Sep 30, 2015, 12:14 pm
Last edit by: Prospero
What happens to AAdvantage miles in case of death (or divorce)?
AA states they actually own the miles and they are not transferable other than paid means offered by their affiliates. However, as provided by the AAdvantage Terms and Conditions, AA miles can in fact be transferred through a will or in divorce proceedings, with the consent of American Airlines. Specific forms (including an affidavit) must be filled out, and copies of death certificate, decree etc. must be provided with filled out forms. For necessary forms, contact AAdvantage Customer Service (link), Open weekdays 7-7 Central time) for further assistance and forms.
Members have previously posted they have successfully moved miles from the account of a decedent to that of a designated heir. Others have posted about divorce decrees specifying miles transfers as part of a settlement.
The moderator can verify the definitive post in this thread is from the archive:
See Posts #41 and #68.
From a NY Times article, courtesy of BOSOGG:
Airlines That Allow Transfers (after death)
AMERICAN
Kudos to American for having a clear, consistent policy: AAdvantage miles can be transferred out of a deceased member’s account to a beneficiary’s AAdvantage account. In April, American even dropped the $50 fee it used to charge for some transfers. On request, the airline will send a packet with an affidavit the beneficiary should fill out, indicating whose account should receive the miles; it should be signed by the surviving spouse, the sole heir or the executor of the estate. A copy of the death certificate must also be submitted (but doesn’t have to be certified, which is also the case with most airlines). Michael Maldonado, an American spokesman, said transfer requests are processed within seven business days.
Older and obsolete posts have been archived to ARCHIVE: AA miles: Can transfer due to death or divorce? (consolidated)
AA states they actually own the miles and they are not transferable other than paid means offered by their affiliates. However, as provided by the AAdvantage Terms and Conditions, AA miles can in fact be transferred through a will or in divorce proceedings, with the consent of American Airlines. Specific forms (including an affidavit) must be filled out, and copies of death certificate, decree etc. must be provided with filled out forms. For necessary forms, contact AAdvantage Customer Service (link), Open weekdays 7-7 Central time) for further assistance and forms.
Earning AAdvantage miles
...Except as otherwise explained below, mileage credit is not transferable and may not be combined among AAdvantage members, their estates, successors or assigns. Accrued mileage credit and award tickets do not constitute property of the member. Neither accrued mileage, nor award tickets, nor status, 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. (Link).
Note: AA no longer charges for this.
...Except as otherwise explained below, mileage credit is not transferable and may not be combined among AAdvantage members, their estates, successors or assigns. Accrued mileage credit and award tickets do not constitute property of the member. Neither accrued mileage, nor award tickets, nor status, 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. (Link).
Note: AA no longer charges for this.
The moderator can verify the definitive post in this thread is from the archive:
...You have been given all of the correct information. Your first call to customer service will provide that the affidavit and instructions be sent to you, aong (sic) with a return envelope. Complete the affidavit, provide a DC (death certificate) the fee, mail and the miles will be transferred in short time.
Note: no fee is charged.
Note: no fee is charged.
From a NY Times article, courtesy of BOSOGG:
Airlines That Allow Transfers (after death)
AMERICAN
Kudos to American for having a clear, consistent policy: AAdvantage miles can be transferred out of a deceased member’s account to a beneficiary’s AAdvantage account. In April, American even dropped the $50 fee it used to charge for some transfers. On request, the airline will send a packet with an affidavit the beneficiary should fill out, indicating whose account should receive the miles; it should be signed by the surviving spouse, the sole heir or the executor of the estate. A copy of the death certificate must also be submitted (but doesn’t have to be certified, which is also the case with most airlines). Michael Maldonado, an American spokesman, said transfer requests are processed within seven business days.
AA policy: One can inherit / transfer miles due to death or divorce (master thread)
Sep 6, 2012, 2:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: AA PLAT, *wood Gold, Marriott Silver
Posts: 434
AA policy: One can inherit / transfer miles due to death or divorce (master thread)
Moderators- I couldn't really figure out the best place to post, so please move it if more appropriate
I’m serving as the executor of an estate, and was pleased to learn that AA miles may be transferred to a surviving spouse.
My scenario involves miles earned on a Citi AA card that hasn’t posted yet. For example, if the card has 5K in spending, and then is closed due to death, would those 5K ever post to the owners AA account? Of course, the balance would need to be paid at some point, but am wondering if those miles will ever post. This may factor in on the timing when I notify Citi of the owners death…perhaps it is wisest to wait until the day after statement closing before informing?
Has anyone been in a similar scenario?
I’m serving as the executor of an estate, and was pleased to learn that AA miles may be transferred to a surviving spouse.
My scenario involves miles earned on a Citi AA card that hasn’t posted yet. For example, if the card has 5K in spending, and then is closed due to death, would those 5K ever post to the owners AA account? Of course, the balance would need to be paid at some point, but am wondering if those miles will ever post. This may factor in on the timing when I notify Citi of the owners death…perhaps it is wisest to wait until the day after statement closing before informing?
Has anyone been in a similar scenario?
