How to Buy Lufthansa Miles & More (2026)

Miles & More is the loyalty program of the Lufthansa Group — Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian and Brussels Airlines — and a Star Alliance currency you can use across partners like United, ANA and Singapore Airlines. There are two honest ways to get more of these miles: catch a Lufthansa "buy miles" promotion, or buy them below retail from a marketplace. You can check the below-retail side against live per-mile prices before you decide.

This guide covers what Miles & More miles cost, what they're worth, when buying beats paying cash, and the surcharges to budget for — plus a step-by-step buying process.

How much do Lufthansa Miles & More miles cost to buy?

Airlines sell their own miles direct at roughly 3 cents each at standard rates, dropping lower during promotions; below-retail marketplaces list miles far cheaper, typically around 1 to 2 cents per mile. The exact below-retail price for Miles & More changes with supply — the miles price index shows the current figure for every program with a live offer. The table below sets the typical ranges side by side; direct and redemption figures are estimates.

What are Lufthansa Miles & More miles worth?

Independent valuations commonly place Miles & More around 1.3 to 1.5 cents per mile — an estimate that rises on premium-cabin redemptions and falls on economy. The value comes from Star Alliance access: Miles & More can book business and first class on Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian, plus partners across the alliance. Because the estimated redemption value sits above typical below-retail buy prices of 1 to 2 cents, buying Miles & More can pay off for the right premium trip — the same logic behind our wider airline miles value report.

When is buying Lufthansa Miles & More worth it?

Buying Miles & More is worth it when the cash fare for a premium cabin is high and a bookable award seat exists. It is a poor deal for economy tickets and short-haul hops, where paying cash usually wins. Two Miles & More quirks change the math and are worth pricing in before you buy:

• Fuel surcharges: Miles & More adds carrier-imposed surcharges to many premium awards, especially on Lufthansa-operated flights — these can add several hundred dollars in cash on top of the miles, so they belong in your comparison against the cash fare.
• First-class award space: Lufthansa first-class seats often only open to book closer to departure, so first-class plans need flexibility.
• Expiration: Miles & More miles can expire — check the program's current expiration policy so miles you buy don't lapse before you use them.

How do you buy Lufthansa Miles & More miles?

There are two paths. Buying direct from Lufthansa is safest and cheapest during a promotion but pricey at standard rates; buying below retail on a marketplace is cheaper but you should use one that protects the payment. The steps below cover the marketplace route.

Buying Lufthansa Miles & More on MileMarketplace

On MileMarketplace you see the live per-mile price for Miles & More when an offer is available, pay a flat 5% buyer fee, and your payment is held until the miles are confirmed in your account — with a full refund if an order can't be delivered as described. If you would rather skip the transfer, tell our award booking service the exact Lufthansa, Swiss or partner flight and we book the award ticket in your name at the miles price, with the airline's taxes and surcharges passed through at cost.

Not sure buying is the right call for your route? Our should I buy miles? checker compares the cash fare against the cost of buying the miles for your specific trip.