My spouse died a year ago, and I would like to use his miles for travel. I've posted some miles through AAdvantage Dining to keep the account current.

I can get into his account, selected flights, and tried to pay the fee ($11.20) with my credit card, but was told the card had to match the account owner's name. The trip is on American/American Eagle, and inside the United States.

What are my options? I would rather not lose his 160,000 miles because there isn't a credit card in his name. I was hoping to use them. I do have our checks with both our names on it, so I suppose I could go to our airport and purchase the ticket that way. Is there any other way to use the miles, or are they lost?