Loading Page...

Can you transfer miles from one airline to another?

You can't transfer airline miles from one airline to another. It's also impossible to combine two different types of miles into one account. However, you can use an airline's miles to book an award seat on another airline within the same alliance.



In 2026, you generally cannot transfer miles directly from one airline's frequent flyer account to a different airline's account (e.g., you cannot move miles from Delta SkyMiles to United MileagePlus). However, you can redeem miles across partners within the same alliance. For example, if you have miles in a British Airways account, you can use them to book a flight on American Airlines because they are both members of the oneWorld alliance. There are a few rare exceptions where airlines share a common "currency," such as Avios, which can be moved freely between British Airways, Iberia, Qatar Airways, and Aer Lingus. Additionally, the most flexible way to "transfer" in 2026 is through transferable credit card points (like Amex, Chase, or Citi), which allow you to choose which airline to send your points to, effectively acting as a bridge between otherwise separate airline programs.

People Also Ask

You typically aren't able to transfer miles between partner airlines (or any airlines). But what you can do is use your loyalty program points to book an award flight on a partner airline. While searching for a flight on your favorite airline's website, choose the option to book or redeem using points or miles.

MORE DETAILS

No, you can't transfer miles to your Delta account from other airlines – not even partner carriers like Virgin Atlantic, Air France, or KLM. But you can use bank points from even non-Delta credit cards to boost your stash of Delta SkyMiles. And even hotel points can come in handy in a pinch. Here's how.

MORE DETAILS

The Flying Blue Family leader is the only person who can transfer Miles from the Flying Blue Family members' accounts. The Flying Blue Family leader can transfer Miles partially or in full. After each transfer, all Flying Blue Family Miles will be valid for two years.

MORE DETAILS

Can I combine my Accounts with anyone else? You may transfer Miles and even merge your profile with another Collector Account in order to pool your collecting efforts and the Miles existing currently in your AIR MILES Cash and Dream Accounts.

MORE DETAILS

Air Miles themselves do not expire. But, if your account “expires” by being “dormant” (or inactive) for 24 consecutive months, then the points on it will disappear. An account is considered inactive if there are no points transactions within that period.

MORE DETAILS

Using miles MileagePlus members can redeem miles on Emirates flights on select routes between Dubai (DXB) and Africa, the Middle East, and the South Asian Subcontinent as part of an award reservation that includes a United flight between Newark (EWR) and Dubai (DXB) all on the same ticket.

MORE DETAILS

Members of the Star Alliance include: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva Air, Lot Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, ...

MORE DETAILS

Call The Airline Even though many airlines permit you to book a ticket for somebody else spending your own miles, there are few airlines which entail you to inform them about the usage of your miles by somebody else on phone or over the ticket counter.

MORE DETAILS

Airline miles can be redeemed and then divided, or one spouse can offset the value of the other's share by offering cash or other assets of equal value.

MORE DETAILS

We sampled flight awards available with U.S. carriers and found that consumers need between about 8,000 and 57,000 miles to get a free one-way coach flight. Free flights in business or first class start at around 25,000 miles and climb to well over 150,000 miles one-way.

MORE DETAILS

Sign up for an AIR MILES credit card If you're looking for the fastest ways to earn Miles, an AIR MILES credit card is the way to go. There's no faster way to get to your next reward than this. In fact, AIR MILES credit card holders are rewarded up to 7.8 times faster than those without one of these coveted cards.

MORE DETAILS

We sampled flight awards available with U.S. carriers and found that consumers need between about 8,000 and 57,000 miles to get a free one-way coach flight. Free flights in business or first class start at around 25,000 miles and climb to well over 150,000 miles one-way.

MORE DETAILS

Miles earned from flying expire after two years, but may be extended by taking another flight and crediting those miles to Flying Blue. Flights operated by Air France, KLM or partner airlines qualify. Miles expiration is also extended by two years when you make a purchase with an eligible co-branded credit card.

MORE DETAILS

How can I transfer Miles within the Flying Blue Family? The Flying Blue Family leader is the only person who can transfer Miles from the Flying Blue Family members' accounts. The Flying Blue Family leader can transfer Miles partially or in full.

MORE DETAILS

Can I transfer my Miles to another airline's frequent flyer program? It is not possible to transfer Miles earned on the Miles&Smiles program to another airline's program.

MORE DETAILS

A Delta flight operated by KLM means that you have a Delta-issued ticket, but the actual aircraft and its crew belong to KLM. For example - If you buy a nonstop ticket on Delta from, say, LHR to AMS, you may get a flight number such as DL 9488 online, and it's going to say operated by KLM when you book it.

MORE DETAILS

Emirates has collaborated with other airlines, but is not a member of any of the three global airline alliances – Oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance. In 2000, the airline briefly considered joining Star Alliance, but opted to remain independent.

MORE DETAILS