The Best Frequent Flyer Programs for European Residents to Maximize Rewards
If you reside in Europe and frequently embark on air travel, joining a reliable and rewarding frequent flyer program can significantly enhance your travel experience. These programs offer exclusive privileges, flight upgrades, priority services, and more. To help you make the most of your journeys, here are the top five frequent flyer programs available for European residents.
- British Airways Executive Club: Executive Club is a popular choice among European travelers. As a member, you can earn Avios, the program’s currency, not only on British Airways flights but also through its partner airlines, hotels, car rentals, and credit card partnerships. Executive Club members enjoy benefits such as priority check-in, access to luxurious lounges, enhanced baggage allowances. You can earn and redeem Avios (the currency of the program) on every flight with British Airways and their 30 partner airlines, mostly from the oneworld alliance. You can also benefit from free upgrades, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and seat selection as an elite member. Executive Club has four tiers of status: Blue, Bronze, Silver, and Gold.
- Miles & More: Miles & More is the program of the Lufthansa Group, which includes Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, and Eurowings. You can earn and redeem miles on every flight with them and their 40 partner airlines, mainly from the Star Alliance network. You can also get perks like priority services, free checked bags, lounge access, and companion tickets as an elite member. Miles & More has four tiers of status: Member, Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle.
- Air France-KLM Flying Blue: The Air France-KLM ‘s program is a popular choice for European travelers due to its broad range of partner airlines and global flight network. Members can earn and redeem miles on every flight with them and their 35 partner airlines, including oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance members. You can also enjoy benefits like free upgrades, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and discounts on seat options as an elite member. Flying Blue has four tiers of status: Explorer, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles: Turkish Airlines’ program has gained recognition for its generous earning opportunities and unique benefits. Members can earn miles not only on Turkish Airlines flights but also through Star Alliance partner airlines. The program offers perks such as complimentary upgrades, extra baggage allowances, access to Turkish Airlines’ CIP lounges, and the option to redeem miles for flights, companion tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
- EuroBonus: EuroBonus is the program of SAS Scandinavian Airlines, the flag carrier of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. You can earn and redeem points on every flight with SAS and their 28 partner airlines, mostly from the Star Alliance network. You can also enjoy benefits like free upgrades, lounge access, extra baggage allowance, and discounts on hotels and car rentals as an elite member. EuroBonus has four tiers of status: Member, Silver, Gold, and Diamond3.
When it comes to frequent flyer programs for European residents, the British Airways Executive Club, Lufthansa Group Miles & More, Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, and EuroBonus are among the best options available. Consider your travel preferences, preferred airlines, and desired perks to select the program that suits your needs. By joining these loyalty programs, you can unlock an array of travel benefits, making your journeys even more rewarding and enjoyable.
Sources: AirGuide Business, businessclass.com, shadesofsummr.com, upgradedpoints.com