Introduction
Are you flying with Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, or other Star Alliance partners and wondering how to make the most of your loyalty? Or perhaps you’re looking for a powerful program to unlock global travel rewards? The Lufthansa Miles & More program is one of the best ways to maximize travel benefits.
The Lufthansa Miles & More program offers fantastic opportunities to earn and redeem miles, achieve elite status, and enhance your travel experience. However, its rules can sometimes feel complex, especially for those new to the program or looking to optimize their benefits. This comprehensive guide cuts through the confusion, providing you with the essential knowledge to navigate Miles & More effectively. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveller, we’ll show you how to earn miles efficiently, redeem them for maximum value, understand elite status, and avoid common pitfalls.
By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear roadmap to leverage the Miles & More program to its full potential. Armed with practical tips and insider knowledge, you can travel further, more comfortably, and affordably—turning every journey into a rewarding experience.
Understanding the Lufthansa Miles & More Program
Miles & More is the Lufthansa Group’s frequent flyer program, designed to reward loyal travellers with miles and status points. It’s a global loyalty scheme that offers benefits to Lufthansa’s passengers, its Star Alliance partners, and other affiliated airlines. This program allows travellers to accumulate miles, earn elite status, and enjoy various perks that make their travel experience more rewarding.
The Lufthansa Group’s Miles & More program includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and other Star Alliance members. This allows members to earn and redeem miles across a vast network of international routes, benefiting from the extensive reach of the Lufthansa Group and its partners.
Frequent flyers, business travellers, and those who regularly travel within Europe or internationally will benefit the most from the Miles & More program. Additionally, travellers who prefer long-haul flights and those with flexible travel schedules who can take advantage of promotional discounts will find immense value in the various earning and redemption opportunities.
For accurate and up-to-date details on the Miles & More program, always refer to the official Miles & More homepage. This will provide you with the most current program structure and offers. While Miles & More stands out for its deep integration with the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance, it is important to compare it with other European frequent flyer programs such as Air France’s Flying Blue or British Airways’ Executive Club. Each program has its benefits, with Miles & More offering a unique mix of flexibility in earning and redeeming miles across a large network.
| Key Feature | Description |
| Miles Earning | Earn Award Miles and Status/Qualifying Points through flights, credit cards, and partner services. |
| Global Network | Access to Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance, and other partner routes for earning and redeeming miles. |
| Frequent Flyer Status | Achieve elite status through accumulating Status Points (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle), with increasing benefits like lounge access and priority services. |
| Diverse Redemptions | Use miles for flights, upgrades, hotels, cars, shopping, and other experiences via various partners. |
| Mileage Bargains | Monthly promotions offering discounted award flights with select airlines and routes. |
| Credit Cards & Partners | Earn miles through everyday purchases using Miles & More credit cards and shopping with partner brands. |
| Dynamic Award Flights | Award flights are now dynamically priced based on factors like route, fare class, and availability for select airlines like Lufthansa, SWISS, and Austrian Airlines. |
| Mileage Pooling | Combine miles with family or friends to redeem awards faster through Mileage Pooling (up to 6 people). |
Earning Miles: Award Miles vs. Status Points/Qualifying Points
Understanding the differences between Award Miles and Status Points (or Qualifying Points) is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the Lufthansa Miles & More program. These two types of miles/points serve distinct purposes but are essential to the program’s functionality.
Award Miles: For Redemptions
Purpose:
Award Miles are earned to be redeemed for various rewards such as flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
How to Earn:
Award Miles are primarily earned through flights, co-branded credit cards, and other program partners, such as hotels and car rental services.
Use:
These miles can be used to book award flights, upgrade to higher classes, or secure other travel-related rewards.
Status Points/Qualifying Points: For Elite Status
Purpose:
Status Points (or Qualifying Points) are earned to achieve and maintain elite status, which grants additional privileges such as priority boarding, lounge access, and extra baggage.
