How to Redeem Miles for Flights and Upgrades From Switzerland — Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Edition)

Why This Guide Matters

Living in Switzerland often means hopping across borders for work, family, or well-deserved breaks — but travel here isn’t cheap. I learned that the hard way after a few spontaneous Zurich-London flights that cost more than they should have.

That changed once I discovered Miles & More, Europe’s leading frequent-flyer program. It rewards you every time you fly, shop, or pay with a SWISS Miles & More Credit Card issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH.

I created this step-by-step guide to help you redeem your miles wisely, avoid expiry traps, and turn those points into real-world value — whether it’s a weekend trip to Lisbon or an upgrade on your next flight home.

What Is the Miles & More Program?

Miles & More is the loyalty program of SWISS, Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and other Star Alliance partners. In Switzerland, credit cards that earn these miles are issued by Swisscard AECS GmbH under the SWISS Miles & More Credit Card brand.

You can choose from three tiers:

• Classic – ideal for starters (currently ≈ 12 000 welcome miles*)

  
  

• Gold – extra benefits and insurance cover

  
  

• Platinum – premium travel perks and higher earn rate

  
  

*Welcome-mile values and fees may change; check the official offer page for current conditions.

Each card lets you:

• Earn valuable award miles for every Swiss franc spent

  
  

• Stop miles from expiring — as long as you make at least one eligible purchase per month

  
  

• Enjoy contactless & mobile payments via Apple Pay or Samsung Pay

  
  

• Apply 100 % digitally in minutes

Why It’s Perfect for Expats and Families in Switzerland

For expats, it’s not just about luxury; it’s about practicality. My friend Sarah, a British expat in Zurich, uses her Miles & More Classic Card for daily expenses. Every summer, she redeems those miles for her family’s flights to London. Last year she saved nearly CHF 700 in fares — just by paying her groceries and insurance bills with the right card.

Families who fly occasionally benefit, too: even one or two redemptions a year can offset the annual card fee. And for long-haul expats visiting home (India, US, Singapore), upgrade redemptions give outstanding comfort-per-franc value.

Reliable connectivity is just as important as travel flexibility — that’s why I also reviewed Swisscom, Switzerland’s Most Trusted Mobile and Internet Provider, especially useful for expats managing both home and travel life here.

How to Redeem Miles for Flights and Upgrades From Switzerland

Step 1: Log In and Check Your Miles Balance

Head to your Miles & More account. You’ll see:

• Award miles – redeemable for flights or upgrades

  
  

• Status miles – count toward elite status

  
  

If you hold a Miles & More Card and make at least one purchase per month, your award miles are safe from expiry. That’s a simple habit with a big payoff.

Step 2: Understand How Miles Work for Flights & Upgrades

You can redeem miles for:

1. Award flights (you pay only taxes & fees)

   
   

2. Upgrades (Economy → Premium Economy → Business → First)

   
   

3. Cash + Miles options

   
   

4. Mileage Bargains (“Meilenschnäppchen”) – discounted awards published monthly

   
   

Example scenarios (illustrative only*):

• Zurich → Lisbon return ≈ 30 000 miles + CHF 80 fees

  
  

• Zurich → New York Economy return ≈ 60 000 miles + CHF 300 fees

  
  

• Upgrade Zurich → New York (Premium→Business) ≈ 50 000 miles

  
  

*Values fluctuate by route & availability; verify on miles-and-more.com.

Step 3: Choose the Best Redemption Option for You

Travel Goal	Best Option	Why It Helps
Short city trips	FlySmart Awards	Lower miles if booked ≥ 14 days ahead
Family holidays	Mileage Bargains	Up to –50 % miles needed
Long-haul comfort	Upgrade Awards	Best CHF-per-mile value
Flexible travellers	Cash + Miles	Combine points + cash

I once helped a friend, Nina, choose her redemption wisely. She flies to Dubai twice a year to visit her family. I convinced her to save her miles for an upgrade instead of a short-haul flight. The next trip, she upgraded her Zurich–Dubai leg for 45,000 miles — worth around CHF 900 in comfort. “Best travel decision ever,” she said.

Step 4: Find and Book Award Flights from Switzerland

Here’s the exact process I use — simple and reliable.

