Introduction
Many travellers find themselves frustrated by the complexities of airline loyalty programs—confusing rules, opaque mile-earning structures, and difficulty in finding good redemption options. Turkish Airlines’ Miles & Smiles program, while offering great potential, is no exception. From understanding the intricate earning charts to finding award availability, navigating the program can feel like a daunting task. Add to that the challenge of figuring out how to leverage Star Alliance benefits, and it’s easy to see why so many give up before reaping the rewards.
Now, imagine a different scenario: confidently earning valuable Miles & Smiles miles with each flight, easily booking high-value award tickets to destinations you’ve always dreamed of, and enjoying the perks of elite status—priority boarding, extra baggage, and lounge access—making your travel smoother and more enjoyable. The possibilities are exciting, and with the proper knowledge, all of this is within your reach. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to maximize the value of your Miles & Smiles membership, turning what once seemed like a complicated program into a streamlined, rewarding experience. This guide is your bridge to unlocking the full potential of the Miles & Smiles program. We will provide you with a clear, step-by-step walkthrough, helping you understand how to join, earn miles efficiently, and navigate the often-confusing redemption process. We’ll explore valuable sweet spots for award flights and show you how to maximize your elite status benefits. Additionally, we’ll highlight common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring you can maximize your travel value with Turkish Airlines and the Star Alliance. Let’s simplify the process and help you make the most of every mile!
Understanding Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles
Program Overview
Miles & Smiles is the official frequent flyer program of Turkish Airlines (TK), a global airline known for its excellent service and extensive network. The airline is a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest international airline network, which offers passengers access to a range of benefits and travel options across 26 airlines.
With Miles & Smiles, travellers can earn miles from flights with Turkish Airlines, as well as its Star Alliance partners, allowing them to redeem those miles for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related rewards. This makes the program ideal for both frequent flyers of Turkish Airlines and those who often travel on Star Alliance carriers.
Key Program Details
- Program Name: Miles & Smiles
- Airline: Turkish Airlines (TK)
- Alliance Membership: Star Alliance
- Currency: Miles
- Primary Goal for Members: Earn miles from flying with Turkish Airlines and its partners, then redeem these miles for flights and exclusive benefits.
Being part of Star Alliance amplifies the program’s value by broadening the scope of earning and redeeming miles. Members can accumulate miles on over 1,300 destinations worldwide, expanding their travel options and ensuring that their miles offer significant flexibility and value.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information about the Miles & Smiles program, always refer to the official Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles website. This will provide accurate guidance on how to join, earn, and redeem miles, as well as the latest updates on membership benefits and program rules.
Aspect | Description |
Program Name | Miles & Smiles |
Airline | Turkish Airlines (TK) |
Alliance Membership | Star Alliance |
Currency | Miles |
Primary Goal for Members | Earn miles from flying with Turkish Airlines and its partners, and redeem these miles for flights and exclusive travel benefits. |
Program Overview | Miles & Smiles is the official loyalty program of Turkish Airlines, allowing members to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. |
Star Alliance Membership | As part of Star Alliance, Miles & Smiles members can earn miles across 26 global airlines, offering expanded earning and redemption opportunities. |
Official Source | For up-to-date and accurate details on the program, refer to the official Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles website. |
Why Choose Miles & Smiles?
Here’s the table that highlights the key advantages of the Miles & Smiles program, especially its flexibility in earning and redeeming miles, the valuable elite status benefits, and the opportunity for significant redemptions with Star Alliance partners.
