14 Best Ways to Earn Lufthansa Miles & More Miles
The best ways to earn Lufthansa Miles & More miles in 2026 include booking eligible Lufthansa and partner-airline flights, using Miles & More credit cards, reserving hotels and rental cars through participating partners, and taking advantage of shopping rewards and promotional offers. Frequent travelers can accumulate miles through flights, while occasional flyers can build their balances through everyday spending and travel-related purchases.
Miles & More is the loyalty program associated with Lufthansa and numerous airline and non-airline partners. Members earn redeemable miles that can be used for award flights, upgrades, hotel bookings, rental cars, and other rewards.
However, not every flight, hotel reservation, or purchase earns miles at the same rate. Eligibility depends on the airline, booking class, ticket issuer, country, and participating partner.
This guide explains 14 practical methods for earning Miles & More miles, compares their potential value, and highlights important program rules for 2026.
Lufthansa Miles & More Program at a Glance
Miles & More is a frequent flyer program that rewards eligible travel and purchases with redeemable miles. Members can accumulate miles through participating airlines, hotel partners, rental car agencies, credit cards, and selected retail services.
| Feature | Details |
| Loyalty program | Miles & More |
| Main airline | Lufthansa |
| Membership cost | Free |
| Redeemable currency | Miles |
| Elite qualification currency | Points, Qualifying Points, HON Circle Points |
| Status levels | Member, Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle Member |
| Airline earning opportunities | Lufthansa Group and eligible airline partners |
| Non-flight earning | Credit cards, hotels, car rentals, shopping, promotions |
| Main redemption options | Award flights, upgrades, travel, merchandise |
| Official website | Miles & More |
Miles & More distinguishes redeemable miles from the Points used to qualify for frequent flyer status. These currencies have different purposes and earning requirements.
14 Best Ways to Earn Lufthansa Miles & More Miles: Quick Comparison
The following methods range from flight-based earnings to everyday rewards. Some are available internationally, while others depend on a member’s country of residence.
| # | Earning Method | Best For |
| 1 | Join Miles & More | New members |
| 2 | Apply for an eligible Miles & More credit card | Welcome bonuses |
| 3 | Use credit cards for everyday purchases | Regular spending |
| 4 | Book Lufthansa flights | Frequent Lufthansa travelers |
| 5 | Fly Lufthansa Group airlines | European and international travel |
| 6 | Credit partner-airline flights | Star Alliance travelers |
| 7 | Earn frequent flyer mileage bonuses | Elite members |
| 8 | Book participating hotel brands | Frequent hotel guests |
| 9 | Use the Miles & More hotel booking portal | Hotel reservations |
| 10 | Reserve cars through rental partners | Road trips and business travel |
| 11 | Book eligible tours and travel activities | Vacation spending |
| 12 | Shop through participating retail partners | Everyday purchases |
| 13 | Earn miles through airport shopping | Airport spending |
| 14 | Use limited-time offers and financial partners | Promotional bonuses |
These methods are not interchangeable. The highest advertised mileage rate does not necessarily represent the greatest financial value, particularly when booking through a partner costs more than booking directly.
Earn Miles Through Membership and Credit Cards
1. Join the Lufthansa Miles & More Loyalty Program
Joining Miles & More is the first step toward earning Lufthansa miles. Membership is free and provides access to eligible airline and non-airline earning opportunities.
After registering, members receive a service card number that identifies their loyalty account.
This number can be added to flight reservations or supplied to participating travel and shopping partners.
How to get started:
- Visit the official Miles & More website.
- Register for a free account.
- Obtain the Miles & More service card number.
- Add the number to eligible bookings.
- Monitor credited miles through the account or mobile app.
Members do not need to hold a Lufthansa credit card to earn miles.
Miles & More confirms that eligible flight and partner earnings can be credited by supplying the membership number during booking or check-in.
