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FREQUENT FLYER GLOSSARY

What is mileage expiry?

Mileage expiry describes when the award miles or points in a frequent flyer programme stop being valid. Some programmes count from account activity, others from when the miles were credited, and some state that miles do not expire but list exceptions; this page quotes each programme's sourced official sentences.

Reviewed by: Content review · Last updated:

Key takeaways

  • Under activity-based expiry, the balance stays valid as long as there is qualifying activity, such as earning or redeeming, within the stated time.
  • What counts as activity, whether expired miles can be extended or reinstated, and whether elite members are exempt all differ between programmes.
  • This page covers 32 programmes; 94 field entries are sourced and the rest are marked as lacking an official statement or under review.
  • No monetary amounts are shown; sentences with amounts are not quoted.

Activity-based vs fixed-term expiry

Activity-based: each qualifying activity restarts the clock for the balance. Fixed-term: each batch of miles is valid for a fixed time from when it was credited. This page lists each programme's own wording field by field.

What each programme's official text says

Five fields per programme: expiry type, validity period, activities that extend validity, extension and reinstatement, and elite and member exceptions.

Frequent flyer programmeOfficial text by field
Air Canada AeroplanOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Your Aeroplan points will only expire if your account has been inactive for 18 months. To stay active and keep your Aeroplan points, just keep earning, redeeming, donating, transferring, or converting them. Please note, points expiry is temporarily on pause. Official source
Effective November 30, 2026, our normal expiration policy will apply, and points will expire if an eligible transaction has not been completed prior to this date. Official source
Validity period:Your Aeroplan points will only expire if your account has been inactive for 18 months. To stay active and keep your Aeroplan points, just keep earning, redeeming, donating, transferring, or converting them. Please note, points expiry is temporarily on pause. Official source
This means that, between now and November 29, 2026, any Aeroplan points which would have expired, won’t. Official source
Activities that extend validity:To stay active and keep your Aeroplan points, just keep earning, redeeming, donating, transferring, or converting them. Official source
Extension and reinstatement:Should your points expire - not to worry. There are a few ways you can get them back within 6 months of expiry: Official source
To reinstate your points, you may buy back expired points for a fee. Official source
We’ll reinstate all your points if you fly with Air Canada within 6 months of expiry. Official source
Reinstate your points by getting an Aeroplan credit card. Official source
Elite and member exceptions:You can prevent your points from ever expiring as long as you are a primary TD ® Aeroplan ® Credit Cardholder, American Express ® * Aeroplan Cardmember, CIBC ® Aeroplan ® Credit Cardholder, or if you hold Aeroplan Elite Status. Official source
American Airlines AAdvantageOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:除非另有说明,否则如果您的账户在任何24个月内没有进行有效活动,账户内的所有里程将作废(“ 24个月资格活动要求 ”)。 Official source
Validity period:除非另有说明,否则如果您的账户在任何24个月内没有进行有效活动,账户内的所有里程将作废(“ 24个月资格活动要求 ”)。 Official source
Activities that extend validity:“ 资格活动 ”是指(i)通过美国航空或AAdvantage ® 合作航空公司的任何符合条件的购买,兑换任何AAdvantage ® 奖励或积累AAdvantage ® 里程,(ii)完成任何“购买里程”、“赠送里程”或“转让里程”交易(各项定义见《购买、赠送、转让里程条款与条件》);或(iii)通过参加该计划的酒店、租车公司、信用卡公司和其他提供AAdvantage ® 里程的服务供应商积累AAdvantage ® 里程的活动。 Official source
Extension and reinstatement: under review, not yet published.
Elite and member exceptions:此24个月资格活动要求将不适用于年龄未满21周岁的AAdvantage ® 会员。 Official source
Cathay / Asia MilesOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:The change is from a time-based system to an activity-based system. From 1 January 2020 (HKT), you can keep your Asia Miles active so long as you earn or redeem Miles at least once every 18 months*. (Remarks: *For all new Miles earned from 1 January 2020, the Miles expiry date is automatically extended by 18 months from your last Miles crediting or debiting date. All Miles credited on or before 31 December 2019 will continue to follow the former Miles expiry arrangement.) Official source
You can keep your Cathay account active by earning or redeeming Asia Miles at least once every 18 months*. Official source
Validity period:The change is from a time-based system to an activity-based system. From 1 January 2020 (HKT), you can keep your Asia Miles active so long as you earn or redeem Miles at least once every 18 months*. (Remarks: *For all new Miles earned from 1 January 2020, the Miles expiry date is automatically extended by 18 months from your last Miles crediting or debiting date. All Miles credited on or before 31 December 2019 will continue to follow the former Miles expiry arrangement.) Official source
Under the new activity-based system, the Miles expiry date is automatically extended by 18 months from your last crediting or debiting date, but not the activity or transaction date. Official source
(Remarks: *For all new Miles earned from 1 January 2020, the Miles expiry date is automatically extended by 18 months from your last Miles crediting or debiting date. All Miles credited on or before 31 December 2019 will continue to follow the former Miles expiry arrangement.) Official source
