The airline that famously flies to more countries than any other has announced a significant milestone. The Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles loyalty program has officially reached 20 million users. This achievement marks 35 years of growth and innovation since the frequent flyer programme’s inception in 1989.
The airline's frequent program is now 35 years old, having launched in 1989. The offering was rebranded to the current Miles&Smiles name in 2000, eight years before the carrier joined the Star Alliance. The program is now widely known for the benefits it offers members, including free WiFi on flights and reasonable award redemption opportunities on Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member flights. Points can also be across a wide range of partners (Miles&Smiles has partnerships with over 300 brands globally, including Booking.com, Marriot, Enterprise, Apple, Ikea, Sephora, and Ticketmaster) or on additional charges, including cabin upgrades, extra baggage, and seat selections.
Earning Miles
Members can earn miles from flights with Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. Members can also earn miles through co-branded credit card expenditures and from Turkish Airlines’ programme partners across various sectors, including accommodation, tourism, car rental, and technology.
Redeeming Miles
Earned Miles can be redeemed for economy and business class award tickets on Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member flights. They can also be used for cabin upgrades, additional baggage allowance, seat selection, and many more onboard features that enhance the flight experience for members.
Shop and Miles
Miles & Smiles members can also redeem miles on the programme’s online platform shopandmiles.com, which operates in 19 countries. Members can buy gift cards, convert miles into programme partner points, or simply pay online with Miles at more than 100 leading brands.
The Future of Miles&Smiles
According to the airline, Miles&Smiles has issued over 20 million award tickets since its inception. In a statement celebrating the news, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Ahmet Bolat expressed their excitement for the program to reach this level of membership:
"Our passengers are at the heart of everything we do. Reaching 20 million members is a momentous milestone, reflecting not only our commitment to being a dynamic and authentic lifestyle brand but also the trust and loyalty our members have shown us over the years. We will continue enhancing our guests’ travel experience, and as we celebrate this achievement, we look forward to introducing even more innovative features and rewards to the Miles&Smiles programme in the future".
The program is one of the few that allows passengers to purchase status miles, making it easier to reach an elite tier within the Star Alliance. Turkish Airlines has also announced it will offer unlimited free Wi-Fi onboard to all customers by the end of next year.
The Future of Turkish Airlines
Already known for the number of destinations it serves, Turkish Airlines continues to open new routes worldwide. As of this summer, the airline operates 296 international destinations in 130 countries, providing 52,000 connection options, primarily through its hub at Istanbul Airport (IST). In its latest investor release, the airline outlined the routes it wants to serve next. In terms of European routes, the airline is looking to add Bergen, Norway (BGO); Katowice, Poland (KTW); Nantes, France (NTW); Iasi (IAS) and Timisoara (TSR) in Romania; The Scottish city of Glasgow (GLA): and Newcastle (NCL) in the North of England.
The carrier is looking to add Bayburt and Yozgat domestically. Other Middle Eastern destinations on the shortlist include Abha (AHB) in Saudi Arabia, Salalah (SLL) in Oman, and Mitiga International Airport (MJI) in Tripoli, Libya. Further afield, the carrier is also looking to offer services to Aswan (ASW), Egypt; Brazzaville (BZV), Republic of Congo; Hargeisa (HGA) Somaliland; Lome (LFW), Togo; Monrovia (ROB), Liberia, Port Sudan (PZU), Sudan; and Windhoek (WHD), Namibia. Across Asia and Oceania, the dream destinations are Sydney (SYD), Australia; Phnom Penh (PHN), Cambodia; and Atyrau (GUW), Kazakhstan, which is home to the lowest commercial airport in the world. Across South America, Lima (LIM), Peru; Santiago (SCL), Chile; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (no airport specified) made the list. In the United States, Turkish Airlines has only highlighted Orlando (MCO) for future service but has been expanding significantly in the US in recent months.
The carrier will operate over 150 weekly roundtrips to the US this summer. The airline even launched a cobranded credit card in the US. The Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Credit Card is offered in partnership with First Electonic Bank, and it even comes with a limited-edition metal card for the first applicants. The Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Credit Card provides a way for frequent flyers in the US to earn extra miles with no foreign transaction fees.
The Future is Bright for Miles&Smiles
Turkish Airlines is continuing to invest in its fleet. The carrier already ordered 220 Airbus aircraft in December. This expands Turkish's total order book for Airbus to 504 aircraft. The mounting production delays with new-generation engines have led to another delay. The Star Alliance carrier is expanding the list of perks for members of its loyalty program, including those without elite status. Turkish Airlines is committed to its frequent flyer program and continues to invest in its growth and development. The airline’s commitment to its loyalty program demonstrates its dedication to building long-term relationships with its customers. With the addition of new routes, improved benefits, and a growing network of partners, the Miles&Smiles program is poised to continue attracting new members and rewarding existing members for their loyalty.