How to Earn:
Status Points are earned primarily through flights with Lufthansa Group airlines and Star Alliance partners, based on fare class and distance flown.
Use:
These points cannot be redeemed for rewards. Instead, they contribute to achieving various elite tiers within the program (Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle).
Clarifying the Difference Between Award Miles and Status/Qualifying Points
One of the most common questions among Miles & More members is the difference between Award Miles and Status Points/Qualifying Points. Here’s the distinction:
- Award Miles are used for redemptions (e.g., flights, upgrades, hotels, and other travel-related rewards).
- Status Points earn elite status, providing benefits such as lounge access, priority boarding, and other perks.
This guide is based on the latest Miles & More website information. For real-time updates and further program details, please refer to the official Miles & More homepage.
Redeeming Miles: Getting Value from Your Miles
Redeeming your hard-earned miles is the ultimate goal of any frequent flyer, and the Lufthansa Miles & More program provides a range of options to get value from your miles. From award flights to upgrades and even shopping or experiences, knowing how to redeem miles effectively is key to maximizing your loyalty benefits. This guide will walk you through the different redemption options and help you navigate the complexities of the program.
1. Redeeming for Flights: The Core Value
The most popular and high-value redemption option within the Miles & More program is for award flights. Miles & More allows you to book flights with Lufthansa Group airlines, Star Alliance partners, and other airline partners. The number of miles required for a flight depends on several factors:
- Route Type: Long-haul flights usually require more miles than short-haul or continental flights.
- Class of Service: Business or First Class redemptions require more miles than Economy Class.
- Flight Availability: Award seat availability can fluctuate, especially during peak travel seasons, so booking in advance increases your chances of securing the best deal.
Searching for Award Availability:
To maximize your redemptions, it’s crucial to know how to find award flight availability. You can use several tools to help with this:
- Official Miles & More Website/App: The first and most direct way to search for award flights is through the official Miles & More website or app. Simply log into your account, search for your desired route, and check for award availability.
- Third-Party Tools: For more advanced searches, tools like ExpertFlyer and Point.me provide comprehensive flight search options, including award availability and alerts. These services can help you find award seats on multiple airline partners, though some features are paid.
If you’re struggling to find award flights directly on the Miles & More website, third-party tools may provide more visibility into partner airline availability, potentially unlocking more options.
2. Mileage Charts vs. Dynamic Pricing
Historically, Miles & More used a Mileage Chart to determine how many miles were required for specific flights, but the program has increasingly adopted dynamic pricing. This means that the number of miles needed for a flight can fluctuate based on factors like demand, seasonality, and class of service.
- Mileage Charts: Miles & More offers fixed-rate award charts for specific routes, but these are limited and don’t cover all possible flight options.
- Dynamic Pricing: More commonly, you’ll encounter dynamic pricing, where miles are determined based on the availability of award seats and the demand for a particular flight.
Keep an eye on promotional offers and discounts, as they can offer flights at a lower mileage rate, even under dynamic pricing.
3. Booking Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The process of booking an award flight is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure you do it correctly:
- Log in to your Miles & More Account
- Access your account via the official website or app.
- Search for Flights
- Enter your desired route and travel dates.
- Choose Award Flight
- Select an available flight from the results. You may have the option to pay with part cash and part miles for some flights.
- Confirm and Redeem
- After selecting the flight, confirm your redemption details and proceed to book.
- Receive Confirmation
- Once booked, you’ll receive an email confirmation with your flight details.
4. Fuel Surcharges (YQ/YR): Understanding and Managing High Fees
When booking award flights with Lufthansa or its partners, fuel surcharges (YQ/YR) can significantly increase the total cost of a ticket. These fees are not covered by your miles and will need to be paid in cash.
- Managing Fuel Surcharges:
- Consider booking award flights on partner airlines like United Airlines or Singapore Airlines, which may have lower fuel surcharges compared to Lufthansa Group carriers. This can be a strategic way to reduce your out-of-pocket costs when redeeming miles for a flight.