Activities that extend validity:You can keep your Cathay account active by earning or redeeming Asia Miles at least once every 18 months*. Official source
Miles credited into a Member’s account do not expire when a Member performs at least one eligible transaction every 18 months. Official source fetch date not recorded
Miles reversal transactions such as refund & cancellation are not eligible transactions. Official source fetch date not recorded
Extension and reinstatement:Members may renew expiring Miles earned under the time-based system by paying a fee ("Miles Renewal Fee"), and such renewed Miles will then fall under the activity-based system. Official source fetch date not recorded
Miles earned under the activity-based system may not be renewed by the payment of a Miles Renewal Fee. Official source fetch date not recorded
Elite and member exceptions: under review, not yet published.
Flying BlueOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:(a) Flying Blue Explorer Members: For Flying Blue Explorer Members aged 18 (eighteen) years or over, Miles are valid for a period of twenty four (24) months from the date of the last earn activity on the Member’s account. In the absence of any earn activity during such period, the Miles shall automatically expire upon its expiry. Each recorded earn activity shall extend the validity of the Member’s entire Miles balance for an additional period of twenty four (24) months from the date of that act Official source
Validity period:(a) Flying Blue Explorer Members: For Flying Blue Explorer Members aged 18 (eighteen) years or over, Miles are valid for a period of twenty four (24) months from the date of the last earn activity on the Member’s account. In the absence of any earn activity during such period, the Miles shall automatically expire upon its expiry. Each recorded earn activity shall extend the validity of the Member’s entire Miles balance for an additional period of twenty four (24) months from the date of that act Official source
Activities that extend validity:Each recorded earn activity shall extend the validity of the Member’s entire Miles balance for an additional period of twenty four (24) months from the date of that activity. Official source
Extension and reinstatement: under review, not yet published.
Elite and member exceptions:Miles do not expire for Flying Blue Elite and Elite Plus Members, Members subscribed to Flying Blue Extra, and Members under the age of 18 (eighteen). Official source
GOL SmilesOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Milhas acumuladas em voos da GOL A validade varia de acordo com a categoria de cada cliente: Smiles 6 anos Prata 6 anos Ouro 8 anos Diamante 20 anos Official source
Validity period:Milhas acumuladas em voos da GOL A validade varia de acordo com a categoria de cada cliente: Smiles 6 anos Prata 6 anos Ouro 8 anos Diamante 20 anos Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:A Smiles tem o Reativar Milhas, que permite recuperar milhas expiradas para usá-las novamente como quiser. Official source
Elite and member exceptions:Milhas acumuladas em voos da GOL A validade varia de acordo com a categoria de cada cliente: Smiles 6 anos Prata 6 anos Ouro 8 anos Diamante 20 anos Official source
LotusmilesOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Bonus miles: Valid for 3 years from the month they are credited to your account. Official source
Validity period:Bonus miles: Valid for 3 years from the month they are credited to your account. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:Members can extend their award miles that are about to expire within 6 months from the date of extension. Official source
Extended miles are valid for 12 months from the original expiration date, prior to the extension. Official source
Members can reinstate award miles that have expired 6 months prior to the processing date. Official source
Award miles are valid for 06 months from the date of successful transaction and rounded to the last day of the 06th month. Official source
Elite and member exceptions:For Million Milers, bonus miles are valid for 5 years. Official source
Qantas Frequent FlyerOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:To ensure you keep your Qantas Points from expiring you'll need to earn or use Qantas Points through your account at least once every 18 months. This includes earning or using Qantas Points with our program partners, but does not include transferring points to or from an Eligible Family Member (Family Transfer) or the transfer of points from Qantas Business Rewards. The 18-month time period starts from the date of your last eligible activity. If your last activity was an eligible flight, it is t Official source
9.2.2 All Qantas Points held in a Membership Account will expire at midnight Sydney, Australia time at the end of the 18th consecutive month for which the Member has not earned Qantas Points or Status Credits or redeemed Qantas Points (excluding any transfer of Qantas Points to or from an Eligible Family Member and excluding any transfer of Qantas Points from Qantas Business Rewards). Official source
Validity period:The 18-month time period starts from the date of your last eligible activity. Official source
