Interestingly OneWorld carriers seem to be amalgamating the way miles expire – a majority of the airlines have changed from a time-based system to an activity-based system.
There is nothing more frustrating than finding that your miles have expired when you finally come to use them or add to them.
So today we look at when OneWorld miles expire. Naturally, we look at award miles as opposed to status miles which usually (looking at you Qatar) expire a year later.
Activity-Based Memberships
Most OneWorld airlines now use an activity-based system, allowing members to keep their miles from expiring as long as there is qualifying activity in their account. This system is beneficial for less frequent flyers, offering more opportunities to earn and redeem miles over time.
Alaska Airlines (Mileage Plan)
- Policy: Miles are indefinate and do not expire.
- More Information: learn more about Mileage Plan miles.
American Airlines (AAdvantage)
- Policy: If your AAdvantage account has no mileage-earning or redeeming activities for 24 consecutive months (12 months for new accounts), it may be terminated by American Airlines due to inactivity.
More Information
British Airways (Executive Club)
- Policy: Avios points expire after 36 months of inactivity.
- More Information: British Airways Avios.
Cathay Pacific (Asia Miles)
- Policy: Requires activity every 18 months.
- More Information: Learn more about Asia Miles.
Finnair (Finnair Plus)
- Policy: Miles stay active with any account activity within 18 months.
- More Information: Detailed Finnair Plus policy.
Iberia (Iberia Plus)
- Policy: Miles expire after 36 months without any account activity.
- More Information: Iberia Plus guide.
Japan Airlines (JAL Mileage Bank)
- Policy: Miles expire 36 months after they are earned.
- More Information: JAL Mileage Bank details.
Qantas (Qantas Frequent Flyer)
- Policy: Needs activity every 18 months.
- More Information: Qantas points article.
Qatar Airways (Privilege Club)
- Policy: Avios expire after activity every 36 months of inactivity.
- More Information: Privilege Club article.
Royal Jordanian (Royal Club)
- Policy: Activity is needed every 18 months
- More Information: Royal Club article.
Tips to Keep Your Miles Active
To avoid losing your miles, consider these strategies:
- Regular Transactions: Even small transactions, such as buying items through an airline’s shopping portal, can reset the expiration clock.
- Credit Card Usage: Use a co-branded credit card to earn miles with everyday purchases.
- Points Transfers: Transfer points from hotel programs or other partners to keep your account active.
- Redemptions: Regularly redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or other rewards to ensure activity.
Time-Based Memberships
While many OneWorld airlines have adopted activity-based expiration policies, a few still adhere to strict time-based expiration policies. These policies dictate that miles expire after a certain period, regardless of account activity.
Malaysia Airlines (Enrich)
- Policy: Miles expire 36 months after they are earned.
- More Information: Enrich miles guide.
Royal Air Maroc (Safar Flyer)
- Policy: Miles expire after 60 months.
- More Information: Safar Flyer miles details.
SriLankan Airlines (FlySmiles)
- Policy: Miles expire 36 months after they are earned.
- More Information: FlySmiles miles guide.
Conclusion
Keeping track of when your OneWorld miles expire can save you from losing valuable rewards. By understanding each airline’s policies and maintaining regular account activity, you can make the most of your miles and enjoy the benefits of frequent flyer programs.