Lufthansa Miles and More 2026: What UK Members Actually Earn

2026 Update Alert — Three Changes Affecting UK Members Now

Three Miles & More developments in 2026 directly affect how UK members should plan flights, redemptions, and status strategy.

What Changed With Allegris Business Class Bookings in March 2026?

Lufthansa opened 25 of the 28 Allegris Business Class seats on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft for cash or miles booking from 15 March 2026. Notably, the Frankfurt to Toronto route was first. Consequently, the vast majority of Allegris Business Class inventory on the 787-9 is now purchasable. Previously, earlier phases of the rollout restricted this to only a handful of seats. Los Angeles and New York followed as the next confirmed destinations to receive bookable Allegris 787-9 services.

Where Is Allegris Expanding Next?

Lufthansa confirmed Allegris-equipped Airbus A350 aircraft will operate the Munich to Singapore route daily from 26 October 2026. This marks the cabin’s first appearance in Southeast Asia. A similar Kuala Lumpur launch on the Frankfurt route follows around the same period. Notably, the Munich-Singapore service will be the first Allegris route to feature First Class outside select existing corridors. The Munich-based A350 fleet has received the full three-suite First Class configuration during retrofit.

What Is the Current Status Run Landscape in 2026?

Since the points-based system replaced fare-class earning in January 2024, status runs have become significantly more accessible. Specifically, continental flights earn 20 Points in Economy and 40 Points in Business Class regardless of distance. Intercontinental flights earn 60 Points in Economy, 80 in Premium Economy, 200 in Business Class, and 400 in First Class. As a result, short intercontinental routes in Business Class now deliver disproportionately high Points yields relative to flight time and cost. This is a structural change from the pre-2024 system, where route distance and fare class combined to determine earning.

Source: miles-and-more.com — verified June 2026.

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What Is Miles & More and Why Does It Matter for UK Travellers?

Miles & More is the loyalty programme of Lufthansa and the broader Lufthansa Group. It covers Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Air Dolomiti, and ITA Airways. Notably, the programme operates entirely within Star Alliance and serves more than 35 million members across over 300 destinations worldwide.

Why Is Miles & More Relevant for UK Members Specifically?

UK members depart from London Heathrow Terminal 2, connecting through Frankfurt or Munich to the Lufthansa Group’s full long-haul network. Furthermore, the programme’s Star Alliance foundation means something important. Specifically, status earned through Miles & More carries recognition across every Star Alliance member airline, not just the Lufthansa Group itself. Consequently, a UK member building status with Miles & More gains practical lounge and priority benefits across United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and ANA. Notably, every other Star Alliance carrier is included too. Notably, this breadth of recognition is one of the programme’s most underappreciated structural advantages for UK-based travellers.

Field Note — May 2026: Lufthansa check-in at London Heathrow Terminal 2 operates from Zone D on Level 5. Senator and HON Circle counters sit at the far end of the check-in zone, separate from the main self-service kiosks. Allow 10 minutes extra walking time from the T2 entrance to the dedicated counters during peak departure windows between 06:30 and 09:00. Notably, multiple Frankfurt and Munich morning departures check in simultaneously during this window.

Miles & More Programme Quick Facts — June 2026

Source: miles-and-more.com — verified June 2026.

What Is the Fastest Way to Earn Miles Before Even Flying?

Forensic Observation: A one-time bonus applies here. Specifically, members who download the Miles & More app and log in for the first time receive an immediate 500 miles. Importantly, this applies to brand new members and long-time members alike. Importantly, it applies even if you have held a Miles & More account for years without using the app. The bonus is tied to the first app login specifically, not to the date of original programme registration. Members who have already logged into the app at least once are excluded from claiming it again. Consequently, any existing UK member who has never downloaded the app should do so before their next flight. Notably, it requires zero flying or spending to claim this free credit.

How Does Flying From London Heathrow Terminal 2 Work?

What Routes Connect London to the Lufthansa Network?

Lufthansa operates exclusively from London Heathrow Terminal 2. Direct scheduled services connect to Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport — Lufthansa’s two primary long-haul hubs — multiple times daily. Consequently, from these hubs, Miles & More members connect onward to over 300 destinations. This spans Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific.

