Read the information provided to you by the airline. Each airline has its own set of rules regarding inactive accounts and when accumulated miles will expire. Contact the airline's frequent flier program directly to inquire about expiration rules if you do not have paperwork stating current guidelines. Have your account number, full name and contact information handy.
Talk to a customer service representative and have your last frequent flier statement available for the conversation. Ask the agent to verify the last date of activity on your account. Make sure that all flights have been properly credited to your account.
Verify that you have expired miles if you have a lower miles balance on your account than you had in the past. Request a form or fill out a form made available by the airline to request that miles be reinstated to your account. Make sure to check the fees associated with the buy-back program offered by the airline. Verify that the fee is a flat fee and make sure that an additional per-mile fee does not apply. Ask the airline to waive any fees that you deem to be excessive.
Ask the airline if you can send proof of a medical condition or extenuating circumstance, such as a death in the family, as a reason for inactivity on your account. Talk to the agent to see if you qualify for an extension of your miles or for a free reinstatement of expired miles due to such a situation. The airline does not have to afford you this service, but you should ask.
Pay all applicable fees to have your miles reissued to your account. Pay attention to your account and find ways to keep your account active, such as flying the airline at least once every 18 months. Use reciprocal vendor and purchasing programs available for the frequent flier program to further keep your account active. Make sure to give your account number when renting a car or staying in a hotel to earn miles at all places that participate in your frequent flier program earning program. Shop online through portals made available to frequent flier members to earn points and miles, further keeping your account active.
