It’s real: airlines are implementing monthly subscriptions on their frequent flyer programs, where you pay per month at different packages and get a fixed number of miles per month. With the rise of subscription services in many industries, it was only a matter of time before airlines jumped on the train. Now, the key question is, are those any good? Should you join? While the concept is still in its early stages, it can be very lucrative in the long run (from our experience), although there are many things to watch out for!

In this article, we list all the airlines and frequent flyer programs that offer a miles/points monthly subscription, their unique perks, their main benefits and drawbacks, and all you need to know to help you evaluate if it’s a good fit for your case.

We’ll keep this list updated. Let’s get started!

In This Post

What are Miles Subscription Packages?

Mileage subscriptions have many names: Subscribe to Miles, Mileage Subscription Plan, Airline Miles Subscriptions, etc. The basic premise is simple: you pay a monthly fee to subscribe to an airline’s frequent flyer program. In return, you receive a certain number of miles each month, regardless of how much you fly. It’s like saving money every month for traveling but in a different currency.

Different Packages and Price Points

Most programs offer different packages, starting from a low commitment amount and increasing depending on how many miles you want to earn each month. The more you pay, the more miles you get. But also higher-tier packages

Benefits

  • Earn miles without flying: Perfect for individuals who don’t travel frequently but still want to accrue or redeem miles for future trips for other rewards.
  • Predictable mileage accrual: Allows for better travel planning as you have a consistent stream of miles coming in.
  • Reach elite status faster: Some programs let you earn elite qualifying miles through subscriptions, helping you unlock perks like lounge access, upgrades, and bonus miles.
  • Exclusive benefits: Subscribers might enjoy perks like bonus miles on flights, discounted flights, free checked bags, priority boarding, and more.
  • Flexibility (in some cases): Some programs offer tiered subscriptions, allowing you to adjust your monthly mileage accrual based on your needs and budget.

Drawbacks

  • Cost: Monthly fees can be significant, and evaluating if the value of the miles earned outweighs the cost is crucial.
  • Limited flexibility (in some cases): Some subscriptions lock you into a fixed mileage amount, which might be wasteful if your travel needs change.
  • Limited airline options: Not all airlines offer mileage subscriptions, limiting your choices.
  • Potential for devaluation: Airlines can devalue their frequent flyer programs, reducing the value of your miles over time.
  • Region-specific programs: Some subscriptions might only be available in certain regions, excluding travelers from other areas.
  • Cancellation policies: Pay attention to cancellation terms. Some programs may have lock-in periods or penalties for early cancellation (e.g., LATAM Pass).

Airlines and Frequent Flyer Programs with Miles Subscription Plans (Complete List)

Air France-KLM Flying Blue

Air France-KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program just launched a new way to rack up miles each month with their “Subscribe to Miles” service. If you’re looking for a steady mileage boost without needing to book flights, this could be worth checking out. With this monthly subscription, you get miles deposited into your account regularly, and you’re in control with four different plans to choose from, each offering a different mileage amount at a fixed monthly cost.

The New Flying Blue Subscribe To Miles Monthly Subscription.

Packages

Flying Blue Subscribe to Miles offers four packages, each with a different cost and mileage allotment:

Package Miles / Month Price per Month
Starter 2,000 €28.00 EUR
Smart 5,000 €65.00 EUR
Advanced 10,000 €120.00 EUR
Complete 17,000 €187.00 EUR

For those looking to consistently build their miles balance, this subscription is flexible and can be canceled anytime. It also offers the added benefit of keeping your Flying Blue miles active, as the monthly mileage deposit counts as account activity, preventing expiration. All in all, the “Subscribe to Miles” program could be a useful option if you’re aiming to score some extra miles for a near-future trip without over-committing.

Key Benefits

  • Earn miles at a lower cost: The higher the tier you subscribe to, the less you pay per mile. The best value package offers miles at 1.34 cents per mile, which is competitive with Flying Blue’s regular rates.
  • Flexibility: You can cancel your subscription at any time.
  • Keep your miles active: Your miles won’t expire as long as you have an active subscription.
  • Predictable cost: You’ll know exactly how much you’re spending each month to earn miles.
  • Combine with Promo Rewards: To get extra value from your Flying Blue miles, it can be extra helpful to wait

Things To Wath Out For

  • No Refunds After 14 Days: While you have a 14-day window for a full refund, you can’t get your money back after that, even if you cancel your subscription.
  • No Status Qualification: Purchased miles, including those from Subscribe to Miles, don’t count towards earning elite status in the Flying Blue program.
  • Not valid in all regions: Not all Flying Blue members can subscribe yet. It depends on the region your account is based, and your payment method.
  • Different Prices for Different Regions: Prices can show up in EUR, USD, and other currnencies depending on where account is based.
  • Potential Devaluation: Like any frequent flyer program, Flying Blue can change how much miles are worth. If they devalue their miles, your subscription could become less valuable over time.