Aspect | Description |
High-Value Redemptions | Miles & Smiles offers excellent potential for high-value redemptions, especially when flying with Star Alliance partners. Members can use their miles for flights, upgrades, and exclusive experiences across the vast Star Alliance network. |
Broad Earning Accessibility | The program offers numerous opportunities to earn miles. Members can accumulate miles not only from flying with Turkish Airlines but also with over 25 other Star Alliance partners, as well as through various non-flight earning options, such as hotel stays and car rentals. |
Elite Status Benefits | Elite status in Miles & Smiles, particularly Star Alliance Gold, offers valuable perks, including priority boarding, an extra baggage allowance, lounge access, and faster check-in, which significantly enhance the travel experience. |
Why Miles & Smiles Stands Out | Compared to other frequent flyer programs, Miles & Smiles offers unmatched flexibility through its extensive Star Alliance network. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or an occasional flyer, the program’s accessibility, benefits, and earning potential make it an ideal choice for maximizing travel value. |
Getting Started with Miles & Smiles
How to Join the Program
Joining the Miles & Smiles program is easy and only takes a few minutes. Follow the simple steps outlined below to get started:
- Visit the Official Turkish Airlines Website:
- Visit the Turkish Airlines website or go directly to the Miles & Smiles program page.
- Click “Join Now”:
- On the Miles & Smiles page, look for the “Join Now” button to start your registration process.
- Fill in Your Personal Information:
- You will be asked to enter essential details such as:
- Full name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Phone number (optional)
- You will be asked to enter essential details such as:
- Create a Secure Password:
- Select a strong, memorable password for your Miles & Smiles account to safeguard your personal information.
- Submit Your Application:
- After filling in the required information, click the “Submit” button to complete your registration.
Required Information
To sign up for Miles & Smiles, you will need to provide the following details:
- Full Name: Your complete name as it appears on official documents (e.g., passport).
- Email Address: A valid email address for communication and updates.
- Date of Birth: To verify membership eligibility.
- Contact Information: Optional but helpful for account recovery and notifications.
Immediate Benefits of Membership
Once you’ve successfully joined, the benefits start right away:
- Start Earning Miles: As a member, you can immediately begin accumulating miles from Turkish Airlines flights, as well as flights with Star Alliance partners.
- Promotions and Welcome Offers: Many new members receive special offers or bonus miles upon signing up, giving you a head start on your journey to earning rewards.
- Access to Member-Only Benefits: Even as a new member, you gain access to exclusive offers, promotions, and updates on Miles & Smiles news.
With just a few easy steps, you’re ready to start maximizing your travel rewards with Miles & Smiles!
Step | Action |
1 | Visit the Official Turkish Airlines Website: Go to the Turkish Airlines website. |
2 | Navigate to the Miles & Smiles Section: Look for the Miles & Smiles link under the “Frequent Flyer” or “Loyalty Program” section. |
3 | Click on “Enroll” or “Sign Up” Select the option to join or sign up for the program. |
4 | Fill in the Required Personal Information: Provide your full name, email address, date of birth, and other personal details. |
5 | Agree to the Terms and Conditions: Read and accept the terms and conditions of the program. |
6 | Submit the Application: After entering your details and agreeing to the terms, submit your application. |
7 | Receive Your Membership Number: You will receive a confirmation email with your Miles & Smiles membership number. |
Essential First Steps After Joining Miles & Smiles
- Linking Your Account to Future Bookings
To ensure you earn miles for all eligible flights, be sure to link your Miles & Smiles membership to your future bookings. You can add your membership number to your flight reservation either during the booking process or by contacting customer service before your flight. This ensures you receive the miles you’re entitled to.
- Downloading the Mobile App
Download the Turkish Airlines Mobile App or the Miles & Smiles app to easily track your miles, manage bookings, and check your status on the go. The app also allows you to quickly access your digital membership card and receive notifications about exclusive offers and promotions.
- Familiarizing Yourself with the Program Dashboard on the Website
Once you’re logged in, take a moment to explore the Miles & Smiles dashboard on the Turkish Airlines website. This will give you an overview of your accumulated miles, upcoming flights, and any special offers available to you. You can also view your status level, access your account settings, and track redemption options.
- Setting Up Family Accounts (If Applicable)
If you’re travelling with family members, consider setting up a Family Account. This allows you to pool miles from multiple accounts, helping your family accumulate miles faster towards a reward. It’s an excellent way to maximize your miles for group travel. Use the Family Account option to combine miles from different family members, accelerating your ability to redeem for flights and upgrades. You can add up to 6 family members to a single account.
