Frequent flyer programs are airlines’ loyalty programs that provide for the accumulation of points (or figurative miles) for discounts or rewards by purchasing airline flights or services from airline partners.

How does it work?

By enrolling in a frequent flyer program (available for many airlines) and purchasing travel, you can accumulate points (or figurative miles) that can be converted into discounts on your next flight purchase.

However, they can also be used as discounts on certain airline services, such as:

• luggage
• priority on waiting list
• seats
• upgrade to a higher class of travel
• lounge access

How do I earn miles?

Miles can be earned by purchasing flights but also through the services of the company’s partners, which can be:

• hotels
• rental car
• stores

Moreover, according to the miles acquired, you can access different statuses that provide different rewards/rebates.

Let’s see together the frequent flyer programs of the most important companies:

1. SkyTeam
2. KLM – Air France
3. British Airways
4. Lufthansa
5. Emirates
6. American Airlines
7. Iberia

1. SkyTeam

SkyTeam is an alliance that includes 19 airlines and enables you to have a more complete travel experience.With SkyTeam, if you’re enrolled in a frequent flyer program with one of its member airlines, you earn status that qualifies you for SkyTeam Elite and SkyTeam Elite Plus.

SkyTeam airlines and their frequent flyer programs are:

• Aerolinas Argentinas – Aerolinas Plus
• Aero Mexico – Club Premier
• Air Europa – Suma
• Air France – Flying Blue
• China Airlines – Dynasty Flyer
• China Eastern – Eastern Miles
• Czech Airlines – OK Plus
• Delta Airlines – SkyMiles
• Garuda Indonesia – GarudaMiles
• ITA Airways – Volare
• Kenya Airways – Flying Blue
• KLM – Flying Blue
• Korean Air – Skypass
• Middle East Airlines – Miglia di cedro
• Saudia – Alfursan
• Tarom – Flying Blue
• Vietnam Airlines – Lotusmiles
• Xiamen Air – Miglia di garzetta

2. KLM – Air France

The frequent flyer program of KLM-Air France is called Flying Blue and offers a range of increasing benefits as members accumulate Experience Points (XP) through flights with KLM and partner airlines. The membership levels are structured to reward passenger loyalty with progressively more exclusive perks.

Membership Levels and Benefits:

• Explorer: This is the entry-level tier for all new Flying Blue members. Members earn 4 Miles per every euro spent.
• Silver (starting from 100 XP):
  • Earn 6 Miles per every euro spent.
  • Priority access to check-in, baggage drop-off, and boarding.
  • Free standard seat selection and some free seating options 24 hours before departure.
  • 1 additional piece of checked baggage on flights operated by KLM or partner airlines
• Gold (starting from 180 XP):
  • Earn 7 Miles per every euro spent.
  • Free lounge access with one guest, provided both are traveling on the same flight operated by KLM, Air France, or selected partners.
  • SkyPriority services: priority access throughout the airport.
  • Free seat selection available 72 hours before departure.
  • One additional checked bag free.
• Platinum:
  • Free selection of any preferred seat.
  • One additional checked bag free.
  • Lounge access with one guest.
  • SkyPriority services.
  • Access to an exclusive 24/7 assistance hotline.
• Flying Blue Ultimate (for members who earn 900 UXP in a qualification year):

List of KLM – Air France partner companies:

• SkyTeam Alliance:
• Aerolíneas Argentinas
• Aeroméxico
• Air Astana
• Air Baltic
• Air Europa
• Air France
• Air Malta
• Air Serbia
• Bangkok Airways
• Belavia
• Bulgaria Air
• China Air
• China Eastern
• China Southern
• Copa Airlines
• Croatia Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Garuda Indonesia
• Georgian Airways
• GOL Linhas Aéreas Inteligentes
• Hop!
• Korean Air
• Malaysia Airlines
• Middle East Airlines
• Saudia Airlines
• Sichuan Airlines
• Tarom
• Transavia
• Vietnam Airlines
• WestJet
• Widerøe Airlines
• Xiamen Airlines

3. British Airways

British Airways’ frequent flyer service is called Executive Club, by signing up for this service you can get special offers reserved for members, save your data and travel preferences securely to make your bookings faster, accumulate Avios (the club currency) to receive rewards.

