For enthusiasts of frequent flyer programs, accumulated points and miles is valuable currency. When executed correctly, it results in free international travel, discounted perks, and coveted seat upgrades. However, it is crucial not to try to save up points for too long. Why? Because you might end up with less than you imagined.
How to Keep Miles from Expiring
In order to keep miles from expiring, first thing you need to know is when exactly your miles expire. If you find yourself in a situation where some of your miles are expiring, but you are not yet ready to redeem them, The Miles Market will give you cash immediately before your miles and/or points run out. We work with all of the major airlines worldwide to get you the best deal available.
Another reason why turning nearly expired miles to cash with The Miles Market is simple inflation. Airlines have the power to devalue their points and miles at will and often do so when they need to increase their revenues. Not surprisingly, airlines take advantage of this quite often. The Miles Market has an industry advantage in that we have leverage in the miles brokerage business so we can get you the most money for your miles.
Do Airlines Miles Expire?
Yes and no. It depends on the airline. While some airlines have eliminated expiration dates entirely, others most certainly have not. This is where you as the frequent flyer member need to do your due diligence and keep on top of exactly when your miles expire. Typically, the time period is anywhere from one to three years after they are earned. Some airlines will allow you to extend the expiration period as long as your account remains active. Be sure to read the fine print, always.
The following are the expiration date periods of all the airlines The Miles Market works with. If you find your miles are soon to expire and you do not have cause to use them, DO NOT let them slip away! Use The Miles Market to get cash for them immediately.
Airline Miles That Never Expire
Delta Miles expire…never. There is no shelf life for Delta miles. Having said that, they have been known to take advantage of the devaluation scheme when it suits them.
Similarly, you don’t have to worry about Southwest miles expire dates (Rapid Rewards), as long as you keep your account open.
Your MileagePlus United miles expire only when you close your frequent flyer account. This is an improvement from the days before the summer of 2019 when they expired just 18 months after earning them.
JetBlue miles expiration? None. Which makes this low-cost carrier even more attractive. Having said that, you will forfeit your miles once you close your account.
Other airlines where accumulated miles never expire is Virgin Atlantic.
Be sure to use The Miles Market if you find yourself in the situation where you want to close your account with these airlines, so you can get some cash before you do so!
Airline Miles That Expire After 3 Years
British Airways’ miles expiration of 36 months means you have a bit more time to accumulate miles for redemption.
You don’t have to worry about your Emirates miles expiring until the 3-year mark, making it one of the more generous airlines in the industry. Having said that, if you don’t often fly this Middle Eastern airline, you would do well to cash in any accumulated miles with The Miles Market!
For Lufthansa Airlines, miles expire after 36 months on the last day of the quarter. However, there is no expiration for Frequent Traveler, Senator or HON Circle Members and holders of the Miles & More credit card in certain countries including the U.S.
Other airlines whose miles expire after 3 years are Singapore Airlines, Asiana Airlines, All Nippon Airways, and Turkish Airways.
Airline Miles That Expire After 2 Years
Air France’s Flying Blue miles has 24 months expiration date (24 months after you have accumulated miles).
American Airlines AA miles expiring after 24 months is only a concern if your account is inactive. You don’t necessarily have to use them within 24 months – just make sure you have activity on your account, such as booking flights, seat upgrades, or flying with one of AA’s many partner airlines.
Airline Miles That Expire After 18 Months
El-AL Matmid Airlines miles expire after 36 months. However, as recently announced, come September 2023 that will change to 18 months.
Other airlines that expire after 18 months are Qantas, and Air Canada (Aeroplan miles).
For your convenience, here is a table of all airlines that work with The Miles Market and their expiration periods:
United MileagePlus | never
JetBlue TrueBlue | never
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club | never
Delta SkyMiles | never
Southwest Rapid Rewards | never
American AAdvantage | 2 years
Air France Flying Blue | 2 years
British Airways Avios | 3 years
Emirates Skywards | 3 years
Singapore KrisFlyer | 3 years
All Nippon Airways Mileage Club | 3 years
Asiana Asiana Club | 3 years
Turkish Airways Miles & Smiles | 3 years
Lufthansa Miles & More | 3 years
EL AL Matmid | 18 months
Qantas Frequent Flyer | 18 months
Air Canada Aeroplan | 18 months
Again, keeping on top of when your miles expire is an important aspect of enjoying frequent flyers member programs. Don’t let your miles expire! Redeem them for ready cash with The Miles Market; we are a leader in the industry, and can get you cash for your hard-earned miles quickly and securely.