What Is the Lufthansa Business Lounge at LHR T2A and Who Can Access It?

The Lufthansa Business Lounge at Terminal 2A sits after passport control and security. Importantly, access is restricted to passengers departing from Terminal 2. Notably, the lounge offers a premium buffet, a self-serve bar, and a modern seating environment. Importantly, only passengers on Lufthansa Group flights may enter: Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Edelweiss Air, Eurowings, Discover Airlines, Lufthansa City Airlines, and SWISS. Opening hours run from 06:00 to 22:00 daily.

Forensic Observation: Frequent Traveller members access Business Class lounges even when travelling in Economy. As the entry elite tier, Frequent Traveller members flying Economy Class qualify for Austrian Airlines, Lufthansa, and SWISS Business Lounges. This applies on a scheduled Star Alliance flight, ITA Airways, or a SMART fare with Eurowings. Brussels Airlines lounges are also included. This is one of the strongest Economy Class lounge benefits across the entire Star Alliance network. It activates at the programme’s lowest status tier.

What Aircraft Operate London to Frankfurt and Munich?

Short-haul services between London Heathrow and Frankfurt or Munich operate on Airbus A320 family aircraft. Specifically, the two-class configuration covers Lufthansa Business Class (blocked middle seat with dedicated catering) and Economy Class. Notably, these are the standard aircraft for Miles & More members connecting from London to the main hubs. Consequently, any long-haul onward journey follows from there.

What Is Allegris and How Is It Expanding in 2026?

Allegris is Lufthansa’s completely redesigned long-haul cabin experience, introduced in summer 2024 and rolling out progressively through 2025 and 2026. Notably, the rollout has been gradual rather than immediate across the full fleet. Specifically, the cabin deploys on two aircraft types. Newly delivered Airbus A350-900 aircraft are based in Munich, and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft are based in Frankfurt.

What Does the Allegris Cabin Include?

Allegris features a 1-2-1 Business Class configuration with direct aisle access from every seat. Furthermore, enclosed Business Class Suites with sliding doors complete the cabin. Each seat also includes a 27-inch 4K entertainment screen and a fully flat bed up to 220 cm in length. Furthermore, First Class on select Allegris A350 aircraft features three suites. Specifically, two Single Suites sit by the windows, and a double Suite Plus is designed for two passengers travelling together.

What Happened With Allegris Bookings in March 2026?

Lufthansa opened 25 of the 28 Business Class seats on its Allegris-equipped Boeing 787-9 aircraft for cash or miles booking from 15 March 2026. Notably, the Frankfurt to Toronto route started first. Furthermore, Los Angeles and New York followed as confirmed next destinations. This represents a significant operational milestone. Previously, only a small number of Allegris seats were bookable, while Lufthansa worked through certification and software issues that delayed the cabin’s commercial rollout.

Allegris Rollout Status — June 2026

Source: lufthansa.com Allegris route pages — verified June 2026. Aircraft assignments remain subject to change — always confirm the “Allegris: New seat concept” label appears on your specific flight at booking.

Where Is Allegris Expanding Next?

Allegris-equipped Airbus A350 aircraft will operate the Munich to Singapore route daily from 26 October 2026. This is the cabin’s first Southeast Asia appearance. Similarly, a Frankfurt to Kuala Lumpur launch is planned around the same period on the Boeing 787-9. Notably, the Munich-Singapore route will be among the first Allegris services to offer the full three-suite First Class configuration. Notably, Munich-based A350 aircraft have already received the complete retrofit.

Honest Warning: Lufthansa only displays the “Allegris: New seat concept” label for flights within a limited advance booking window. Historically, this window runs up to roughly six months ahead. Members booking further in advance should recheck the seat map closer to departure. Importantly, this confirms whether their specific flight will operate with the Allegris cabin, since aircraft assignments change regularly.

The Three-Currency System: Miles, Points and Qualifying Points

Miles & More separates reward earning from status earning more sharply than almost any other major programme. The three currencies never merge, members cannot convert them between each other, and each serves an entirely different purpose.

