Swiss Miles & More The 2025 Guide to Maximizing Travel Rewards with Lufthansa’s Premier Loyalty Program
Swiss Miles & More is the frequent flyer program of SWISS (Swiss International Air Lines), Lufthansa, and other members of the Lufthansa Group. As part of Europe’s largest airline loyalty program, it allows travelers to earn miles not just on flights, but also through hotels, rental cars, credit cards, and shopping partners.
Members can redeem miles for flights, upgrades, lounge access, and luxury lifestyle rewards. The program is ideal for travelers who frequent Europe and want flexibility, access to Star Alliance partners, and elite status perks.
How Swiss Miles & More Works
Earning Award Miles and Status Miles
Members earn award miles based on the fare and booking class. Flights with SWISS, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and partners all count toward miles. You can also earn status miles, which are used to determine your tier level in the program.
Non-flight earnings are possible through hotel stays, car rentals, online shopping, and even banking partnerships. Swiss Miles & More credit cards also offer accelerated mile accumulation.
Tier Levels and Benefits
There are four main tiers in the program:
- Member: Entry level
- Frequent Traveller: 35,000 status miles/year
- Senator: 100,000 status miles/year
- HON Circle Member: 600,000 HON Circle miles over two years
Benefits include priority check-in, additional baggage, lounge access, upgrade vouchers, and exclusive booking services depending on your status level.
Technology Benefits of Swiss Miles & More
Digital App Experience
The Miles & More app lets you track your miles, access your digital card, and get real-time travel updates. Integration with Apple Wallet and Google Pay allows for easy boarding pass storage and quick access to your member ID.
Real-time notifications about upgrade availability, flight changes, and promotions help members stay informed and get more value out of the program.
Secure and Personalized Platform
The app uses biometric login and encrypted data to keep your information safe. Personalized dashboards and offers make it easy to spot relevant travel promotions and bonus mile opportunities.
Real-World Use Cases of Swiss Miles & More
Business Travelers in Europe
A Zurich-based consultant regularly flying between European capitals uses Miles & More to accumulate miles on every leg. With Frequent Traveller status, she gets fast-track security and lounge access, saving time on each trip.
Using a co-branded Swiss Miles & More credit card for everyday expenses helps her earn miles even when not flying, which she later uses for upgrades on long-haul trips.
Families Planning Euro Trips
A family uses Miles & More miles earned through a combination of flights and retail partners to book award seats for their summer vacation in Italy. They benefit from baggage allowance and seat selection perks that make flying with children smoother.
Redemption flexibility with Star Alliance means they can mix and match airlines for the best routing and schedule.
Frequent Flyers Earning Elite Status
A German entrepreneur flying weekly across Europe hits Senator status within a year. This grants him two upgrade vouchers, full lounge access (even on economy tickets), and dedicated HON Circle hotline support.
His elite status also makes him eligible for preferential award availability during peak periods.
Benefits of Swiss Miles & More in Real Travel Situations
Maximize Mileage Value
Miles can be redeemed not just for flights but also for hotel stays, rental cars, and shopping vouchers. The flexibility in redemption helps you extract maximum value depending on your travel goals.
Plus, last-minute flight upgrades with miles can significantly enhance your comfort and productivity on longer routes.
Travel Comfort and Convenience
From priority boarding to premium check-in, elite members enjoy a more seamless airport experience. Lounge access provides a quiet space with free Wi-Fi and refreshments a lifesaver during layovers or delays.
Travel insurance coverage on eligible award flights also gives peace of mind.
Cost Savings for Frequent Travelers
Whether you’re flying for business or family travel, perks like free baggage, upgrade vouchers, and award flexibility translate to real financial savings.
Using a Miles & More credit card can help you earn enough for a long-haul ticket within a year if you put major expenses on it.
Practical Use Cases
Cross-Continental Travel Planning
Members planning a Europe-to-Asia trip use Star Alliance partners to book multi-leg award flights with layovers in prime cities. Miles & More lets them customize routing without the blackout restrictions often found in other programs.
This approach gives flexibility for work meetings in multiple cities or family stops along the route.
Leveraging Promotions and Bonuses
Frequent campaigns allow members to earn double or triple miles during specific periods. Savvy users plan purchases or business travel during these windows, maximizing returns.
Combined with hotel and shopping partners, these bonuses let users build mileage balances faster.
Upgrading Economy to Business
Rather than booking expensive business class fares, members often book economy and use miles to upgrade. This strategy stretches their travel budget without compromising on comfort.
Upgrade vouchers for Senator and HON Circle members further enhance this tactic.
FAQ
Q1: Can Miles & More miles expire? Yes, award miles expire after 36 months unless you hold a Miles & More credit card or have Frequent Traveller status or above. Some promotions and spending behavior can also extend mileage validity.
Q2: Is Miles & More only for Lufthansa flights? No, you can use Miles & More for flights with Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and other Star Alliance partners.
Q3: How do I reach Frequent Traveller status? You need to earn 35,000 status miles in a calendar year or take 30 eligible flights with program partners. Flights with Lufthansa Group airlines typically offer the best path to this tier.