When booking Lufthansa Group flights, always check the fuel surcharges beforehand. In some cases, booking a partner airline may offer a better deal with fewer or lower fees.
5. Mileage Bargains: Leveraging Discounted Monthly Offers
Lufthansa Miles & More offers Mileage Bargains, which are discounted award flights available on select routes each month. These special offers can provide significant savings in terms of miles required for specific destinations.
How to Find and Book Mileage Bargains:
- Visit the Mileage Bargains section on the official Miles & More website.
- Browse the list of discounted routes.
- Book these flights as you would a regular award flight, taking advantage of the reduced mileage requirement.
Keep an eye on the Monthly Mileage Bargains promotions and plan your travel accordingly. These deals often have limited availability and can be an excellent way to stretch your miles.
6. Redeeming for Upgrades
Using miles to upgrade your seat is another excellent way to get value from your miles. You can use miles to upgrade from Economy to Business or from Business to First Class, provided there’s availability.
How Upgrades Work with Miles & More:
- Eligibility: Upgrades are available on Lufthansa Group flights as well as some Star Alliance partner flights.
- Availability: Upgrade availability depends on seat availability in the class you’re trying to upgrade to. Keep in mind that upgrades are subject to availability and may not always be possible, especially for high-demand flights.
- Value Comparison vs. Award Flights:
- In some cases, upgrading using miles can offer more value than redeeming for a full award flight, especially if award seats are hard to find or are priced at a high mileage rate.
If you can’t find availability for an award flight or the mileage required is too high, consider upgrading your existing ticket with miles for a more comfortable journey.
7. Other Redemption Options
Besides flights and upgrades, Miles & More also offers a variety of other redemption options, including:
Hotels and Car Rentals:
- You can use miles to book hotel stays and car rentals with specific program partners like Hertz and Booking.com.
- The redemption process for hotels and car rentals is similar to booking flights, where you search for availability and confirm your booking using miles.
Shopping & Experiences:
- Miles & More also allows you to redeem miles for products, shopping vouchers, and experiences (such as spa packages or tickets to events).
- You can browse the Miles & More shop or partner sites for items you can purchase using miles.
8. Comparing Miles & More Flight Redemptions to Other Programs
When it comes to flight redemptions, comparing Miles & More with other major Star Alliance programs like United MileagePlus or Air Canada, Aeroplan can help you evaluate the actual value of your miles.
- Mileage Rates and Fees: Compare the number of miles required for similar routes across different programs and look at fuel surcharges and taxes.
- Redemption Flexibility: Some programs offer more flexibility in terms of changing or cancelling award flights, so consider this when comparing loyalty programs.
Many travellers struggle to compare the value of Miles & More redemptions to other programs. A good approach is to assess total costs (miles plus cash) and award availability for the routes you frequent.
9. Highlighting Lesser-Known Ways to Redeem Miles:
While award flights and upgrades are the most obvious redemption options, there are some hidden gems in the Miles & More program. For example, redeeming miles for lifestyle experiences or shopping vouchers can be a great way to use your miles for non-travel rewards.
| Redemption Option | Examples/Partners | Things to Consider (e.g., Fees, Availability) |
| Flight Awards | Lufthansa Group, Star Alliance (United, Singapore, etc.), Other Partners | Value is often highest; check for fuel surcharges (high on LH group, lower on some partners); availability can be limited. Typically, flights to long-haul destinations can cost between 50,000 to 100,000 miles, depending on availability. |
| Mileage Bargains | Specific routes are announced monthly. | Heavily discounted mileage cost; limited destinations & travel periods; still subject to fuel surcharges. Mileage Bargains for European routes can cost as low as 15,000 miles one-way, while long-haul destinations can be around 30,000 miles. |
| Upgrades | Lufthansa Group, some Star Alliance partners | It can offer good value if the paid fare is high; availability varies, and it typically requires specific fare classes. Upgrade costs can vary from 10,000 to 40,000 miles depending on the route, fare class, and cabin. |
| Hotels & Car Rentals | Various hotel chains, rental companies | Generally, the value is poor compared to flight redemptions; use only if miles are expiring or no flight options are available. Hotel stays can cost from 15,000 to 30,000 miles for a weekend stay, but redemption value is lower compared to flights. |
| Shopping/ Experiences | Miles & More Shop, specific partners | Very low value per mile; typically not recommended for most travellers. For example, 10,000 miles might only yield $50 worth of shopping or experiences. |
Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
Elite Status in Miles & More: Unlocking Exclusive Benefits
Achieving elite status in the Miles & More program unlocks a range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. From priority check-in to extra luggage and even exclusive lounges, elite status provides significant value for frequent travellers. Starting in 2024, the program will be transitioning to a new Points System for status, which aims to streamline the process of earning elite tiers.
