Can you pass on your AAdvantage miles when you die?
American Airlines reviews requests about AAdvantage miles after a death case by case. While alive, the account holder can use gift purchases and authorized users.
Protecting AAdvantage miles while the account is active
No beneficiary designation, lifetime transfer options for miles, and 6-step plan.
How to protect your AAdvantage miles while you are alive →Someone died. Handling AAdvantage miles after a death
Transfer is handled on a case-by-case basis, 6-step process, and 4 required documents.
What happens to AAdvantage miles when someone dies →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. Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and gift cards.
American Airlines decides what happens to AAdvantage miles after a death case by case; its terms promise no transfer. While the account holder is alive, American Airlines allows gift purchases and authorized users.
What happens to AAdvantage at death
- Case by case
At death the account is terminated and its miles and Loyalty Points are forfeited, unless American Airlines permits otherwise. It may, in its sole discretion and one time only, credit eligible miles to persons named in documentation it accepts.1
Naming who acts after a death
- Designation
There is no way to name a beneficiary on an AAdvantage account; a transfer at death is a one-time credit made at American Airlines' sole discretion.1
Sources1
- 1.AAdvantage terms and conditions, Effective March 1, 2026
American Airlines publishes its own process for a deceased person's account: AAdvantage one-time discretionary mile transfer (Death of an AAdvantage member); the request starts by phone at 1-800-882-8880. There is no way to name a beneficiary or successor on an AAdvantage account.
Sources
Data sourced from American Airlines primary sources (4 pages reviewed). How we research.
AAdvantage customer support
AAdvantage Customer Service
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