Read More:

The New Flying Blue Subscribe To Miles Monthly Subscription.

Avianca Lifemiles

Avianca Airlines.

Avianca Lifemiles subscription service is called Lifemiles+. Each Lifemiles+ plan adds a set number of miles to your account monthly, so your miles grow steadily. One great perk of the program is the “Credit Card Extra Miles” feature, which lets eligible members earn bonus miles on regular credit card purchases. If you have the Lifemiles Elite American Express card, you get even more from your subscription with bigger mileage bonuses and special rates on certain plans. Additional benefits, depending on the tier, include 10% off Star Alliance Flights, Iberia, and GOL. The main drawback is that you must stay for a minimum of 6 months.

Lifemiles+ is Avianca Lifemile's subscription program. One of the few airlines that offer monthly subscriptions.

Packages

Lifemiles+ offers four tiers, each with a different cost. Tiers have different pricing for Lifemiles Elite American Express Cardholders (US only).

Plan Monthly Miles Credit Card Extra Miles Monthly Price (Regular) Monthly Price (Lifemiles Amex)
Lite LM 500 100% (Max. LM 1,000) Free US$ 20.00
Basic LM 2,000 100% (Max. LM 2,000) US$ 30.00 US$ 50.00
Pro LM 4,500 100% (Max. LM 4,500) US$ 80.00 US$ 100.00
Max LM 10,000 100% (Max. LM 10,000) US$ 180.00 US$ 200.00

Lifemiles+ Packages.

Key Benefits

  • 10% Miles Back on Redemptions: Get 10% of your redeemed miles back on flights with Star Alliance, Iberia, and Gol, within 15 days of redemption.
  • Discount on Avianca Flights: Enjoy up to 25% off miles required for Avianca redemptions.
  • 2X Miles Multiplier: Earn double miles on purchases with the Avianca LifeMiles American Express® card (up to a limit).
  • Reduced Mileage Promotions: Access exclusive mileage discounts on select flights and services.
  • Extended Miles Validity: Keep miles active for 24 months, which helps preserve balances.
  • Qualifying Miles for Elite Status: Accumulate miles that count toward achieving or maintaining elite status.
  • Discounts on Hotels and Car Rentals: Up to 40% off miles needed for hotel bookings and up to 10% off on car rentals.

Things to Watch Out For

  • Eligibility: Some benefits, like the LifeMiles American Express card bonus and perks, are available only to U.S. residents.
  • Miles Back Limitations: Miles back only applies to certain partner airlines and may have specific redemption requirements.
  • Redemption and Accrual Caps: Double miles and other bonuses have earning caps, which may limit total rewards.
  • Subscription Tiers: Higher levels of benefits may only be accessible through higher-tier plans.
  • Fees for Changes/Cancellations: While some changes/cancellations may be free, certain modifications might still incur fees depending on fare rules.

Example

  • Plan Miles Received (Pro Subscription): LM 4,500
  • Miles Earned from Purchases (using Avianca LifeMiles American Express): LM 4,500
  • Bonus Miles (by joining LifeMiles Club and using your card): LM 4,500

Total Miles Earned: LM 13,500

With these miles, you can book a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Newark in just one month. Plus, LifeMiles+ will give you back 10% of the miles used on this redemption as part of its benefits program.

GOL Clube Smiles

GOL is among the very first airlines that started implementing monthly subscriptions as a core part of their frequent flyer program, Smiles. Their Clube Smiles program allows members to supercharge their mileage accrual by paying a monthly fee in exchange for a consistent flow of miles and a host of other benefits. Members not only receive a predetermined number of miles each month based on their chosen subscription level, but they also unlock valuable perks like discounts on award tickets, bonus miles on flights, and even access to exclusive promotions. This makes Clube Smiles a compelling option for frequent flyers looking to maximize their travel rewards and enhance their overall flying experience with GOL.

