What Really Happens To Your Travel Miles When You're No Longer Around

While Rick Steves may refuse to sign up for airline loyalty programs, many of us have spent years accumulating travel rewards and airline miles. If you're someone who is sitting on a pile of rewards just waiting to be redeemed, you may have wondered what happens to them after you're gone. It's not a nice thing to think about, but it is smart to consider the reality of the situation. The answer depends on the policies of individual loyalty programs, but in many cases, your points and miles don't have to vanish into thin air. 

Many programs, such as Southwest's Rapid Rewards, allow for your rewards to be transferred or donated to a beneficiary, but the process isn't always straightforward. For programs that do allow transfers, beneficiaries usually need to provide documentation, such as a death certificate and proof of relationship to the deceased. However, not all rewards programs are so accommodating. Terms and conditions vary, and some explicitly prohibit transfers, such as JetBlue TrueBlue and Delta SkyMiles, meaning all your rewards could be forfeited upon your death (although some companies, like Delta, may consider requests on a case-by-case basis).

However, keep in mind that most programs allow members to book travel for other people. So if your rewards can't be transferred, it's best to ensure your family members have access to your account so they can use them on your behalf. Sometimes this can be the easiest way to access and use those rewards without going through the provider directly.

There are a ton of smart ways to use your airline miles and hotel points, but one of the smartest things you can do is ensure they aren't lost in the unfortunate case you aren't around to use them. A bit of planning can go a long way to safeguard your hard-earned rewards, and it starts with reviewing the terms and conditions of your loyalty program.

First, check to see if there's a ticking time limit on your rewards. While there are some reasons why you shouldn't hold onto your travel points for too long (like inflation), some airlines — for example, Delta's SkyMiles, Southwest's Rapid Rewards, United's MileagePlus, and JetBlue's TrueBlue — offer points that don't expire. That's the best-case scenario for your loved ones to have plenty of time to use those points in the future. On the other hand, if they do have an expiration, make sure your loved ones know the rules so they can plan to use them before they are lost.

To avoid losing your rewards in the event of your untimely passing, include all the loyalty program details in your estate planning and assign someone to be in charge of your points and miles. To make the process easier, also include your account information — such as account numbers and logins/passwords — in your will. That way, your rewards can pass on your love of travel to your friends and family well after you're gone.