9.2.1 Except as otherwise provided in these Terms, Qantas Points will not expire as long as the Member remains an Active Member. 9.2.2 All Qantas Points held in a Membership Account will expire at midnight Sydney, Australia time at the end of the 18th consecutive month for which the Member has not earned Qantas Points or Status Credits or redeemed Qantas Points (excluding any transfer of Qantas Points to or from an Eligible Family Member and excluding any transfer of Qantas Points from Qantas Bu Official source
Activities that extend validity:To ensure you keep your Qantas Points from expiring you'll need to earn or use Qantas Points through your account at least once every 18 months. This includes earning or using Qantas Points with our program partners, but does not include transferring points to or from an Eligible Family Member (Family Transfer) or the transfer of points from Qantas Business Rewards. The 18-month time period starts from the date of your last eligible activity. If your last activity was an eligible flight, it is t Official source
9.2.2 All Qantas Points held in a Membership Account will expire at midnight Sydney, Australia time at the end of the 18th consecutive month for which the Member has not earned Qantas Points or Status Credits or redeemed Qantas Points (excluding any transfer of Qantas Points to or from an Eligible Family Member and excluding any transfer of Qantas Points from Qantas Business Rewards). Official source
Extension and reinstatement:9.2.4 Qantas Points cannot be re-credited once they have expired. Official source
Elite and member exceptions: under review, not yet published.
KrisFlyerOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:KrisFlyer Basic, KrisFlyer Elite Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members only: a member’s KrisFlyer miles will expire after three years (or one year for KrisFlyer miles received from contests) at 23:59 hours Singapore time (GMT +08:00 hours) on the last day of the equivalent month in which they were earned. Official source
Validity period:KrisFlyer Basic, KrisFlyer Elite Silver and KrisFlyer Elite Gold members only: a member’s KrisFlyer miles will expire after three years (or one year for KrisFlyer miles received from contests) at 23:59 hours Singapore time (GMT +08:00 hours) on the last day of the equivalent month in which they were earned. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:Redemption for services fees including but not limited to extension of expiring KrisFlyer miles and change of redemption nominees Official source
Elite and member exceptions:PPS Club members: KrisFlyer miles will not expire, as long as the member remains a PPS Club member. Official source
Aerolíneas PlusOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:El total de las Millas acumuladas caducará cuando luego de 3 años contados desde la última acreditación de Millas proveniente de pasajes pagos que hayan sido volados o de la emisión de un pasaje de premio o upgrade por canje de Millas, no se haya registrado ningún movimiento aéreo en la cuenta. Official source
Validity period:El total de las Millas acumuladas caducará cuando luego de 3 años contados desde la última acreditación de Millas proveniente de pasajes pagos que hayan sido volados o de la emisión de un pasaje de premio o upgrade por canje de Millas, no se haya registrado ningún movimiento aéreo en la cuenta. Official source
Activities that extend validity:El total de las Millas acumuladas caducará cuando luego de 3 años contados desde la última acreditación de Millas proveniente de pasajes pagos que hayan sido volados o de la emisión de un pasaje de premio o upgrade por canje de Millas, no se haya registrado ningún movimiento aéreo en la cuenta. Official source
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Air Europa SUMAOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:If an Air Europa Suma member does not earn and/or redeem Miles through the Suma Programme within eighteen (18) months of their last registered operation, including the allocation or transfer of Miles by the Air Europa Suma member, the total balance of accumulated Miles will expire and, therefore, may no longer be redeemed. Official source
Validity period:If an Air Europa Suma member does not earn and/or redeem Miles through the Suma Programme within eighteen (18) months of their last registered operation, including the allocation or transfer of Miles by the Air Europa Suma member, the total balance of accumulated Miles will expire and, therefore, may no longer be redeemed. Official source
Activities that extend validity:If an Air Europa Suma member does not earn and/or redeem Miles through the Suma Programme within eighteen (18) months of their last registered operation, including the allocation or transfer of Miles by the Air Europa Suma member, the total balance of accumulated Miles will expire and, therefore, may no longer be redeemed. Official source
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Air India Maharaja ClubOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:These points are valid for redemption for a period of 24 months plus the month of travel, after which they will expire on the last day of the 24th month if not redeemed. Official source
However, if a member undertakes a Qualifying Flight within this 24-month period, all Maharaja Points in the member's account will be extended for an additional 24 months from the date of the latest Qualifying Flight. Official source
Validity period:These points are valid for redemption for a period of 24 months plus the month of travel, after which they will expire on the last day of the 24th month if not redeemed. Official source
