One of our previous blog posts discussed the management of your digital assets after your death, which many people seem to overlook when planning for their estate. Another asset that you might forget to consider, are your airline miles. Depending on the airline, you might be able to gift those airline miles you have accumulated to your beneficiaries. Here are a few airlines that we have looked into:
Virgin Airlines: According to VirginAtlantic’s “FlyingClub” membership policy, your airline miles are only transferable to designated beneficiaries on the account. Your beneficiary must provide proof they are the beneficiary named, as well pay the transfer fee and provide a copy of your death certificate.
American Airlines: American Airlines seems to be the most hassle-free when it comes to transferring your airline miles. Either the surviving spouse or the acting executor/trustee can submit a request to transfer the remaining miles, along with a copy of a death certificate. There is no longer a fee associated with such a transfer.
US Airways: Similar to American Airlines, the beneficiary need only request the transfer and submit a copy of the death certificate. There is no fee with the transfer either.
JetBlue: JetBlue does not have a policy regarding the transfer of your airline miles, but if you provide the same legal documentation and transfer request submitted for American Airways and US Airways, they should be able to grant the transfer.
Southwest: Unfortunately, Southwest airlines does not allow the transfer of its RapidRewards points. Furthermore, the account will be deleted after two years of inactivity.
Delta: Delta has recently updated their transfer policy and stated that they do not allow transfers to be made to beneficiaries after the account owner’s death. However, the account owner can start distributing points to designated beneficiaries throughout his lifetime.
As with all digital asset planning, it might be easiest for your spouse, executor/trustee, or beneficiaries if you provide a list of all your online airline miles accounts and access information so that they have the requisite information when they need it.
If you do have a sizeable amount of airline miles and other digital assets, and want to know how to properly account for them, contact us for a free initial consultation.818.956.9200
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