2. Earn a Welcome Bonus With a Miles & More Credit Card
A co-branded Miles & More credit card can provide a substantial initial mileage bonus when the cardholder meets the issuer’s qualifying conditions.
In the United States, the Miles & More World Elite Mastercard is associated with the Lufthansa loyalty program.
Welcome offers may require eligible spending within a specified introductory period and payment of the annual fee.
Because credit card promotions change, a previously advertised bonus should not be treated as a permanent offer.
Why this method can be effective: A qualifying welcome bonus may provide more miles than several ordinary short-haul flights.
However, applicants should consider the annual fee, spending requirements, interest rates, and eligibility restrictions before applying.
Credit card availability also varies by country, and cards issued outside the United States may have different earning structures.
3. Earn Miles on Everyday Credit Card Purchases
Miles & More credit cards can generate rewards on qualifying everyday purchases, including groceries, dining, transportation, and travel.
The U.S. Miles & More World Elite Mastercard has advertised an earning structure of:
| Purchase Category | Advertised Earning Rate |
| Eligible Miles & More airline partner purchases | 2 miles per $1 |
| Other qualifying purchases | 1 mile per $1 |
Rates and eligible airline purchases are subject to current card terms.
For example, $1,000 in qualifying purchases at 1 mile per dollar would generate 1,000 miles. The same spending at an eligible 2-mile rate would generate 2,000 miles.
This approach is most useful when purchases are already planned and the credit card balance can be paid without incurring interest.
Some Miles & More credit cards also offer additional airline-related benefits, which vary by issuer and country.
Earn Lufthansa Miles Through Flights
Travelers can earn Lufthansa Miles & More miles by booking eligible flights with Lufthansa, Lufthansa Group airlines, and participating airline partners. Mileage earnings depend on ticket prices, booking classes, airline partnerships, and frequent flyer status benefits.
4. Book Eligible Lufthansa Flights
Flying Lufthansa is one of the most direct ways to accumulate Miles & More miles.
The amount earned depends on the booking channel, ticket issuer, eligible airfare, and booking class.
For many qualifying Lufthansa Group bookings, the program uses a revenue-based calculation:
The current standard earning factor is generally 4 miles per €1 of eligible airfare, increasing to 6 miles per €1 for qualifying members with frequent flyer status on Lufthansa flights.
For example, an eligible airfare of €500 would generate:
| Membership Category | Calculation | Miles Earned |
| Standard member | €500 × 4 | 2,000 |
| Qualifying status member | €500 × 6 | 3,000 |
The eligible airfare generally includes the ticket price and qualifying airline-imposed surcharges, but excludes certain additional services such as paid seat selection and excess baggage.
The calculation may differ when tickets are issued through other airlines or third-party booking channels.
5. Fly With Lufthansa Group Airlines
Miles & More earnings are not limited to Lufthansa-operated flights.
Eligible services operated by other Lufthansa Group airlines can also contribute to a member’s mileage balance.
Examples include:
- Austrian Airlines
- SWISS
- Brussels Airlines
- Eurowings
- Discover Airlines
- Air Dolomiti
- Lufthansa City Airlines
These airlines serve a variety of European and international destinations, allowing travelers to accumulate miles across different itineraries.
For example, a journey involving Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines may generate Miles & More miles on both eligible flight segments.
However, the earning calculation depends on ticketing details and the applicable booking class.
The official Miles & More flight calculator can help estimate the mileage before travel.
6. Earn Miles on Star Alliance and Other Partner Airlines
Miles & More members can also earn miles on eligible flights with participating airline partners.
This provides opportunities to accumulate rewards without exclusively flying Lufthansa Group airlines.
Examples of participating airlines include:
| Airline | Primary Network |
| Aegean Airlines | Europe |
| Air Canada | North America and international routes |
| Air India | India and international routes |
| ANA | Japan and international routes |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Africa and international routes |
| EVA Air | Asia and international routes |
| Singapore Airlines | Asia and global routes |
| TAP Air Portugal | Europe and international routes |
| Thai Airways | Asia and international routes |
| Turkish Airlines | Europe, Asia, and global routes |
Miles & More maintains a broad network of participating airlines, although eligible earning classes differ by carrier.