Activities that extend validity:However, if a member undertakes a Qualifying Flight within this 24-month period, all Maharaja Points in the member's account will be extended for an additional 24 months from the date of the latest Qualifying Flight. Official source
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMilesOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:ShebaMiles Member Miles are valid for three years from the first year on which the Member undertakes the relevant flight or enters into the applicable transaction with a Service Partner. Official source
Validity period:ShebaMiles Member Miles are valid for three years from the first year on which the Member undertakes the relevant flight or enters into the applicable transaction with a Service Partner. Official source
Activities that extend validity:If the Member registers eligible activities on Ethiopian flights, Partner Airline flights or non-airline activities from Service Partners in the calendar year when the miles are due for expiry, the potential miles to expire will be extended for one more calendar year. Official source
Extension and reinstatement: under review, not yet published.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Finnair PlusOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Your Avios are valid for 18 months from collecting or using Avios. Official source
Validity period:Your Avios are valid for 18 months from collecting or using Avios. Official source
Activities that extend validity:Your Avios are valid for 18 months from collecting or using Avios. Official source
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Qatar Airways Privilege ClubOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:8.7 By default, if a member has no activity for thirty-six (36) consecutive months, then all of that members balance of Avios will expire as of the Avios Expiry Date. Qatar Airways will take reasonable steps to notify you to your registered email address prior to the Avios Expiry Date. Official source
Validity period:8.7 By default, if a member has no activity for thirty-six (36) consecutive months, then all of that members balance of Avios will expire as of the Avios Expiry Date. Qatar Airways will take reasonable steps to notify you to your registered email address prior to the Avios Expiry Date. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:8.8 Following the Avios Expiry Date, you will have a period of one (1) year in which you may revalidate the Avios that have expired upon payment of a non-refundable fee. Official source
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Safar FlyerOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Miles accumulated on an individual Safar Flyer Blue, Silver and Gold account are valid for three (3) years from the date of activity; Official source
Validity period:Miles accumulated on an individual Safar Flyer Blue, Silver and Gold account are valid for three (3) years from the date of activity; Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions:Miles accumulated on an individual Safar Flyer Platinum account are valid for five (5) years from the date of activity; Official source
SindbadOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:4.2.1. Sindbad miles are valid for a period of three years from the date of transaction. Official source
Validity period:4.2.1. Sindbad miles are valid for a period of three years from the date of transaction. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:4.2.3. Any expired Sindbad miles will not be re-credited. Official source
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Velocity Frequent FlyerOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Points have an expiry date (Points Expiry Date) determined by your Velocity account activities, which are classified as either Long Term Activities or Short Term Activities. Official source fetch date not recorded
24 months (rounded to end of the month) after your most recent Long Term Activity; OR Official source fetch date not recorded
Validity period:24 months (rounded to end of the month) after your most recent Long Term Activity; OR Official source fetch date not recorded
Activities that extend validity:earning or redeeming Points through your Velocity account, or transferring Points to your Velocity account, with us or one of our partners (excluding family transfers or Family Pooling); Official source fetch date not recorded
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
airBaltic ClubOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:The points credited to the airBaltic Club member's account are valid for three years from the date of purchase (in the case of airBaltic flights, the flight departure date). Official source
Validity period:The points credited to the airBaltic Club member's account are valid for three years from the date of purchase (in the case of airBaltic flights, the flight departure date). Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions:The points accumulated by airBaltic Club Executive and VIP members do not expire while the Executive or VIP status is active. Official source
东方万里行Official text by fieldExpiry type:自2021年9月1日(含)起,有效里程积分变动可带动 账户积分有效期自里程积分变动之日起至未来第36个 月月底。 Official source
连续36个月以上里程积分休眠(无增加,无 减少),则自动失效。 Official source
Validity period:连续36个月以上里程积分休眠(无增加,无 减少),则自动失效。 Official source
Activities that extend validity:连续36个月以上里程积分休眠(无增加,无 减少),则自动失效。 Official source
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
