What Happens to United Miles When Someone Dies?

We talk a lot about earning airline miles. We strategize, optimize, and celebrate every free upgrade like we’ve unlocked a secret level in the travel game. But there’s one question most of us don’t want to think about—what happens to United miles when someone dies?

It might feel strange at first to talk about frequent flyer programs and estate planning in the same sentence, but if you—or your loved ones—have spent years racking up MileagePlus miles, it’s worth asking the question. After all, those miles are valuable and letting them vanish into the digital void isn’t just wasteful—it’s avoidable.

Let’s have a conversation about it, softly and practically, with a bit of coherence (and maybe a touch of professional humour lest things become too morbid).

Miles Aren’t Technically Yours—But Don’t Panic Yet

Here’s the slightly awkward truth: according to the fine print in United’s MileagePlus program (and most airline loyalty programs), those miles aren’t technically your property. They’re not like your savings account or your watch collection.

United’s terms clearly state that accrued miles are not part of a member’s estate and “are not transferable” upon death.

But—and this is a very important but—there’s a loophole. United may, at its discretion, allow the transfer of miles to a family member or beneficiary. This opens a very real, very human window of opportunity.

So, what happens to United Miles When Someone Dies?

In most cases, the outcome depends on one of three things:

1. United’s discretion
2. Documentation provided
3. Whether someone already had access to the account

A transfer may be permitted by United if the family submits the necessary documentation, a death certificate, a legal affidavit, and proof of relationship-while also paying a small fee. All in all, the procedure is not automatic and not guaranteed, but it has happened in the past.

Now, before you feel discouraged by the paperwork, here’s a comforting side note: if the family already has access to the account (say, the login credentials were shared), the miles can be used to book travel for others without needing to transfer ownership. It’s not a loophole—it’s just using the miles while they’re still active.

A Quick How-To: Transferring United Miles After Death

If you find yourself handling a loved one’s travel accounts, here’s what to do:

• Contact United’s customer support and explain the situation.
• Prepare documentation: death certificate, an affidavit if needed, and your relationship to the account holder.
• Pay the transfer fee, if applicable (usually $75–$150).
• Wait for approval, which may take several business days.

If approved, United will move the miles to the designated MileagePlus account. The miles can then be used normally, whether for flights, upgrades, or other rewards.

The Gift of One: My Last Trip

When my father passed away, we were left with a long checklist of tasks no one ever wants to deal with—from estate paperwork to, yes, figuring out what to do with his frequent flyer accounts. He had more than 150,000 United miles saved up—enough for a round-trip to Europe.

At first, we thought they were gone forever. But after speaking with United and providing the documents they asked for, we were able to transfer the miles to my mother’s account. A year later, she used those miles to visit her sister in Lisbon—something she’d talked about for years.

It wasn’t just a flight. It was healing. It was closure. It was, in some small way, a gift from him.

When Access Beats Paperwork: The Quiet Workaround

We’d be remiss not to mention the simplest (and quietest) way to handle this: have access to the account. United’s program allows you to book flights for other people. If your loved one trusted you with their login details, you can use those miles without needing a transfer.

We’re not saying you should start sharing passwords over coffee, but as part of a well-considered estate plan, securely storing credentials and listing them in a will or password manager is a thoughtful gesture.

Also, remember that United miles can expire due to inactivity. So if you’re not using them or transferring them, make sure the account stays active, or that value could quietly disappear.

Comparing the Landscape: Is United the Worst or the Best?

In terms of compassion and flexibility, United lands somewhere in the middle:

• Delta & Southwest: Forfeit miles immediately or soon after death.
• American & Frontier: Allow transfers with legal documents.
• JetBlue: Only through points pooling—no posthumous transfers.

There is no clear answer to what happens to your United miles when you die. You have some options, though, especially if you act swiftly and stay organized.

The Most Thoughtful Travel Plan of All

As uncomfortable as it is, one of the best things you can do is incorporate loyalty accounts into your estate plan.

Consider:

• Keeping a secure record of loyalty program logins.
• Listing beneficiaries in your will (even if the airline doesn’t officially honour them, it can help).
• Reviewing terms and policies annually—loyalty programs do change the rules.

It may seem like a small detail, but when you’ve spent years earning miles, they deserve a destination—even after you’re gone.

No Plans to Travel? We Can Help You Cash In

If you’ve inherited United miles but don’t plan to travel, or you’re a current MileagePlus member unsure, you’ll use them—don’t let them sit unused.

At Cash for My Miles, we make it easy to sell United miles for fast, secure cash.

• Simple process
• Transparent quotes
• Secure transactions
• Fast payouts

Whether you’re tidying up a loved one’s account or looking to turn unused rewards into something more immediate, we’re here to help.

So, what happens to United miles when someone dies? They don’t disappear—not if you know your options. Plan, communicate clearly, and when needed, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Because every mile has a story behind it—and with a little care, those stories can keep going.