How Many Airline Miles Do You Need to Fly to the United States?

Planning a trip to the United States using airline miles can be a smart way to save money — but how many miles do you actually need? The answer depends on where you’re flying from, the class of service, and which airline loyalty program you’re using.

In this guide, we’ll break down how many miles it typically takes to book a flight to the U.S. from Brazil or Europe, how to find the best deals using miles, and what other costs to expect. Whether you’re flying from São Paulo, Lisbon, Paris, or Madrid, this article will help you set realistic goals and book smarter.

Why Use Airline Miles to Travel to the U.S.?

The U.S. is one of the most expensive international destinations for travelers from Latin America and Europe. A round-trip economy ticket can easily cost $800 to $1,200 — even more in business class. But with airline miles, you can:

• Reduce your total cost significantly
• Fly in premium cabins for the price of economy
• Avoid last-minute price spikes
• Book open-jaw or multi-city trips with flexibility

With the right strategy, flying to the United States with miles is not only possible — it’s one of the best value redemptions in most frequent flyer programs.

Understanding How Miles Are Calculated

Airlines use different pricing models for award flights:

• Fixed award chart: The number of miles needed is based on zones (e.g., Brazil to North America = 50,000 miles)
• Dynamic pricing: The miles required vary based on demand and cash ticket prices
• Promotional fares: Occasional limited-time offers allow you to book for fewer miles

Each program also charges taxes and fuel surcharges, which must be paid in cash (or credit card) even when using miles.

Average Miles Needed: From Brazil to the U.S.

Economy Class (One-Way):

• Smiles (GOL/American Airlines): 35,000 to 50,000 miles
• Latam Pass (LATAM Airlines): 40,000 to 60,000 miles
• TudoAzul (Azul Airlines): 45,000 to 65,000 miles

Business Class (One-Way):

• Smiles: 80,000 to 100,000 miles
• Latam Pass: 90,000 to 110,000 miles
• TudoAzul: 100,000 to 130,000 miles

💡 Pro Tip: Book at least 3–4 months in advance to find award seats with lower mileage requirements.

Average Miles Needed: From Europe to the U.S.

Economy Class (One-Way):

• Flying Blue (Air France/KLM): 20,000 to 35,000 miles
• Miles&Go (TAP): 30,000 to 45,000 miles
• Avios (British Airways/Iberia): 25,000 to 40,000 miles
• Lufthansa Miles & More: 30,000 to 40,000 miles

Business Class (One-Way):

• Flying Blue: 55,000 to 70,000 miles
• Miles&Go: 65,000 to 90,000 miles
• Avios: 60,000 to 85,000 miles
• Lufthansa: 70,000 to 100,000 miles

Some routes — like Lisbon to New York or Madrid to Miami — may be cheaper due to distance and competition.

What About Round-Trip Tickets?

Multiply the above numbers by two. However, some programs offer round-trip discounts. For example:

• Flying Blue Promo Awards can offer round trips from Europe to the U.S. for as low as 30,000 miles total in economy
• Smiles Club members may receive reduced mileage fares on round-trip flights

Always check both one-way and round-trip options to compare.

Hidden Costs to Watch Out For

Even when using miles, you’ll still need to pay:

• Airport taxes
• Fuel surcharges (varies by airline)
• Booking fees (for phone reservations)
• Baggage fees (if not included in award ticket)

Examples:

• TAP Portugal: High fuel surcharge (up to €200+ for business class)
• American Airlines via Smiles: Low fees, especially from Brazil
• British Airways via Avios: Known for high surcharges, even on economy

🧮 Always calculate total cost in miles + cash before booking.

Tips to Reduce the Number of Miles Needed

1. Be Flexible: Mid-week flights often require fewer miles than weekends
2. Book Early: Award seats open 9–12 months in advance
3. Join Airline Clubs: Smiles Club or Livelo Prime often give access to special deals
4. Use Promotions: Look for “Promo Awards” or “Hot Deals” on airline websites
5. Mix and Match: Book outbound with one program, return with another

Which Miles Program Offers the Best Value?

It depends on your country and how you earn miles.

• Brazil: Smiles has great availability and lower taxes for U.S. routes
• Europe: Flying Blue offers flexibility and monthly promotions
• U.S. residents: If returning, programs like AAdvantage and MileagePlus have wide availability and low surcharges

✈️ Example Redemption:
São Paulo to Miami in economy with Smiles = 42,000 miles + R$150
Lisbon to New York in business class with TAP Miles&Go = 72,000 miles + €200

How to Check Award Availability

Use these tools:

• Google Flights (search cash prices, then check award tools)
• SeatSpy, AwardHacker, or ExpertFlyer for award seat tracking
• Airline websites (Smiles, Flying Blue, Avios) for direct booking and mileage calculator

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

Knowing how many miles you need is the first step to booking an affordable flight to the United States. By understanding average redemption rates and taking advantage of the best programs in your region, you can save money, upgrade your travel experience, and reach your destination with fewer headaches.

So whether you’re planning to visit New York, Los Angeles, Miami, or Chicago — your miles can take you there. Just start planning today, and watch your next American adventure take flight.