How Many Miles to Upgrade to Business Class Lufthansa?

Let’s be honest-economy class has its moments, like the tray table almost supporting your laptop or when the person sitting in front of you thinks it is time to recline. But after having a taste of business class, with a lie-flat seat, actual cutlery, and legroom that does not require yoga, there is no going back.

Now, what probably reiterates is the question raised by most smart tourists: How many miles does it take to upgrade to business class on Lufthansa?

If you’re part of Lufthansa’s Miles & More program, you can use your miles to upgrade and swap cramped knees for comfort and calm. But just how many miles you’ll need depends on several factors—your route, booking class, and timing. Oh, and if those miles are sitting unused, there’s always the option to sell Lufthansa miles and put that value into something you’ll use—like a spontaneous weekend getaway or a surprise gift for someone special.

In this guide, we’ll break it all down, so you know exactly what to expect (and how to do it without guessing).

Lufthansa’s Rules of the Sky

Miles & More has been allowing passengers to upgrade from economy or premium economy to business class. However, there really isn’t a universal mileage chart for such an upgrade. For the Miles & More program, the number of miles required is calculated on a per-segment basis and varies according to the fare class of the original ticket as well as the route of travel.

Lufthansa’s upgrade pricing is like airline jazz—structured, but with a few unpredictable notes.

Mileage by Region: What to Expect

Here’s a general breakdown of how many miles to upgrade to business class on Lufthansa, depending on your destination.

Within Europe

• From Premium Economy: as low as 10,000 miles

These are short flights, often under 3 hours. Think Munich to Rome or Frankfurt to Copenhagen. It’s not a full “luxury” experience, but you’ll still get a taste of business comfort and lounge access.

Europe to North America

• Premium Economy to Business: 40,000–60,000 miles
• Economy to Business (lower fare classes): up to 70,000+ miles

The U.S. is one of the most popular routes. That also means mileage requirements can spike, especially in peak travel seasons.

Europe to Asia, South America, or Africa

• Premium Economy to Business: typically, 45,000–70,000 miles

The longer the route, the more miles you’ll spend—but you’ll also get more value out of that lie-flat seat and wine list.

Europe to New Zealand or Australia

• Buckle up: Up to 85,000 miles

These ultra-long-haul upgrades are costly, but if you’ve ever flown 24 hours in economy, you’ll know it’s worth it.

Fare Class: It’s Not Just Where You Sit, It’s What You Paid

Not all economy tickets are created equal. Lufthansa uses fare classes (like K, L, T, Y, and M) to categorize tickets. The cheaper your original ticket, the more miles you’ll need to upgrade.

For instance:

• A full-fare economy ticket (Y class) might only require 40,000 miles to upgrade.
• A discount fare (T class)? You could be looking at 60,000 miles or more.

If you booked Premium Economy (usually “G” class), congratulations—you’ve got one of the best upgrade-to-mile ratios in the system.

Personal Story Time: My Mid-Flight Revelation

On a flight from Frankfurt to Washington D.C., I found myself in row 43, wedged between two chatty retirees comparing knee surgeries. I had just over 55,000 Lufthansa miles in my account and had almost used them to upgrade. Instead, I saved them for “a better trip.”

About 4 hours in—after my neighbour spilled tomato juice on my arm and my seatback screen froze—I quietly swore that next time, I’d choose business class.

That was the last time I let perfectly good miles go unused. Now, I check upgrade eligibility the moment I book—and if it’s a long flight, I’m quick to pull the trigger.

When Selling Beats Sitting

Let’s face it—not every trip justifies an upgrade. Maybe you’re flying short-haul or traveling with family and can’t justify using miles just for one seat.

That’s when many travellers choose to sell Lufthansa miles. You can convert those unused miles into real cash, then use it for anything—another ticket, travel insurance, or even a fancy dinner in Frankfurt before your next economy hop.

Selling miles is also a smart move if you’re not flying often enough to hit status tiers or redeem before expiration.

Upgrade Availability: The X-Factor

Even if the miles are with you, the upgrade isn’t necessarily guaranteed. Lufthansa releases a limited number of upgradeable seats that sell fast, especially during the holiday and peak business seasons.

Pro tips:

• Book early and check availability right after purchase.
• Use Lufthansa’s website or Miles & More app to view upgrade options.
• Don’t forget that some partner fares (booked via codeshares) may not be eligible for upgrades with Lufthansa miles.

What You Get in Lufthansa Business Class

So, you’ve cashed in your miles—what do you get?

• Lie-flat seat (no knees-in-your-face situations here)
• Lounge access before take-off
• Priority boarding and baggage handling
• Multi-course meals and wine list
• Real rest on long-haul flights (and dignity intact upon arrival)

It’s not quite first class, but it’s a massive step up from economy. And your spine will thank you.

Should You Upgrade or Sell?

What about miles needed for an upgrade to business class on Lufthansa? It ranges between 10,000 and 85,000 miles per segment, depending on the booking class and route option. Putting it simply, comfort is the last luxury; other times, it is an absolute necessity. If you have an abundance of miles and come across such an opportunity, it never hurts to spend some miles on upgrading.

And if not? Don’t let those hard-earned miles go to waste. You can always sell Lufthansa miles and use the cash for something you’ll enjoy—like that same tomato juice, but in a champagne flute.

Either way, you win.