When do points expire?
 

I was looking through my Northwest information and the web site and could not find anything stating when the miles expire. I have 53,000 miles, but my last trip was in November 1998.

They don't expire.

Thanks. I guess that explains why I could not find that information.

Technically true, but if you don't have activity for three years NW reserves the right to terminate your entire account.

Of course, whether this would happen is another question.

Correct. But it's always wise to protect oneself from technicalities. If you don't have reason to fly Northwest between now and next October, I would suggest transferring a nominal number of points from Diners, ClickRewards, Starwood or somewhere just to make sure you don't lose those 53,000.

Or...just credit the measley FF miles from a short car rental to the account annually. 50 miles to extend...

And remember, 'activity' can be a redemption or earning of miles...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

http://www.nwa.com/freqfly/updat/promotional.shtml

Submit your e-mail to get 1,000 miles free, and extend the expiry date by another 3 years.

Easy isn't it.

"...if you don't have activity for three years NW reserves the right to terminate your entire account.
Of course, whether this would happen is another question."

They terminated mine. No warning, or a "gee why haven't we seen you lately" (they had, we just hadn't been careful enough apportioning the free tickets between me and my husband). Maybe I could have done something about it - I was more naive then.