Fri Sep 20 12:13:04 UTC 2024: ## Hotel Loyalty Programs Offer More Flexibility Than Airlines When It Comes to Deceased Members’ Points

**[City, State] – [Date]** – A recent article by Your Mileage May Vary (YMMY) explores the policies of major airlines and hotel chains regarding the fate of loyalty points after a member’s death. While most airlines reclaim miles upon a member’s passing, several hotel programs allow for the transfer of points to a beneficiary, albeit with varying levels of flexibility.

The YMMY article points out that most airlines, including Delta, consider miles to be the property of the airline, not the member. This means that upon death, the miles revert to the airline. However, some hotels, like Hilton and IHG, have policies that allow for the transfer of points to a deceased member’s beneficiary, although the process may involve specific documentation and approval from the hotel company.

**Hotel Chains With Transferable Points:**

* **Hilton:** Points can be transferred to a beneficiary, but status cannot. Transfers are made at the discretion of the Hilton Honors team.
* **IHG:** Points can be transferred fee-free to a beneficiary’s IHG Rewards account.
* **Marriott:** Points can be transferred to a family member or friend who is an active Marriott member, at the discretion of the company.
* **Radisson:** Points can be transferred to a beneficiary at the company’s discretion.

**Hotel Chains That Do Not Allow Transfers:**

* **Accor:** Points are canceled upon death and cannot be transferred.
* **Wyndham:** Points cannot be transferred upon death.

While there is no universal policy across the industry, the YMMY article highlights the general trend of more generous policies from hotel chains compared to airlines when it comes to deceased members’ loyalty points.

The author of the YMMY article suggests a strategy for travelers to ensure that their points are not wasted in the event of their death. He recommends creating a detailed document outlining travel plans and instructions for accessing loyalty program accounts, making it easier for loved ones to utilize those points.

Ultimately, the article emphasizes the importance of understanding the policies of different loyalty programs and taking proactive steps to ensure the desired outcome for your accumulated points.

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