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Can Seniors Bequeath Your Frequent Flyer Miles?


USA Today recently had a provocative story about whether people (especially we senior citizens) are allowed to pass on frequent flyer miles, hotel freebees and other earned perks. The implication is that we of a advanced certain age must decide before we hear the flutter of angels’ wings.

According to the article, depending on which airlines and hotel chains you consult, you’ll get confusing yes, no and maybe answers. Therefore, we suggest that when you believe your ultimate one-way flight to join the angels seems to be approaching, consider several options.

Do the research yourself or have a trusted travel agent make the contacts, and then complete a list of all the unused, still-valid points, miles and perks you’ve accumulated for various airlines and hotel chains. Contact each of the organizations and determine what, if any, can be passed on and to whom (family member, friend, business associate, charity, etc.).

Perhaps a selfish, but more practical, solution is to gather all those freebees and indulge in fulfilling your own personal bucket list of destinations around the world. Then, before the little cherubs take you, use them all while you’re still able to get up, get out and travel.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2013/09/01/deceased-travelers-frequent-flier-points/2749761/
No, No! Travel Deals Offered by Telemarketing Calls PDF Print E-mail


Q: We keep getting phone calls, some of them recorded, about very economical vacation packages to Florida, Las Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico, the Bahamas and other places. Some actually begin with: Congratulations, you may have already won a trip to....

The low prices and freebees sound just too good to be true. Should we buy one of those packages or at least follow up, call the 800 numbers and get more info? ARMcN, Omaha NE

A: In a word or two: HELL, NO! In our experience, we’ve never found any unsolicited telemarketing travel offers, no matter how exciting, cheap or absolutely free they seemed, that were honest. Not only should you ignore such calls, but NEVER call back and give personal info, especially credit card and other financial ID info. That could put you on an international sucker list that will bring on many more calls offering sugar-coated deals for travel, as well as other rip-off schemes. To get current, honest travel info, contact AARP, RoadScholar, Travelocity, Expedia and your friendly neighborhood travel agency. Also, sometimes it’s more secure, convenient and cheaper to make reservations directly with airlines and hotels.
 
 
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