How to Use Airline Miles to Travel to the United States

Traveling to the United States is a dream for millions of people every year. Whether it’s visiting iconic cities like New York, Miami, or Los Angeles, exploring national parks, or attending business meetings, the U.S. is one of the most popular international destinations in the world.

But airfares to the United States can be expensive—especially for those coming from Brazil or Europe. That’s why more and more travelers are using airline miles to book flights and reduce their travel expenses. The good news is: you don’t need to be a frequent flyer to take advantage of these rewards.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using airline miles to travel to the United States, including how many miles you need, which programs to join, and how to find the best deals from Brazil and Europe.

What Are Airline Miles and How Do They Work?

Airline miles, also called frequent flyer miles or points, are part of loyalty programs that reward you for flying, using partner services, or spending with co-branded credit cards. Once you earn enough miles, you can redeem them for free or discounted flights, seat upgrades, and more.

Each airline has its own program and rules. For example, Latam Pass is the loyalty program for LATAM Airlines, Flying Blue is used by Air France and KLM, and TAP Air Portugal offers Miles&Go.

These programs allow you to book tickets to the U.S. using miles instead of money. The more strategic you are, the better the value you’ll get for your miles.

Best Airlines and Programs for Brazil and Europe Travelers

From Brazil

• LATAM Airlines (Latam Pass): Direct flights to Miami, New York, and Orlando
• GOL Airlines (Smiles): Partnered with Delta for U.S. routes
• Azul Airlines (TudoAzul): Direct flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando
• American Airlines (AAdvantage): Offers flights from São Paulo and Rio

From Europe

• TAP Air Portugal (Miles&Go): Excellent connections from Lisbon and Porto to major U.S. cities
• Air France / KLM (Flying Blue): Flights to dozens of cities across the U.S.
• British Airways / Iberia (Avios): Fly to Miami, New York, Boston, and more
• Lufthansa / Swiss / Austrian (Miles & More): Departures from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria

How Many Miles Do You Need for a Ticket to the U.S.?

From Brazil

• São Paulo (GRU) to Miami (MIA): 35,000–60,000 miles (economy)
• Rio de Janeiro (GIG) to Orlando (MCO): 40,000–70,000 miles
• Business class: 85,000–120,000 miles

From Europe

• Lisbon (LIS) to New York (JFK): 20,000–40,000 miles (economy)
• Madrid (MAD) to Miami (MIA): 25,000–45,000 miles
• Paris (CDG) to Los Angeles (LAX): 35,000–60,000 miles

Note: These values vary depending on the airline, season, and availability.

Step-by-Step: How to Book a Flight to the U.S. Using Miles

Step 1: Choose Your Airline Program

Sign up for the most convenient airline program based on your location and airline preferences. Many programs are free to join.

Step 2: Earn Miles Consistently

You can earn miles by:

• Flying with the airline or its partners
• Using a travel rewards credit card
• Shopping online through airline portals
• Booking hotels or rental cars with partners
• Participating in local promotions (especially common in Brazil)

Step 3: Search for Award Availability

Use the airline’s website or app to search for flights using miles. Some tools like Google Flights or AwardHacker can also help.

Step 4: Compare Final Costs

Check not only the miles required but also the taxes and fees. Some airlines add fuel surcharges that increase the cost significantly.

Step 5: Book Your Flight

Once you find a good deal, book immediately. Award seats are limited and can disappear quickly.

Tips to Maximize Your Miles

1. Be Flexible with Dates and Airports

Flying midweek or during low season usually costs fewer miles. Try flying from or to nearby cities for better rates.

2. Transfer Credit Card Points

If you use cards like American Express or C6 Carbon (Brazil), you can transfer points to airline miles during promotion periods.

3. Use Promotional Fares

Programs like Smiles, Flying Blue, and Miles&Go regularly offer promotions with 30–50% discounts on award tickets.

4. Avoid High Fees

Prefer programs that don’t charge fuel surcharges, like AAdvantage or United MileagePlus. In Europe, try booking Air France flights via Delta to avoid extra charges.

5. Book in Advance

Award availability is better when booking 3 to 6 months ahead—especially for popular U.S. cities like Miami or New York.

Real Example: Brazil to the U.S.

• Route: São Paulo to Miami
• Airline: LATAM Airlines
• Miles Needed: 45,000 (economy)
• Taxes: Approx. R$200 (~$40 USD)
• Booking Tip: Watch for Latam Pass promotions offering discounts up to 30%

Real Example: Europe to the U.S.

• Route: Lisbon to New York
• Airline: TAP Air Portugal
• Miles Needed: 25,000–35,000 (economy)
• Taxes: €50–€100
• Booking Tip: Flying Blue sometimes offers deals for as low as 20,000 miles

Should You Buy Miles?

Sometimes it’s worth buying miles during promotional periods if you’re close to a redemption. However, never buy miles without a clear plan to use them soon. Buying miles without promotions is rarely cost-effective.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Your Miles

Using airline miles to travel to the United States is one of the smartest ways to reduce your travel costs. With the right strategy, travelers from Brazil and Europe can book flights worth thousands of reais or euros using just miles.

Start by choosing the right program based on your region, accumulate miles consistently, and stay alert for promotional fares. Plan your trips in advance and always compare taxes before redeeming.

Whether you’re visiting family in Florida, attending a conference in New York, or exploring California’s coast, your airline miles can take you there—for much less than you imagined.