For partner flights, miles may be calculated according to the distance flown and booking-class multiplier.
A discounted economy ticket may earn fewer miles than a flexible economy or premium-cabin ticket. Certain booking classes may earn no miles.
Before booking, travelers should check the airline-specific earning chart rather than assuming that every Star Alliance flight qualifies.
7. Benefit From Frequent Flyer Mileage Bonuses
Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle members may receive additional redeemable miles on qualifying flights.
The applicable bonus depends on the operating airline, booking arrangement, and membership status.
A higher mileage earning factor can make a substantial difference for frequent flyers.
For example, a traveler completing several qualifying long-haul journeys each year may accumulate thousands of additional miles through status-based earning bonuses.
However, redeemable miles and status qualification Points are different.
Miles can be redeemed for rewards, while Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points determine elite status.
The current annual qualification thresholds are:
| Miles & More Status | 2026 Qualification Requirement |
| Frequent Traveller | 650 Points and 325 Qualifying Points |
| Senator | 2,000 Points and 1,000 Qualifying Points |
| HON Circle Member | 6,000 HON Circle Points |
These requirements apply within a calendar year.
The program no longer uses the older Status Miles and HON Circle Miles qualification system described in some historical guides.
Earn Miles Through Hotels and Car Rentals
8. Stay at Participating Hotel Brands
Hotel reservations provide an opportunity to earn Lufthansa Miles & More miles without purchasing airline tickets.
The program partners with several international hotel companies, including properties associated with Marriott, Hyatt, IHG, and other participating brands.
Earning rates vary according to the hotel, loyalty program, reservation channel, and promotional offer.
Examples listed through Miles & More include:
| Hotel Partner | Example Earning Opportunity |
| Hyatt | 500 miles per eligible stay at participating properties |
| Marriott | Up to 2 miles per eligible US dollar at selected brands |
| IHG | Up to 2 miles per eligible US dollar at participating properties |
| Other hotel partners | Property-specific or promotional mileage offers |
These rates are examples of published partner offers, not universal guarantees.
Hotel loyalty programs may require guests to choose airline miles instead of hotel points. Reservations made through third-party channels may also be ineligible for certain hotel benefits.
The best approach is to compare the value of Miles & More earnings with the hotel points that would otherwise be awarded.
9. Book Through the Miles & More Hotel Portal
The Miles & More hotel booking portal provides another way to earn miles on accommodation.
The current hotel platform is operated through Hotels & Cars by Rocket Travel by Agoda, which offers access to more than 500,000 hotels worldwide.
Eligible reservations display the number of miles available for the selected stay.
The official Miles & More website advertises opportunities to earn up to 18,000 miles per overnight stay on selected offers, although actual earnings vary considerably.
For example, two hotels in the same destination might offer different mileage rewards even when their nightly rates are similar.
A hotel offering 5,000 miles may initially appear more attractive than one offering 2,000 miles, but the total booking price and cancellation policy remain important.
Travelers should also verify whether reservations made through the portal qualify for hotel-brand loyalty points or elite benefits.
10. Earn Miles With Rental Car Partners
Car rentals are another practical way to earn Miles & More miles.
The program works with rental agencies such as Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and SIXT through eligible regional partnerships and offers.
Depending on the promotion, earnings may be calculated as a fixed number of miles per rental, a mileage amount per day, or a rate based on rental spending.
Some promotional offers provide substantially more miles than standard reservations.
How to earn rental car miles:
- Visit the Miles & More car rental partner directory.
- Select an eligible agency and offer.
- Complete the reservation using the required booking channel.
- Provide the Miles & More membership number when requested.
- Retain the rental agreement until the miles are credited.