Earning Miles & Smiles Miles
Earning Miles is the foundation of the Miles & Smiles program. Here’s how you can start accumulating miles through flying with Turkish Airlines and its Star Alliance partners.
Earning Miles Through Flying
Flying with Turkish Airlines:
Miles are earned based on the fare class and distance of your flight. Generally, the higher the fare class you purchase, the more miles you earn. Earning rates are divided into specific categories (e.g., economy, business, and first-class) and are influenced by the flight’s distance.
Example:
A flight from Istanbul to New York may earn you more miles in business class compared to economy class, even though the distance is the same.
Flying with Star Alliance Partners
Earning Miles on Star Alliance Flights:
The rules for earning miles on Star Alliance partners are similar to Turkish Airlines, often based on fare class and distance. However, the earning rates can vary slightly from one airline to another. Each Star Alliance member has its own rules for earning miles on flights.
Expert Tip:
Check the earning policies for each Star Alliance partner before booking to maximize your miles.
Understanding Earning Charts
Earning Charts:
To fully understand how many miles you’ll earn, it’s essential to refer to the earning charts provided by Turkish Airlines and its partners. These charts break down the mileage earned by fare class and flight distance.
How to Find Earning Charts:
You can find the earning charts on the Turkish Airlines website or through the websites of the Star Alliance partner airlines. These charts are essential for understanding how many miles you’ll accumulate from each flight.
Expert Tip:
Always double-check the relevant charts for each airline you fly with to ensure you’re earning the correct number of miles.
Retroactive Credit
Claiming Miles for Past Flights:
If you forgot to add your Miles & Smiles number to a past flight or if you recently realized you didn’t earn miles for a flight you took, you can request retroactive credit for those miles. Typically, you can claim miles for flights taken within the last 6 months.
How to Claim:
Visit the Miles & Smiles section of the Turkish Airlines website and follow the instructions to submit a retroactive credit claim. You’ll need your flight details, including booking reference and flight number.
For the most accurate and detailed earning information, it’s crucial to refer to the official Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance websites. These sources provide the most up-to-date earning rates, charts, and detailed information specific to different airlines and fare classes.


Method | Details/Examples | Potential Earning Rate |
Flying Turkish Airlines | Based on fare class and distance flown. Higher-fare classes earn more miles. | Varies significantly; typically, 25% to 150%+ of the distance flown. |
Flying Star Alliance Partners | Based on the partner airline’s fare class mapped to Turkish Airlines’ earning chart for that partner airline. | It varies widely by partner and fare class. |
Co-branded Credit Cards | Spending on Miles & Smiles or partner credit cards (e.g., US co-brand). | Varies by card and spending category (e.g., 1–3 miles per dollar). |
Hotel Partners | Staying at partner hotels (e.g., Marriott Bonvoy, Accor, etc.). | Fixed miles per stay or miles per dollar/euro spent. |
Car Rental Partners | Renting cars from partner companies (e.g., Hertz, Avis, Budget). | Fixed miles per rental or miles per day. |
Shopping Partners | Shopping online or in-store with affiliated retailers. | Miles per dollar/euro spent, often with promotional bonuses. |
Other Partners | Insurance, fuel, experiences, and other expenses (Check the Turkish Airlines website for the complete list). | Varies by partner and offer. |
Notes:
- Earning rates may change over time, especially with promotions or updates in partner agreements. Always check the official Miles & Smiles website for the most current details.
- Specific rates, particularly for co-branded credit cards, hotel stays, and shopping partners, may vary depending on your region and partner agreements.
