First, let me also offer my condolences on his passing.
Second AFAIK, UA does not have a mechanisim for collecting/comparing SS#'s (I know they don't have mine). But you are correct in the context that most death records are public record. But talk about dedicating time and effort into the research.... it would be quite an undertaking.
Originally Posted by
glob99
The SSA keeps a death list. Companies can access this list, think of insurance co. or credit card co. So it would be easy for United to know of the death.
Finally, while it would be a "kind gesture" to allow maybe a bumped down status to a widow/er for the remainder of their qualified earning. But (and no one really offered this) allowing MM companions the benefit in perpetuity? That would be an even bigger nightmare.