What Are Airline Miles and How Do They Really Work?

Understanding airline miles can feel like learning a new language. But once you get the basics, airline miles become one of the most powerful tools for saving money on travel — especially for international routes between Brazil, Europe, and the United States.

This article is a beginner-friendly guide to help you understand what airline miles really are, how they work, and how to start using them to travel more and spend less. Whether you’re flying for business, vacation, or visiting family abroad, this knowledge can help turn travel into a more affordable and even luxurious experience.

What Are Airline Miles?

Airline miles — also known as frequent flyer miles or travel points — are a type of digital currency earned through airline loyalty programs. You can use them to:

• Book free or discounted flights
• Upgrade to business or first class
• Pay for extra baggage or seat selection
• Access airport lounges
• Book hotels or car rentals (with partner programs)

You don’t have to be a frequent traveler to benefit from airline miles. Today, you can earn miles just by using a credit card, shopping online, booking hotels, or taking short domestic flights.

How Do Airline Miles Work?

Each airline has its own mileage program. When you sign up for a program — such as Smiles (GOL), Latam Pass, Miles&Go (TAP), Flying Blue (Air France/KLM), or AAdvantage (American Airlines) — you receive a member number. Every time you travel with the airline (or its partners), you earn miles.

These miles are stored in your account and can later be redeemed for travel rewards. But each program has its own rules, so it’s important to understand how to earn, manage, and use your miles effectively.

Main Airline Mileage Programs by Region

Brazil

• Smiles (GOL Airlines)
• Latam Pass (LATAM Airlines)
• TudoAzul (Azul Airlines)

Europe

• Miles&Go (TAP Air Portugal)
• Flying Blue (Air France & KLM)
• Miles & More (Lufthansa Group)
• Avios (Iberia and British Airways)

United States

• AAdvantage (American Airlines)
• MileagePlus (United Airlines)
• SkyMiles (Delta Airlines)
• Southwest Rapid Rewards

Most of these programs belong to international airline alliances — such as OneWorld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance — which means you can earn and redeem miles across different airlines.

How to Earn Airline Miles

There are multiple ways to earn miles without flying:

1. Flying with the Airline or Its Partners

Even short regional flights can earn miles if you enter your member number at booking.

2. Using a Co-Branded Credit Card

Credit cards like Latam Pass Itaucard, Smiles Visa, or TAP Miles&Go Platinum allow you to earn miles on every purchase.

In the U.S. and Europe, cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred, American Express Membership Rewards, or Citi Premier are also excellent options.

3. Shopping Online or Booking Services

Airlines often partner with online stores, hotels, and car rental companies. If you book through the airline’s portal, you can earn bonus miles.

4. Transferring Points from Other Programs

Many credit cards allow you to transfer reward points into miles — sometimes with bonuses of 30–80%.

5. Participating in Promotions

Keep an eye out for mileage promotions, especially from airlines in Brazil. You can earn double or triple miles by booking during these events.

How to Redeem Airline Miles

When you’re ready to use your miles, follow these steps:

1. Log into your frequent flyer account
2. Search for flights using the “pay with miles” or “award” option
3. Choose your destination and travel dates
4. Compare the number of miles required and additional taxes/fees
5. Confirm the booking

Most programs offer dynamic pricing, so the number of miles required may change depending on demand, season, or how far in advance you book.

How Much Are Airline Miles Worth?

It varies by program and how you redeem them. On average:

• 1,000 miles = US$10–$20
• Business class redemptions offer the best value per mile
• Domestic flights may offer lower value, but lower taxes
• Avoid using miles for products or small discounts — flights usually offer better return

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Letting miles expire: Some programs expire miles after 12 or 24 months of inactivity
• Not checking fees: Some redemptions have high fuel surcharges
• Using miles for poor-value items: Avoid using miles for gift cards, merchandise, or low-cost domestic flights unless necessary
• Booking too late: Award seats are limited. The earlier you book, the better the chances

How to Keep Track of Your Airline Miles

Use tools like:

• AwardWallet (tracks balances across programs)
• SeatSpy or ExpertFlyer (award availability)
• Google Sheets (manual tracking of earning and expiration dates)

Is It Worth Joining Multiple Programs?

Yes — but only if you plan to actually earn and use miles in each one. Ideally, pick 2 or 3 programs based on your location:

• Brazilians: Smiles + Latam Pass + TudoAzul
• Europeans: Flying Blue + Miles&Go + Avios
• Americans: Delta SkyMiles + United MileagePlus + AAdvantage

Why Airline Miles Are So Valuable

When used correctly, airline miles can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on travel. Here’s a simple example:

• Flight: São Paulo to New York
• Cash price: R$4,500 (~US$900)
• Miles needed: 45,000 miles + R$200 (~US$40) taxes
• Savings: ~US$860!

Multiply this by multiple trips per year or by traveling with family, and the value grows quickly.

Final Thoughts: Start Small and Build Your Mileage Strategy

You don’t need to be a travel expert to use airline miles. Start by signing up for one or two loyalty programs, look for a credit card that earns miles, and begin tracking your progress. Over time, you’ll get more comfortable with award bookings and smarter redemptions.

The world of miles opens up possibilities that many travelers overlook. Whether you’re flying from São Paulo to Miami, Paris to Los Angeles, or Lisbon to Chicago, your next trip could be closer — and cheaper — than you think.