What Are Miles, the Reward Currency?

Miles fund Award Flights from 3,000 miles, upgrades, Worldshop purchases, and partner awards. Importantly, standard Miles are valid for 36 months from the date of earning and expire at the end of the relevant calendar quarter.

What Are Points and Qualifying Points, the Status Currencies?

Points and Qualifying Points drive Frequent Traveller and Senator status. Specifically, on eligible flights, members earn Points with Lufthansa Group airlines, co-issuing partners (Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Luxair), and all Star Alliance airlines. However, Qualifying Points accrue only on Lufthansa Group airlines and the three co-issuing partners. Flights on other Star Alliance airlines earn Points but no Qualifying Points. Both currencies reset at the end of each calendar year. Notably, this annual reset is what makes the rolling 12-month logic of other programmes feel unfamiliar to Miles & More members moving between loyalty schemes.

What Are HON Circle Points, the Top-Tier Currency?

HON Circle Points are the exclusive currency for the programme’s highest tier. They accrue only on Business Class and First Class flights with Lufthansa Group airlines and co-issuing partners. Importantly, two criteria determine the amount earned: travel class and whether the flight is continental or intercontinental — no fare class distinction applies. Additionally, a maximum of 1,000 HON Circle Points per calendar year may come from train journeys. This covers Lufthansa Express Rail, Austrian AIRail, or SWISS Air Rail.

Forensic Observation: Consider a UK member who earns all their Points through non-Lufthansa-Group Star Alliance flights — United Airlines or Air Canada, for example. They accumulate Miles and general Points. However, this earns zero Qualifying Points and zero HON Circle Points. To qualify for Frequent Traveller or Senator, at least half the required threshold must come from Lufthansa Group or co-issuing partner flights. That means 325 or 1,000 Qualifying Points respectively. This single rule explains most failed status attempts. New members flying mixed Star Alliance itineraries often skip checking the Qualifying Points split.

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How Are Points, Qualifying Points and HON Circle Points Earned?

Miles & More uses a simplified two-criteria earning model introduced from January 2024. Travel class and continental versus intercontinental routing determine how many Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points a flight generates. This applies regardless of which eligible airline operates it.

What Are the Exact Earning Rates by Class and Route Type?

Points Earning by Travel Class and Route Type — 2026

Source: miles-and-more.com Points Calculator — verified June 2026. Continental flights have both departure and arrival airports on the same continent; intercontinental flights connect different continents. Route distance does not affect the Points total — only class and continental status matter.

Forensic Observation: Since flight distance no longer affects earning, short intercontinental Business Class routes deliver disproportionately high Points relative to flight time and cost. A short intercontinental hop in Business Class earns the same 200 Points as a much longer intercontinental Business Class sector. Consequently, members planning a status run should prioritise short intercontinental Business Class routes over long continental Economy routes for the most efficient Points-per-pound outcome.

How Do Marriott Bonvoy Stays Contribute to Status?

For every qualifying hotel stay of at least one night at a Marriott Bonvoy property, members earn 40 Points. This covers Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle-eligible Points simultaneously. Notably, the cap is 120 Points per calendar year via Marriott Bonvoy. This is the only non-flight mechanism contributing to status qualification in Miles & More. It is a useful supplement for members travelling frequently to cities with Marriott properties.

What Does Lufthansa Express Rail Contribute Toward Status?

Members earn Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points on Austrian AIRail, Lufthansa Express Rail, and SWISS Air Rail journeys in the same way as on flights operated by the respective airlines. Notably, however, annual caps apply. A maximum of 160 Qualifying Points toward Frequent Traveller status, 500 Qualifying Points toward Senator status, and 1,000 HON Circle Points toward HON Circle Member status can come from rail journeys each calendar year.

Honest Warning: Rail-based status earning works best as a top-up mechanism rather than a primary strategy. The annual caps mean rail journeys alone cannot deliver Senator or HON Circle status — members still require the majority of their Qualifying Points or HON Circle Points from eligible flights. However, members close to a threshold at year end have an option. A short domestic German rail journey booked as Express Rail can provide an efficient final push.

What Are the Miles & More Frequent Flyer Tiers?

