Dec 18, 2018, 7:32 pm
Last edit by: WineCountryUA
from MileagePlus Program Rules
Reports are the administrative fee is $75 / $150. There is no longer a fee.
You will need a death certificate and signed (and notarized) affidavit attesting that you are the executor of the estate. Then you contact UA MileagePlus Customer Support..
The executor can designate multiple recipients.
While not formally allowed by the rules, it is also possible if you have the account holder's login information to use that account to spend the miles directly from the account.
7. Accrued mileage, Premier (and/or Million Miler) status levels, Premier (and/or Million Miler) benefits, Premier Qualifying Credits and certificates do not constitute property of the Member and are not transferable except as set forth herein. Accrued mileage may be transferred to another MileagePlus account through United’s Transfer Miles Program. Members must comply with the Transfer Miles Program Terms and Conditions found on united.com. In the event of the death or divorce of a Member, United may, in its sole discretion, credit all or a portion of such Member’s accrued mileage to authorized persons upon receipt of documentation satisfactory to United and payment of applicable fees.
You will need a death certificate and signed (and notarized) affidavit attesting that you are the executor of the estate. Then you contact UA MileagePlus Customer Support..
The executor can designate multiple recipients.
While not formally allowed by the rules, it is also possible if you have the account holder's login information to use that account to spend the miles directly from the account.
Miles transfer / usage upon member death
Nov 27, 2022, 11:12 pm
#211
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,433
Thanks again!
Nov 29, 2022, 8:51 am
#212
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
You can also spread it around, I think the form has 3 fields for destination (I would imagine one could do more if asked) and with that many miles, I’d spread it around if possible and reasonable for parties. (Too many makes it hard to give to some and not other, etc, everyone’s family is different).
I wouldn’t want to park that many miles with a similar aged spouse and frankly unless I had some BIG LARGE denomination trips planned, having that many miles - which DO and WILL SOON more depreciate, it’s better to get them into the hard of folks who will manage down the balance practicably
Dec 1, 2022, 12:14 pm
#213
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 1,433
I did 1.3m for a PIL to his widow back in April 2022. YMMV
You can also spread it around, I think the form has 3 fields for destination (I would imagine one could do more if asked) and with that many miles, I’d spread it around if possible and reasonable for parties. (Too many makes it hard to give to some and not other, etc, everyone’s family is different).
I wouldn’t want to park that many miles with a similar aged spouse and frankly unless I had some BIG LARGE denomination trips planned, having that many miles - which DO and WILL SOON more depreciate, it’s better to get them into the hard of folks who will manage down the balance practicably
You can also spread it around, I think the form has 3 fields for destination (I would imagine one could do more if asked) and with that many miles, I’d spread it around if possible and reasonable for parties. (Too many makes it hard to give to some and not other, etc, everyone’s family is different).
I wouldn’t want to park that many miles with a similar aged spouse and frankly unless I had some BIG LARGE denomination trips planned, having that many miles - which DO and WILL SOON more depreciate, it’s better to get them into the hard of folks who will manage down the balance practicably
In either case, it's probably 4 business class round trips to Europe that will eat it up. They are only 69.
Dec 1, 2022, 2:55 pm
#214
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
I thought you said it was 1-2 million miles, that should be a lot more than 4 C tickets from USA to Europe… but then again, “1-2 million” is a pretty big range.
Jul 22, 2023, 8:36 pm
#215
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Greater Chicagoland Area
Programs: frontier Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,455
Any recent data points on transfers? I read the whole thread: apparently the fee used to be $75 and then $150, but in 2021 and 2022 there were data points that the fee was now $0.
I saw a post mentioning and affidavit that has to be notarized. I saw an older post about having to prove executor status or something similar. This is where there may be complications as there is a will but probate was never opened because there were no assets to have to open probate.
The person to whom the miles would be transferred is listed as the reporting person on the death certificate.
I'm kinda thinking maybe the option of burning some of the miles first might be advisable and maybe try the transfer with the odd remaining miles afterwards? Many seem to prefer the option of just using the miles if one has access to the account still.
I saw a post mentioning and affidavit that has to be notarized. I saw an older post about having to prove executor status or something similar. This is where there may be complications as there is a will but probate was never opened because there were no assets to have to open probate.
