Miles And More

Overview

Miles & More is the frequent flyer programme for the Lufthansa Group and its partner airlines. It is a points-based loyalty system where members earn miles for flights and other purchases, which can later be redeemed for rewards. The primary currency of the programme is award miles, which are used for flight tickets, upgrades, and other travel-related benefits. Status miles are a separate metric that determine a member's elite tier level, such as Frequent Traveller, Senator, or HON Circle. The programme is headquartered in Germany and operates across the airline group's global network. Membership is free, with tiers offering progressively greater privileges like lounge access, additional baggage allowance, and priority services.

History

Miles & More was launched in the early 1990s by the Lufthansa Group, a German airline conglomerate. Its creation coincided with the global proliferation of airline frequent flyer programmes following the deregulation of the aviation industry. The programme was established to foster customer loyalty in a increasingly competitive market by systematically rewarding repeat travel. It initially focused on earning and redeeming miles solely on Lufthansa's own flights. Over the decades, it expanded to include the group's partner airlines, such as Austrian Airlines, Swiss International Air Lines, and Brussels Airlines. Further growth incorporated a wide range of non-flight partners, including credit card companies, hotel chains, and car rental agencies, transforming it into a broader travel loyalty scheme.

How it works today

Members earn award miles based on the fare class and distance flown on Lufthansa Group and partner airline flights. Miles can also be accrued through a network of non-airline partners, most notably via co-branded credit cards that convert everyday spending into miles. The earned award miles are stored in a central account and can be redeemed for free flight tickets, cabin upgrades, or products from the programme's online shop. Simultaneously, members earn status miles or qualification segments to progress through elite tiers, which offer separate, year-long benefits. Tier status is re-evaluated annually, requiring members to re-qualify by earning a set number of status miles or segments within a calendar year. The programme's rules, including award charts and partnership terms, are subject to change and are detailed in its published conditions of participation.

Why it matters

For frequent travellers on the Lufthansa Group network, the programme provides a structured mechanism to receive tangible value from their travel expenditure. Elite status tiers deliver practical advantages that can significantly improve the travel experience, such as dedicated check-in, lounge access, and increased baggage allowances. The ability to redeem miles for last-minute flights during peak seasons can offer savings compared to high cash fares. For the airline group, it is a critical customer retention tool that incentivizes flyers to concentrate their bookings within the alliance. The programme's extensive partnership network, especially with financial services, extends its relevance beyond flying into everyday consumer spending. Its size and longevity make it a benchmark within the European aviation loyalty sector.

Common misconceptions

A common mistake is assuming award miles and status miles are interchangeable, when they are entirely separate currencies with different earning and expiration rules. Many members regret focusing solely on accumulating award miles while neglecting the requirements for status, which provides more immediate travel benefits. Another misconception is that miles have a fixed monetary value; redemption rates vary dramatically depending on the award chosen, and the programme can devalue its miles by increasing the number required for popular rewards. Some participants believe elite status benefits are guaranteed on all partner airlines, but the specific privileges granted can vary significantly between partner carriers. There is also a frequent misunderstanding about mileage expiration, as miles can and do expire after a period of account inactivity, which is often overlooked. Finally, the belief that any available seat can be booked with miles leads to frustration, as award seat inventory is limited and subject to airline control, making popular routes difficult to secure.