What Does Frequent Traveller Tier Offer?

Frequent Traveller is the entry elite tier, achievable within a single calendar year. Specifically, core benefits include an Executive Bonus of 50% more Miles on Lufthansa Group flights — Lufthansa, Lufthansa City, Austrian Airlines, SWISS, Brussels Airlines, Air Dolomiti, Discover Airlines, and ITA Airways. The same 50% bonus applies on Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, Air Canada, ANA, and United Airlines. A 25% bonus applies instead on Eurowings, Luxair, and other Miles & More airline partners. Furthermore, Business Class lounge access in Economy on qualifying flights is the headline practical benefit. Priority boarding, waitlist priority, and one additional checked bag on scheduled Lufthansa Group flights also apply. As a result, Star Alliance Silver status activates automatically.

What Does Senator Tier Offer?

Senator delivers the programme’s most operationally significant upgrade: dedicated Senator Lounges and First Class check-in access at Frankfurt and Munich. Specifically, on qualifying, members receive two eVouchers for upgrade redemptions, valid for 24 months. A Senator Partner Card also awards a companion Senator benefits for one year. Notably, this card pack accompanies the physical card upon qualification. Additionally, members gain higher waitlist priority than Frequent Traveller and free advance seat reservation on Lufthansa Group and co-issuing partner flights, with exceptions for Light fares and certain Allegris cabin classes. Star Alliance Gold status activates at Senator level, providing access to over 1,000 Star Alliance Gold Lounges worldwide.

What Does HON Circle Member Tier Offer?

HON Circle Member is the programme’s highest tier and among the most exclusive in European aviation, requiring exclusively Business Class and First Class flying on Lufthansa Group and co-issuing airline services. Specifically, on qualifying, HON Circle Members receive four eVouchers for upgrade redemptions and a complimentary Senator Partner Card for their spouse or partner, valid for as long as HON Circle status is maintained. Additionally, members gain access to Lufthansa First Class Lounges, SWISS First Lounges, and the Austrian HON Circle Lounge. The Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt is included too. This private terminal sits entirely separate from the main airport, with dedicated check-in, a personal assistant service, and chauffeur transfer directly to the aircraft.

Forensic Observation: The HON Circle booking guarantee is powerful. Members can secure a confirmed seat on a fully booked Lufthansa Group flight up to 24 hours before departure. The guarantee applies in booking class J for Business Class. It also applies in class G for Premium Economy on eligible airlines, and class P for Premium Economy on LOT Polish Airlines. This benefit operates independently of standard waitlist mechanics. It is one of the most powerful tools available at any frequent flyer tier across the Star Alliance network.

Miles & More Status Tiers and Privileges — June 2026

Source: miles-and-more.com — verified June 2026.

How Do UK Members Earn and Redeem Miles?

How Do Members Earn Miles on Flights and Ground Partners?

Miles earn on every qualifying flight with Lufthansa Group airlines, co-issuing Miles & More airline partners, and all Star Alliance airlines, with the rate depending on route distance and booking class. Status holders receive the Executive Bonus automatically. Furthermore, beyond flights, Miles accrue through car hire with Avis, Budget, and Sixt, plus hotel stays with Marriott Bonvoy and select others. Online shopping via the Miles & More portal adds more than 300 partners in total.

How Do Green Fares and SAF Contributions Boost Earning?

Green Fares on Lufthansa Group flights include a Sustainable Aviation Fuel component. They earn up to 20% additional Miles and Points over the base earning rate. Additionally, separate carbon-offsetting packages purchased at booking earn up to 80% more Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points. The bonus is based on the SAF percentage in the package selected. Members may retroactively add a carbon-offsetting contribution for past flights via the app. For 2025 flights, retroactive contributions remain open until 28 February 2026.

How Do Members Redeem Miles for Award Flights?

Members book Award Flights from 3,000 Miles at miles-and-more.com, through the app, or by phone via the Service Centre. Importantly, the award booking system uses a published regional award table rather than fully dynamic pricing. This allows members to plan redemptions with predictable Mile costs. Mileage Bargains offer up to 50% off the standard Mile price on selected routes and dates — these appear periodically without a fixed publication schedule, so checking regularly is the most reliable capture strategy.

