Best Flying Rewards Programs in Europe & UK of All Time
Flying can be expensive, but flying rewards programs create an opportunity to make the most of your trips. These programs allow members to accumulate miles or points for every flight taken and through additional purchases, which can then be redeemed for various perks. In the following lines, we will explore the best frequent flyer programs in Europe and the UK, outlining their benefits, elite status tiers, and partner networks.
What Is the Best Frequent Flyer Program?
Frequent flyer programs are designed to reward loyal travellers with benefits that enhance their flying experience. These programs typically operate on a tiered membership system, where members earn miles based on flight distance, ticket class, and airline status. The more miles accumulated, the greater the rewards.
Frequent flyer programs are an excellent way to cut costs and enjoy premium travel experiences without extra spending. Many airlines also partner with hotels, car rental services, and credit card providers, allowing you to earn miles even when you’re not flying.
Expert Tip: We recommend checking if the airline belongs to a major alliance like Star Alliance, Oneworld, or SkyTeam, before choosing a frequent flyer program. This way you can see if your miles can be used across multiple airlines, increasing their value.
What Is the Best Frequent Flyer Program for Europe?
Europe is home to some of the world’s best airline loyalty programs. Below are 3 of the most rewarding programs available to travellers.
Miles & More (Lufthansa Group)
Miles & More is Europe’s largest frequent flyer program, covering Lufthansa and partner airlines such as Swiss, Austrian Airlines, and Brussels Airlines.
Key Benefits:
- Earn miles on over 35 airline partners, including Star Alliance carriers.
- Access to business or first-class check-in, extra baggage, and lounge services, depending on the elite status.
- Miles can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping.
- Lifetime elite status is available for long-term loyalty.
- Exclusive promotions for elite members, such as mileage discounts on award flights and luxury hotel stays.
Tiers:
- Frequent Traveller: 35,000 status miles needed.
- Senator: 100,000 status miles needed.
- HON Circle: 600,000 status miles over two years.
Miles & More Partners: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and 30+ other airlines.
Flying Blue (Air France-KLM)
Flying Blue is the frequent flyer program for Air France and KLM, with additional partnerships across SkyTeam airlines. Is it the best flying rewards program for you? It all depends on your preferences and needs, and Flying Blue should cover a good percentage.
Key Benefits:
- Earn miles on over 35 airline partners, including Delta and Virgin Atlantic.
- Monthly Promo Rewards offering up to 50% off award flights.
- Allows miles to be earned and redeemed with a vast network of partner airlines and non-airline brands.
- A unique feature includes the ability to pool miles with family members.
- Earn XP (Experience Points) instead of just miles, which makes tier progression easier.
Tiers:
- Explorer: This is where all members start.
- Silver: Automatic upgrade once you accumulate 100 XP
- Gold: Unlocks after you accumulate 180 XP after Silver
- Platinum: Earn 300 XP after reaching Gold status.
Flying Blue Partners: Air France, KLM, Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic, Aeroméxico, and over 30 other airlines.
Executive Club (British Airways)
British Airways’ Executive Club earns a place among the best frequent flyer programs in Europe, and not just the UK, because our experts believe it is one of the most advanced options currently available. The Executive Club uses Avios as its mileage currency, allowing travellers to redeem flights and upgrades with British Airways and its Oneworld partners.
Key Benefits:
- Collect Avios on flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Ability to pay for flights using a mix of cash and Avios.
- Avios can be transferred and pooled within a household account.
- Members receive priority boarding, lounge access, and additional baggage allowances.
- Ability to use the Avios currency with Iberia and Qatar Airways’ flight loyalty programs.
Tiers:
- Blue: As soon as you become a member.
- Bronze: At 300 Tier Points.
- Silver: At 600 Tier Points.
- Gold: At 1,500 Tier Points.
Executive Club Partners: British Airways, Iberia, American Airlines, Qatar Airways, and airlines within the Oneworld alliance.
What Is the Best Frequent Flyer Program for the UK?
The following frequent flyer programs are available for people worldwide but are typically most beneficial for travellers from the United Kingdom.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
While Virgin Atlantic is not as massive as British Airways, their Flying Club may be the best airline miles program for you, depending on your preferences. Flying Club members earn Virgin Points, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and partner services.
