Heir miles

Have you ever noticed that processes and transactions relating to estates are so much more complicated in practice than they are in theory? Here is an example. I'm occasionally asked by clients about whether they can leave their Air Miles and other reward program points to somebody in their wills. The short answer is that you can do so. But a recent article by Ian Hull, a Toronto lawyer, raises some points about difficulties that can arise when you leave somebody these points. Click here to read the article and find out about the logistics involved. 

How to pass on your frequent flyer miles

I don't see this question often on estates, but to those who have accumulated a lot of miles, it's important. Those miles are valuable! This article is American (from http://www.forbes.com/) but the concepts translate nicely to Canada. The article contains a link to specific information about 10 popular plans too. Click here to read the article.The attached photo is from Forbes Images.

What happens to my Air Miles when I pass away?

Have you ever wondered whether you can give your loyalty points such as Air Miles or Aeroplan Miles to a beneficiary when you pass away? If you're a serious collector or you travel a lot, your points might be worth a lot of money, and could be a valuable gift to someone else. Here's what some of the major plans allow a collector to do with the points when the collector passes away:

• Air Miles will allow you to give your points to a family member or a member of your household. You have to have prior consent of the Air Miles program.


• Aeroplan doesn't allow you to transfer your points to anyone unless they consent.


• Shopper's Drug Mart doesn't allow you to transfer your Optimum points to anyone.


• HBC Reward Points can be transferred to an individual or a non-profit organization.

Note that the above comments apply only to transferring the points on your death, as all of these plans allow you to transfer points to someone else while you're alive.