While loyalty points like Aeroplan miles are not strictly legal property under Ontario law, executors can usually transfer them to beneficiaries. Under Aeroplan’s official bereavement policy, points can be transferred to a beneficiary completely free of charge ($0 CAD) upon providing a death certificate and the will.
Canadians are avid travellers, and many residents flying out of Toronto Pearson or Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier accumulate massive balances of Aeroplan miles, Air Miles, or hotel loyalty points. When a loved one passes away, families often wonder if hundreds of thousands of hard-earned travel points simply vanish into thin air.
In Ontario, loyalty points exist in a legal grey area. They are not officially considered “property” like a house or a bank account; rather, they are a contractual service agreement between the individual and the airline. Fortunately, most major Canadian loyalty programs have specific bereavement policies that allow an executor to rescue these points and transfer them to the heirs, provided the correct steps are followed. 📋
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
Handling loyalty points requires administrative patience. You are dealing with corporate customer service departments, not the courts. Whether you live in Brampton, Markham, or Windsor, the process for engaging with these national programs remains largely the same.
Step 1: Locate Account Numbers and Passwords
Your first task is to comb through the deceased’s digital records, emails, or wallet to find their loyalty program account numbers. Do not log into the account and start booking flights as if the person were still alive. Using a deceased person’s identity violates the Terms of Service and is considered fraudulent, which can result in the account being permanently deleted. 🔍
Step 2: Review the Specific Loyalty Program Rules
Every program is different. For example, Aeroplan (Air Canada) allows you to transfer points to a beneficiary for an administrative fee. Air Miles also permits transfers to heirs upon death. Some credit card-specific reward points, however, may simply be wiped out upon the cardholder’s death, or applied as a statement credit against any outstanding debt.
Step 3: Gather the Required Legal Documents
The airline will not take your word for it. You must prove you have the legal authority to handle the estate. Prepare a clear copy of the official Proof of Death Certificate (issued by the funeral home or the province of Ontario). You will also need a copy of the Last Will and Testament naming you as the executor. 📝
Step 4: Submit the Transfer Request
Contact the customer service bereavement department of the loyalty program. They will usually provide a specific affidavit or transfer form. You must indicate which beneficiary’s account should receive the points. While some programs may charge administrative fees, programs like Aeroplan allow transfers upon death completely free of charge.
Step 5: Assess Tax Implications with the CRA
For most Ontarians, loyalty points earned through personal credit card spending and family travel are tax-free. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not tax the inheritance of personal Aeroplan miles. However, if the points were earned strictly through a corporate business account, there may be taxable benefits to declare on the terminal return. Consult your estate accountant to be safe. 💰
How Much Does it Cost in Ontario?
Rescuing loyalty points is rarely free. The estate must weigh the financial value of the points against the cost of transferring them. Here is a general estimate of potential fees in 2026: 💵
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| Aeroplan Transfer Fee (per point) | $0 CAD (Bereavement Policy) |
| Air Miles Transfer Fee (varies) | Often waived with proof of death |
| Official Death Certificate Copy | $15 – $22 (via ServiceOntario) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Once you submit the required death certificate and the executor documents to the airline or loyalty program, it typically takes 3 to 6 weeks for their legal department to review the file and physically move the points into the beneficiary’s account.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do travel points need to be included in Ontario probate?
Generally, no. Because loyalty points have no official cash value and are not considered legal property owned by the deceased, they do not typically need to be declared on the Estate Administration Tax (EAT) return submitted to the Superior Court of Justice.
Can I just use their login to book flights for the family?
No. While it may seem easier, logging into a deceased person’s account is a breach of the airline’s Terms of Service. If the airline’s fraud department detects this, they can seize all the points, cancel the booked flights, and ban the passengers.
What happens if there is no will?
If the person died “intestate” (without a will), you must be legally appointed as the Estate Administrator by the Ontario courts before the airline will speak with you. Once appointed, the points are usually transferred to the closest next of kin according to provincial rules.
Are the transfer fees worth paying?
It depends on the program. For Aeroplan, because the transfer is free under their bereavement policy, it is almost always worth doing. For other loyalty programs that charge hefty administrative transfer fees, you must compare the cost of the fee against the real-world value of the flights or rewards you would receive.
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