Mike -

Unfortunately, my mother passed away last year with a material number of UA miles. We've not actually taken the time to deal with it yet (not real high on the list of priorities within the estate process) but UA has told us that we simply have to send a copy of the death certificate and they will automatically transfer to the surviving spouse.

I don't know what would happen if there were no surviving spouse (did not come up).
For us, it was not addressed as part of the probate process, but rather as a process within Mileage Plus. A quick search of the LEXIS database showed no cases popping up related to Probate and "frequent flyer miles." That doesn't mean it hasn't been addressed, just that it doesn't come up easily on the electronic databases. (I don't practice that kind of law, so I don't know). If it were a contested matter, I don't know what would happen.

I would just call the airline to ask their policy. UA was very helpful and reasonable.

My sympathies if you're dealing with this issue now.

Greg

[This message has been edited by greg99 (edited 09-14-2000).]