Let’s dive into the key details of elite status, how it’s earned, and how the new Points System will impact your journey towards status.
1. The New Points System for Status (Effective 2024)
Starting in 2024, Lufthansa Miles & More will introduce a new Points System for achieving elite status, replacing the older Status Miles system. This transition is designed to simplify the process and make it more transparent.
- How Points are Earned:
Points will be earned based on both route type (continental vs. intercontinental) and travel class (economy vs. business vs. first class). - Qualifying Points and HON Circle Points:
In addition to regular Points, you will also earn Qualifying Points and HON Circle Points based on your flying activity, which contribute to your status level.
2. How Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points Accumulate Towards Status
The accumulation of Points and Qualifying Points (or HON Circle Points) is central to reaching the various elite tiers. The number of points you earn throughout the calendar year determines which status level you qualify for.
- Points: Earned on flights and can contribute towards status. A higher number of points is required for higher status tiers.
- Qualifying Points: Essential for status earned on Lufthansa Group and co-issuing Miles & More partners.
- HON Circle Points: Special points earned on Business and First Class flights, primarily with Lufthansa Group and HON Circle partners.
3. Status Tiers and Thresholds
Lufthansa Miles & More has three main elite status tiers, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. The thresholds for earning these tiers are based on the number of points you accumulate over a calendar year.
Frequent Traveller Status (FT)
- Requirements:
- Earn Status Points or Qualifying Points to reach the Frequent Traveller tier.
- You need a specific number of Qualifying Points based on flights with Lufthansa Group and co-issuing partners.
- Key Benefits:
- Lounge Access: Access to Lufthansa and Star Alliance lounges.
- Priority Check-in: Access to dedicated check-in counters.
- Extra Baggage Allowance: Additional luggage allowance on flights.
Senator Status
- Requirements:
- Achieved by earning Qualifying Points and Status Points with Lufthansa Group and other partners.
- A higher threshold is required compared to Frequent Travellers.
- Key Benefits:
- Star Alliance Gold: Enjoy the benefits of Star Alliance Gold status, including priority services and lounge access across all Star Alliance airlines.
- Increased Baggage Allowance: More baggage allowance compared to Frequent Traveller.
- Greater Lounge Access: Access to a broader range of lounges within the Star Alliance network.
HON Circle Status
- Requirements:
- Earn HON Circle Points by flying Business or First Class with Lufthansa Group or HON Circle partners.
- Requires a significant number of HON Circle Points.
- Key Benefits:
- Dedicated HON Circle Lounges: Access to exclusive lounges reserved for HON Circle members.
- Limousine Service: Enjoy limousine transfers to and from the airport in certain regions.
- Top-tier Service: Enjoy the most exclusive benefits across the Lufthansa Group network.
4. Achieving Status: Tips and Strategies
Achieving elite status requires dedication, and understanding the new Points System will be crucial to your success. Here are some tips to help you maximize your status-earning potential:
- Focus on Qualifying Points:
The new Points System places significant importance on earning Qualifying Points with Lufthansa Group and co-issuing partners. These will be essential to reaching higher status tiers.