Honest Warning: HON Circle Members and up to three travel companions can book Award Flights with guaranteed availability up to 14 days before departure in Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Class. This guarantee applies only provided seats remain available for cash purchase in that class. This is a guarantee of access to existing inventory, not a guarantee that inventory exists. Members should verify cash availability before relying on this benefit for time-critical travel.

What Is Cash & Miles and How Does It Differ From a Full Award Redemption?

Cash & Miles allows members to apply a portion of their Miles balance toward the cost of a Lufthansa.com flight booking. The remaining balance is paid by card. The option starts from as few as 3,000 miles. Specifically, this option is available across all cabin classes on eligible Lufthansa.com flights, not only Economy. Consequently, members who fall short of a full Award redemption have an alternative. Cash & Miles reduces the cash cost of a Business Class or First Class fare instead. This makes high-value cabins reachable with a smaller Miles balance than a full Award Flight would require.

What Should UK Members Know About Miles Expiry?

Standard Miles are valid for 36 months from the date of earning, after which unused Miles expire at the end of the relevant calendar quarter — notably, not on the flight date anniversary.

What Protections Exist Against Miles Expiry?

Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle Members hold non-expiring Miles for as long as elite status is maintained. Furthermore, Miles & More Credit Card holders benefit from mileage protection as a card feature. Their Miles do not expire for as long as the card stays active. This card is currently only available in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the USA, Spain, and Mexico.

Forensic Observation: Miles expire in batches, not all at once. Every earning transaction carries its own independent 36-month clock. A member with Miles earned across multiple flights and ground partner activities faces multiple staggered expiry dates rather than a single balance-wide deadline. The Miles & More app shows Miles expiring at the end of the current and following quarters. The newsletter provides a summary approximately two months before each quarter-end expiry — log in quarterly to review your balance statement.

What Is Star Alliance Status Worth to UK Miles & More Members?

How Does Star Alliance Status Translate Across Partner Airlines?

Star Alliance Status by Miles & More Tier — June 2026

Source: miles-and-more.com Star Alliance benefits page — verified June 2026. Gold Lounge access is available when travelling on any Star Alliance partner flight, regardless of cabin, provided the departure is an eligible international itinerary.

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What Should UK Travellers Know About EES at Frankfurt and Munich?

Both Frankfurt Airport and Munich Airport are Schengen Area entry points. Consequently, UK passport holders connecting through either hub into the Schengen Area encounter the EU Entry/Exit System (EES). EES reached full operational activation on 10 April 2026. EES requires biometric registration — facial scan and fingerprints — for all non-EU nationals on first Schengen entry, processed at the Schengen border on arrival rather than at London Heathrow departure.

Honest Warning: At Frankfurt Airport specifically, the dedicated First Class Terminal handles HON Circle Member processing independently from the main terminal. HON Circle Members and their companions should confirm with Lufthansa in advance whether EES processing for transit connections occurs at the First Class Terminal or at the standard immigration hall, as terminal-specific procedures vary. For any Schengen entry via Frankfurt or Munich, build in extra time. A minimum 45 to 60 minutes beyond the published minimum connection time covers first-time EES biometric registration.

FAQs About Lufthansa Miles & More for UK Travellers

Joining and Programme Basics

Q: How do I join Miles & More? Registration is free at miles-and-more.com or through the Miles & More app. Membership activates immediately with a 15-digit service card number. Therefore, quote this number at flight booking or check-in. This applies on any qualifying Lufthansa Group, co-issuing partner, or Star Alliance airline, and starts earning on your next flight.

Q: Does Miles & More belong to a frequent flyer alliance? Yes. Miles & More is a member programme of Star Alliance through Lufthansa. All three elite tiers — Frequent Traveller, Senator, HON Circle — carry Star Alliance Silver or Gold status automatically. Consequently, members gain priority services and lounge access across every Star Alliance airline without separate enrolment.

Q: How long are Miles & More Miles valid? Standard Miles are valid for 36 months from the date of earning and expire at the end of the relevant calendar quarter. Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle Members keep their Miles active for as long as they maintain status. Miles & More Credit Card holders with mileage protection enjoy the same benefit for as long as the card stays active.

