Top 12 Methods to Maximize Usage of Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles Miles for Highest Reward

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles is a rewarding loyalty programme that offers a variety of options for travellers seeking to make the most of their miles. Here's a breakdown of some key facts about booking award flights with Turkish Miles&Smiles.

Booking Business Class to Japan

You can book Turkish Airlines' business class to Japan for 67,500 Turkish miles, featuring the luxurious "The Room" for ultimate privacy. Remember, the same airport cannot be in your itinerary more than once in the inbound and outbound legs.

Searching and Booking

It's recommended to start a search on United.com and then book Star Alliance tickets through Turkish Airlines' sales office. However, do note that Turkish Airlines' online search engine can be buggy and may not show all possible availability.

Mixed Cabin Awards and Fuel Surcharges

Mixed cabin awards are allowed, but the higher class price will apply, and only one carrier can be mixed for one direction of the flight. Also, fuel surcharges are always passed on when booking award flights.

Partnerships and Network Expansion

As of August 1, 2025, Oman Air will be a new transfer partner for Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across both airlines' networks.

Region-Based Award Chart

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles miles have a region-based award chart, providing opportunities for optimization and award sweet spots. For instance, business class flights within the Far East (which includes Brunei, Cambodia, China, and more) can be booked for 50,000 miles each way.

Flying to the Far East, Europe 2, and Beyond

Flying from Europe 2 to the Far East or vice-versa in business class costs 90,000 miles each way, with fuel surcharges at their lowest when originating from the Far East as opposed to Europe 2. Business class flights from South America to Europe 2 can be booked for 100,000 miles each way, while flying from Europe 2 to the Middle East in business class costs 53,000 miles.

Expiring Miles and Topping Off

Miles&Smiles miles expire 3 years after they are earned, but can be extended for a fee. If you find yourself short on Turkish Airlines miles and need 10,000 miles or less, you can pay to top off your balance.

Other Ways to Earn Miles

Marriott Bonvoy is another way to earn Turkish Airlines miles. Additionally, transferring points from partners like Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Marriott Bonvoy can help you build up your balance. Capital One miles transfer to Turkish at a 1:1 ratio in up to 1 business day, and are easy to earn. Citi ThankYou Rewards is also a transfer partner of Turkish Airlines.

Bilt Rewards Credit Card and Award Tickets

The Bilt Rewards Credit Card allows you to earn Bilt Points and transfer them to Turkish at a 1:1 ratio with a minimum of 2,000 points transferred.

Award Ticket Fees

Turkish Airlines charges redemption fees, no-show redemption fees, and change fees on award tickets. However, on all award tickets operated by Turkish Airlines, one stopover is allowed.

Domestic Flights Within the U.S.

United Airlines allows you to fly domestically to Hawaii for 15,000 miles one-way, or 30,000 miles round-trip. The same flight in business class costs 40,000 miles round-trip or 20,000 miles one-way.

Air Canada Business Class to India

The cost to fly Air Canada Business Class to India is 100,000 miles each way, with a maximum of $50 in taxes and fees each way.

In conclusion, Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles offers a wealth of options for travellers seeking to make the most of their miles, particularly in business class. Whether you're planning a trip to Japan, the Far East, Europe, or even India, there are numerous opportunities to optimise your award flights.