Earning Miles Through Partners (Non-Airline)
While flying is the most obvious way to earn Miles & Smiles miles, there are also plenty of non-airline partners that allow you to earn miles. These include hotel stays, car rentals, shopping, and even unique experiences. Here’s a breakdown of these earning opportunities:
1. Hotel Stays
How to Earn Miles:
You can earn Miles & Smiles miles by staying at partner hotels—Turkish Airlines partners with major hotel chains like Marriott Bonvoy, Accor Hotels, and others. Depending on the partnership, you can either earn a fixed number of miles per stay or earn miles based on the amount you spend on your hotel booking.
Example:
- Booking a stay at a Marriott Bonvoy hotel might earn you 1 mile per dollar spent.
- Other hotel partners might offer fixed miles per stay or specific promotions could provide even more miles.
Expert Tip:
Don’t forget to add your Miles & Smiles membership number when booking your hotel stay. This ensures you’re credited with your miles after check-out. Many hotel partners also offer special promotions, so be sure to check if extra miles are available for specific bookings or seasons.
2. Car Rentals
How to Earn Miles:
Car rental partners like Hertz, Avis, and Budget allow you to earn Miles & Smiles miles when renting vehicles. Typically, you’ll earn miles based on the rental duration or the total cost of the rental.
Example:
- Renting a car for a weekend with Hertz might earn you miles per day or miles per rental. You may also find special offers that allow you to earn bonus miles by renting a car for longer durations.
Expert Tip:
Always mention your Miles & Smiles membership number when making your car rental reservation. Rental car companies often provide bonus miles for specific promotions or booking channels, so check for any limited-time offers that may give you extra miles.
3. Shopping, Experiences, and More
How to Earn Miles:
Miles & Smiles also partners with a variety of shopping partners, offering opportunities to earn miles on purchases made at online retailers or in-store. This can include purchasing from affiliated stores, booking experiences, or paying for services such as insurance.
- Shopping: Many online and brick-and-mortar retailers participate in the program. For every dollar or euro spent, you’ll earn miles.
- Experiences: Earn miles when booking tickets for events or activities that are offered through Turkish Airlines’ partners.
- Insurance: You can also earn miles by purchasing insurance or booking other services via Miles & Smiles partners.
Expert Tip:
Don’t overlook these non-airline partners. Regular purchases, such as hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping, can quickly add to your mileage balance. For example, shopping at retailers partnered with Miles & Smiles or booking experiences with participating companies can significantly boost your miles without ever needing to Step on a plane.
Lesser-Known Earning Opportunities
Beyond the most common partners, such as Marriott and Hertz, there are lesser-known opportunities to earn miles. For example, some hotels may offer generous bonus miles for weekend stays or specific events. Certain car rental companies may offer higher mileage rates to particular destinations, particularly in popular tourist areas.
- Example:
- Booking a long-term rental with Avis in a popular tourist destination might earn you significantly more miles than a short rental.
- Staying at boutique or luxury hotels in the Miles & Smiles network can also produce extra miles during promotional periods.
By keeping an eye out for special promotions and partner offers, you can unlock additional ways to earn miles and build your balance quickly.
These non-airline partners offer fantastic opportunities to earn miles, even when you’re not flying. Hotel stays, car rentals, shopping, and even experiences provide valuable ways to boost your Miles & Smiles balance. So, next time you’re booking a hotel or renting a car, don’t forget to use your Miles & Smiles membership number to collect those miles!
Redemption Options with Miles & Smiles
Redemption Type | How to Redeem | Key Considerations |
Turkish Airlines Flights | Search and book directly on the Turkish Airlines website. | Availability, required miles, taxes, and fees (fuel surcharges may apply). |
Star Alliance Partner Flights | Search and book via the Turkish Airlines website or phone. You can also search segment by segment on partner sites (e.g., United.com, Aeroplan.com) to check availability. | Award availability can be limited, especially for premium cabins. Fuel surcharges may be significant for some partners. |
Flight Upgrades | Request upgrades via the Turkish Airlines website or at sales offices. | Eligibility is based on fare class; availability is limited. |
Hotel Stays | Book through the Miles & Smiles website portal for partner hotels. | Mile value is typically lower than flight redemptions. |
Car Rentals | Book through the Miles & Smiles website portal for partner car rentals. | Mile value is typically lower than flight redemptions. |
Shopping/Other | Redeem miles via the Miles & Smiles website portal for various goods/services. | Mile value is generally poor; prioritize flight redemptions. |
Key Insights:
- Flight Redemptions generally offer the best value. Both Turkish Airlines flights and Star Alliance partner flights provide significant value for your miles.
