Published on Dec 26, 2024 6 min read

Lufthansa Miles and More Loyalty Program: A Comprehensive Guide

The Lufthansa Miles & More loyalty program is one of the most popular travel reward programs in Europe. It allows frequent flyers to earn miles when booking flights, staying at partner hotels, renting cars, or shopping with partner brands. These miles can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, or a variety of other rewards. Whether you’re a casual traveler or a frequent flyer, the program offers benefits that make travel more enjoyable and rewarding. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about maximizing its perks.

How the Lufthansa Miles & More Program Works

The Lufthansa Miles & More program works on a simple principle: members earn points called "miles" based on their flights, credit card usage, or transactions with partner businesses. These miles can later be redeemed for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and much more.

There are two types of miles to know about:

1. Award Miles: Used for redeeming flights, shopping rewards, and other services.
2. Status Miles: Used to achieve elite membership tiers such as Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle.

The program rewards travelers for their loyalty and provides elite members with exclusive perks, making it an excellent choice for regular travelers.

Joining the Lufthansa Miles & More Loyalty Program

Joining the Lufthansa Miles & More program is easy, free, and open to travelers globally. To become a member, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the Miles & More Website: Head to the official Miles & More website or download the mobile app.
2. Register an Account: Sign up by providing your basic personal details, including your email and contact information.
3. Receive Your Membership Number: After registering, you’ll get a unique Miles & More membership number. This will help you track your earned miles.
4. Start Earning Miles: Immediately start earning miles when you fly with Lufthansa, Star Alliance airlines, or use partner services.

By becoming a member, you open the door to countless opportunities to earn miles and unlock valuable travel rewards.

How to Earn Miles with Lufthansa and Its Partners

Earning miles with Lufthansa Miles & More is straightforward, thanks to its extensive network of partners across multiple industries. Here’s how you can earn miles:

1. Earn Miles When You Fly with Lufthansa and Star Alliance Airlines

You can earn miles every time you fly with Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, or Star Alliance partners like United Airlines, Air Canada, and Singapore Airlines. The number of miles earned depends on:

• Flight Distance: Longer flights earn more miles.
• Fare Class: Premium tickets (like Business or First Class) earn significantly more miles than Economy Class fares.

2. Use Lufthansa Co-Branded Credit Cards

Lufthansa offers co-branded credit cards with leading banks, allowing members to earn miles for everyday spending. Using these cards for groceries, dining, or shopping helps you rack up miles faster.

3. Partner Hotels and Car Rentals

Earn additional miles by booking hotel stays with partner chains such as Hilton, Marriott, and IHG, or by renting cars from companies like Avis and Hertz. Many of these partners offer bonus miles for specific promotions.

4. Shopping and Lifestyle Partners

Shop with Lufthansa’s WorldShop or other partner retailers to earn miles on electronics, fashion, and home goods. Members can also earn miles for dining at partner restaurants or purchasing travel-related services.

How to Redeem Miles for Maximum Value

Redeeming miles is where members see the real benefits of the Lufthansa Miles & More program. Here are the best ways to use your hard-earned miles:

1. Book Award Flights

Redeem your miles for award flights with Lufthansa, Star Alliance airlines, or partner carriers. This is the most valuable use of miles, as it allows you to fly for free or at a significant discount.

2. Upgrade to a Premium Cabin

Use your miles to upgrade your seat to Premium Economy, Business Class, or First Class. Upgrades provide enhanced comfort, better meals, and exclusive amenities—especially useful for long-haul travel.

3. Hotel Bookings and Car Rentals

Redeem miles for hotel stays at partner properties worldwide or car rentals from major providers. This option offers great value for those who want to extend their rewards beyond flights.

4. Shop with Lufthansa’s WorldShop

Use miles to purchase high-quality products like luggage, electronics, and travel accessories from the Lufthansa WorldShop. While not as valuable as flights, it’s still a practical way to redeem miles.

Membership Tiers and Elite Status Levels

Lufthansa Miles & More offers three elite membership tiers that provide increasing levels of benefits:

1. Frequent Traveller (Silver Status)

• Earned by collecting 35,000 status miles in a calendar year.
• Benefits include priority check-in, additional baggage allowance, and access to Business Class lounges.

2. Senator (Gold Status)

• Achieved after earning 100,000 status miles annually.
• Perks include access to Senator Lounges, increased award availability, and priority boarding.

3. HON Circle (Top Tier Status)

• Requires 600,000 status miles over two consecutive years.
• Members receive first-class treatment, limousine service, and access to exclusive HON Circle Lounges.

Elite status makes frequent travel significantly more comfortable and enjoyable.

Pros and Cons of Lufthansa Miles & More Program

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of Lufthansa Miles & More can help you decide if it’s the right loyalty program for you.

Pros

• Extensive global network with Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance partners.
• Excellent opportunities to redeem miles for award flights and seat upgrades.
• Valuable elite status perks like lounge access, priority boarding, and more.
• Easy to earn miles through flights, hotels, car rentals, and credit card spending.

Cons

• Miles expire after 36 months unless you achieve elite status.
• High taxes and fees for award flight redemptions.
• Earning rates can vary depending on fare class and partner airlines.

How to Maximize Your Miles & More Rewards

To get the most out of the Lufthansa Miles & More program, follow these practical tips:

1. Fly with Star Alliance Airlines: Always credit flights to your Miles & More account to boost your miles.
2. Use a Co-Branded Credit Card: Spend on daily expenses to accumulate miles faster.
3. Book Award Flights Early: Availability for premium cabins is limited, so plan and redeem miles early.
4. Take Advantage of Promotions: Keep an eye on special offers for bonus miles from partners.
5. Avoid Expiry: Monitor your miles regularly and redeem them before they expire.

Conclusion

The Lufthansa Miles & More program is a fantastic loyalty program for travelers who frequently fly with Lufthansa, its partners, or Star Alliance airlines. It offers excellent opportunities to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, hotels, and shopping rewards. With elite membership tiers, co-branded credit card partnerships, and a vast global network, this program caters to both casual travelers and frequent flyers. If you are looking to maximize your travel experience and unlock valuable perks, Lufthansa Miles & More is well worth considering.