- Meeting Minimum Segment Requirements:
For specific tiers, you may also need to meet minimum segment requirements, which dictate the number of flights you need to take to qualify for particular statuses. This is especially relevant for legacy rules.
- Status Runs:
If you’re near the threshold for a higher status tier, consider taking a few additional flights, especially on routes that earn more points, to complete a status run.
Expert Tip: Focus on earning Qualifying Points on Lufthansa Group airlines and co-issuing partners, as this is the most efficient way to earn points towards status. Ensure you’re aware of the new Points system and the specific earning rates for your preferred routes.
5. Status Stars: Recognizing Long-Term Loyalty
In addition to the regular elite status tiers, Miles & More also offers Status Stars to recognize members with long-term loyalty. Achieving a certain number of Status Stars over the years demonstrates a sustained commitment to the program and can provide additional perks.
Understanding the Requirements and Benefits of Different Elite Status Tiers
Many travellers find it challenging to understand the specific requirements for each status tier, particularly with the introduction of the new Points System. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Frequent Traveller requires fewer points compared to Senator or HON Circle but still offers significant benefits like lounge access and priority check-in.
- Senator Status offers more exclusive benefits, including Star Alliance Gold, with a higher threshold of points.
- HON Circle Status is the most exclusive tier, requiring HON Circle Points, with premium benefits like limousine service and access to HON Circle lounges.
This detailed guide has been crafted based on the official Miles & More program rules. For the most current information, always refer to the official Miles & More website.
| Status Tier | Requirements (Points) | Key Benefits |
| Frequent Traveller | 650 Points, incl. 325 Qualifying Points | Business Class check-in, Senator Lounge access (with flight), priority boarding, extra baggage allowance. |
| Senator | 2,000 Points, incl. 1,000 Qualifying Points | Star Alliance Gold status (worldwide lounge access), Senator Lounge access (any Star Alliance flight), higher baggage allowance, eJournals. |
| HON Circle | 6,000 HON Circle Points | HON Circle Lounges, First Class check-in, limousine service (select airports), highest priority. |
Key Terms & Definitions
Glossary of essential Miles & More terminology:
| Term | Definition/Explanation |
| Award Miles | Miles earned for flights, and partners are used for redemptions (flights, upgrades, shopping, etc.). |
| Status Points | Points earned on all Star Alliance and Miles & More partner flights contribute to status (Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle). |
| Qualifying Points | Points earned specifically on Lufthansa Group and co-issuing Miles & More partners are required for Frequent Traveller & Senator status. |
| HON Circle Points | Points earned on First/Business Class flights with Lufthansa Group and HON Circle partners are required for HON Circle status. |
| Mileage Bargains | Monthly promotions offering discounted award flights to specific destinations. |
| Star Alliance | A global airline alliance that includes Lufthansa Group, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and others, offering benefits like shared award availability and status recognition. |
| Lufthansa Group | This includes Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, and other subsidiaries, which form the core of the Miles & More program. |
| Segment | A portion of a flight itinerary is typically defined as one takeoff and landing. Miles & More tracks the number of segments flown. |
| Fuel Surcharge (YQ/YR) | Additional fees are added to award tickets, often significant on Lufthansa Group flights but potentially lower on partner airlines. |
| Open Jaw | A flight itinerary where you arrive in one city but depart from another (or depart from one city and return to another). |
| Stopover | A planned break in travel at an intermediate point for more than 24 hours. Rules vary by redemption type/carrier. |
| Companion Award | Discounted award tickets are available for a companion travelling with a Senator or HON Circle member (subject to availability). |
| Status Stars | Special recognition for long-term loyalty within the Miles & More program, typically earned after years of maintaining elite status. |
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To avoid the common mistakes outlined above, focus on tracking expiration dates, understanding fuel surcharges, and taking advantage of limited-time promotions. Planning your flights strategically and learning how to maximize earning opportunities can make all the difference in ensuring your Miles & More membership remains valuable.