- Non-flight redemptions, such as hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping, typically offer a lower mileage value compared to flights.
Please check the official Miles & Smiles website for the most up-to-date redemption options and details.
Miles & Smiles Elite Status
Status Tier | Qualification Requirements | Key Benefits (Miles & Smiles) | Star Alliance Equivalent & Benefits |
Classic Plus | 25,000 status miles or 40 segments in 12 months. | Priority check-in, extra baggage allowance (TK flights), lounge access (TK domestic), priority boarding (TK flights). | Star Alliance Silver: Priority Reservations Waitlist, Priority Airport Standby. |
Elite | 40,000 status miles in 12 months (or 70,000 in 24 months for renewal). | All Classic Plus benefits, plus Business Class check-in (TK flights), International Lounge access (TK & Star Alliance), priority baggage handling, free seat selection, and a higher earning bonus. | Star Alliance Gold: Priority Check-in, Extra Baggage Allowance, Airport Lounge Access (Gold Track), Priority Boarding, Priority Security (where available), Priority Baggage Handling, and Priority Transfer Desks. |
Elite Plus | 80,000 status miles in 12 months (or 120,000 in 24 months for renewal). | All Elite benefits, plus guaranteed seat in Economy (when booking full Y fare), ability to gift Elite status, higher earning bonus, dedicated Elite Plus call centre. | Star Alliance Gold: Same benefits as Elite. |
Key Points:
- Classic Plus status offers basic benefits, including priority check-in and lounge access, which align with Star Alliance Silver status.
- Elite status enhances the benefits with Business Class check-in, lounge access, and higher earning potential, equivalent to Star Alliance Gold.
- Elite Plus status offers the highest tier benefits, including guaranteed seating in Economy, with the same privileges as Star Alliance Gold.
Please verify the official Miles & Smiles website for the most up-to-date qualification requirements and benefits, as these may change over time
Pros and Cons of Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles
Here’s the Pros and Cons of Turkish Airlines Miles & Smiles:
Pros | Description |
Valuable Star Alliance Redemptions | The program offers access to the entire Star Alliance network, with award options often at competitive rates, such as the Intra-North America sweet spot. |
Accessible Earning | There are multiple ways to earn miles: flying with Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance partners, using credit cards, and accumulating miles through various non-airline partners. |
Strong Elite Status Benefits | Star Alliance Gold status, available through Miles & Smiles Elite and Elite Plus, offers valuable perks globally, including lounge access and priority boarding. |
Family Account Option | The Family Account option allows pooling miles, making it easier for families to redeem rewards together. |
US Co-branded Credit Card | Dedicated Miles & Smiles credit card for members in the US, allowing for easier earning through everyday purchases. |
Occasional Promotions | Periodic bonus earning or discounted redemptions help members maximize their miles, adding enhanced value. |
Cons | Description |
Website/App Usability | The Turkish Airlines website and app can sometimes be challenging to navigate for award bookings or find program details, leading to frustration for some users. |
Award Availability Challenges | Finding availability, especially in premium cabins on popular routes or with Star Alliance partners, can be difficult and requires persistence. |
Fuel Surcharges | Fuel surcharges (YQ/YR) can be significant, particularly on Turkish Airlines flights and some Star Alliance partners, which can impact the overall value of redemptions. |
Program Complexity | Understanding the intricacies of earning rates, partner charts, and redemption rules can be overwhelming for new users, making the program less intuitive. |
Customer Service Issues | Some users report difficulties in resolving issues related to miles earning or booking through customer service, leading to frustration. |
Mile Expiration | Miles expire if there is no activity for a period, although extensions may be possible. |
Conclusion
Miles & Smiles offers multiple ways to earn miles, including flying with Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance partners, using credit cards, and partnering with non-airline companies. Elite status unlocks perks like priority check-in, lounge access, and bonus miles. The program’s award flights provide the best value, but non-flight redemptions can also be helpful.
