aacharya

Not in this forum it isn't. It has nothing to do with earning miles via offers, but finding ways to "gift" them that violate the airline mile program rules.

OP -take the advice given twice already. Look at actual statements to ensure miles aren't expiring.

sunk818

This thread seems to get into the specifics of cashing out miles if that is the desired course of action.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...ift-cards.html

dcAA

Are you referring to traceability as an issue should his uncle die and OP attempt to continue to use the accounts, or are you saying that the uncle should only accept cash payments, as checks could be traced to the transaction?

If the latter, I have to disagree. Selling your miles violates your agreement with the airlines, but it is not illegal in any way. Signing up for a FFP does not give the airlines the right to audit your bank accounts. The airlines may very well figure out that OP's uncle is selling tickets, but they will not figure it out from tracing his checks.

TrojanHorse

Just have Uncle Fester give you his account numbers and PW and go at it

At his birthday, Xmas, and every other holiday in between, give Uncle Fester something he could use, want or would like to have

No need for any written agreements

Just a quick chat in the parlor amongst you two that no one else has to hear

zutmin

I too see this as the most efficient use of those miles. In fact, my wife does not even know any of her FF#s or passwords for any of her loyalty programs. I signed her up for all of the programs/cards and I book all of the award flights/nights for her.

You can do the same thing, and as a member of FT you will likely maximize those award miles/points to the fullest.

dbh1

Agree with the last two posts.

First, check other board to see which points can be passed for free through the estate. If I remember correctly, there is some opaqueness is the info out there, but worth some research. Use those last.

For the rest of the points, ask for control of the accounts. Use those to book family members. If the family members give anything back to your uncle in exchange and the airline catches them (e.g., they brag to the ticket agent that they only gave $x to their uncle for their dream trip to Maui and the TA rats them out) they are putting all of your uncle's miles with that airline at risk. They are not breaking any law from a criminal perspective, just a contract with remedies. Think of not paying your rent when it is due. You don't go to jail, you just get kicked out onto to the street (maybe), have your credit rating destroyed and possibly have your wages garnished, all of which would be much better than losing 1MM miles because your cousin couldn't keep his mouth shut

Regardless, don't let those precious miles go to waste, even if your uncle doesn't get paid back with money. I'm pretty sure the airline won't strip your account if the remuneration was a big hug and a thank you card. Anything more and it is simply a risk/reward calculation.

dhuey

That's for the mods to decide, but a lot of people here want to discuss this, and the issue has everything to do with airline miles.

philemer

This topic is indeed a good fit for MB! This forum is for questions on how to:
1. best use our miles & points
2. find hot new offers of miles & points

World-Wide

If family transfers you there miles there should be no problem.

Anyway if your uncle can't use them have him transfer it to family members. Why would he rather have the miles go to waste?

lin821

These existing threads may help:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...ing-miles.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...es-points.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...ing-miles.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/miles...ell-miles.html

cmx

While selling them might be against the rules, giving them to someone who later gives you a present is not. Friends give friends presents all the time.