Airline Miles Basics
Frequent-flyer programs, alliances and award tickets.
Plan a Trip With a SpecialistAirline Miles: How Frequent-Flyer Programs Work
Airline miles are the oldest form of points and miles, and still the one most travelers dream about: free flights, upgrades, a seat in the front. Every major airline runs its own frequent-flyer program, free to join.
You earn miles when you fly the airline or its partners, and often through the program's credit cards, shopping portal and other partners. Many programs now award miles based on what you pay for a ticket rather than how far you fly. You spend miles on award tickets, upgrades and sometimes other rewards.
Award prices vary by program. Some publish an award chart; many now use dynamic pricing that moves with demand, so the same route can cost very different amounts on different days.
Alliances and Partners
Most big airlines belong to one of three global alliances — Star Alliance, oneworld or SkyTeam — and also have one-off partnerships. Alliances let you earn miles in one program for flying another airline, and redeem miles for seats on partners. For travelers outside a hub city, that matters: the airline that dominates your home airport may not be the best program to collect in, if a partner's miles go further.
Earning on partners
Add your frequent-flyer number when booking a partner airline; check that the fare class earns miles.
Redeeming on partners
Partner awards can open routes your own airline does not fly.
Elite recognition
Status in one alliance member usually brings some perks across the alliance.
Getting More From Airline Miles
- Join the program of every airline you fly, even once; small balances can sometimes be combined or used for partner awards.
- Check your account after each flight to be sure the miles posted.
- Know the expiry rules; some programs never expire miles, others do after inactivity.
- Compare the cash fare before redeeming. When fares are low, saving miles for a pricier trip may be smarter.
Families should also think about pooling. Some programs let household members combine miles or share them for a fee, which helps a family reach an award faster than each person collecting alone. Read the rules before relying on it.
Search fares by route and date on Airfares for Less to see what a trip costs in cash. For more on finding award seats, see our free travel points search page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airline alliance?
A group of airlines that let members earn and redeem miles across each other's flights. The three global alliances are Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam; many airlines also have individual partnerships outside them.
What is the difference between award miles and elite status?
Redeemable miles are a currency you spend on flights. Elite status is a tier you qualify for by flying or spending a set amount in a year, and it brings perks such as priority boarding, extra baggage or upgrades.
Can I use miles on another airline?
Often, yes, through partner and alliance awards. Partner availability and pricing follow the rules of the program you are redeeming from.
Need the Flights Priced?
Tell us the route and dates. We will compare fares so you know whether to spend miles or cash.
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