Two unique benefits of Clube Smiles are (1) their strong long-term incentives (for being loyal and staying in the club a long time), and (2) fast-track to elite status, companion tickets, and more on their highest tiers.

GOL Smiles Clube Smiles monthly subscription.

Packages: Cost and What’s Included

Benefit Cliente Smiles Plan 1,000 Plan 2,000 Plan 5,000 Plan 7,000 Plan 10,000 Plan 20,000
Earn more miles on Smiles platform - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
GOL Smiles Lounge Discount - - 15% 30% 40% 50% Free
Miles in Smiles Shopping 1 mile/real 3 miles/real 3.5 miles/real 3.5 miles/real 4 miles/real 4 miles/real 4.5 miles/real
5% off Smiles Travel - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Bonus miles on point transfers - ✔️ 3% 5% 7% 8% 10%
Bonus miles on mile purchases   10% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Bonus miles on reactivation   10% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Bonus miles on transfer   10% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Miles on Uber credits 1 mile/real 3 miles/real 3.5 miles/real 3.5 miles/real 4 miles/real 4 miles/real 4.5 miles/real
Miles every 6 months with My VIP Bonus - 10% 20% 30% 30% 40% 50%
Milesback with GOL Smiles Card subscription - 100 miles 200 miles 500 miles 700 miles 1000 miles 2000 miles
Family Account - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Double Miles with Viaje Facil (Easy Travel) 2000 Bonus Miles 4000 Bonus Miles 4000 Bonus Miles 4000 Bonus Miles 4000 Bonus Miles 4000 Bonus Miles 4000 Bonus Miles
Invite Friends - 1000 Bonus Miles 1000 Bonus Miles 1000 Bonus Miles 1000 Bonus Miles 1000 Bonus Miles 1000 Bonus Miles
Extra miles with GOL Smiles Credit Card - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Miles Last Longer              
Extended validity for miles - 10 years 10 years 10 years Never expire Never expire Never expire
Use Fewer Miles              
Award Ticket Outlet (Discounts) - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Guaranteed discounts across Smiles platform - ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️ ✔️
Other Benefits              
Free reservation - 5 reserves 5 reserves 5 reserves 5 reserves 5 reserves 5 reserves
Qualifying miles monthly - 100 miles 200 miles 500 miles 700 miles 1,000 miles 2,000 miles
Become Diamond category - - - - - - -
Monthly Plan Cost - R$42.00 (USD ≈$7.56) R$78.00 (USD ≈$14.00) R$162.00 (USD ≈$29.16) R$219.00 (USD ≈$40) R$299.00 (USD ≈$54) R$778.00 (USD ≈$135)

Key Benefits

  • Monthly Miles & Longevity: Members receive miles monthly, with extended validity (up to 10 years for lower plans; no expiration for higher plans).
  • Increased Mileage Earning: Club members earn bonus miles in credit card transfers, mileage purchases, account transfers, and expired mileage reactivations, which vary by plan.
  • Discounts on Smiles Products: Members enjoy discounts across Smiles’ platform, using fewer miles on flights, hotels, and shopping, as well as access to exclusive promotions and outlet-priced flights.
  • Upgraded Travel Experience: Benefits include up to 50% off GOL Smiles Lounge access, reserved flights with price holds (up to 5 GOL tickets yearly), and family account pooling for mileage accumulation.
  • Elite Status Opportunities: High-tier plans grant automatic Diamond status or can earn qualifying miles for status upgrades.

Things to Watch Out For

  • GOL Smiles Card Discounts: Some additional discounts require the GOL Smiles Credit Card, so additional fees may apply.
  • Restrictions on Free Reservations: Free reservation holds for GOL flights are capped at 5 per year and have a 72-hour hold limit.
  • Eligibility for Mileage Bonuses: To maximize mileage bonuses, members must make purchases or use services through the Smiles platform or specific partner promotions.
  • Entry-level tiers like Cliente Smiles and Plan 1,000 offer fewer benefits, with lower mileage bonuses and limited miles validity.
  • Plan 5,000 and above begin to provide more notable advantages, like bonus percentages over 20% on purchases and lifetime mile retention.
  • Substantial benefits, such as Diamond membership and significant mile accrual on Uber, are reserved for higher-tier levels.
  • Users should assess their travel frequency and spending habits to select a plan that maximizes their access to Smiles perks.

