Lufthansa Miles & More Guide (2025): Best Transfer & Award Options
Lufthansa's Miles & More is one of Europe's largest frequent flyer programs and a founding member of the Star Alliance.
Lufthansa Miles & More Guide
Your complete guide to maximizing credit card transfers and finding exceptional flight redemptions with one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs.
Introduction to Lufthansa Miles & More
Lufthansa's Miles & More is one of Europe's largest frequent flyer programs and a founding member of the Star Alliance. While the program has some drawbacks like fuel surcharges on partner awards, it offers unique benefits including access to Lufthansa's premium cabin products, generous stopover policies, and strong availability on European routes. Miles & More is particularly valuable for travelers based in Europe or those seeking premium cabin experiences on Lufthansa Group airlines.
In This Guide:
Credit Card Transfer Partners
Lufthansa Miles & More has a more limited set of transfer partners than some other programs, but the exceptional value of its award chart more than makes up for this limitation.
| Transfer Partner | Transfer Ratio | Transfer Time | Transfer Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Membership Rewards | 1:1 | 3-5 days | Occasional transfer bonuses of 20-25% |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 (plus 5,000 bonus miles for every 60,000 points transferred) | 3-7 days | Occasional transfer bonuses |
Pro Tip: Always check for transfer bonuses before transferring points. A 20% bonus effectively makes your points worth 20% more, significantly increasing your redemption value.
How to Earn Points
Credit Card Transfers
- Transfer from American Express Membership Rewards
- Convert Marriott Bonvoy points at 3:1 ratio
- Consider European credit cards for direct earning
- Look for occasional transfer bonuses from Amex
Flying & Star Alliance Partners
- Fly Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels)
- Credit Star Alliance partner flights
- Earn status miles and award miles on eligible fares
- Book hotel stays through Miles & More partners
For most U.S.-based travelers, credit card transfers represent the fastest and most efficient way to accumulate a substantial balance of points, especially when taking advantage of welcome bonuses and transfer promotions.
Key Program Features
Star Alliance Network
Access to 30+ Star Alliance airlines including United, SWISS, Austrian, and ANA with seamless award bookings.
Premium Cabin Products
Outstanding Lufthansa First Class on A380 and 747-8 aircraft with fully flat beds and personal suites.
Stopover Benefits
Free stopovers in Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich hubs for up to 24 hours on international itineraries.
Senator Status
Elite status provides Star Alliance Gold benefits including lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage.
Important Note: Lufthansa Miles & More miles expire after 36 months regardless of account activity, so be sure to use your miles before they expire.
Sweet Spot Redemptions
Lufthansa Miles & More offers several exceptional sweet spot redemptions that provide outsized value for your points, particularly for premium cabin travel.
| Route | Economy | Business | First | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Europe to Asia | 40,000-50,000 miles (one-way) | 75,000-90,000 miles (one-way) | 120,000-150,000 miles (one-way) | Great availability on Lufthansa and SWISS to Asia, but watch for fuel surcharges |
| Europe to North America | 35,000-45,000 miles (one-way) | 70,000-85,000 miles (one-way) | 110,000-130,000 miles (one-way) | Excellent first-class product on Lufthansa A380 and 747-8 |
| Intra-Europe | 10,000-15,000 miles (one-way) | 20,000-30,000 miles (one-way) | N/A | Good value for short European hops, minimal fuel surcharges |
Spotlight: Lufthansa First Class Sweet Spot
Lufthansa's First Class on the A380 and 747-8 represents one of the best premium cabin experiences available using miles, featuring private suites with closing doors.
Example
- Transfer 130,000 American Express points to Miles & More
- Book roundtrip First Class: USA to Europe on Lufthansa A380/747-8
- Enjoy private First Class suite with bed, shower (A380), and 5-star dining
- Access Senator lounges and Lufthansa First Class lounges
Best Lufthansa Miles & More Award Opportunities Right Now
Award flights available through Lufthansa Miles & More with excellent value. These opportunities are updated in real-time.
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Best Credit Cards for Lufthansa Miles & More
These credit cards offer the best opportunities to earn points that can be transferred to Lufthansa Miles & More.
Advanced Tips & Tricks
Pro Insider Tips
- Book Lufthansa Group flights to avoid some fuel surcharges on partner awards
- Use stopovers in Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich at no extra cost for up to 24 hours
- Senator status provides excellent Star Alliance Gold benefits across all partners
- Book online through miles-and-more.com to avoid phone booking fees
- Consider mixed-cabin awards for better availability on long-haul routes
- Look for Amex transfer bonuses of 20-25% that occur several times per year
- Use the 'Meilenschnäppchen' (miles bargains) section for discounted awards
Start Your Lufthansa Miles & More Journey
With some of the most competitive redemption rates in the industry, particularly for round-trip premium cabin awards, ANA Mileage Club offers exceptional value for travelers planning trips to Japan, across Asia, and even around the world.Whether you're planning a simple trip or a complex multi-destination journey, Lufthansa Miles & More offers exceptional redemption opportunities.