How do I avoid losing miles?
58% View from the Wing
42% Miles to Memories
Keeping your miles from disappearing is all about staying active in the program and knowing the specific rules that apply to your airline.
Practical ways to keep miles alive
- Earn or redeem something at least once within the inactivity window – most airlines reset the clock when you fly, credit a purchase through a shopping portal, or redeem a small award (e.g., a magazine subscription). Miles to Memories
- Use a co‑branded airline credit card for regular spending – even modest purchases generate qualifying activity and often count toward extending mileage life. Miles to Memories
- Shop through the airline’s online portal or dine at partner restaurants – these programs award miles for everyday purchases and automatically refresh your account. Miles to Memories
- Transfer points from flexible programs (e.g., Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards) or from hotel/loyalty accounts – a modest transfer adds activity and can extend the expiration date. View from the Wing
- Buy or purchase a small number of miles – many carriers let you add miles for a fee, which also counts as activity. View from the Wing
- Leverage services like Points.com or mileage‑transfer tools to move a few miles between accounts, creating the required transaction. View from the Wing
- Credit a rental car or other travel partner – even low‑earning partners generate a qualifying credit that resets the timer. View from the Wing
- Set up tracking tools (e.g., Award Wallet) to monitor expiration dates and receive reminders before miles lapse. View from the Wing
Know the specific expiration policies
- Some programs (e.g., Delta) never expire miles, but most impose inactivity periods ranging from 12 months (Aeroplan) to 36 months (British Airways, Lufthansa). View from the Wing
- Certain airlines also have a hard‑cap on the total age of miles (e.g., Aeroplan’s 7‑year limit regardless of activity). View from the Wing
By combining regular, low‑effort earning actions with a clear view of each airline’s rules, you can keep your mileage balance healthy and avoid losing any of those hard‑earned points.
Mile Expiration Policies By Airline: Our Complete Guide
Airline mileage programs have different policies regarding your frequent flier accounts and miles. The policies relating to mileage expiration are among the most important for you to be aware of. We’ve compiled this chart to give you the mile expiration policies for the more popular programs. UPDATED 11/23/21 Related: Guide to Airline Award Change and Cancellation Fees Related: Ways to Get Free or Reduced Cost WiFi on Flights | Airline | Mile Expiration Policy | |---|---| | Alaska | Miles don't expire, but your account can be shut down after 24 months with no account activity
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