Membership is free and provides the opportunity to accumulate Avios, the Club’s currency, which can be used for a variety of rewards.

Earning Avios and Tier Points

Members of the Executive Club earn Avios when flying with British Airways and oneworld® alliance partner airlines. Additionally, Avios can be earned through hotel stays, car rentals, and purchases with a wide range of partners. Avios can be redeemed for reward flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays, and car rentals.

In addition to Avios, members accumulate Tier Points, which determine their membership level within the Club. Tier Points are earned by flying with British Airways and oneworld® partners, allowing members to progress through different tiers, each offering additional benefits.

Membership Levels and Benefits

The Executive Club is structured into four main tiers:

1. Blue: This is the entry-level tier upon registration. Members can earn Avios and Tier Points.Free Wi-Fi messaging onboard. Access to exclusive member-only offers.
2. Bronze: Earned with 300 Tier Points and at least two qualifying flights in one year. Priority check-in and boarding. Free seat selection 7 days before departure. Faster Avios accumulation.
3. Silver: Achieved with 600 Tier Points and at least four qualifying flights in one year. Priority boarding. Free seat selection at the time of booking. Access to business class lounges. Extra baggage allowance.
4. Gold: Reached with 1,500 Tier Points and at least four qualifying flights in one year. First-class check-in and boarding. Free seat selection at the time of booking. Access to First lounges. Extra baggage allowance. Greater reward flight availability.

List of British Airways partner airlines:

• Compagnie oneworld®
  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Finnair
  • Iberia
  • Japan Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian
  • S7 Airlines
  • SriLankan Airlines
  • Fiji Airways
• BA CityFlyer

4. Lufthansa

The frequent flyer program of Lufthansa is called Miles & More and was updated in January 2024 to offer travelers a simpler and more transparent experience. The new system is based on accumulating Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points, replacing the previous status miles and HON Circle miles. These points are earned based on travel class and flight type (continental or intercontinental), making the path to achieving different status levels clearer.

With Miles & More there are three statuses you can acquire:

• Frequent Traveller:
  • Requirements: 650 Points, including at least 325 Qualifying Points, accumulated within a calendar year.
  • Benefits:
    • Access to Business Class lounges.
    • Priority check-in.
    • Additional baggage allowance.
    • Unlimited validity of award miles.
    • Star Alliance Silver status.
• Requirements: 650 Points, including at least 325 Qualifying Points, accumulated within a calendar year.
• Benefits:
  • Access to Business Class lounges.
  • Priority check-in.
  • Additional baggage allowance.
  • Unlimited validity of award miles.
  • Star Alliance Silver status.
• Senator:
• Requirements: 2,000 Points, including at least 1,000 Qualifying
• Benefits:
  • Access to Senator lounges.
  • Check-in at the Business Class counter
  • Priority boarding.
  • Additional baggage allowance.
  • Unlimited validity of award miles.
  • Star Alliance Gold status.
• HON Circle Member:
• Requirements: 2,000 Points, including at least 1,000 Qualifying Points, accumulated within a calendar year.
• Benefits:
  • Requirements: 2,000 Points, including at least 1,000 Qualifying Points, accumulated within a calendar year.
  • Benefits:
    • Access to Senator lounges.
    • Chauffeur service for tarmac transfers.
    • Highest priority on waitlists.
    • Additional baggage allowance.
    • Unlimited validity of award miles.
    • Star Alliance Gold status.
    • 2 Upgrade vouchers for a higher class

List of Lufthansa’s partner companies:

• Eurowings
• Star Alliance:
  • Aegan Air
  • Air Canada
  • Air China
  • Air India
  • Air New Zealand
  • All Nippon Airlines
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Avianca
  • Austrian Airlines
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Copa Airlines
  • Croatia Airlines
  • EgyptAir
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • EVA Air
  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Fly Sas
  • Shenzhen Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • South Africa Airways
  • Swiss Airlines
  • TAP Portugal
  • Thai Airways International
  • Turkish Airlines
  • United Airlines

5. Emirates

Emirates’ frequent flyer program is called Emirates Skywards and allows you to earn miles through flights with Emirates or flydubai and their partners around the world.

