary between airlines.
It’s important to review the policies of each airline and compare them to determine the best course of action for handling the miles.
7. Conclusion
Dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s death can be challenging, but knowing what to do with their American Airlines miles can provide some peace of mind. Whether you choose to transfer the miles to another account or redeem them for travel or other rewards, American Airlines has options available to help you handle the miles in a way that honors the deceased.
Remember to contact the airline as soon as possible to begin the process, and be prepared to provide proof of death and other documentation. With the right steps, you can ensure that the miles are used in a way that honors the memory of your loved one.
8. Additional Resources
If you need additional information or assistance with handling American Airlines miles after a loved one passes away, the airline’s customer service team can provide guidance and support. They can be reached by phone, email, or online chat.
Additionally, the American Bar Association provides resources and information on estate planning and handling the affairs of a deceased loved one. Their website includes a directory of local bar associations and legal resources.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can American Airlines miles be transferred to non-AAdvantage members?
A: No, American Airlines miles can only be transferred to other AAdvantage members.
Q: How long do I have to transfer the miles?
A: The miles must be transferred within one year of the date of death.
Q: Can American Airlines miles be sold for cash?
A: No, American Airlines miles cannot be sold for cash.
10. Summary
In summary, American Airlines miles can be transferred to another AAdvantage account or redeemed for travel or other rewards after someone passes away. It’s important to contact the airline as soon as possible and provide proof of death and other documentation. Transferring miles can help to keep them active and prevent them from expiring, while redeeming miles can be a way to remember and honor the deceased. Remember to compare the policies of other airlines and seek additional resources and support if needed.
Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do with American Airlines miles when someone dies?
- Can American Airlines miles be inherited?
- Can American Airlines miles expire after someone dies?
- Can American Airlines miles be used to book travel for someone else after the member’s death?
- Can American Airlines miles be donated to a charity after someone dies?
- American Airlines – Tricks & Tips | American Airline Status Explained
- How Many Aircraft Does American Airlines Have?
- Is American Airlines Business Class Worth It?
- Can You Have 2 Carry Ons For American Airlines?
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do with American Airlines miles when someone dies?
First of all, we are deeply sorry for your loss. When someone who holds American Airlines miles passes away, the surviving family members or the executor of the estate should contact the American Airlines customer service. The representative will guide you through the process and explain the available options.
Generally, American Airlines allows transferring the miles to another account, or using them to book travel for the surviving family members. However, each case is unique, and the customer service representative will provide a personalized solution based on the situation.
Can American Airlines miles be inherited?
Yes, American Airlines miles can be inherited. However, the process varies depending on the airline policies and the state laws. According to the American Airlines website, the miles are not transferable upon the member’s death, but the airline may make exceptions for family members or executors of the estate.
To inherit the American Airlines miles, the family members or executor of the estate should contact the customer service and provide the necessary documentation, such as a death certificate, a will, and a letter of testamentary.
Can American Airlines miles expire after someone dies?
Yes, American Airlines miles can expire after someone dies. According to the American Airlines website, the miles will expire if there is no activity in the account for 18 months. Therefore, it is essential to use the miles or transfer them to another account before they expire.
If the member passes away, the family members or executor of the estate should contact the customer service as soon as possible to avoid losing the miles. The representative will guide you through the process and explain the available options.
Can American Airlines miles be used to book travel for someone else after the member’s death?
Yes, American Airlines miles can be used to book travel for someone else after the member’s death. However, the process varies depending on the airline policies and the state laws. According to the American Airlines website, the miles are not transferable upon the member’s death, but the airline may make exceptions for family members or executors of the estate.
To use the American Airlines miles to book travel for someone else, the family members or executor of the estate should contact the customer service and provide the necessary documentation, such as a death certificate, a will, and a letter of testamentary.
Can American Airlines miles be donated to a charity after someone dies?
Yes, American Airlines miles can be donated to a charity after someone dies. According to the American Airlines website, the airline partners with various charities, including the American Cancer Society, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and the Red Cross. The family members or executor of the estate can donate the miles to the charity of their choice.
To donate the American Airlines miles to a charity, the family members or executor of the estate should contact the customer service and provide the necessary information about the charity. The representative will guide you through the process and explain the available options.
American Airlines – Tricks & Tips | American Airline Status Explained
In conclusion, when someone who is a member of American Airlines frequent flyer program passes away, their miles do not simply disappear. The miles can be transferred to a beneficiary, as long as the appropriate documentation is provided. This transfer process can be done by contacting American Airlines customer service, and providing them with the necessary information.
It is important to note that American Airlines does have restrictions on who can be a beneficiary of the miles. Only immediate family members, such as spouses, domestic partners, and children, are eligible to receive the miles. Additionally, there may be fees associated with transferring the miles.
Overall, it is comforting to know that the miles earned through American Airlines frequent flyer program can be passed on to loved ones. This serves as a reminder to keep track of important information, such as login credentials and beneficiary information, in case of unexpected events.
