No, airline miles generally do not "reset" in the sense of disappearing on a fixed calendar schedule. However, many airline loyalty programs have mileage expiration policies where miles can expire if there's a period of inactivity on your account.
While the majority of major U.S. airline programs do not impose mileage expiration policies, there are notable exceptions.
Understanding Mileage Expiration
Mileage expiration means that if you don't engage in qualifying activity within a specified timeframe, your accumulated miles could be forfeited. The typical trigger for expiration is a lack of earning or redeeming activity on your account.
For instance, with American Airlines AAdvantage miles can expire if there's no qualifying earning or redemption activity within a 24-month period. It's important to note that this policy typically does not apply to members under 21 years old.
How to Prevent Your Miles from Expiring
Keeping your airline miles active is usually straightforward, as most programs only require a qualifying transaction to extend their validity. Here are common ways to prevent your miles from expiring:
- Earn Miles: Any activity that adds miles to your account usually resets the expiration clock. This can include:
- Flying with the airline or its partners.
- Using an airline co-branded credit card for purchases.
- Shopping through the airline's online portal.
- Dining at participating restaurants.
- Renting cars or booking hotels through airline partners.
- Redeem Miles: Using your miles for a flight, upgrade, merchandise, or even a magazine subscription often counts as activity. Even a small redemption can reset the clock.
- Transfer Miles: Transferring points from a flexible rewards program (like those offered by certain credit cards) to your airline loyalty account can also count as qualifying activity.
- Donate Miles: Some programs allow you to donate a portion of your miles to charity, which typically counts as activity.
- Buy Miles: While generally not the most cost-effective option, purchasing a small number of miles can also extend the expiration date for your entire balance.
Key Considerations for Your Miles
It's crucial to understand the specific rules of each airline loyalty program you participate in. While many U.S. programs offer lifetime validity with activity, knowing the exceptions and proactively managing your account can save you from losing valuable rewards. Regularly check your account balance and activity history to stay informed about any upcoming expiration dates. For more detailed information on managing your points and miles, you can explore comprehensive guides on loyalty programs.