LATAM Airlines LATAM Pass

The newly relaunched Club LATAM Pass is a subscription program that allows members to accumulate miles on a monthly or yearly basis, depending on the chosen plan, which can then be redeemed for airline tickets, products, or hotel stays. There are four subscription plans: Lite, Basic, Prime, and Deluxe, each offering varying levels of mile accumulation and exclusive benefits, such as special promotions, free mile transfers, and discounts on mile purchases. Members can customize their experience by adding optional “Boosters” to enhance the benefits of their selected plan. The club is available in several Latin American countries, including Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Colombia, although the Deluxe plan is not available in Chile.

Benefits for LATAM Pass Club members include access to monthly or annual miles, discounts on redemptions, and for certain plans, the Gold category, which provides additional perks for frequent LATAM travelers. Accumulated miles are valid for three years and are reflected in the member’s account, regardless of any subscription changes made. Subscription fees are charged in U.S. dollars, and benefits are activated immediately upon enrollment. Additionally, the club allows for cabin upgrades and provides mile gift cards, which are issued every four months for monthly subscriptions or annually for annual plans.

The Club LATAM Pass is probably one of the most restrictive and least flexible subscriptions out there.

Club LATAM Pass Logo: Miles Subscription Package.

Packages and Boosters

Feature Club Lite Club Basic Club Prime Club Deluxe
Price USD 10 / month USD 18 / month USD 50 / month USD 98 / month
Annual Price (10% off) USD 108 / year USD 194 / year USD 540 / year USD 1,058 / year
Monthly Miles ✓ 500 Miles ✓ 1,000 Miles ✓ 3,000 Miles ✓ 6,000 Miles
Miles Rebate on Redemption ✗ ✓ 5% ✓ 10% ✓ 15%
Discount on Mile Purchases ✓ 10% ✓ 15% ✓ 20% ✓ 30%
Exclusive Promotions ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

The following bossters can be combined with a monthly subscription plan:

  • Flight Booster: For an extra USD 8 per month, the Vuelo (Flight) booster offers premium benefits to enhance your travel experience:
    • Gold Status: Achieve LATAM’s Gold category status (Enjoy 4 complimentary flight segment upgrades per year within South America, Extra Miles Accumulation, Free Seat Selection, Priority Check-In and Boarding, Priority Baggage Handling).
    • Annual Miles Transfer: Transfer miles to one other account each year.
  • Miles Booster: Get +4,000 extra miles for an additional USD 64 per month.
  • TURBO Miles Booster: Get +7,000 extra miles for an additional USD 100 per month.

Club LATAM Pass Logo: Miles Subscription Package.

Key Benefits of LATAM Pass Club

  • Flexible Mileage Accumulation: Choose monthly or yearly plans to receive miles regularly, useful for frequent travelers.
  • Discounted Mile Redemptions: Basic, Prime, and Deluxe plans offer rebates of 5%, 10%, and 15% on mile redemptions, respectively, making redemptions more affordable.
  • Discounted Mile Purchases: All plans offer discounts on additional mile purchases, with Deluxe members saving up to 30%.
  • Optional Boosters for Enhanced Benefits:
    • Flight Booster: Provides Gold Status perks (priority check-in, boarding, baggage handling) and four upgrade vouchers within South America.
    • Miles and Turbo Boosters: Accumulate extra miles monthly (up to 7,000 with the TURBO Booster).
  • Exclusive Promotions: All club members gain access to exclusive LATAM promotions.
  • Mile Validity: Miles earned in the club are valid for three years, offering flexibility in redemption timing.
  • Gift Cards: Members receive mile gift cards every four months for monthly subscriptions or annually for yearly plans, providing additional redeemable miles.
  • Free Mile Transfers: Some plans include a free mile transfer once a year, simplifying point sharing with other LATAM Pass members.
  • Immediate Activation: Benefits are available from the moment of subscription, allowing immediate usage of perks.
  • Plan Customization and Downgrade Flexibility: After three months, members can downgrade plans if needed, adjusting the benefits to match their usage.