Sep 6, 2012, 4:07 pm
#3
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
You may have the best solution already. You have a certain amount of time to wrap up the affairs of the estate, and it may be wise to let the Citi miles take in the AAdvantage account before settling the account. IMO, anyway, as I am not an attorney... so be sure to check with your legal adviser for any guidance you might prefer from a properly trained person.
Moderators- I couldn't really figure out the best place to post, so please move it if more appropriate
I’m serving as the executor of an estate, and was pleased to learn that AA miles may be transferred to a surviving spouse.
My scenario involves miles earned on a Citi AA card that hasn’t posted yet. For example, if the card has 5K in spending, and then is closed due to death, would those 5K ever post to the owners AA account? Of course, the balance would need to be paid at some point, but am wondering if those miles will ever post. This may factor in on the timing when I notify Citi of the owners death…perhaps it is wisest to wait until the day after statement closing before informing?
Has anyone been in a similar scenario?
I’m serving as the executor of an estate, and was pleased to learn that AA miles may be transferred to a surviving spouse.
My scenario involves miles earned on a Citi AA card that hasn’t posted yet. For example, if the card has 5K in spending, and then is closed due to death, would those 5K ever post to the owners AA account? Of course, the balance would need to be paid at some point, but am wondering if those miles will ever post. This may factor in on the timing when I notify Citi of the owners death…perhaps it is wisest to wait until the day after statement closing before informing?
Has anyone been in a similar scenario?
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 14, 2018 at 8:42 am Reason: Add affidavit provided by JonNYC
Sep 30, 2015, 12:20 pm
#5
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Updated and curated (older posts archived, wiki created) for move to "Combined" forum 30 September 2015.
JDiver, Senior Moderator
JDiver, Senior Moderator
Last edited by JDiver; Oct 1, 2015 at 10:35 am Reason: Add archive
Sep 30, 2015, 12:27 pm
#6
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Originally Posted by [email protected]
Can you pay a fee (with a death certificate) to AA to have a family member's miles re-instated? The miles may have expired. Thanks.
That's probably; you may wish to call AAdvantage Customer Service (see wiki).
Nov 20, 2015, 11:29 am
#7
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 2
Use of Late Spouse's Miles Without a Credit Card?
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?
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?
Nov 20, 2015, 11:53 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
There is not actually any rule that the CC must match the AAdvantage account---I have used my credit card in combination with my spouse's miles (over the phone, not online). However, what you are trying to do is fraud (using miles without the account holder's approval), and that is a different matter altogether.
I don't recall if AA allows you to inherit the miles---others will know this. They might allow it even when it's not in the rules, if you ask nicely and don't try to trick them.
I don't recall if AA allows you to inherit the miles---others will know this. They might allow it even when it's not in the rules, if you ask nicely and don't try to trick them.
Nov 20, 2015, 11:54 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SFO, MIA
Programs: AA 2MillionMiler, BA ExecutiveClub, UA MileagePlus, AS MileagePlan
Posts: 449
I haven't used PayPal in ages so I don't know if this would work.
Can you set up a PayPal account in his name but linked to your credit card or bank account? Or, can you set up a PayPal account with both your names?
Can you set up a PayPal account in his name but linked to your credit card or bank account? Or, can you set up a PayPal account with both your names?
Nov 20, 2015, 11:59 am
#11
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I'm sorry for your loss; losing a spouse is very difficult. And welcome to FlyerTalk!
IMO, there could be other repercussions from using his account for your award travel; I suspect there might be a much "cleaner" way to do this:
If your spouse had a will or testamentary document with you as beneficiary, you can have his miles transferred to your account.
See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
IMO, there could be other repercussions from using his account for your award travel; I suspect there might be a much "cleaner" way to do this:
If your spouse had a will or testamentary document with you as beneficiary, you can have his miles transferred to your account.
See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/ameri...solidated.html
Last edited by JDiver; Nov 20, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Nov 20, 2015, 12:00 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: LAX; AA EXP, MM; HH Gold
Posts: 31,789
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?
Call AAdvantage and explain that your spouse died and you'd like them to send you the affidavit that will allow you to transfer his miles to you. They'll email it to you and you return it with $50 processing fee and they'll transfer his miles to your account. DO IT NOW before his miles expire (18 mo after last activity).
Nov 20, 2015, 12:05 pm
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
Sorry to hear about your husband and welcome to Flyertalk.
Call AAdvantage and explain that your spouse died and you'd like them to send you the affidavit that will allow you to transfer his miles to you. They'll email it to you and you return it with $50 processing fee and they'll transfer his miles to your account. DO IT NOW before his miles expire (18 mo after last activity).
Call AAdvantage and explain that your spouse died and you'd like them to send you the affidavit that will allow you to transfer his miles to you. They'll email it to you and you return it with $50 processing fee and they'll transfer his miles to your account. DO IT NOW before his miles expire (18 mo after last activity).
Nov 20, 2015, 12:08 pm
#14
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
Good point. They could consider that a violation as well, although it is a small thing compared to cashing in the miles for a ticket.
Nov 20, 2015, 12:09 pm
#15
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
I'd merely write AA Customer Service as indicated in the thread linked to above, fill in and submit the form / affidavit and other required documentation.