Estate planning as a AAdvantage account holder
American Airlines reviews transfer requests for miles individually upon receipt of documentation
AAdvantage Customer Service
Phone1-800-882-8880
WebsiteFile estate claim →
HoursMonday-Friday 8am-8pm CT
(General customer service)
Verified Mar 2026
American Airlines AAdvantage is one of the largest airline loyalty programs in the world, with miles earned through flights, credit card spending, and partner purchases.
When a AAdvantage account holder dies, their miles may be transferred to a designated person at American Airlines's sole discretion. A transfer is not guaranteed, and satisfactory documentation is required before processing any request.
AAdvantage miles can be purchased as gifts through the program. Members can also use their miles to benefit others directly.
What happens at death
AAdvantage miles do not constitute property of the member or their estate and are forfeited upon death by default. However, American Airlines may elect, in its sole discretion and on a one-time basis only, to credit accrued miles to persons identified in satisfactory documentation. This is not guaranteed and is reviewed case by case.
How to protect your AAdvantage miles
American Airlines does not guarantee transfer of miles after death. Lifetime planning provides options for managing miles and controlling who has access to them.
3 steps for managing your AAdvantage miles during your lifetime:
1
Use miles while alive, since transfer at death is not guaranteed:
- •Redeem for flights, upgrades, or gift cards
- •Book flights for family members
2
Document your AAdvantage account number and login credentials for your executor.
3
Note in your estate planning documents that miles are not property and transfer is discretionary.
Family sharing
AAdvantage does not offer a formal family pooling program. Miles can be purchased as gifts through the Buy Miles program or redeemed to book flights for other people.
When someone dies
Handling AAdvantage miles after a death
Transfer is handled on a case-by-case basis, 3-step process, and 3 required documents.
View details →AAdvantage 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. AAdvantage does not support beneficiary designations. Miles cannot be formally assigned to a beneficiary during your lifetime.
AAdvantage Customer Service
Phone1-800-882-8880
WebsiteFile estate claim →
HoursMonday-Friday 8am-8pm CT
(General customer service)
Verified Mar 2026