Lufthansa Miles & More World Elite
Issued by Barclays
Earning Categories
Current Welcome Bonus
Year 1 net value: $-77.3 (bonus − annual fee)
Bonus Tiers
Card Perks
$97/year est. valueLounge Access with two complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge Vouchers annually
Maximize Your Lufthansa Miles & More Points
Program Overview
Lufthansa Miles & More is the frequent flyer program for Lufthansa Group airlines (Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings) and a Star Alliance member. Miles & More has historically been criticized for high award prices, fuel surcharges, and limited redemption flexibility, but still offers value for premium cabin redemptions on Lufthansa's excellent business and first class products. Key weaknesses: no US credit card transfer partners; miles must be earned through flying or European co-branded cards; award prices are high for aspirational redemptions; significant fuel surcharges on awards. Key strengths: Lufthansa First Class and Business Class are top-tier products, especially on long-haul flights; Star Alliance partner coverage is broad. Best for: frequent Lufthansa flyers who earn miles through flights. Not a primary target for US-based points transfer strategies.
Earning Tips
For US-based travelers, earning Miles & More miles is primarily through: - Flying Lufthansa Group airlines - Star Alliance flights credited to Miles & More (partner earning rates apply) - Miles & More credit cards (primarily European market) - Partner programs: credit card partners limited outside Europe Better strategy for Lufthansa awards: accumulate Air Canada Aeroplan miles (accepts Amex MR, Chase UR, Cap One) — Aeroplan can book Lufthansa Metal without fuel surcharges.
Redemption Tips
Miles & More redemptions: Lufthansa Business Class (Frankfurt hub): - North America → Frankfurt business class: approximately 55,000 miles one-way (off-peak), 70,000 peak - Note: significant fuel surcharges often apply Lufthansa First Class: - North America → Frankfurt: approximately 87,000 miles one-way - Fuel surcharges typically $500–$800+ apply Star Alliance partners: variable; surcharges and pricing vary by partner Alternative: Book Lufthansa flights using Aeroplan or United MileagePlus (both Star Alliance) to avoid or reduce fuel surcharges. Miles & More is primarily for committed Lufthansa frequent flyers. Miles expire after 36 months of inactivity.
Transfer Strategy
Miles & More does NOT accept transfers from any major US bank transferable points programs (Amex MR, Chase UR, Citi TY, Capital One, Wells Fargo). Primary earning for US travelers: - Flying Lufthansa Group metal (LH, LX, OS, SN) on revenue tickets - Flying Star Alliance partners and crediting to Miles & More - Limited Diners Club or European bank card transfers For US-based travelers wanting Lufthansa seats: consider using Air Canada Aeroplan (Star Alliance partner, accepts transfers from Amex, Chase, Cap One) to book Lufthansa award flights without Miles & More.
Milestones & Bonuses
Annual Companion Ticket after each account anniversary (taxes and fees apply).
Card Details
0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply, 19.74% to 29.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. There is a fee for balance transfers.
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