Air Miles

Air miles are a virtual currency earned through airline loyalty programs, credit cards, and partner purchases, which you can redeem toward flights and travel-related extras.

What are air miles?

Air miles, or points, are virtual currency used toward the purchase of flights and flight-related extras. Customers accumulate them, then use them to pay for part or all of a flight.Other benefits for customers include discounts on services related to flights, such as baggage or seat selection.Miles are linked to a specific airline or airline alliance (a partnership between multiple airlines, such as Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam, that allows members to earn and redeem miles across partner carriers), and as such, can only be used on the same airline or airline group. Similarly, you can only use them to cover the actual cost of the flight, not airport taxes.

Air miles vs. points: what's the difference?

While "air miles" and "points" are often used interchangeably, there's a subtle distinction. Air miles are typically tied to airline-specific loyalty programs and are earned primarily through flying. Points, on the other hand, often refer to rewards from credit cards or broader travel programs that can be transferred to multiple airlines or used for non-flight purchases. In practice, both function as travel currency, but knowing the difference helps you maximize your rewards.

How do I accumulate air miles?

There are four main ways to earn air miles:

Frequent-flyer programs – Sign up for an airline's loyalty program and earn miles every time you fly. Airlines typically reward 1–5 miles per dollar spent, depending on the airline and fare class. Programs such as Avios group together different airlines, meaning you can earn points on a British Airways flight and use them on future British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus flights.
Co-branded credit cards – Many airlines collaborate with credit-card companies to offer customers points in return for any purchases made using the card.
Partner purchases – Airlines team up with other companies, often related to travel, who offer air miles when making purchases with them. Common collaborations include car-hire websites, hotel chains, and online travel agencies.
Limited-time promotions – Some companies launch special offers that reward customers with points for specific purchases. These offers are usually temporary.

What can air miles not be used for?

Air miles come with some limitations. You typically cannot use them for:

Airport taxes and fees
Flights on non-partner airlines
Third-party booking platforms
Cash refunds or withdrawals
Non-travel purchases (unless the program specifically allows it)

How do I redeem air miles?

You redeem air miles through the airline's website when booking your flight. The exact process differs slightly depending on the airline, but if you are logged in, you will have the option of paying with miles.

Can I transfer my air miles to somebody else?

Yes, most airlines allow transfers, but usually at a cost. Some use a flat fee, while others charge a fee for every mile transferred. Transferring air miles as a gift is also possible, but it usually also comes at a cost.

Where can I find out specific terms and conditions about air miles?

Check the airline's website directly. Every frequent-flyer program and credit card that is associated with air miles outlines the details of their offer on their website.

Will air miles expire?

Air miles expire in most programs, though some programs offer no-expiry policies. Many programs expire miles after 12–36 months of account inactivity. Most customers prefer the security of not having an expiry policy, so be sure to check before accumulating points.