Estate planning as a Mileage Plan account holder
Alaska Airlines allows miles to transfer directly to family members
(General customer service)
Verified Mar 2026
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is known for generous earning rates and a wide partner network. Miles do not expire. Alaska has one of the most family-friendly death transfer policies among major airlines.
When a Mileage Plan account holder dies, their miles can be transferred to family members at no charge.
Mileage Plan allows members to transfer miles to other program members during their lifetime, typically for a fee. This is a practical way to share value without a formal estate transfer.
What happens at death
Alaska Airlines operates a "Memorial Miles" program that allows miles to be transferred from a deceased member's account to one or more designated beneficiaries at no charge. This is one of the most accommodating post-death transfer policies among U.S. airlines.
How to protect your Mileage Plan miles
Alaska Airlines offers a process for transferring Mileage Plan miles after death. Lifetime planning provides additional options for how miles are used and who has access to them.
Mileage Plan allows members to transfer miles to other program members during their lifetime. Fees may apply, but this is a direct way to move miles to family members while you are alive.
3 steps for managing your Mileage Plan miles during your lifetime:
1
Prepare for Alaska's Memorial Miles program (fee-free transfer at death):
- •Ensure your beneficiaries have their own Mileage Plan accounts (free to create)
- •Document which beneficiaries should receive miles and in what proportions
2
Document your Mileage Plan account number and credentials for your executor.
3
Consider transferring miles during your lifetime if desired (fees apply for living transfers).
Family sharing
Alaska does not offer a formal family pooling program. Miles can be transferred to other Mileage Plan members for a fee during the member's lifetime, or redeemed to book flights for anyone.
When someone dies
Handling Mileage Plan miles after a death
Miles can be transferred to family members, 4-step process, 3 required documents, and approximately 10 days for processing.
View details →Mileage Plan does not support beneficiary designations. Unlike bank accounts or investment accounts, there is no way to formally name a beneficiary on this type of account.
Frequently asked questions
No. Mileage Plan miles do not expire, regardless of account activity.
(General customer service)
Verified Mar 2026