Yes, you can absolutely use United miles to book flights on Lufthansa. This is possible because both United Airlines and Lufthansa are members of the Star Alliance, a global airline network that allows passengers to earn and redeem miles across its member airlines.
How to Redeem United Miles for Lufthansa Flights
Booking Lufthansa flights with your United MileagePlus miles is a straightforward process, primarily done through United's own channels. You can redeem United miles for Lufthansa flights directly on the United website.
Here's a general guide:
- Visit United.com: Log in to your United MileagePlus account on the official United Airlines website.
- Search for Award Travel: When searching for flights, ensure you select the "Book with miles" or "Award Travel" option.
- Enter Flight Details: Input your desired departure and arrival airports, dates, and number of passengers.
- Filter for Lufthansa (Optional): While the search results will automatically include Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, you might be able to filter results by airline to specifically look for Lufthansa flights if needed.
- Select and Book: Choose the Lufthansa flight that meets your travel needs and has award availability. The booking will be processed through United's system, and your United miles will be deducted.
Advantages of Using Miles Across Alliance Partners
Leveraging airline alliances like Star Alliance offers several significant benefits for frequent travelers:
- Expanded Network: You gain access to a much broader network of destinations globally, even if your preferred airline doesn't fly there directly.
- Increased Redemption Options: Your miles become more versatile, allowing you to book flights on numerous partner airlines, including premium carriers like Lufthansa.
- Consolidated Earnings: You can earn miles with one airline and redeem them with another, maximizing the value of your loyalty program.
- Consistent Benefits: Depending on your elite status with a Star Alliance member airline, you may enjoy reciprocal benefits like lounge access, priority boarding, and extra baggage allowance when flying with other alliance members.
By understanding the power of airline alliances, you can effectively utilize your United MileagePlus miles to explore the world with Lufthansa and other Star Alliance partners.
