Europe’s largest frequent flyer program offers elite perks across the Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance. But high taxes and limited earning options frustrate casual travelers. Here’s your complete guide.Lufthansa Miles and More is Europe’s largest frequent flyer program serving 36 million members . Miles expire after 36 months but remain valid indefinitely for elite members. The program excels for frequent Europe travelers and business class flyers but disappoints with high award ticket taxes and limited transfer partnerships. A new Marriott partnership launched in 2025 allows members to earn up to 120 status points annually through hotel stays.
Related - IHG Loyalty Program | Benefits, Points Value, How To Avail Them & More
Table Of Content
- Quick Reference Sheet
- What is Lufthansa Miles and More Loyalty Program
- Miles and More Membership Tiers
- How to Earn Lufthansa Miles
- How to Redeem Lufthansa Miles Smartly
- Lufthansa Loyalty Points and Expiry Rules
- Miles and More Login Guide
- Who Should Join
- Who Should Avoid
- Common Mistakes With Lufthansa Miles
- Lufthansa Miles and More vs Emirates Skywards Quick Comparison
- Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Reference Sheet
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Type | Free frequent flyer program |
| Membership Fee | Free (no cost to join) |
| Entry Tier | Member (basic level) |
| Top Tier | HON Circle |
| Miles Expiry | 36 months from earning date |
| Best Redemption Value | Business class on long-haul routes |
| Star Alliance Access | Yes (all 26 member airlines) |
| Group Airlines | Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, ITA Airways, Eurowings, Discover Airlines |
| Official Website | Miles&More Lufthansa |
What is Lufthansa Miles and More Loyalty Program
Lufthansa Miles and More is the frequent flyer program covering seven Lufthansa Group airlines: Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Eurowings, and Discover Airlines.
Founded as Europe’s first multi-airline loyalty program, it now serves over 36 million members worldwide. You earn and redeem miles on all 26 Star Alliance partner airlines including United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, and ANA.
Miles and More Membership Tiers
| Tier | Annual Qualification | Lounge Access | Bonus Miles | Upgrade Vouchers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Member | Entry level (free) | None | 0% | 0 |
| Frequent Traveller | 650 Points (325 Qualifying) | Priority boarding, extra baggage | 25% | 2 per year at 700 Points |
| Senator | 2,000 Points (1,000 Qualifying) | Senator & Star Gold Lounges | 100% | 4 per year at 2,500 Points |
| HON Circle | 6,000 HON Points over 2 years | First Class Lounges, limousine | 100% | 6 per year |
Related - Marriott Loyalty Program | Check Out Membership Benefits
Senator status is the sweet spot, granting Star Alliance Gold benefits across all member airlines including access to over 1,000 Star Alliance lounges worldwide. HON Circle requires exclusively Business or First Class travel on Lufthansa Group airlines with benefits like limousine service and Frankfurt First Class Terminal access.
How to Earn Lufthansa Miles
Flying with Lufthansa Group Airlines
- Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings award 4 miles per €1 spent on ticket fare
- A €500 economy ticket Frankfurt to Mumbai earns 2,000 Award Miles
Star Alliance Partner Flights
- All 26 Star Alliance carriers credit miles to Miles and More
- United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Thai Airways participate
- Earning rates vary by airline and fare class
Credit Card Transfers
- Extremely limited: Only Rove Miles (boutique hotel program) transfers 1:1
- Major weakness compared to American loyalty programs
Hotel Partners Including Marriott
- Marriott partnership launched September 2025
- Earn 40 status points per qualifying stay (up to 120 points annually)
- Senator and HON Circle members receive Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- Minimum stay reduced from two nights to one night in January 2026
Example India to Frankfurt Earning
- Round-trip ticket price: €800
- Award Miles earned: 800 × 4 = 3,200 miles
- With Senator status bonus: 3,200 + 3,200 = 6,400 total miles
How to Redeem Lufthansa Miles Smartly
| Redemption Type | Value Level | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Economy Awards | 0.8-1.2 cents per mile | Short-haul Europe flights during Mileage Bargains |
| Business Class | 1.5-2.5 cents per mile | Long-haul intercontinental routes |
| First Class | 2.0-3.0 cents per mile | Lufthansa, SWISS First on A380 and 747-8 |
| Partner Awards | 1.0-2.0 cents per mile | United, ANA, Singapore Airlines premium cabins |
Miles and More switched to dynamic pricing in 2024, meaning award prices fluctuate based on demand.
