Turkish Airlines' Miles&Smiles program, a member of the Star Alliance, offers access to a vast network and often provides good value redemptions. However, its miles are subject to a 'hard expiry' policy, similar to programs like Singapore KrisFlyer or ANA Mileage Club.

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Expiration Policy

Miles&Smiles have a fixed expiration date. Miles earned are valid for 36 months (three years) from the date they are processed and credited to your account. They expire at the end of the third calendar year following their earning date.

For example:

  • Miles earned anytime in 2025 will expire on December 31, 2028.

Crucially, account activity does NOT extend the validity of Miles&Smiles. Earning more miles (e.g., by flying, transferring from partners like Bilt Rewards or Capital One Miles) or redeeming miles does not reset the 3-year clock on miles you've already earned. Each batch of miles has its own distinct lifespan tied to the calendar year it was earned.

This 'hard expiry' policy requires members to track when their miles were earned and plan redemptions before the deadline.

Keeping Track and Using Miles

Since activity doesn't prevent expiration, the only way to avoid losing Miles&Smiles is to redeem them before their specific 3-year expiration date.

  • Check your Miles&Smiles account statement regularly. It should indicate the validity period of your miles.
  • Plan your redemptions, such as booking award flights on Turkish Airlines or Star Alliance partners, well in advance of the miles' expiration. Miles&Smiles is particularly known for good value on domestic US flights operated by United via partner awards.
  • Turkish Airlines sometimes offers the option to pay a fee to reactivate expired miles for a limited time, but this is generally expensive and not recommended compared to redeeming them before expiry.

Official Policy

For the most accurate details and any potential nuances, always consult the official Miles&Smiles program documentation:

Understanding Turkish Airlines' 36-month hard expiry policy is essential for maximizing the value of your Miles&Smiles. Plan your redemptions strategically to use your miles before they expire at the end of the third calendar year.

Disclaimer: Program terms and conditions can change. This guide is for informational purposes only. Verify details directly with Turkish Airlines.