The person to whom the miles would be transferred is listed as the reporting person on the death certificate.
I'm kinda thinking maybe the option of burning some of the miles first might be advisable and maybe try the transfer with the odd remaining miles afterwards? Many seem to prefer the option of just using the miles if one has access to the account still.
Jul 22, 2023, 9:44 pm
#216
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
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Posts: 15,047
The process has changed over time. My Post # 176 after the death of my younger son, concerning no fee and the notarization requirement, supersedes earlier provisions and remains accurate two years later.
My son had no assets to probate. I was listed on the death certificate, and signed his final tax return, but there was no problem whatsoever transferring his miles to my wife at her request.
By pretending the decedent is still alive, you are creating potential issues.
My son had no assets to probate. I was listed on the death certificate, and signed his final tax return, but there was no problem whatsoever transferring his miles to my wife at her request.
By pretending the decedent is still alive, you are creating potential issues.
Jul 22, 2023, 11:35 pm
#217
Join Date: Jan 2005
Programs: SQ, QF, UA, CO, DL
Posts: 2,884
Any recent data points on transfers? I read the whole thread: apparently the fee used to be $75 and then $150, but in 2021 and 2022 there were data points that the fee was now $0.
I saw a post mentioning and affidavit that has to be notarized. I saw an older post about having to prove executor status or something similar. This is where there may be complications as there is a will but probate was never opened because there were no assets to have to open probate.
The person to whom the miles would be transferred is listed as the reporting person on the death certificate.
I'm kinda thinking maybe the option of burning some of the miles first might be advisable and maybe try the transfer with the odd remaining miles afterwards? Many seem to prefer the option of just using the miles if one has access to the account still.
I saw a post mentioning and affidavit that has to be notarized. I saw an older post about having to prove executor status or something similar. This is where there may be complications as there is a will but probate was never opened because there were no assets to have to open probate.
The person to whom the miles would be transferred is listed as the reporting person on the death certificate.
I'm kinda thinking maybe the option of burning some of the miles first might be advisable and maybe try the transfer with the odd remaining miles afterwards? Many seem to prefer the option of just using the miles if one has access to the account still.
The process has changed over time. My Post # 176 after the death of my younger son, concerning no fee and the notarization requirement, supersedes earlier provisions and remains accurate two years later.
My son had no assets to probate. I was listed on the death certificate, and signed his final tax return, but there was no problem whatsoever transferring his miles to my wife at her request.
By pretending the decedent is still alive, you are creating potential issues.
My son had no assets to probate. I was listed on the death certificate, and signed his final tax return, but there was no problem whatsoever transferring his miles to my wife at her request.
By pretending the decedent is still alive, you are creating potential issues.
Jul 23, 2023, 2:54 am
#218
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Greater Chicagoland Area
Programs: frontier Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,455
Thank you for the responses. The quotes lead me to read the replies again from 176 onward.
When I read through the thread initially, i read the post below wrong and I thought we might need those documents but now I see that they are not required anyway. When I have time this week, I'll reach out to UA and get the form.
Having dealt with notarizing stuff before, Chase and BOA will do them for free if one is a customer. I also know that the person notarizing has told me they just verify I signed the documents. I had something where I had documents to prove I was authorized to do stuff that I was signing for and I was told that they verify that, just my signature.
I'll report back what happens with our situation. I'd prefer to just have the miles transferred rather than booking tickets with the account. We would be doing it properly by transferring, we can maybe open up award availability with either status or the credit card in the future, and it would be easier it too off with miles from URs if necessary.
Thanks again for the quick responses.
When I read through the thread initially, i read the post below wrong and I thought we might need those documents but now I see that they are not required anyway. When I have time this week, I'll reach out to UA and get the form.
Having dealt with notarizing stuff before, Chase and BOA will do them for free if one is a customer. I also know that the person notarizing has told me they just verify I signed the documents. I had something where I had documents to prove I was authorized to do stuff that I was signing for and I was told that they verify that, just my signature.
I'll report back what happens with our situation. I'd prefer to just have the miles transferred rather than booking tickets with the account. We would be doing it properly by transferring, we can maybe open up award availability with either status or the credit card in the future, and it would be easier it too off with miles from URs if necessary.
Thanks again for the quick responses.