Effectively utilizing Miles & Smiles can significantly enhance your travel experience, resulting in savings on flights, upgrades, and exclusive benefits. Maximizing miles through strategic earning and redemption makes travel even more rewarding.
Sign up for Miles & Smiles, explore the website, and start planning your first award redemption today!
Many members recommend booking award tickets early for better availability and using the Family Account to pool miles. The US co-branded credit card is also an excellent tool for accumulating miles faster.
Stay updated on potential program changes, such as award pricing or new partners, by checking official Turkish Airlines announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I earn miles with Turkish Airlines?
Answer:
You can earn miles by flying with Turkish Airlines or its Star Alliance partners, using the Miles & Smiles co-branded credit card, or through various non-airline partners like hotels, car rentals, and shopping. Always enter your Miles & Smiles number when booking flights or using partner services to ensure you earn miles.
2. How do I claim miles for past flights if I forgot to enter my Miles & Smiles number?
Answer:
You can submit a retroactive claim for flights taken within the last 6 months. Visit the Miles & Smiles website and navigate to the retroactive credit section to submit your claim. Ensure you have your flight details (booking reference, flight number) on hand for verification. If it’s outside the 6-month window, unfortunately, you may not be able to claim those miles.
3. Why aren’t my miles showing up after my flight?
Answer:
If your miles haven’t been credited, it could be due to one of the following reasons:
- Your Miles & Smiles number wasn’t added to the booking.
- You may have flown on a partner airline, and the miles need to be claimed retroactively.
- It may take 2-4 weeks for miles to appear in your account after you fly.
You can contact customer service if you’re experiencing delays or discrepancies.
4. How do I book an award flight with Miles & Smiles?
Answer:
To book an award flight, simply visit the Turkish Airlines website or call customer service. You can search for available award seats on both Turkish Airlines flights and Star Alliance partner flights. Be sure to check the award chart to determine the number of miles required for your desired route, and note that availability can be limited, especially in premium cabins.
5. Do my miles expire?
Answer:
Yes, Miles & Smiles miles expire if there is no activity in your account for 3 years from the date of accrual. To prevent expiration, make sure you earn or redeem miles at least once during this period. You can also extend the expiration by engaging in an activity, such as booking a flight or using a partner service.
6. What if I have trouble using the Turkish Airlines website or app for booking awards?
Answer:
If you’re experiencing difficulty navigating the Turkish Airlines website or app, here are a few tips:
- Clear your browser cache or use a different browser to resolve technical glitches.
- Contact customer service for assistance with finding award availability or troubleshooting issues.
- Be persistent, especially during peak travel periods, as award seats can be limited.
7. How do I qualify for Elite status in Miles & Smiles?
Answer:
To achieve Elite status, you need to earn 40,000 status miles in 12 months or 70,000 miles in 24 months. Benefits include priority check-in, lounge access, and increased miles-earning rates. Once you achieve Elite Plus status, you also get guaranteed seat reservations in Economy on full-fare tickets.
8. Can I use my Miles & Smiles miles for upgrades?
Answer:
Yes, you can use your miles to upgrade from Economy to Business Class on both Turkish Airlines and some Star Alliance partner flights. Upgrades are based on availability, and you must request them through the Miles & Smiles website or via customer service.
These FAQs are designed to help address common pain points and guide users through typical Miles & Smiles queries. They provide clear, actionable steps for troubleshooting issues with earning miles, booking awards, and other related matters. Always verify details, such as retroactive claim periods and mileage expiration rules, directly on the official Miles & Smiles website.