Lufthansa Miles & More

Lufthansa Miles & More is Europe's largest frequent-flyer program, spanning the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian and more). It uses distance-based award pricing and is the primary route to Lufthansa First Class on points — though high surcharges are part of the deal.

How to earn Miles & More miles

Miles & More is earned flying Lufthansa Group and Star Alliance carriers, plus transfers from certain flexible currencies. Australian direct earning is limited.

How to use Miles & More miles

Distance-based pricing governs awards. Lufthansa First Class is the headline redemption, but it's typically released to partners only close to departure, so it rewards flexibility — and surcharges can be steep.

Sweet spots

• Lufthansa and Swiss First Class, especially space that opens close to departure.
• Star Alliance partner awards across the European network.
• Premium-cabin travel to and within Europe via the Lufthansa Group hubs.

What to watch

• Carrier surcharges on Lufthansa Group awards are high, adding significant cash cost.
• Miles expire on a timetable; monitor your balance.
• First Class award space is scarce and often only released near departure.

Alliance & partners

The largest alliance — reachable from Australia via Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand, plus United, Air Canada, ANA, Lufthansa and Turkish.

Frequently asked

Is Miles & More the way to fly Lufthansa First Class on points?

Largely, yes — Lufthansa releases much of its First Class award space to its own Miles & More members, and only opens it to Star Alliance partners close to departure. The catch is high carrier surcharges on top of the miles.