Originally Posted by austin_modern

Here are the terms and conditions:

Except as otherwise explained below, mileage credit is not transferable and may not be combined among AAdvantage members, their estates, successors and assigns. Accrued mileage credit and award tickets do not constitute property of the member. Neither accrued mileage, nor award tickets, nor upgrades are transferable by the member (i) upon death, (ii) as part of a domestic relations matter, or (iii) otherwise by operation of law. However, American Airlines, in its sole discretion, may credit accrued mileage to persons specifically identified in court approved divorce decrees and wills upon receipt of documentation satisfactory to American Airlines and upon payment of any applicable fees. Mileage credit is transferable between AAdvantage accounts when offered by AA online, with the shareAAmilesSM program. The member must adhere to the rules and limitations of the shareAAmiles program.


Many get the username and password of the deceased and book travel using the points until its used up. You can also contact AA to transfer the miles per the NYT's article below for 50 dollars.

The NYT also had a good article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/tr...iles.html?_r=0

Sorry to hear about your friend's husband passing away.