Things to Watch Out For

  • Country Availability: The subscriptions are only offered in a handful of countries including Chile, Argentina, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Colombia. The Deluxe plan is not available in Chile, so users there are limited to Lite, Basic, and Prime options.
  • Dollar-Based Pricing: Subscription fees are in USD, meaning local currency fluctuations could impact monthly charges.
  • No Physical Member Card: LATAM Pass Club does not issue a physical card, which might be inconvenient for some members.
  • Limited Mile Rebates: Rebate on mile redemptions applies only to LATAM-operated flights, and miles are credited back only after all flight segments are completed.
  • Delayed Access to Some Benefits: Gold Status benefits activate five days after subscription, and redemption discounts start the next business month after joining.
  • Non-Transferable Benefits: Benefits are not retroactive; unused benefits cannot be redeemed once membership is canceled.
  • Gift Card Restrictions: Mile gift cards must be activated in the account, and there may be a delay of up to 24 hours after activation before they are usable.
  • Booster Re-Subscription Restrictions: If a Booster is canceled, rejoining requires a six-month waiting period, limiting flexibility.
  • Annual Subscription Commitment: Annual members must wait until the subscription term ends to make any adjustments, with no partial refunds.
  • Boosters’ Cost Impact: Boosters can add significantly to the monthly subscription cost, so consider carefully based on travel frequency and needs.

Azul Fidelidade

Azul Fidelidade (formerly TudoAzul), the frequent flyer program of Azul Brazilian Airlines, is offering Clube Azul as its subscription-based tiered membership, offering a range of plans that provide monthly points alongside exclusive travel perks. These tiers, from basic to premium, allow members to receive a steady flow of points each month, as well as benefits such as bonus points on flights, priority services, and exclusive promotions. Higher tiers unlock additional advantages, like priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, plus increased flexibility for travel adjustments.

In addition to accruing points at an enhanced rate, Clube Azul members gain access to promotions and deals available only to subscribers. This includes discounts on award flights and special offers, which can make it easier to reach Azul Fidelidade status and redeem rewards faster.

Azul Fidelidade Clube Azul monthly subscription.

Packages: Cost and What’s Included

Subscribers can choose from five Clube Azul plans: Clube 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, and 20,000, each representing the number of points accumulated monthly to meet various travel needs. The smaller plans are ideal for domestic and shorter trips, while the higher-tier plans, such as Clube 10,000 and 20,000, make it easier to accrue points for international flights and upgrades to business class. Moreover, dedicated members can achieve Diamond status, gaining additional advantages when flying with Azul and accelerating their path to exciting destinations.

Benefits 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 20,000
Point Validity 3 years 3 years 3 years Never Expire Never Expire
Monthly Points 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 20,000
Accumulated in 1 year 12,000 24,000 60,000 120,000 240,000
Monthly Qualifying Points 100 200 500 1,000 2,000
Monthly Plan Cost R$ 45.00 R$ 80.00 R$ 187.00 R$ 370.00 R$ 819.00
Annual Plan Cost (12x) R$ 42.00 R$ 74.00 R$ 174.00 R$ 344.00 R$ 762.00
Transfer Credit Card Points Bonus 10% 10% 10% 20% 20%
Category Upgrade - - - Sapphire Diamond
Category Benefits - - - - 2 Annual Domestic Lounge Passes
- Extra Luggage (23kg)		 - Domestic Lounge Passes Unlimited
- Free seat selection in any flight

Azul Airlines Clube Azul monthly subscription packages, prices and benefits.

Key Benefits

  • Steady Monthly Points: Receive a fixed number of points monthly, with larger plans providing up to 20,000 points each month.
  • Flexible Options for Different Needs: Five tiers ranging from Clube 1,000 to Clube 20,000 cater to a variety of travel plans, from short domestic to international trips.
  • Points Validity: Points last up to three years in lower plans and never expire in the Clube 10,000 and Clube 20,000 tiers.
  • Exclusive Travel Perks: Higher tiers offer benefits like priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.
  • Category Upgrades: Subscribers can earn Sapphire or Diamond status, unlocking perks such as lounge access and free seat selection.
  • Bonus Points on Transfers: Earn a 10% or 20% bonus on transferred credit card points, depending on the plan.
  • Discounts on Award Flights: Access to exclusive discounts and promotions, allowing for quicker Azul Fidelidade status upgrades and faster reward redemptions.