Resources for Miles & More Members
As a Miles & More member, having access to the right resources can significantly enhance your ability to maximize rewards, stay informed on program changes, and navigate the complexities of the loyalty program. Below are essential tools, websites, and products that will help you make the most of your Miles & More membership.
1. Essential Tools and Websites
Official Miles & More Website (miles-and-more.com)
The Miles & More website is the primary source for all program-related information. It’s where you’ll find the latest updates on program rules, redemptions, and new promotions. Use this site to track your miles, view award availability, and explore the Mileage Bargains promotions that can save you miles on award bookings. Always check here for the most up-to-date program guidelines and official updates.
Lufthansa App / Miles & More App
The Lufthansa and Miles & More apps are indispensable tools for frequent travellers. They allow you to:
- Track your miles and view your balance.
- Book flights directly through the app.
- Access your digital membership card for easy lounge access and check-in.
- Get notifications about new promotions, offers, and your award miles expiration.
These apps offer a streamlined experience for booking, tracking, and managing your miles and status on the go.
- Download from: Lufthansa App or Miles & More App
Star Alliance Website
Star Alliance partners with Miles & More, and the Star Alliance website is a great resource to verify eligible partners and learn more about the benefits of traveling within the alliance. If you’re unsure whether a particular airline or route is eligible for earning or redeeming Miles & More miles, the Star Alliance website provides up-to-date information on its network of airlines and their participating benefits.
- Visit: Star Alliance Network
Award Search Tools (ExpertFlyer, Point.me)
When looking to redeem your miles for flights, finding award space can sometimes be tricky. That’s where tools like ExpertFlyer and Point.me come in. These tools are handy for:
- Finding award availability across different airlines and dates.
- Comparing award seat availability across multiple airlines within the Miles & More network.
- Understanding award costs in miles and identifying the best deals.
While these tools do come with a cost, they’re invaluable when trying to navigate the often complex world of award bookings.
- Visit: ExpertFlyer, Point.me
Miles & More Credit Card Information Pages
The Miles & More credit card is one of the most efficient ways to earn miles for everyday spending. Visit the official Miles & More credit card information pages to learn about the various cards available, their earning rates, and the benefits each card offers. If you’re interested in maximizing your miles outside of just flying, this is an excellent way to boost your miles balance.
- Visit: Miles & More Credit Card
2. Staying Updated
Official Channels
Keeping track of changes to the Miles & More program is essential to ensure that you’re aware of any new rules or promotions. The Miles & More team updates its members through several channels:
- Email Notifications: Subscribe to emails from Miles & More to get alerts about new promotions, rule changes, and other essential updates.
- Website News Section: The news section on the Miles & More website is regularly updated to reflect the latest changes and updates to the program.
Make sure to follow these channels regularly to stay ahead of any changes that could affect your miles accumulation or redemption strategy.
3. Verification Date/Last Update
All information in this article is based on the latest available data as of June 2025. While this content has been verified to be accurate at the time of writing, we always recommend that members double-check any specific details, especially when planning significant redemptions or strategic mileage decisions. The Miles & More website and the Lufthansa App should be your go-to sources for the most up-to-date and official program guidelines.
4. Community Forums and Blogs (Optional)
While official resources should always be your first point of reference, community forums and blogs dedicated to loyalty programs can offer valuable insights and tips. These resources are helpful for:
- Learning from others’ experiences: Other travellers may share strategies for maximizing miles or tips on finding hidden award availability.
- Program tips and tricks: Loyalty enthusiasts often exchange knowledge about lesser-known features of the program.
However, always verify any advice you read online with official sources, as information from forums and blogs can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate.
Conclusion: Unlocking the Full Potential of Miles & More
The Miles & More program offers incredible value to frequent travellers, providing a wealth of opportunities to earn and redeem miles. Whether you’re looking to earn miles through flights, credit cards, or non-airline partners or aiming to maximize your redemptions on premium flights and exclusive upgrades, the program has something for everyone. By understanding how to strategically navigate the complexities of earning and redeeming miles, you can enhance your travel experiences, enjoy more luxurious benefits, and accelerate your path to elite status.
