Navigating the complex landscape of international loyalty programs becomes significantly easier when you understand how partners like Lufthansa and United collaborate. For frequent travelers between the United States and Europe, the ability to earn and redeem miles across these two major carriers opens up a world of flexibility and value. This guide breaks down exactly how Lufthansa miles work with United, helping you maximize the benefits of your existing status or card.
Understanding the Star Alliance Connection
The foundation of earning and redeeming Lufthansa miles on United lies in their shared membership within Star Alliance, the world's largest global airline network. Because both airlines are core partners in this alliance, their frequent flyer programs are designed to be interoperable. This means you can book award tickets on United using Lufthansa miles, or conversely, book award tickets on Lufthansa using your United miles, treating the alliance as a single, interconnected network rather than two separate entities.
How to Earn Lufthansa Miles on United Flights
Earning Lufthansa Miles & More miles on a United flight is a straightforward process that depends on your membership status and ticketing class. When booking, you simply provide your Lufthansa frequent flyer number. If you are a Miles & More Gold or Senator, you will typically earn 100% of the miles flown on the distance between the cities, multiplied by your elite bonus. Even basic members can earn miles, though at a standard rate, provided the ticket is published in the Lufthansa or United frequent flyer system.
Book your United flight and enter your Lufthansa membership number during the reservation process.
Ensure the ticket is issued under the airline's frequent flyer code (LH for Lufthansa, UA for United).
After the flight is completed, the miles will post to your Lufthansa account, usually within 24 to 72 hours.
How to Earn United Miles on Lufthansa Flights
The process works just as seamlessly in the opposite direction. If you are flying Lufthansa or any of its Star Alliance partners, you can earn United MileagePlus miles by including your United membership number during booking. The earning structure is similar to earning Lufthansa miles on United; elite members receive significant bonuses, and award miles are calculated based on the distance flown. This reciprocal earning structure ensures that loyalty is rewarded regardless of which airline you choose for your trip.
Redeeming Lufthansa Miles for United Awards
One of the most powerful benefits of this partnership is the ability to redeem Lufthansa Miles & More for award tickets on United. This is particularly useful if you have acquired a large balance of Lufthansa miles—perhaps from a credit card bonus or a stay at a partner hotel—but your immediate travel needs are within the United network. The award chart is generally consistent, though you will be booking through Lufthansa's website, so availability for specific United award seats needs to be checked in advance.
Redeeming United Miles for Lufthansa Awards
Conversely, if you have a stash of United MileagePlus miles, you can absolutely use them to book flights on Lufthansa and its Star Alliance partners. This is ideal for travelers who have accumulated miles from domestic US travel and are looking to take a trip to Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich. You book these awards through United's website, selecting Lufthansa as your airline, and the miles are deducted from your United account. The availability of award seats on popular routes can be competitive, so planning ahead is recommended.
