Status: checked against official sources; automated independent review
GUIDE
How to earn Turkish Miles&Smiles Miles on partner flights
Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles is the airline's programme that separates redeemable Miles from Status Miles on partner travel: Miles are valid for three years and can be used for awards, while Status Miles count only toward programme status and cannot be redeemed. [1] The programme says redeemable Miles come from flights operated by Turkish Airlines or partner airlines, while Status Miles come from flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. [1]
Facts checked: 18 October 2026
Key takeaways
- Miles&Smiles has two flight currencies: redeemable Miles and Status Miles. [1] Miles are valid for three years; Status Miles determine status and cannot be spent on awards. [1]
- Redeemable Miles are stated as coming from flights operated by Turkish Airlines or partner airlines, as well as co-branded card spending and programme partners. [1]
- Status Miles are stated as coming from flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines, and are used for Classic, Classic Plus, Elite and Elite Plus status. [1]
- The Miles&Smiles site lists a Claim missing Miles page under Earn Miles. [1]
What is the difference between Miles and Status Miles?
Miles&Smiles uses Miles as the currency for awards. [1] The programme says Miles can be used for award tickets, cabin upgrades, Cash&Miles and Shop&Miles. [1] It says they are valid for three years. [1]
Status Miles are a different currency. [1] The programme says they are used to determine membership status, lists the tiers as Classic, Classic Plus, Elite and Elite Plus, and states that Status Miles cannot be redeemed or spent for any award. [1]
| Question | Miles | Status Miles |
|---|---|---|
| What it is used for | Award tickets, cabin upgrades, Cash&Miles and Shop&Miles [1] | Programme status: Classic, Classic Plus, Elite or Elite Plus [1] |
| Flight earning stated | Flights operated by Turkish Airlines or partner airlines [1] | Flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines [1] |
| Can it be spent on an award? | Yes: award tickets can be issued on Turkish Airlines and partner airlines [1] | No: it cannot be redeemed or spent for any award [1] |
Both descriptions include Turkish Airlines; they differ in the partner set they name. [1] The redeemable-Miles description refers to "partner airlines", while the Status Miles description refers to Star Alliance member airlines. [1]
Which partner flights earn Miles&Smiles Miles or Status Miles?
For redeemable Miles, the programme says members can earn Miles when they fly with Turkish Airlines and other partner airlines. [1] It also says award tickets can be issued with Miles on Turkish Airlines and partner airlines. [1]
Star Alliance's benefits page says miles can be earned and redeemed across all member airlines. [3] As of 18 October 2026, Star Alliance describes itself as 26 member airlines. [3]
For Status Miles, the programme names flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. [1] It links those Status Miles to the four tiers: Classic, Classic Plus, Elite and Elite Plus. [1] A flight operated by a Star Alliance member airline therefore appears in both descriptions, because the first names "partner airlines" and the second names Star Alliance member airlines. [1]
For a specific flight, Turkish's instruction is to enter flight information into the Miles calculator to find out how to earn and spend Miles on flights. [1] The Miles calculator is listed under Earn Miles on the Miles&Smiles site. [1]
How do you check and claim Miles&Smiles partner earning?
Start with the Miles calculator when you want a flight-specific view. [1] Turkish says to enter flight information on the calculator page to find out how to earn and spend Miles on flights. [1]
For missing flight credit, Miles&Smiles lists a Claim missing Miles page under Earn Miles. [1] The page is named "Claim missing Miles". [1]
Keep the two currencies separate in any claim: the programme's award currency is Miles, while Status Miles are used for status and cannot be redeemed. [1]
What are the exceptions and limits?
- Miles are valid for three years. [1]
- Status Miles cannot be redeemed or spent for any award; they are used to determine programme status. [1]
- The operator description for Status Miles is specific: Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. [1] The operator description for redeemable Miles is Turkish Airlines or partner airlines. [1]
- Redeemable Miles can also come from spending on Miles&Smiles co-branded credit cards and through programme partners. [1] Status Miles are described in connection with flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. [1]
- Star Alliance's page says it has 26 member airlines as of 18 October 2026. [3] Its news list includes an item dated 31 March 2026 headed "ITA Airways Joins Star Alliance", and an item dated 23 June 2026 headed "Asiana Airlines to Exit Star Alliance". [3]
Frequently asked questions
Do all partner flights earn Status Miles?
The flight source named for Status Miles is flights operated by Turkish Airlines and Star Alliance member airlines. [1] The separate description of redeemable Miles covers flights operated by Turkish Airlines or partner airlines. [1]
How long are Miles&Smiles Miles valid?
Miles&Smiles Miles are valid for three years. [1]
Can Status Miles be spent on an award ticket?
No. Status Miles are used to determine Classic, Classic Plus, Elite and Elite Plus status, and the programme says they cannot be redeemed or spent for any award. [1]
Where do I claim missing Miles&Smiles Miles?
The Miles&Smiles site lists a Claim missing Miles page under Earn Miles. [1]
What does Star Alliance say about earning miles?
Star Alliance says miles can be earned and redeemed across all member airlines, and describes itself as 26 member airlines as of 18 October 2026. [3]
Sources
Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. This page covers Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles only; other airline loyalty programmes are not covered.
- Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles programme overview, checked 18 October 2026
- Star Alliance benefits and privileges, checked 18 October 2026