What Happens to Your Airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest) Account When You Die
Quick Facts
Deadline
Miles may expire
Difficulty
Moderate
Key Info
Most airlines transfer miles to estate
Step-by-Step Guide
List all frequent flyer accounts
Document every airline loyalty account: airline name, member number, and miles balance.
Estimated time: 15 min
Note upcoming flights
Record any booked flights. Family may be able to get refunds or credits.
Estimated time: 5 min
Cancel airline credit cards
If you have airline-branded credit cards, note them so executor can cancel.
Estimated time: 5 min
Executor contacts each airline
Each airline has its own deceased traveler process. Contact with Death Certificate to transfer or claim miles.
Document Now Checklist
- Airline names and member numbers
- Miles/points balances
- Upcoming booked flights
- Airline credit cards
Last verified: June 2026. Platform policies may change. Verify current procedures directly with Airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest). This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Related Guides
Hotels (Marriott, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt)
Document every hotel loyalty program: hotel chain, member number, and points balance.
Uber / Lyft
Record which services you use (Uber, Lyft, or both) and the phone/email linked.
DoorDash / Instacart / Grubhub
Document which delivery services you subscribe to: DashPass, Instacart+, Grubhub+, etc.
Protect your Airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest) account — and all your others
Document your digital life in a zero-knowledge encrypted vault. 1,800+ platform guides. Dead Man's Switch. Everything your family needs.
Start your free trial →