Spending Your Miles & More Miles Wisely
You’ve put in the work to earn the miles, now comes the fun part: spending them! This guide focuses on the high-value, actionable strategies that turn your points into incredible travel experiences.
The Best Ways to Use Your Miles
Real-World Examples: How We’ve Used Our Miles
“We had a family emergency and needed to fly from Seoul to Japan the very next day. Cash tickets with luggage were over €400 per person. Instead, we booked an award flight with Asiana Airlines for a fraction of the cost in miles. The price was the same as booking weeks in advance. It was a lifesaver and showed the true power of having a stash of miles ready to go.”
“We booked a one-way flight from Japan to Europe on a premium partner airline. Not only was the mileage cost reasonable, but the ticket included a generous two-piece luggage allowance per person, which would have cost a fortune on a cash ticket. It made the entire travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.”
Example Award Redemptions (June 2025)
Here are some real examples of one-way flights operated by Lufthansa, showing the mileage and tax costs.
| Route | Class | Miles | Taxes & Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRA → ICN | Premium Economy | 52,417 | €324.39 |
| FRA → ICN | Business | 55,950 | €392.39 |
| FRA → HND | Economy | 38,798 | €316.39 |
| FRA → HND | Premium Economy | 48,904 | €316.39 |
Core Spending Wisdom
- Flights First: The highest value for your miles will almost always be redeeming them for flights, especially in premium cabins (Business or First Class).
- Avoid the Worldshop: Using miles for merchandise in the Worldshop is generally a poor value proposition. Save your miles for the sky!
- Compare to Cash: Always do a quick check on the cash price of a ticket. If a flight is very cheap, it might be better to save your miles and pay with cash.
- High Carrier-Imposed Surcharges: The challenge of high carrier-imposed surcharges, which can exceed €800 for a return flight.