How to Redeem Lufthansa Miles

So, you’ve been racking up Lufthansa Miles & More miles—maybe from flights, credit cards, or even a few too many hotel stays you barely remember (thank you, 6 a.m. check-outs). The question now isn’t how many you have, but what in the world you should do with them.

For many travellers, miles feel like digital gold, but gold that has an expiration date. And just like milk in your fridge, they’re not as valuable once they’ve gone bad. In this guide, we’ll explore when it’s smart to use your Lufthansa miles, when it might be better to sell Lufthansa miles, and how to avoid letting them vanish into the digital void.

Whether you’re planning your dream vacation or just wondering if you can turn miles into money for your next rent payment, this blog will help you make the best call before the clock runs out.

Lufthansa Miles: More Than Just Flights

Lufthansa Miles & More aren’t just good for flight tickets—they’re surprisingly versatile. You can use them for everything from award flights and cabin upgrades to hotel stays, car rentals, and even shopping for travel gear or electronics in the Lufthansa World Shop. They even let you offset your carbon footprint if sustainability is your thing. Unless you hold elite status or use their co-branded credit card, these miles expire after 36 months of inactivity, so timing does matter.

If you’ve ever wondered how to redeem Lufthansa miles, the process is pretty straightforward: log in to your Miles & More account, search for flights or rewards, and apply your miles at checkout. Just remember, the value depends on what you redeem them for—flights and upgrades often give the best bang for your mile.

When It’s Smart to Use Your Lufthansa Miles

If you’ve got travel plans shortly—or a bucket list that refuses to be ignored—redeeming miles can offer solid value. Especially when:

• You want to book long-haul flights in business or first class (71,000 miles to Asia in lie-flat comfort? Yes, please.)
• You catch a Mileage Bargain deal (fly round-trip business class to Europe for 55,000 miles? Even your accountant will smile)
• You’re upgrading a long economy haul to something less…well, leg-cramping
• You’re booking travel in high-cash but low-mile markets (some domestic business class flights only cost 20,000 miles)

Booking in advance increases award availability. Lufthansa opens award seats up to 359 days ahead, so planning is your friend here, unlike those mystery fees at checkout.

And remember, how to redeem Lufthansa miles depends on what gives you the most value—premium travel redemptions often stretch your miles further than merchandise or gift cards.

When I Used My Miles Wrong

I once saved my miles for a “dream trip” to Japan. I waited, I watched, I obsessed over flights. Then one day, I logged in… and poof. My miles had expired two weeks earlier. That 71,000-mile Tokyo seat? Gone. All because I thought I had more time. Instead, I paid full cash and sat in economy between a screaming toddler and a guy who thought armrests were optional.

Lesson? Don’t wait. Either use your miles or consider another option—like cashing out.

When It’s Time to Sell Lufthansa Miles Instead

Okay, let’s say you’re not planning a trip anytime soon. Or the only upgrade you’re getting this year is from tap water to sparkling. This is when you seriously consider the option to sell Lufthansa miles.

Selling your miles gives you flexibility and immediate value. Here’s when it might make sense:

• Your miles are close to expiring, and you can’t redeem them in time
• You’re facing limited award seat availability or massive fuel surcharges
• Your travel plans are vague (at best), and cash sounds more useful than cabin upgrades
• You’re worried about mileage devaluation after program changes (airlines love to tweak the rules, don’t they?)

Several reputable platforms like Sell My Miles, Mileage Spot, and MilesBuyer allow you to convert miles into real money. You are simply:

1. Get a quote by entering how many miles you have
2. Accept the offer
3. Transfer your miles
4. Receive payment (usually via PayPal or bank transfer)

While selling your miles isn’t Lufthansa’s favorite idea, many frequent flyers choose this route—especially if they’re unsure how to redeem Lufthansa miles in time.

Not Sure What to Do? Try These Real-World Scenarios

Let’s play a quick game of “use or sell?”

• Scenario 1: You’ve got 100,000 miles and your honeymoon’s coming up → Use them to fly business class to Italy.
• Scenario 2: Your miles expire next month, and there are zero award flights you want. → Sell Lufthansa miles and take your partner to dinner with the cash.
• Scenario 3: You find a Mileage Bargain to Berlin next month → Book it. And pack an extra coat.
• Scenario 4: You need extra money this month for your kid’s school fees. → Selling makes way more sense.

Don’t Let Your Miles Go to Waste

In the end, the Lufthansa miles are a tool, and any good tool is just put to best use when wisely used. Whether you are booking a ticket, upgrading an order for a cabin, or simply opting to sell Lufthansa miles for cash, what counts is whatever fits into your life at this moment.

Because here’s the thing: miles don’t appreciate, and they certainly don’t last forever. If they’re just sitting in your account, waiting for a someday that never comes, then maybe it’s time to turn them into something tangible. A trip. An experience. Or hey, even just cash. Whatever you choose, just don’t let them expire like that yogurt in the back of your fridge.

Not sure whether to sell Lufthansa miles or use them out? If you’d rather turn your miles into money, you can always reach out to us at CashForMyMiles.com—we make it simple, secure, and fast.