Are Frequent Flyer miles/points part of a decedent's estate? I know there are non-transferability clauses, but that might not apply in such a case.

Depends on the program. Some yes, some no.

Both my parents had SkyMiles accts (Delta). After they died, I contacted Delta and was sent an affidavit to complete, have notarized, and sent back. When I did that, my parents' miles went into my SkyMiles account.

Robespierre, are you contemplating something dastardly? ;-)

My friend got her Dad`s ff miles with AA, but I think I read somewhere AA stopped awarding them to survivors.

What if AA kills the AAdvantage member? Seems like there'd be a conflict claim there.

I believe <b>pat</b> poswt is wrong. I hear stories here and there that AA miles were infact passed on after a CLOSE relative's death. (a husband/wife/dad/mom/brother/sister)

That said, all the US based airlines have always said that the miles belong to the airline, not the customer. It's a reward based system but if you violate any of the rules and regulations of the program, the airline has a right to cancel you accoiunt and cancel all your miles.

At the end of the day, some airlines, sometimes will pass on the miles, but it's not a general rule nor is it a rule of law, even when stipulated in the deceased will.

OTOH, that's why IRS is not taxing us for the miles earned, although they looked very closely and heavily into it at one time.

Many businesspeople fly and stay in hotels for free with their families on vacation because of their heavy duty flying during their jobs. It could be considered income.

They finally said that it was too much of grey area for them to get involved in.

Found this in my files:

<b>Date: July 1 2005


The IRS will not treat as taxable income an employee´s personal use of frequent flyer miles and other promotional items received as the result of business travel - at least for now, according to Announcement 2002-18, released on Feb. 20...</b>

with more info here:

http://tinyurl.com/2fyohb

Three years ago my sister inherited one million Alaska air ff miles from her boyfriend's estate when he passed away. Alaska told my sister that they don't announce that they can be inherited. She had to fill out some paperwork to have them transferred to her account.

I have a new idea. How about just finding out the account number and password before someone dies? Just continue to claim the miles for yourself. The airline wouldn't know...

That`s what I have told my kids to do. Just pretend to be me, and schedule a flight for themselves. They have my ff number, password, etc.

But of course, if the kids fight over the miles...

When I've booked FF award tickets on AA, using my husband's account, I've always had to give them a credit number to pay the taxes, and they will not take a card issued in my name. I have to give them my husband's card number.

So you would have to use a credit card issued in the FF's name (I didn't finish the above post before hitting the button).

Not on CO. I can use any credit card to book from any award account. As long as I have the FF number and PIN, it's all good.

Maybe it's only AA that requires this.

Not on DL either. Credit card can be in anyone's name.

I had to show up in person for United to issue an award ticket on LOT that I got with my miles for my sister (using her married name). No problem getting a domestic ticket on USAir for my brother with my MP miles.

United Mileage Plus says that the miles are not the property of the account holder.