UA MP has an affidavit form that needs to be filled out, notarized and sent in with a transfer form of the target accounts for the miles, and of course a certificate of death as well needs to be included. Other than having the affidavit form notarized (wells or other banks usually will do this type for free and quickly) it’s a pretty easy process and then they get uploaded to a UAMP email and it clears/transfers fairly quickly.
Some accounts will also ask for say a copy of the cover page of the will, maybe a screenshot of the will or trust that says “any mileage or points account, etc.” but UA MP doesn't’ need those types of additional supporting documents.
Some accounts will also ask for say a copy of the cover page of the will, maybe a screenshot of the will or trust that says “any mileage or points account, etc.” but UA MP doesn't’ need those types of additional supporting documents.
Jul 23, 2023, 1:30 pm
#219
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
Thank you for the responses. The quotes lead me to read the replies again from 176 onward.
When I read through the thread initially, i read the post below wrong and I thought we might need those documents but now I see that they are not required anyway. When I have time this week, I'll reach out to UA and get the form.
Having dealt with notarizing stuff before, Chase and BOA will do them for free if one is a customer. I also know that the person notarizing has told me they just verify I signed the documents. I had something where I had documents to prove I was authorized to do stuff that I was signing for and I was told that they verify that, just my signature.
I'll report back what happens with our situation. I'd prefer to just have the miles transferred rather than booking tickets with the account. We would be doing it properly by transferring, we can maybe open up award availability with either status or the credit card in the future, and it would be easier it too off with miles from URs if necessary.
Thanks again for the quick responses.
When I read through the thread initially, i read the post below wrong and I thought we might need those documents but now I see that they are not required anyway. When I have time this week, I'll reach out to UA and get the form.
Having dealt with notarizing stuff before, Chase and BOA will do them for free if one is a customer. I also know that the person notarizing has told me they just verify I signed the documents. I had something where I had documents to prove I was authorized to do stuff that I was signing for and I was told that they verify that, just my signature.
I'll report back what happens with our situation. I'd prefer to just have the miles transferred rather than booking tickets with the account. We would be doing it properly by transferring, we can maybe open up award availability with either status or the credit card in the future, and it would be easier it too off with miles from URs if necessary.
Thanks again for the quick responses.
that quote in your post is mine, and I probably could have better qualified it by saying “some OTHER AIRLINE FREQUENT FLYER programs/accounts”, which was in comparison to UA MP as referenced in the top paragraph. UA MP at least the last time I did it did NOT require a death cert or other documents if I recall, but only required THEIR affidavit, which basically indemnifies them to future claims by potentially other parties.
Jul 24, 2023, 4:41 pm
#220
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Greater Chicagoland Area
Programs: frontier Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,455
Small update. I went on the app and did an online chat. They wouldn't send me the affidavit and release form until I gave them the deceased mileage plus info. First, I confirmed that there were still no fees and after that was confirmed, I gave the info. They sent me the release form The main parts of the form basically ask that you declare that you are :
the courtordered executor, administrator or trustee of the estate (the “Estate”) of the deceased individual listed on the Death Certificate attached as Exhibit A (the “Decedent”) or am otherwise authorized to act on behalf of the Decedent or the Decedent’s Estate (“Authorized Person”)
The next section asks you for the Name of the decedent, the Mileage Plus number, the miles in the account and the amount of TravelBank Cash in the account. The it asks for the name of the recipient, Mileage Plus number, and the amount of Miles and TravelBank cash to be transferred, (and says you can use extra sheets if you have additional accounts for transfer). It also asks for the expiration date of TravelBank Cash to be transferred.
** Note: TravelBank Cash transferred shall retain the expiration date noted in the Decedent's Account. If the the Authorized Person does not indicate the expiration date of the TravelBank Cash to be transferred then United may, in its sole discretion, determine from which tranche of TravelBank Cash the transfer should be made.
Next section is just legal statements that they are not responsible for any "discrepancy between the Authorized Person's Instructions.. and instructions in the Decedent's Will," The miles and TravelBank cash are subject to their rules, and you basically agree to indemnify United.