1. Go to Miles & More Flights

   
   

2. Log in and click “Book flights with miles.”

   
   

3. Enter your route and dates.

   
   

4. Look for flights marked as “Award available.”

   
   

5. Choose your preferred class and confirm.

   
   

You’ll only pay taxes and fees, which for European flights are roughly CHF 60–90.

Insider tip: Check the 7-day view on the booking calendar — it shows the cheapest redemption dates. Also, check Mileage Bargains (Meilenschnäppchen) — you’ll often find Zurich–Lisbon or Geneva–Berlin at half the usual miles.

Step 5: Redeem Miles for Flight Upgrades — the Smart Way

Upgrades deliver top value.

How to upgrade:

1. Book your ticket via SWISS / Lufthansa / partner airline.

   
   

2. Log into Miles & More → “Upgrade with miles.”

   
   

3. Select flight → see required miles → confirm.

   
   

Why it’s worth it:

• Same luggage allowance as Business

  
  

• Lounge access on many routes

  
  

• Earn status miles on the original ticket class

Avoid Hidden Fees and Pitfalls

• Taxes & Surcharges: unavoidable (~CHF 60–300)

  
  

• Availability: book early (3–6 months) for premium cabins

  
  

• Refunds: cancellations ≈ CHF 50 per person

  
  

• Mixed Cabins: check that all legs are in the desired class

  
  

To stay organized, I keep a “miles goal” reminder on my phone so I don’t miss expiring opportunities.

Boost Your Miles — Everyday Earning Tips

Here’s my secret: I don’t wait for flights to earn miles. I earn them every day.

• Use the SWISS Miles & More Credit Card Duo for all purchases — groceries, insurance, even coffee.

If you’re comparing reward programs, you might also like my American Express Credit Card Switzerland Review, where I explain how Amex benefits expats and how it complements Miles & More for travel perks.

• Book hotels via Miles & More partners (Booking.com, Marriott, etc.).

  
  

• Shop via the eShop, which includes Swiss brands like Manor, Digitec, and Ochsner Sport.

  
  

• Use both cards: American Express for dining/travel (higher earn rate), Mastercard for smaller local stores.

  
  

• Refer a friend: Each successful referral gives you bonus miles.

  
  

I also keep a small chart in my planner showing how many miles I earn monthly — it’s surprisingly motivating.

If you’re new, the Classic Card starts with a reduced annual fee and welcome miles — ideal for expats testing the waters. Details and sign-up here.

Real-Life Stories – How We’ve Used Our Miles

Priya, an Indian expat mom, saved miles for three years and upgraded her Zurich–Delhi flight for the whole family. “The kids slept the entire flight. It was pure bliss,” she said.

Last spring, my husband and I redeemed 30 000 miles + CHF 160 for a spontaneous Zurich–Lisbon getaway. Sitting at a café in Alfama, I laughed that my grocery bills had bought us sunshine.

That’s what I love most — turning everyday spending into memories.

Extra Perks You Might Not Know About

Beyond miles, the card offers:

• Travel insurance cover (for trips paid with the card)

  
  

• Extended purchase warranty

  
  

• Mobile payment compatibility (Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Google Pay)

  
  

• Online account management for real-time tracking

  
  

• Exclusive Promo Codes & Offers throughout the year

  
  

The dual-card setup (Amex + Mastercard) ensures worldwide acceptance — a handy perk for expats who shop both locally and abroad.

Final Thoughts – Making Miles Work for You

Miles & More isn’t just for frequent flyers — it’s for anyone who wants to make their money work harder. Use your card every month to keep miles active, redeem strategically for upgrades or long routes, and you’ll see the difference.

Even if you fly only twice a year, the benefits can easily offset the annual fee. Plus, it feels pretty great to book a flight knowing you earned it through your daily life in Switzerland.

Start Collecting and Redeeming Miles Effortlessly

The SWISS Miles & More Credit Card Duo (currently with around 12 000 welcome miles and a reduced first-year fee*) lets you earn miles on every purchase and protect them from expiring as long as you use the card monthly.

👉 Check current offers and apply here

👉 Learn more about Miles & More redemptions

*Exact mileage and fee details may change; verify on the official site before applying.

If you’re setting up your everyday banking, check out my Zak Bank Switzerland Review 2025 — it’s a great companion for managing your Swiss finances alongside a travel rewards card.

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