With the miles earned you will be able to:

• Book a premium flight
• Making a class switch
• Buying stays in luxury hotels
• Buying family hikes
• Purchasing tickets for sports and cultural events

Below are the membership categories and their respective benefits:

Below are the membership categories and their respective benefits:

• Blue: This is the entry-level tier upon registration. Blue members can:
  • Earn Skywards Miles and Tier Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.
  • Redeem Miles for reward flights, cabin upgrades, and other rewards with selected partners.
  • Access free onboard Wi-Fi for messaging.

• Silver: Achieved by accumulating 25,000 Tier Miles or completing 25 eligible flights. Benefits include:
  • 30% bonus Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.
  • Free access to Emirates Business Class lounges in Dubai.
  • Free seat selection at the time of booking.
  • Extra baggage allowance.

• Gold: Earned with 50,000 Tier Miles or 50 eligible flights. Gold members enjoy:
  • 75% bonus Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.
  • Free access to Emirates Business Class lounges worldwide for themselves and one guest
  • Priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
  • Free seat selection for themselves and travel companions on the same booking.

• Platinum: Achieved with 150,000 Tier Miles and at least one eligible flight in First Class or Business Class. Benefits include:
  • 100% bonus Miles on Emirates and flydubai flights.
  • Free access to Emirates First Class lounges in Dubai and worldwide for themselves and one guest.
  • Free Home check-in service in Dubai.
  • Dedicated First Class check-in.
  • Extra baggage allowance.
  • Option to nominate a Gold Partner for a spouse, companion, or friend.

List of Emirates partner airlines:

• flydubai
• Qantas
• United
• Air Canada
• Aegan Airlines
• Air Baltic
• Air Malta
• Air Mauritius
• Azul
• Bangkok Airways
• Baltik Air
• China Southern Airlines
• Copa Airlines
• Garuda Indonesia
• GOL Airlines
• Gulf Air
• Japan Airlines
• Jetstar Airways
• Jetstar Asia
• JetBlue
• Korean Air
• Royal Air Maroc
• S7 Airlines
• Airlink
• South African Airways
• Tap Portugal
• Thai Airways
• Tunis Air
• WesJet

ITA Airways

Volare is the frequent flyer programme of ITA Airways.You can sign up for free online and depending on the points you accumulate you will be able to access one of the programme’s clubs:

• Smart
• Plus
• Premium
• Executive

7. American Airlines

American Airlines’ frequent flyer program is called AAdvantage, members can earn miles with American Airlines, oneworld® and their partners.

Miles are earned through flights or other services.

The benefits you can access through AAdvantage are:

• Flights to almost 1,000 destinations worldwide
• Upgrade
• Car rental and hotel stays
• Other commercial products

With the AAdvantage program you can qualify for status through Loyalty Points. You earn Loyalty Points by earning miles with AAadvantage partners. 1 AAdvantage mile = 1 Loyalty points.

The status levels are as follows:

AAdvantage® Gold (40.000 Loyalty Points):

• Priority boarding.
• One free checked bag.
• Access to preferred seats and Main Cabin Extra.
• 40% bonus miles on eligible flights.

AAdvantage® Platinum (75.000 Loyalty Points):

• All Gold-level benefits.
• Two free checked bags.
• 60% bonus miles on eligible flights.
• Access to oneworld® Sapphire lounges.

AAdvantage® Platinum Pro (125.000 Loyalty Points):

• All Platinum-level benefits.
• Three free checked bags.
• 80% bonus miles on eligible flights.
• Access to oneworld® Emerald lounges.

AAdvantage® Executive Platinum (200.000 Loyalty Points):

• All Platinum Pro-level benefits.
• 120% bonus miles on eligible flights.
• Four systemwide upgrades per year.
• Priority access to dedicated customer service.