Warning: Lufthansa charges notoriously high taxes and fees on award tickets. Business class from New York to Frankfurt costs 44,000 miles plus $600-$800 in fees. Partner airline awards often have lower surcharges.
Realistic Redemption Example: Lufthansa business class Delhi to San Francisco via Frankfurt:
- Miles required: 70,000-90,000 miles (dynamic pricing)
- Taxes and fees: $400-$600
- Better alternative: Book United or Air Canada on same route for lower fees
Lufthansa Loyalty Points and Expiry Rules
Miles and More uses three point types:
- Award Miles expire 36 months after earning for basic members. Elite members (Frequent Traveller and above) keep miles valid indefinitely while maintaining status.
- Status Miles determine tier qualification and reset annually on January 1.
- HON Circle Miles track over two consecutive years for top-tier qualification. Only Business and First Class flights on core Lufthansa Group airlines earn these.
Related –
Miles and More Login Guide
Visit Miles&More Lufthansa and click login in the top right corner. Enter your membership number and password. First-time users register by providing name, email, date of birth, and address.
Download the Miles and More mobile app for iOS or Android to check balances, track flights, and access your digital membership card.
Who Should Join
- Frequent Europe Travelers benefit most since Lufthansa Group dominates European aviation with major hubs.
- Business Class Enthusiasts find excellent value redeeming for Lufthansa and SWISS First Class.
- Star Alliance Loyalists already flying Star Alliance carriers should consider Miles and More if based in Europe.
- Status Chasers Using Marriott can accelerate qualification with 120 bonus status points annually through hotel stays.
Who Should Avoid
Casual flyers struggle with 36-month expiry and limited earning opportunities. Unlike American programs with flexible credit card transfers, building a Miles and More balance requires actual flights. Award travelers frustrated by high taxes should avoid. Surcharges often exceed $500 on long-haul awards, negating “free flight” value. Non-Europe residents find limited value since Lufthansa Group operates primarily within Europe.
Common Mistakes With Lufthansa Miles
- Paying Excessive Fuel Surcharges – Always compare to partner airlines like United or Air Canada for lower fees.
- Letting Miles Expire – Set reminders 33 months after earning to use or extend miles.
- Ignoring Mileage Bargains – Check monthly promotions for half-price awards.
- Not Leveraging Status Match – British Airways and ITA Volare elite members can status match to Senator through paid promotions.
- Overlooking the Marriott Partnership – Three one-night stays contribute meaningfully toward Frequent Traveller qualification.
Lufthansa Miles and More vs Emirates Skywards Quick Comparison
The Lufthansa Miles and More loyalty program delivers value for frequent Lufthansa Group flyers but frustrates those seeking flexibility and low redemption fees. Senator status provides genuine benefits across the Star Alliance network.
Join if you fly Lufthansa Group carriers 6-10+ times annually and can reach elite status. Avoid if you’re a casual traveler seeking flexibility and low fees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is Lufthansa Miles and More Loyalty Program?
Ans– Miles and More is the free frequent flyer program for Lufthansa Group covering seven airlines plus all 26 Star Alliance carriers with Award Miles for redemptions and Status Miles for tier qualification.
Q2. How long do Lufthansa miles last before expiring?
Ans– Award Miles expire 36 months from earning for basic members. Elite members keep miles valid indefinitely while maintaining status.
Q3. What airlines participate in Miles and More?
Ans– Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, ITA Airways, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, plus all 26 Star Alliance carriers including United, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines.
Q4. How do I earn Miles and More status points through Marriott?
Ans– Link accounts online and earn 40 status points per qualifying stay up to 120 points annually. Minimum one night stay required as of January 2026.
Q5. Why are Lufthansa award ticket fees so high?
Ans– Lufthansa charges substantial fuel surcharges often $400-$800 for long-haul premium cabins. Consider booking Star Alliance partner awards for lower fees.
Q6. Can I transfer credit card points to Miles and More?
Ans– Only Rove Miles (small hotel program) offers 1:1 transfers. No major credit card programs transfer to Miles and More.
Q7. What is the easiest Miles and More elite status to achieve?
Ans– Frequent Traveller requires 650 total status points with 325 Qualifying Points. Marriott partnership contributing 120 points annually makes this more accessible.
Q8. Do Miles and More miles expire if I have elite status?
Ans– No. Frequent Travellers, Senators, and HON Circle members enjoy indefinite Award Miles validity while maintaining elite tier status.
