How to close a Delta SkyMiles account and transfer miles after someone dies
It can be tough to figure out a company’s policies and who to contact after a person passes away. If you need to close an airline account or transfer points from a frequent flyer program, we can guide you through the process. Let’s take a look at Delta Air Lines.
Delta SkyMiles is a popular loyalty program with millions of members worldwide. We’ll show you how to close the account of a member who has passed away and a way to transfer those miles to another account.
What information do I need to close a Delta SkyMiles account?
- Certified death certificate
- Account information, including the Delta SkyMiles account number
What If I don't have the required information?
If you don't have the required information, the process can be a bit trickier, but it's also something Delta SkyMiles is very used to dealing with. In situations where you don't have the account details of the deceased loved one, you should start by calling Delta at 1-800-221-1212 or by contacting Delta's online customer support.
How do I close a SkyMiles account?
With the death certificate and account information in hand, call 1-800-221-1212 and ask to close a member’s SkyMiles account.
How do I transfer miles to another Delta SkyMiles account?
Delta doesn't have an established, no-cost program in place for transferring Delta SkyMiles if a member passes away. When informed of the death, the airline will cancel the account of the deceased member, with any unused SkyMiles rewards being forfeited.
But there are exceptions to the official rules. Some surviving family members have reported that if beneficiaries or heirs contact customer support with a polite yet firm request to transfer the miles, Delta may honor it.
To try and transfer the SkyMiles rewards, call 1-800-221-1212, and reference their SkyMiles program. Also remember to:
- Have another Delta SkyMiles account ready where Delta can transfer the miles before you get on the phone. You can create one here.
- Ask Delta to waive any transfer fees. Their user terms & conditions don't officially allow for this, but customers have reported success in getting fees waived.
You can transfer the miles online if you have the login information for the deceased member’s SkyMiles account, but it will cost you. It will be 1 cent per mile, plus a $30 transfer fee. If the member was a frequent Delta flyer, those fees can add up. Go to Delta's SkyMiles transfer page for more details.
Delta's official website: www.delta.com