List of American Airlines partner airlines:

• Compagnie oneworld®
  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Finnair
  • Japan Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian
  • SriLankan Airlines
• Air Tahiti Nui
• Cape Air
• China Southern Airlines
• Etihad Airways
• Fiji Airways
• GOL Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue
• Seaborne Virgin Islands

8. Iberia

Iberia’s frequent flyer system is called Iberia plus and like British Airways uses Avios accumulation. You can get them through flight bookings, the services of the company’s partners, with promotions and with products of the Iberia Plus Program.

One Avios corresponds to one mile of flying through Iberia and associated partners and you can use Avios for:

• Your flights (A minimum number of seats that can be purchased with Avios is guaranteed on all flights)
• An upgrade from Flexible Economy Class (fares Y, B or H) to Iberia Business Class.
• Book hotel stays or rental cars, for leisure activities or shopping with more than 90 partners at your disposal.
• With Avios&Money you can pay part of the amount with Avios and the rest with money, with a benefit of up to 50% off the amount in exchange for Avios for flight, hotel, rental car and activity bookings.

Iberia’s status that allow the accumulation of avios are:

• The Iberia status levels that allow Avios accumulation are:
  • Earn 5 Avios per every euro spent on Iberia flights.
  • Priorities in airport waiting lists
  • Use Avios for reward tickets and cabin upgrades
  • Access onboard Wi-Fi for instant messaging.
• Iberia Plus Clásica:This is the entry-level tier upon registration. Clásica members can:
  • Earn 5 Avios per every euro spent on Iberia flights.
  • Priorities in airport waiting lists
  • Use Avios for reward tickets and cabin upgrades
  • Access onboard Wi-Fi for instant messaging.
• Iberia Plus Plata: Achieved by accumulating 1,100 Elite Points or completing 25 eligible flights between April 1 and March 31 of the following year. Benefits include:
  • Earn 6 Avios per every euro spent on Iberia flights.
  • Priorities in airport waiting lists
  • Dedicated phone assistance.
  • oneworld Ruby statusoffering additional benefits with alliance airlines.
• Iberia Plus Oro: Earned with 2,250 Elite Points or 50 eligible flights in the same period. Oro members enjoy:
  • Earn 7 Avios per every euro spent on Iberia flights.
  • Access to Iberia VIP lounges worldwide for themselves and one guest.
  • Business Class check-in, regardless of travel class.
  • Priority boarding.
  • One extra checked bag up to 32 kg.
  • oneworld Sapphire status, with additional benefits from partner airlines.
• Iberia Plus Platino: Achieved with 6,250 Elite Points. Benefits include:
  • All the advantages of the Oro level.
  • Guaranteed Economy Class seat on fully booked flights, if booked at least 24 hours in advance.
  • Annual free cabin upgrades.
  • oneworld Emerald status, offering the highest privileges within the alliance.
• Iberia Plus Infinita: Obtained by accumulating 125,000 Elite Points since joining the program. Infinita members benefit from:
  • All the advantages of the Platino level.
  • Extra Avios for every euro spent.
  • Personal Avios credit up to 22,500 for reward bookings.
  • No expiration of Avios.
  • Exemption from additional fees for credit card payments and booking management.
  • Ability to assign Oro status to another person.
• Iberia Plus Infinita Prime: The most exclusive level, reached with 200,000 Elite Points. It offers all the benefits of Infinita, with additional privileges and an unmatched travel experience.

List of Iberia partner companies:

• Iberia group (Iberia, Iberia Express, Iberia Regional Air Nostrum)
• Vueling
• LEVEL
• Binter
• Compagnie oneworld®
  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Finnair
  • Japan Airlines
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian
  • SriLankan Airlines

What can BizAway do for your frequent flyer program?

With BizAway you will have all your loyalty programs at your fingertips! In fact, BizAway allows you to insert all your frequent flyer cards within the platform and continue to accumulate miles with all your bookings.