Several major frequent flyer programs have recently modified their miles expiration policies, shortening the amount of account inactivity before your miles are purged or account is closed.

  • American Airlines AAdvantage miles now expire after only 18 months of inactivity, instead of 36 months.
  • Delta Skymiles miles now expire after 24 months of inactivity, instead of 36 months.
  • Starting on December 31st 2007, United miles will expire after 18 months of inactivity instead of 36.

It looks like airlines are doing everything they can to keep people from sitting on their banked miles. Don’t get caught by the new rules. If you’ve got enough miles for a trip, put them to use. Remember, all it takes is a simple policy change by the airline to wipe them out.

The table comparing expiration dates on our Frequent Flyer Programs page has been updated to reflect these latest changes.