Under the strict Terms and Conditions of most loyalty programs, travel points technically belong to the corporation, not the deceased. However, executors in Ontario can successfully transfer Aeroplan or Air Miles to a surviving spouse or beneficiary by providing a death certificate and a copy of the will within a specific grace period (typically 12 months).
When a loved one passes away, the executor’s immediate focus is usually on closing bank accounts, selling real estate, and paying off final taxes. However, many Ontarians hold massive balances of digital assets, such as Aeroplan points, WestJet Rewards, or Air Miles. These travel points can be worth thousands of Canadian dollars (CAD) in flights or merchandise. Ignoring them means throwing away a valuable part of the estate.
Because loyalty points are governed by corporate policies rather than strict Ontario estate laws, the rules can feel confusing. Whether the deceased lived in Toronto, Ottawa, or Mississauga, you cannot simply inherit points through standard probate. Instead, the executor must actively negotiate with the airline or program administrator. In this guide, we will provide a clear, step-by-step strategy for saving and transferring a deceased person’s travel reward points. 📍
Step-by-Step Process in Ontario
Managing digital assets requires prompt action. Airlines regularly purge inactive accounts, and points can expire rapidly after a death. Generally, working with a probate lawyer can help you secure the necessary legal documents to prove your authority to the loyalty program.
Step 1: Locate the Account Details
Your first task is to identify exactly what accounts the deceased held. Look through their physical wallet for loyalty cards, and check their email inbox for monthly point statements. You will need the specific frequent flyer number, the account holder’s full name, and the associated email address. 🔍
Do not attempt to guess their password to log in. Logging into a deceased person’s account and secretly transferring points violates the program’s Terms of Service. If the airline detects this unauthorized access, they will permanently freeze the account and delete the points.
Step 2: Review the Corporate Transfer Policy
Every program handles death differently. For example, Aeroplan currently allows an executor to transfer points to a beneficiary for free, provided the request is made within one year of the date of death.
Conversely, Air Miles allows transfers to a beneficiary but may charge an administrative fee per point. WestJet Rewards generally allows the transfer of WestJet dollars to another account upon receipt of proper documentation. Knowing the specific corporate policy saves you time when you finally call customer service.
Step 3: Gather the Required Legal Documents
Airlines take fraud very seriously. They will not transfer points just because you call and say you are the spouse. You must provide concrete legal proof of your authority. 📄
You will typically need a clear copy of the official provincial Death Certificate. You will also need a copy of the deceased’s Last Will and Testament naming you as the executor. If the estate went through the formal probate process, providing the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee is the most powerful proof you can offer.
Step 4: Submit the Transfer Request
Contact the loyalty program’s dedicated customer service or bereavement department. Many modern programs, like Aeroplan, have an online portal specifically designed for submitting estate documents securely.
Once you submit the death certificate and the will, clearly instruct the company on where the points should go. The receiving beneficiary must usually have their own active account in the exact same loyalty program to receive the transferred points.
How Much Does it Cost?
The cost of transferring points depends entirely on the specific loyalty program, but it is generally very affordable compared to the actual value of the travel rewards. 💸
- Aeroplan: Transferring points to a beneficiary due to death is generally processed with a $0 CAD fee, provided you supply the death certificate within their specified timeline.
- Air Miles: May charge a small administrative fee depending on the current corporate policy and the number of miles being transferred.
- Credit Card Rewards (e.g., Avion, Scene+): Often, bank-tied reward points cannot be transferred. Instead, the bank will calculate the cash value of the points and apply it as a statement credit to the deceased’s final credit card balance.
| Loyalty Program | Transferability on Death | Typical Fee (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan (Air Canada) | Yes, to a beneficiary | $0 (within grace period) |
| Air Miles | Yes, to a beneficiary | Varies by account status |
| Bank Travel Points | Usually converted to cash credit | $0 |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Gathering the death certificate and the will generally takes an executor 3 to 6 weeks. Once you submit the documents to the airline’s bereavement department, processing the actual point transfer typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Warning: Time is your biggest enemy. Most programs enforce a strict 12-month rule. If you do not notify Aeroplan and request the transfer within one year of the date of death, the points will automatically expire and be permanently wiped from the system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens to the points if there is no will?
If the person died “intestate” (without a will), the process is slightly harder. The airline will usually require you to provide the official Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee Without a Will from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice to prove you are the legally appointed estate administrator before they authorize a transfer.
Can I just log in as my spouse and book a flight?
Legally, no. While many surviving spouses quietly log in and use the points to avoid paperwork, doing so directly violates the program’s terms and conditions. If the airline discovers the account holder has passed away (often through cross-referencing credit bureau death flags), they can cancel the booked flight without any refund.
Do travel points count toward the Estate Administration Tax (probate tax)?
Generally, no. Because loyalty points are legally the property of the corporation and simply “licensed” to the user, they do not have a hard cash value that must be declared on the Ontario Estate Information Return (EIR) for probate tax purposes.
Can the points be split between multiple children?
This depends heavily on the program. Some airlines only allow the entire balance to be transferred into a single beneficiary’s account. The executor may need to transfer all points to one child, and then compensate the other children using cash from the estate to ensure an equal distribution.
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