EDITOR’S NOTE: Yes, we can be silly around here. However, April 1 is somehow the sanctioned silly day for the rest of the world so of course it’s the one day that strait-laced seriousness takes over at MEAB. You can get your weird Bonvoy and Delta hidden value fake posts elsewhere I’m sure. #sorrynotsorry
The General Rule
Points and miles held in loyalty programs are a real asset, even if they’re worth less over time (even worse than holding cash). If a loyalty program member passes away, most programs’ terms and conditions forfeit the value of their loyalty account completely and the account is (in theory) effectively worthless. So as a general rule, when you or another player dies, remember:
Don’t tell the loyalty program when a member passes, rather just cash-out or redeem points as quickly as reasonably practical.
The Nuance
The general rule doesn’t apply everywhere, not every program has blanket forfeiture. The US exceptions:
- Alaska has an unofficial “Memorial Miles” process to transfer, contact customer service
- AA may transfer miles to someone else for a fee at its own discretion
- United may transfer miles to someone else for a fee at its own discretion
- Hyatt will transfer points to a person with the same residential address as the deceased
- Hilton will transfer points, just fill out this form
- Marriott will transfer points to the deceased’s spouse or someone named in the will at its own discretion
- IHG will transfer points, contact customer service
Its “own discretion” shows up a lot there, I’d consider whether you really want to trust Toby’s discretion before moving forward.
The Practical Side
None of the loyalty programs that transfer points will transfer elite status, upgrade certificates, club access awards, tier awards, elite qualifying points, or similar, and each of these things has value, potentially thousands of tens of thousands of dollars worth. So, probably just keep following the general rule when you can even if the program lets you transfer.
Have a nice Wednesday friends!
Ouch.