As others indicated, you have to have the form notarized and attach a death certificate.
the courtordered executor, administrator or trustee of the estate (the “Estate”) of the deceased individual listed on the Death Certificate attached as Exhibit A (the “Decedent”) or am otherwise authorized to act on behalf of the Decedent or the Decedent’s Estate (“Authorized Person”)
The next section asks you for the Name of the decedent, the Mileage Plus number, the miles in the account and the amount of TravelBank Cash in the account. The it asks for the name of the recipient, Mileage Plus number, and the amount of Miles and TravelBank cash to be transferred, (and says you can use extra sheets if you have additional accounts for transfer). It also asks for the expiration date of TravelBank Cash to be transferred.
** Note: TravelBank Cash transferred shall retain the expiration date noted in the Decedent's Account. If the the Authorized Person does not indicate the expiration date of the TravelBank Cash to be transferred then United may, in its sole discretion, determine from which tranche of TravelBank Cash the transfer should be made.
Next section is just legal statements that they are not responsible for any "discrepancy between the Authorized Person's Instructions.. and instructions in the Decedent's Will," The miles and TravelBank cash are subject to their rules, and you basically agree to indemnify United.
As others indicated, you have to have the form notarized and attach a death certificate.
Jul 24, 2023, 5:53 pm
#221
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Join Date: Apr 2004
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Posts: 52,140
Jul 24, 2023, 7:17 pm
#222
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Greater Chicagoland Area
Programs: frontier Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,455
Yeah, the notary checks ID to verify that I am signing as the ID states, but they wouldn't look at say the trust documents b/c they said it wasn't in their power to verify documents like that. I think in this example, I'm the one who will verify that I have the power to claim the miles and the notary will check my ID like in the past, and verify that I signed the documents as my name on the ID but they aren't verifying that I showed them documents showing that I have the power I'm stating in the document.
Jul 25, 2023, 5:02 am
#223
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
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Posts: 15,047
To make it appear less self-interested, we had one survivor transfer the decedent's miles to another survivor, rather than to him/herself.
Jul 29, 2023, 1:02 pm
#224
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Greater Chicagoland Area
Programs: frontier Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,455
I uploaded to the link they gave me which was just a link to the customer service message area on the website. The message page allows for only 3 attachments that are supposed to be less than 1MB. Taking pictures with phone created 5MB pics and my old scanner created them just under 2MB.
I attached the death certificate, page 1 (where you input mileage number, etc), and the notarized signature page,
That was Thursday evening. This morning I get an email telling me to upload the docs to that same link or attach to the email. Attaching is less safe but I just did it. Hopefully they will transfer the miles over in a few days now. I'm expecting this won't be like the Chase insurance claims where they keep asking you to send the same documents over and over again.
I'll update when the miles post in a few days, which I expect should happen.
I attached the death certificate, page 1 (where you input mileage number, etc), and the notarized signature page,
That was Thursday evening. This morning I get an email telling me to upload the docs to that same link or attach to the email. Attaching is less safe but I just did it. Hopefully they will transfer the miles over in a few days now. I'm expecting this won't be like the Chase insurance claims where they keep asking you to send the same documents over and over again.
I'll update when the miles post in a few days, which I expect should happen.
Jul 29, 2023, 1:15 pm
#225
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Menlo Park, CA, USA
Programs: UA 1MM 0P, AA, DL, *wood, Lifetime FPC Plat., IHG, HHD
Posts: 6,912
I uploaded to the link they gave me which was just a link to the customer service message area on the website. The message page allows for only 3 attachments that are supposed to be less than 1MB. Taking pictures with phone created 5MB pics and my old scanner created them just under 2MB.
I attached the death certificate, page 1 (where you input mileage number, etc), and the notarized signature page,
That was Thursday evening. This morning I get an email telling me to upload the docs to that same link or attach to the email. Attaching is less safe but I just did it. Hopefully they will transfer the miles over in a few days now. I'm expecting this won't be like the Chase insurance claims where they keep asking you to send the same documents over and over again.
I'll update when the miles post in a few days, which I expect should happen.
I attached the death certificate, page 1 (where you input mileage number, etc), and the notarized signature page,
That was Thursday evening. This morning I get an email telling me to upload the docs to that same link or attach to the email. Attaching is less safe but I just did it. Hopefully they will transfer the miles over in a few days now. I'm expecting this won't be like the Chase insurance claims where they keep asking you to send the same documents over and over again.
I'll update when the miles post in a few days, which I expect should happen.
Last edited by nmenaker; Jul 29, 2023 at 3:51 pm