Key Takeaways for Earning and Redeeming Effectively
- Maximize Your Miles by booking high-earning fare classes and stacking opportunities with your Miles & More credit card and other partner activities.
- Find Award Sweet Spots by targeting less busy routes and using tools like Mileage Bargains, ExpertFlyer, or Point.me to uncover the best deals.
- Leverage Stopovers and Open Jaws to get more destinations for fewer miles, and always calculate the cents per mile (CPM) to ensure you’re getting the most out of your redemptions.
- Stay Updated with the latest program changes and promotions through official channels, ensuring you’re always in the loop on new opportunities.
Start Maximizing Your Rewards Today Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of the strategies for earning and redeeming with Miles & More, it’s time to take action. Start by visiting the Miles & More website to track your miles, explore new redemption options, or plan your next trip. With the proper knowledge and tools, you’re on the path to maximizing your rewards and elevating your travel experiences to new heights. Don’t wait—explore the program, start earning, and make the most of your miles today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Miles & More program, using a Myth vs. Fact approach where applicable to help clarify common misconceptions.
1. How can I check my Miles & More balance and status?
- Fact: You can check your miles balance and status through the Miles & More website or mobile app. Once logged in, you can view your miles, award availability, and status tier, along with the expiration dates of your miles.
2. Can I transfer Miles & More miles to other people or programs?
- Myth: You can transfer Miles & More miles to anyone at any time.
- Fact: Generally, Miles & More Miles are non-transferable to other members or programs. However, some exceptions apply, such as transferring miles between your own accounts or combining miles through family pooling (where allowed by specific program terms). Check the official rules for more details.
3. Do Miles & More miles expire? How can I prevent it?
- Myth: Miles in the Miles & More program never expires.
- Fact: Miles expire after 36 months for basic members unless you have qualifying activities, such as earning or redeeming miles or maintaining elite status or a credit card. To prevent expiration, ensure you engage with your miles by either earning them through flights, shopping, or redeeming them before the expiration date.
4. What are the best ways to redeem Miles & More miles?
- Fact: The best way to redeem your miles is often for award flights with Lufthansa Group or Star Alliance partners. Long-haul flights, business class, or first-class awards tend to provide the best value for your miles. Use the Mileage Bargains promotions to find discounted award tickets.
5. Why are fuel surcharges so high on some award tickets?
- Myth: The fuel surcharges are the same for all airlines.
- Fact: Fuel surcharges (YQ/YR) can be exceptionally high on Lufthansa Group flights because of the airline’s policy to include these charges with award tickets. While partners may have lower surcharges, it’s always worth checking the fees before booking, especially when flying with Lufthansa or its subsidiaries. Look for partner airlines to potentially reduce the surcharge.
6. How does the new Points system affect my ability to earn status?
- Fact: With the new Points system (introduced in 2024), you will earn points based on the route type (continental or intercontinental) and the travel class (economy, business, or first). This affects how you accumulate status points, making it easier for travellers who fly premium classes to earn status faster while requiring more effort for lower-fare classes. The Points system is designed to simplify the earning of Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle status.
7. Can I earn miles on flights booked through third-party websites?
- Myth: You can’t earn miles if you book through third-party websites.
- Fact: You can earn miles on flights booked through third-party websites (such as Expedia or Booking.com), but it depends on the fare class. You must book eligible fare classes that are valid for earning miles. Always check the Miles & More website or ask the third-party provider to confirm if the fare qualifies.
8. What is Star Alliance Gold status, and how do I get it with Miles & More?
- Fact: Star Alliance Gold status provides a range of benefits, including priority check-in, access to lounges across the Star Alliance network, and more. With Miles & More, you can achieve Star Alliance Gold status by reaching the Senator level. Once you obtain Senator status by earning sufficient qualifying points, you automatically get Star Alliance Gold status.