Tiers and Status

Q: What is the qualification period for frequent flyer status? Each tier qualification runs across one calendar year, from 1 January to 31 December. However, status achieved at any point during the year remains valid from the date achieved until the end of February the year after next. A member achieving Frequent Traveller status in May 2026 holds that status until the end of February 2028.

Q: Can I earn status through hotel stays alone? No. Marriott Bonvoy stays earn up to 120 Points, including Qualifying Points, per calendar year toward status. This functions as a supplement rather than a substitute for flying. To reach Frequent Traveller, at least 325 Qualifying Points must come from eligible flights with Lufthansa Group and co-issuing partner airlines.

Q: What is Lifetime status? Frequent Traveller Lifetime status activates when a member accumulates 30,000 cumulative Qualifying Points across their full membership history. Senator Lifetime requires 40,000 cumulative Qualifying Points. Importantly, Lifetime status does not require annual requalification. However, members already holding active Senator or HON Circle status do not receive Lifetime benefits in addition during their active status period.

Earning and Spending Miles

Q: Do Star Alliance flights earn Qualifying Points? No. Flights on Star Alliance airlines outside the Lufthansa Group and co-issuing partners earn Miles and general Points only. The co-issuing partners are Croatia Airlines, LOT Polish Airlines, and Luxair. Qualifying Points accrue exclusively on Lufthansa Group airlines and the three co-issuing partners. Therefore, members building toward Frequent Traveller or Senator status should track the Lufthansa Group share of their flying specifically.

Q: What are Mileage Bargains? Mileage Bargains offer limited-time Award Flight seats at up to 50% off the standard Miles price on selected routes and dates. They appear in the Mileage Bargains section of miles-and-more.com and the app with no fixed publication schedule. Checking regularly is the most consistent strategy for capturing them before they sell out.

Q: When did Allegris Business Class become bookable on the Boeing 787-9? From 15 March 2026, Lufthansa opened 25 of the 28 Allegris Business Class seats on its 787-9 aircraft for cash or Miles booking. Notably, the Frankfurt to Toronto route launched first. Los Angeles and New York followed as confirmed next destinations. Members should verify the “Allegris: New seat concept” label appears on their specific flight at booking, as aircraft assignments change regularly.

Expert Verdict

By Ammara Azmat, Senior Travel Mobility Analyst

Having tracked the Miles & More three-currency structure across multiple status cycles, the programme’s defining characteristic for UK members is precision. Every flight’s Points, Qualifying Points, and HON Circle Points are fully predictable before booking. The 2024 system removed fare-class variability from the earning calculation. That predictability is a genuine advantage for members planning a status run with a fixed budget and a fixed deadline.

What Is the Most Important Strategic Insight for UK Members?

The two-criteria earning model covers travel class and continental versus intercontinental routing. This means short intercontinental Business Class routes now deliver disproportionate Points value relative to flight time and cost. A member targeting Senator status should prioritise intercontinental Business Class routing wherever Lufthansa Group or co-issuing partner flights are available. 200 Points per sector accumulates toward the 2,000-Point threshold far faster than equivalent continental Economy flying.

What Should UK Members Watch in the Second Half of 2026?

The Allegris expansion to Munich-Singapore from 26 October 2026 and the parallel Kuala Lumpur launch represent the cabin’s first genuine foothold in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, 25 of 28 Allegris Business Class seats on the 787-9 are now bookable since March 2026. UK members planning long-haul premium travel for late 2026 should search actively for the Allegris label. Do not assume standard Business Class on these routes.

What Is the Bottom Line for UK Members in 2026?

Join free. Track your Qualifying Points share specifically — Star Alliance flights outside the Lufthansa Group do not count toward status, regardless of total Miles earned. If targeting Senator, prioritise short intercontinental Business Class sectors over long continental Economy flying. Check Mileage Bargains regularly before committing to standard Award pricing. Ultimately, the programme rewards members who understand the three-currency separation from day one. Confusing Miles with status points is the single most common and costly mistake new members make.