Author Topic: Transferring Airline Miles upon death  (Read 1573 times)

Offline jbr100

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Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« on: November 26, 2019, 09:28:01 AM »
If someone passes away with frequent flyer miles on American Airlines, what is the best plan.  I see online that miles are not transferable, but American is willing to transfer them. 
However, is it possible to keep them in the current account, and have that account book tickets for other family members? Or are you only allowed to book tickets for yourself with frequent flyer miles?
Thanks

Offline ReadsTheT&C

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #1 on: November 26, 2019, 09:34:04 AM »
The latter. Your best bet is don't tell the airline and just use up whatever is left. You can book tickets for anyone with your miles. In the unfortunate event the root of your question is more practical than theoretical, then I'm sorry for your loss.

Offline jbr100

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #2 on: November 26, 2019, 10:02:57 AM »
Thank you

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #3 on: November 27, 2019, 07:56:49 AM »
I would say that if booking from the account directly, it would be advisable to only book ofr the same 1-2 people from it in order to not raise a red flag.

Online ckmk47

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #4 on: November 27, 2019, 09:57:32 AM »
I've booked many different people from each of my FF accounts and never had a peep from them. Particularly BA and United.  Which airlines get antsy?
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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #5 on: November 27, 2019, 09:59:32 AM »
AA for sure.

Offline jbr100

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #6 on: December 09, 2019, 03:29:09 PM »
I just attempted to book a flight using miles however, there was a small fee associated with each ticket (~$12). 
When entering my credit card information, the transaction was rejected as the name on my credit card did not match the frequent flyer account name.
Given that we cancelled all credit cards at the time of death, I guess I will have to look into transferring the miles. (Unless someone else has other ideas).
Thanks

Offline mmgfarb

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #7 on: December 09, 2019, 03:40:46 PM »
I just attempted to book a flight using miles however, there was a small fee associated with each ticket (~$12). 
When entering my credit card information, the transaction was rejected as the name on my credit card did not match the frequent flyer account name.
Given that we cancelled all credit cards at the time of death, I guess I will have to look into transferring the miles. (Unless someone else has other ideas).
Thanks
What frequent flyer program are you attempting to use?
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Offline yoshyosh

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #8 on: December 09, 2019, 03:47:25 PM »
I just attempted to book a flight using miles however, there was a small fee associated with each ticket (~$12). 
When entering my credit card information, the transaction was rejected as the name on my credit card did not match the frequent flyer account name.
Given that we cancelled all credit cards at the time of death, I guess I will have to look into transferring the miles. (Unless someone else has other ideas).
Thanks

visa gift card or https://giftcards.aa.com/

Offline Agoldsc1

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #9 on: December 09, 2019, 04:41:30 PM »
I just attempted to book a flight using miles however, there was a small fee associated with each ticket (~$12). 
When entering my credit card information, the transaction was rejected as the name on my credit card did not match the frequent flyer account name.
Given that we cancelled all credit cards at the time of death, I guess I will have to look into transferring the miles. (Unless someone else has other ideas).
Thanks

From my experience, only the mailing address is verified for a CC. I think you can insert any name and it should be OK (especially if the last names match).

Alternatively, you can always add the deceased as an AU to an existing account. I think some companies allow you 60 days to provide the SSN, and if you don't, the only consequence is that that AU card is closed.

Offline shaulyaakov

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #10 on: December 09, 2019, 04:42:08 PM »
From my experience, only the mailing address is verified for a CC. I think you can insert any name and it should be OK (especially if the last names match).

Alternatively, you can always add the deceased as an AU to an existing account. I think some companies allow you 60 days to provide the SSN, and if you don't, the only consequence is that that AU card is closed.
Be aware this could be considered identify theft so do at your own peril.

Offline Agoldsc1

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #11 on: December 09, 2019, 05:49:36 PM »
Be aware this could be considered identify theft so do at your own peril.

Why would it be identity theft? If you don't provide the SSN, then you are not stealing anyone's identity, at worst, you are creating an identity, no different thank John Doe, no?

Offline jbr100

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Re: Transferring Airline Miles upon death
« Reply #12 on: December 11, 2019, 11:56:53 AM »
What about selling the miles to one of those companies that buys miles?  Would that be possible?