白鹭俱乐部Official text by fieldExpiry type:(3)积分有效期:白鹭积分的有效期为自乘机日或在合作伙伴处消费兑换日起算至第4个连续公历年的12月31日。 Official source
Validity period:(3)积分有效期:白鹭积分的有效期为自乘机日或在合作伙伴处消费兑换日起算至第4个连续公历年的12月31日。 Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:白鹭会员每年进行任意一笔积分兑换,当年到期白鹭积分即可滚动延期一年至次年底。 Official source
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
金熊猫俱乐部Official text by fieldExpiry type:1.会员乘机获得的飞行里程、级别里程有效期为36个月; Official source
Validity period:1.会员乘机获得的飞行里程、级别里程有效期为36个月; Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement:4)常客免票非自愿退票退还的里程,若仍在有效期内,里程有效期与原有效期一致;若退还的里程已过期,过期的里程将自退还当日起12个月内有效。 Official source
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
ANA Mileage ClubOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:里程自使用商品和服务的月份起算,在不超过36个月后的月末前(日本时间23点59分) 有效。 Official source
Validity period:里程自使用商品和服务的月份起算,在不超过36个月后的月末前(日本时间23点59分) 有效。 Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Aegean Miles+BonusOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Award Miles do not expire. Official source fetch date not recorded
Validity period:Award Miles do not expire. Official source fetch date not recorded
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Atmos RewardsOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:The value of points does not change, and points do not expire. Official source
Validity period:The value of points does not change, and points do not expire. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
EGYPTAIR PlusOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Miles Validity: Earned Miles will be valid for 36 months from the date of the flight. Official source
Validity period:Miles Validity: Earned Miles will be valid for 36 months from the date of the flight. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
FlySmiLesOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Miles will expire after three years and the expiry will take place in the months of March and September. Official source
Validity period:Miles will expire after three years and the expiry will take place in the months of March and September. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
JetBlue TrueBlueOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Your TrueBlue points never expire. Official source
Validity period:Your TrueBlue points never expire. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Royal Orchid PlusOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Miles accrued in 1 calendar year remain valid until the end of the 3rd calendar year thereafter. Official source
Validity period:Miles accrued in 1 calendar year remain valid until the end of the 3rd calendar year thereafter. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
SKYPASSOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Accrued mileage is valid for 10 years from the boarding date or partner mileage accrual date, and it can be used until December 31 of the 10th year (based on Korea Standard Time). Official source
Validity period:Accrued mileage is valid for 10 years from the boarding date or partner mileage accrual date, and it can be used until December 31 of the 10th year (based on Korea Standard Time). Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Southwest Rapid RewardsOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Points do not expire. Official source
Validity period:Points do not expire. Official source
Should a Member close their account, the points in the account will be forfeited. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
Virgin Atlantic Flying ClubOfficial text by fieldExpiry type:Virgin Points never expire, so you can collect them for as long as you like ‘til you’re ready to spend them - on something, or somewhere, incredible. Official source
Validity period:Virgin Points never expire, so you can collect them for as long as you like ‘til you’re ready to spend them - on something, or somewhere, incredible. Official source
2.7. There is no prescribed time frame within which you must redeem Virgin Points, provided you continue to be a member of the FC Programme (and Virgin Red if you have joined) and comply with the Flying Club Terms (and/or Virgin Red Programme Terms) . Official source
See 2.4 above and 8.6 and 8.7 below for details of when your account may be cancelled which could result in the forfeiture of access to all Virgin Points. Official source
We want to make sure that information is not held about you in circumstances in which you have not interacted with the FC Programme or Virgin Points in any way for a substantial period of time. Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.
吉祥航空如意俱乐部Official text by fieldExpiry type:积分自会员账户累积日起 24个月 内有效; Official source
Validity period:积分自会员账户累积日起 24个月 内有效; Official source
Activities that extend validity: no official statement found.
Extension and reinstatement: no official statement found.
Elite and member exceptions: no official statement found.

A field without an official statement means we searched all of this airline's archived documents and found no citable sentence, not that the programme lacks the feature; a field under review has official material that content review is not publishing yet.

Sources and review

Quotes on this page are verbatim from each programme's official documents (archived in our knowledge base with capture dates) and checked by content review; no amounts are shown; fields the documents do not address are marked as lacking an official statement.

Reviewed by: Content review.