How do I avoid losing miles?

You can keep your frequent‑flyer miles from expiring by staying active, monitoring your account, and using simple, regular actions to reset the inactivity clock.

Practical ways to protect your miles

• Earn or redeem something at least every few months – Small activities such as a purchase through an airline’s shopping portal, a dining transaction with a partner restaurant, or a modest redemption will reset the expiration timer and keep the account active Boarding Area .
• Donate a few miles to charity – Even a modest donation can restart the 24‑month (or program‑specific) clock, as many carriers treat the donation as qualifying activity Boarding Area .
• Set calendar reminders – Scheduling a check‑in every six months or using a reminder app helps you notice inactivity before miles disappear Boarding Area .
• Use a mileage‑tracking tool – Services like AwardWallet let you see balances and upcoming expiration dates in one place, making it easy to act before a deadline View from the Wing One Mile at a Time .
• Leverage co‑branded credit cards – Making a small purchase on an airline‑linked credit card provides qualifying activity and often adds bonus miles automatically Miles to Memories .
• Take advantage of partner portals – Shopping, dining, or transferring points from a flexible currency (e.g., Membership Rewards) are quick ways to generate activity and extend miles Miles to Memories .
• Pool miles with family members – If your program allows it, consolidating balances can prevent individual accounts from falling below the threshold needed for redemption Boarding Area .
• Follow airlines on social media – Promotions posted on platforms like Twitter or Instagram often include bonus miles or exclusive offers that count as activity Boarding Area .
• Secure your account – Use unique passwords, enable two‑factor authentication, and monitor statements regularly to avoid fraud that could wipe out miles View from the Wing .
• Stay informed about rebooking policies – When flights are canceled or rebooked, keep documentation and verify that miles are correctly credited or refunded, preventing accidental loss Boarding Area .