Airline Rewards After a Loved One's Death: A Guide for Cancelling or Transferring for Canadians

Losing a loved one is undoubtedly one of life's most challenging experiences. Amidst the grief, there are practical matters that must be attended to, including managing their affairs, including any accumulated airline rewards. If your loved one had accrued airline rewards in Canada, it's essential to understand how to handle them properly to prevent any unnecessary fees and ensure that their benefits are managed appropriately.

In this extensive guide, we'll walk you through the specific steps for canceling or transferring airline rewards with the main airlines in Canada, providing comprehensive information to navigate this process smoothly during a difficult time.

Understanding Airline Rewards Programs

Airline rewards programs, such as frequent flyer miles or points, are valuable assets that can be used to book flights, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits. However, when a member passes away, their rewards may need to be canceled or transferred to prevent them from going to waste. Each airline has its policies and procedures regarding the management of rewards after a member's death, so it's essential to understand the specific steps for each program.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada's Aeroplan program is one of the largest and most popular airline rewards programs in Canada. Here's how to handle Aeroplan rewards after a loved one's passing:

Cancellation: To cancel Air Canada Aeroplan rewards after a death, the executor or next of kin should contact the Aeroplan Customer Service team at 1-800-361-5373. They will guide you through the process and may request documentation, such as a death certificate, to verify the member's passing.

Transfer: Unfortunately, Air Canada Aeroplan does not allow for the transfer of rewards to another individual after a member's death. Any remaining rewards will be forfeited upon cancellation.

WestJet Rewards

WestJet Rewards is another popular airline rewards program in Canada. Here's what to do with WestJet rewards after a loved one's passing:

Cancellation: To cancel WestJet Rewards after a death, the executor or next of kin should contact WestJet Rewards Member Care at 1-888-937-8538. They will assist you in canceling the rewards account and may require documentation, such as a death certificate, for verification purposes.

Transfer: WestJet allows for the transfer of WestJet dollars to another individual in the event of a member's death. To initiate the transfer process, contact WestJet Rewards Member Care for assistance and follow their specific instructions.

Air Transat Option Plus

Air Transat offers its Option Plus program, which provides additional benefits for travelers. Here's how to manage Option Plus rewards after a loved one's passing:

Cancellation: To cancel Air Transat Option Plus rewards after a death, the executor or next of kin should contact Air Transat Customer Service at 1-877-TRANSAT (872-6728). They will provide guidance on canceling the rewards and may request documentation, such as a death certificate, for verification.

Transfer: Air Transat does not offer a specific policy for transferring rewards to another individual after a member's death. Any remaining rewards may be forfeited upon cancellation.

Porter Airlines VIPorter

Porter Airlines operates the VIPorter rewards program, offering benefits for frequent flyers. Here's what to do with VIPorter rewards after a loved one's passing:

Cancellation: To cancel Porter Airlines VIPorter rewards after a death, the executor or next of kin should contact Porter Airlines Customer Service at 1-888-619-8622. They will assist you in canceling the rewards account and may require documentation, such as a death certificate, for verification purposes.

Transfer: Porter Airlines allows for the transfer of VIPorter points to another individual in the event of a member's death. Contact Porter Airlines Customer Service for assistance and follow their specific instructions to initiate the transfer process.

Sunwing Airlines

Cancellation: Call Sunwing Airlines Customer Service at the provided phone number or visit their website for contact information. Explain to the customer service representative that you need to cancel the rewards account of a deceased member. Be prepared to provide the deceased member's full name, rewards account number (if available), and date of passing.

Transfer: Sunwing Airlines does not offer a specific policy for transferring rewards to another individual after a member's death. Any remaining rewards may be forfeited upon cancellation.

Swoop

Cancellation: Call Swoop Customer Service at the provided phone number or visit their website for contact information. Inform the customer service representative that you need to cancel the rewards account of a deceased member. Provide the deceased member's full name, rewards account number (if available), and date of passing.

Transfer: Swoop's policy on transferring rewards to another individual after a member's death may vary. Contact Swoop Customer Service directly to inquire about their specific procedures and requirements for transferring rewards.

Managing airline rewards after a loved one's passing requires careful attention to detail and communication with the respective airlines' customer service teams. By following the specific steps outlined for each airline and providing the necessary documentation, you can ensure that the rewards are canceled or transferred in accordance with the airline's policies. While navigating this process can be challenging, taking proactive steps to address the rewards will help alleviate any additional stress during this difficult time.