Key Benefits:
- Discounts on reward flights through Virgin Red.
- Ability to exchange Virgin Points to other programs like Hilton Honors and IHG Rewards.
- Offers flexible redemption options, including luxury experiences and charitable donations.
- Exclusive benefits for Silver and Gold members, such as free seat selection and clubhouse lounge access.
Tiers:
- Red: Entry-level membership.
- Silver: Earn 400 Tier Points to unlock this tier.
- Gold: Earn 1,000 Tier Points to unlock the final tier.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Partners: Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, KLM, Air France, and over a dozen other airlines.
Aer Lingus AerClub
Aer Lingus’ AerClub uses the Avios currency, making it a great choice for UK travellers who frequently fly to Ireland and North America.
Key Benefits:
- Earn Avios that can be used with British Airways and American Airlines.
- Ability to combine Avios accounts across multiple airlines.
- Discounted short-haul flights within Europe.
- Additional rewards for shopping and car rentals with partnered brands.
- Upgrade options are available using Avios points.
Tiers:
- Green: Entry-level membership.
- Silver: Unlocks at 301 Tier Credits.
- Platinum: Unlocks at 601 Tier Credits.
- Concierge: Unlocks at 1,051 Tier Credits.
AerClub Partners: Aer Lingus, British Airways, and American Airlines.
Etihad Guest
While not UK-based, Etihad Guest is an excellent choice for UK travellers who often fly to the Middle East and Asia.
Key Benefits:
- Earn miles on Etihad Airways and over 20 partner airlines.
- Flexible redemption options, including flights, hotel stays, and experiences.
- Upgrade using miles for extra comfort on long-haul routes.
- Opportunity to exchange accumulated miles into cash at any point.
- Additional bonuses for family accounts that allow the pooling of miles.
Tiers:
- Bronze: Entry-level membership.
- Silver: Reach 25,000 Tier Miles.
- Gold: Reach 50,000 Tier Miles.
- Platinum: Reach 125,000 Tier Miles.
- Emerald: Unlocks after you spend at least $150,000 on flights.
Etihad Guest Partners: Etihad Airways, Virgin Australia, Air Canada, and 20+ other airlines.
How Do Airline Reward Schemes Work?
Joining one or more frequent flyer programs is simple and in most cases - free. This is the usual process:
- Sign up for free on the airline’s website.
- Earn miles every time you fly or make purchases with partners.
- Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or other rewards.
- Maintain elite status by accumulating enough points within a year (some flight loyalty programs have extended periods).
Аirlines often run bonus promotions where you can earn double or triple miles on certain routes. Stay subscribed to your airline rewards programs’ newsletters to take advantage of these offers.
Can You Get Flight Delay Compensation When Booking with Miles?
Rest assured that your passenger rights do not change when booking with miles and you would still be eligible for compensation under Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 in cases of flight disruptions. Such include flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. Compensation amounts remain the same as with paid tickets but depend on the flight distance:
- Less than 1,500 km: €250 / £220
- 1,500 - 3,500 km: €400 / £350
- Over 3,500 km: €600 / £520
If your reward flight is cancelled, the airline must offer a replacement flight or a full refund of taxes and fees. Miles used to book the flight should also be refunded in case of cancellations.
If your reward flight is delayed by more than 3 hours, you will be eligible for compensation and additional right to care, which includes meals, refreshments, and accommodation if stranded overnight.
Many airlines wrongly deny compensation claims for flights booked with miles. If you experienced a flight disruption, check your compensation eligibility today and our experts will assist you in securing compensation, even if your flights were booked with miles.
Did you have a delayed or cancelled flight in the last 3 years?
Check your compensation for disrupted flights for free!
Why SkyRefund?
SkyRefund takes the hassle out of claiming compensation for flight disruptions. Our legal team fights for your rights under EC 261/2004, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
You can submit your claim for compensation in just a few minutes and there are no upfront fees. Our experts will then handle all disputes with airlines and ensure your rights are protected, even in complex cases.
Related Articles:
Best Days and Time to Book the Cheapest Flights