The program’s current offers include rental rewards based on daily rental periods and promotional mileage amounts.
Rental rates should be compared after accounting for insurance, taxes, fuel arrangements, additional drivers, and location charges.
Earn Miles Through Travel Activities, Shopping, and Promotions
Lufthansa Miles & More members can earn additional miles through eligible travel activities, retail purchases, and promotional offers. Participating shopping partners, airport retailers, and seasonal bonus campaigns provide opportunities to accumulate rewards beyond flights and hotel stays.
11. Book Tours and Other Travel Experiences
Miles & More partners occasionally offer mileage rewards for activities beyond flights, hotels, and car rentals.
These can include sightseeing tours, excursions, travel experiences, and selected lifestyle services.
For example, participating activity-booking platforms may award miles based on eligible purchase amounts.
Such opportunities can be useful during city breaks or international vacations when excursions are already part of the itinerary.
However, travelers should confirm the current partner relationship and follow the specified booking link. Booking directly through an unrelated website may not qualify for mileage credit.
12. Shop Through Miles & More Retail Partners
Everyday shopping can generate miles through participating online retailers, physical stores, and the Miles & More Worldshop ecosystem.
The program offers shopping opportunities in categories such as:
- Fashion and accessories
- Electronics
- Home products
- Travel accessories
- Sports equipment
- Gifts and lifestyle products
Some offers provide a fixed number of miles per purchase, while others use a spending-based earning rate.
For example, a promotion offering 2 miles per €1 would generate 200 miles on an eligible €100 purchase.
The availability of shopping partners varies by country, and not all promotions are open to international members.
Miles & More maintains an online shopping portal featuring participating retailers and promotional opportunities.
13. Earn Miles Through Airport Shopping
Selected airport retail programs and participating merchants provide opportunities to collect miles during travel.
Depending on the location and offer, eligible purchases may include duty-free merchandise, travel essentials, food, and other retail products.
However, earning arrangements vary significantly by airport.
Some programs require registration with an airport loyalty scheme, while others involve direct participation by selected stores.
Travelers should verify that the specific airport retailer currently participates in Miles & More before making a purchase.
This method is best treated as an additional reward opportunity rather than a reason to increase spending.
14. Take Advantage of Promotions and Financial Partners
Limited-time offers can accelerate Miles & More earnings through bonus mileage promotions, partner campaigns, and selected financial products.
Offers may include:
- Bonus miles on qualifying hotel stays
- Promotional rental car mileage
- Additional rewards through shopping partners
- Credit card welcome offers
- Seasonal travel promotions
- Selected subscriptions and financial services
The program’s official website regularly lists current earning promotions across travel, mobility, shopping, and financial categories.
For example, a hotel offering a standard reward of 500 miles might provide additional miles during an eligible promotional period.
Some promotions require advance registration, specific booking dates, or completion of travel within a designated period.
Members should check the offer’s terms before making a purchase.
How to Maximize Lufthansa Miles & More Earnings
Accumulating miles efficiently requires more than selecting the highest advertised earning rate. Travelers should consider the total purchase price, eligible booking conditions, and the value of alternative rewards.
Compare the Earning Value Before Booking
The following example illustrates how different earning opportunities can contribute to a mileage balance.
| Activity | Illustrative Miles Earned |
| Eligible Lufthansa airfare of €500 at 4 miles per €1 | 2,000 |
| $1,000 in eligible credit card spending at 1 mile per $1 | 1,000 |
| Hotel stay with a published 500-mile reward | 500 |
| Rental car booking with a hypothetical 500-mile offer | 500 |
| Total | 4,000 miles |
This is an illustrative calculation, not a guaranteed earning package. Each transaction must independently meet its applicable conditions.
Avoid Missing Mileage Credits
Miles & More members should provide their membership number during eligible reservations and retain booking confirmations.
Miles may not appear immediately after completing an activity.
The program allows retroactive credit requests for many qualifying activities within six months. For flights, members should generally wait until the automatic crediting period has passed before submitting a request.
