What to do when a AAdvantage account holder dies
Contact American Airlines to request a transfer of miles after an account holder dies
AAdvantage Customer Service
Phone1-800-882-8880
Timeline
Minimum 6 months processing; request must be submitted within 1 year of death
WebsiteFile estate claim →
HoursMonday-Friday 8am-8pm CT
(General customer service)
Verified Mar 2026
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 request a transfer
To request a transfer of AAdvantage miles after an account holder's death, follow these steps:
1
Contact AAdvantage customer service at 1-800-882-8880 to report the death of a member and request a transfer review.
2
Submit required documentation:
- •Certified copy of the death certificate
- •Declaration in support of the transfer request
- •Official documentation establishing legal authority (letters testamentary, court order, or equivalent)
3
Wait for American Airlines to review the request (minimum 6 months processing time).
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Declaration in support of request for transfer
- Official document establishing legal authority (letters testamentary, court order, or equivalent)
Timeline
Minimum 6 months processing; request must be submitted within 1 year of death
Frequently asked questions
No. Under the AAdvantage terms and conditions, accrued miles do not constitute property of the member or their estate and have no residual property rights value.
American Airlines may, in its sole discretion and on a one-time basis, credit miles to a person identified in satisfactory documentation. This requires a death certificate, a declaration, and proof of legal authority. The process takes a minimum of 6 months.
Yes. Transfer requests and required documentation must generally be submitted within one year of the death.
Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or gift cards during your lifetime. You can also book flights for family members. Since transfer at death is not guaranteed, using miles while alive is the most reliable strategy.
After the transfer is complete, the recipient can use the miles according to the program's standard terms. Document the deceased account holder's details to make this process easier for your executor or family.
AAdvantage Customer Service
Phone1-800-882-8880
Timeline
Minimum 6 months processing; request must be submitted within 1 year of death
WebsiteFile estate claim →
HoursMonday-Friday 8am-8pm CT
(General customer service)
Verified Mar 2026