So, Miles&Smiles, Turkish airlines’ loyalty program, went through a major and serious devaluation lately, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty. I’ve been meaning to jot down my thoughts on how things are now, but you know how it is – life keeps getting in the way.
Reflecting on the past, Turkish Miles&Smiles was once a well-kept secret, offering hidden gems for those in the know. The recent changes had left many questioning the program’s value, yet the temporary Spring Festival at Mills presented a chance at redemption, both literally and figuratively. It’s as if the airline acknowledged the bumps in the road and attempted to sweeten the deal for its loyal patrons. However,it doesn’t fully redeem the situation.
In my own experiences, I’ve witnessed the program’s highs and lows. From snagging a one-way business class ticket from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Kathmandu (KTM) for an unbelievable 52,500 miles to securing a one-way economy ticket from IAD to San Francisco (SFO) for a mere 7,500 miles, there were moments of triumph despite the challenges. The notorious customer service issues, though frustrating, were often overcome with persistence and the well-known tactic of ‘Hang Up and Call Again’ (HUCA).
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: Key Changes to Award Transactions Effective February 15, 2024
- As of February 15, 2024, Turkish Airlines has implemented changes aka devaluation to its Miles&Smiles program.
- New Miles apply to award tickets, promotional award tickets, and cabin upgrades on Turkish Airlines, Star Alliance, and partner airlines.
- Award tickets issued before February 15, 2024, remain valid for one year from the date of issue.
- Award ticket transactions with updated Miles values can be done through all Turkish Airlines sales channels.
- Fees for changing and refunding award tickets remain unchanged.
- For award tickets issued before February 15, 2024, new Mileage values apply to specific segments being changed.
- As of February 15, 2024, Miles for award tickets will be calculated separately for each flight, including intra-regional and inter-regional connecting flights.
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: Old vs New Redemption Miles on Popular (Sweet Spot) Route
| Sweet Spot (Before De-valuation) | Old Redemption (Miles) | New Redemption (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Trips within the United States | ||
| Economy | 7,500 | 10,000 |
| Business | 12,500 | 15,000 |
| Between USA and Western Europe | ||
| Economy | 30,000 | 55,000 |
| Business Class | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| Between USA and the Middle East | ||
| Economy Class | 32,000 | 58,000 |
| Business Class | 47,500 | 93,000 |
| Between USA and Central Asia | ||
| Economy Class | 34,000 | 60,000 |
| Business Class | 52,500 | 100,000 |
As is obvious, the situation does not appear inviting at all; program has been drastically transformed, some may say ‘butchered.’ The devaluation went into effect on February 15, and the new award chart is now organized by flight segment. However, there is some optimism. An economy flight within the United States, including Hawaii, now costs 10,000 miles under their new chart. Despite the devaluation, this is still a good offer, especially if you can get a direct travel – but be cautious, as a connecting flight could potentially cost you twice.
Refer to this link for a comprehensive chart detailing the award changes.
High-Level Insights into Booking with Miles & Smiles and Star Alliance
For those unaware, Miles & Smiles, Turkish Airlines’ reward program, allows you to book award travel on United as a member of the Star Alliance without incurring fuel taxes.
Booking a Turkish Airlines Flight:
- Log in to your Miles & Smiles account.
- In the search box, look for the “Award ticket” option.
- Enter your itinerary, and voila! Available award flights appear.
Booking a Star Alliance Flight:
- Log in and navigate to “Miles Transactions.”
- Find the “Star Alliance award ticket” section.
- Click “book now” to access the search tool for Star Alliance partner flights.
Fast Track to Turkish Airlines Miles:
To earn Turkish Airlines Miles, you have various options, including credit card rewards, co-branded credit cards, and travel-related activities. Here’s a breakdown of simple and easy ways to accumulate Turkish Airlines Miles:
- Credit Cards:
- Citi ThankYou Rewards (Transfer at a 1:1 ratio)
- Capital One (Transfer at a 1:1 ratio)
- Bilt Rewards (Transfer at a 1:1 ratio)
- Marriott Bonvoy (Transfer at a 3:1 ratio, with a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points)
- Turkish Airlines Co-branded Credit Cards and Banking Partners:
- Outside the U.S., explore co-branded credit cards and partnerships with international banks.
- Earn Miles Through Travel:
- Use the Cash&Miles program to pay up to 50% of the fare with points.
- Credit partner flights to Turkish Airlines
- Earn Miles Through Shopping
- Buy Turkish Airlines Miles
In a Nutshell:
This was one of the worst loyalty program devaluations that no one saw coming; good things must come to an end, and Turkish has proven that to us. While the Spring Festival at Mills aims to reassure loyal customers in the face of these changes, it falls short of complete redemption. On February 15, 2024, Turkish Airlines released a chart documenting reward modifications, revealing considerable devaluations. This prompted some like me to characterize the program’s shift as a ‘butchering.’ However, there is a glimmer of hope with the new 10,000-mile rate for economy flights within the U.S., offering a small silver lining. Despite the devaluation, opportunities to earn Turkish Airlines Miles persist through credit card rewards, travel activities, and shopping. A strategic approach, including the use of the Credit Cards Transfer program, crediting partner flights, and buying miles when necessary, can fast-track miles accumulation.
New to earning miles and points? Read my tips on how to collect them effortlessly [link]. I’ve got a beginner’s guide to credit card points and miles to help you start. If your credit card is declined or pending, don’t stress—it’s not over. Check this [link] for basics on the credit card application process and what to do with a reconsideration line. Explore my list of sweet spots to make the most of your miles and points.