Use the Miles & More Mobile App
The official Miles & More app provides access to account balances, digital membership details, the Travel Calculator, promotions, and retroactive mileage requests.
The program also lists a 500-mile introductory bonus for eligible members who download the app and log in for the first time. The offer is not available to members who have previously logged in, and current eligibility conditions apply.
Consider Mileage Pooling
Mileage Pooling allows eligible members to combine redeemable miles into a shared balance.
A pool can include up to two adults and five children, subject to country-specific eligibility requirements.
Pooling does not generate additional miles by itself, but it can help participating members reach an award target sooner.
When Do Lufthansa Miles & More Miles Expire?
Miles & More miles generally remain valid for 36 months from the date they are earned and expire at the end of the applicable calendar quarter.
For example, miles earned during October 2026 would ordinarily expire at the end of December 2029.
Members holding qualifying Frequent Traveller, Senator, or HON Circle status benefit from mileage-expiry protection while the status remains valid.
Certain Miles & More credit cards can also protect miles from expiration when card-specific conditions are satisfied.
Earning additional miles does not automatically reset the validity of previously earned miles.
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What Can Lufthansa Miles & More Miles Be Used For?
Accumulated Miles & More miles can be redeemed for several types of rewards.
| Redemption Option | Description |
| Award flights | Eligible Lufthansa Group and partner-airline flights |
| Cabin upgrades | Upgrades on qualifying reservations |
| Hotel stays | Participating accommodation partners |
| Rental cars | Eligible car rental rewards |
| Merchandise | Products through participating shopping channels |
| Other rewards | Selected gift cards, experiences, and donations |
The number of miles required depends on the redemption type and availability.
For Lufthansa and several related airlines, award-flight mileage prices can vary according to the route, travel date, booking date, cabin, and fare. Other partner awards may follow a published award chart.
Final Thoughts
Lufthansa Miles & More provides numerous earning opportunities beyond airline tickets. Eligible credit card purchases, hotel stays, rental cars, shopping transactions, and promotional offers can all contribute to a growing mileage balance.
For frequent flyers, qualifying Lufthansa Group and partner-airline flights remain a practical earning method. Travelers who fly less often may find greater opportunities through everyday spending and hotel partnerships.
The most effective approach is to combine eligible activities, compare earning rates against total costs, and monitor mileage expiration. Before committing to a purchase, members should verify the current offer and partner conditions through the official Miles & More website.
Frequently Asked Questions
A qualifying credit card welcome bonus can be one of the fastest methods. Frequent travelers may also accumulate substantial miles through eligible premium-cabin flights, while promotional hotel and partner offers can provide additional earning opportunities.
Yes. Miles & More membership is free, and members can earn miles through eligible flights and participating partners without holding a co-branded credit card.
Many eligible Lufthansa bookings earn 4 miles per €1 of qualifying airfare. Qualifying frequent flyer members may earn 6 miles per €1. Other booking methods may use distance and booking-class calculations.
Yes. Members can earn miles through eligible credit card spending, hotel reservations, car rentals, shopping, and selected partner promotions.
Yes. Eligible Air India flights can earn Miles & More miles. The amount depends on the booking method, ticket details, and qualifying booking class.
Yes. Eligible missing miles can generally be requested within six months of the qualifying activity. Supporting booking or transaction details may be required.
Redeemable miles do not directly determine frequent flyer status. Miles & More uses Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points for status qualification.
It depends on the hotel program and booking channel. Some arrangements require members to select either hotel points or airline miles, while other promotions may permit additional rewards.
Ordinary account-to-account transfers are restricted, but eligible members can combine balances through Mileage Pooling, subject to program conditions.
Miles & More can be valuable for travelers who frequently use Lufthansa Group airlines or eligible partners. Its usefulness depends on redemption availability, award pricing, additional charges, and the member’s ability to earn enough miles before expiration.