Things To Watch Out For

  • Costly Higher Tiers: Monthly fees can reach up to R$ 819, and although discounts are available for annual subscriptions, costs may still add up.
  • Qualifying Points Accumulation: While monthly points add up quickly, qualifying points for status are smaller and may require time to achieve.
  • Limited Lower-Tier Benefits: Only higher-tier plans (Clube 10,000 and Clube 20,000) include significant perks like lounge access, extra luggage allowance, and seat selection.
  • Points Expiration in Lower Plans: For Clube 1,000, 2,000, and 5,000, points expire after three years, limiting their long-term accumulation potential.

Copa Airlines ConnectMiles

ConnectMiles, Copa Airlines’ loyalty program, offers a subscription plan called ConnectMiles Plan, allowing members to accumulate miles monthly. The program includes six subscription tiers, each providing a fixed monthly mileage amount, a joining bonus, and a quarterly bonus. Plans are paid monthly and can be canceled anytime without penalties. The cost per 1,000 miles decreases with higher-tier plans, starting at USD $26 and supplemented by a welcome bonus and additional bonus miles awarded every three months.

This plan offers a faster track to earning travel rewards, particularly for those who fly frequently or plan to take a dream vacation soon. The accumulated miles can be redeemed for flights on Copa Airlines, Star Alliance airlines, and other partner airlines, providing flexibility and a wide range of travel options.

Copa ConnectMiles Plan monthly subscription packages, prices and benefits.

Packages

Plan Plan 12K (+ bonus!) Plan 18K (+ bonus!) Plan 24K (+ bonus!) Plan 54K (+ bonus!) Plan 90K (+ bonus!)
Monthly award miles 1,000 1,500 2,000 4,500 7,500
Welcome bonus 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000
Quarterly bonus 750 1,500 2,000 4,500 7,500
Total miles earned in 12 months 15,500 25,000 34,000 75,000 124,000
Monthly subscription $26 USD/month $41 USD/month $52 USD/month $109 USD/month $179 USD/month

Copa ConnectMiles Plan monthly subscription packages.

Key Benefits

  • Welcome Bonus: Receive a welcome bonus of up to 4,000 miles upon signup, providing an initial boost for redemptions.
  • Quarterly Bonus Miles: Every three months, subscribers receive additional bonus miles, helping achieve award goals faster.
  • Discounted Mileage Subscription: Access a discounted price for purchasing miles compared to typical mileage purchases.

Things To Watch Out For

  • Quarterly Bonus Timing: Bonus miles are issued quarterly rather than monthly, so the mileage increase may feel slow for those expecting monthly boosts.
  • Fixed Subscription Plans: Changing or canceling plans may not be flexible, so it’s essential to pick a plan that aligns with your long-term goals.
  • Limited to Copa and Partners: While miles are redeemable across Copa and partner airlines, availability may be restricted depending on the routes and seat availability.
  • No Partial Refunds: Subscribers are locked into their monthly payments, with no refunds for partial usage if they cancel mid-term.
  • Expiration of Earned Miles: Members should stay informed about expiration policies to avoid losing accumulated miles due to inactivity.

Example

Popular Redemption Examples

ConnectMiles offers several popular redemption options, including:

  • Brazil to Argentina: Flights starting at 12,500 miles in Economy.
  • São Paulo to Osaka: 55,000 miles in Economy or 85,000 in Business.

All Programs Compared

In a nutshell, the following table gives you an overview of the different cost of acquiring miles via the monthly subscription. Remember that different frequent flyer programs have different value-per-mile (VPM), meaning that some miles are worth more than others when redeeming. Keep that in mind when looking at this table: some miles are more expensive to buy (higher CPM), because those are also worth more (higher VPM). A concrete example, Flying Blue miles are typically more valuable than GOL Smiles miles, so it’s naturall that Flying Blue’s cost-per-mile (CPM) is more expensive than GOL Smiles cost-per-mile (CPM.)

Program Tier Monthly Cost (USD) Miles per Month Annual Miles Annual Cost (USD) CPM
Flying Blue Starter $30.80 2,000 24,000 $369.60 $0.015
  Smart $71.50 5,000 60,000 $858.00 $0.014
  Advanced $132.00 10,000 120,000 $1,584.00 $0.013
  Complete $205.70 17,000 204,000 $2,468.40 $0.012
LifeMiles Lite $20.00 500 6,000 $240.00 $0.040
  Basic $30.00 2,000 24,000 $360.00 $0.015
  Pro $80.00 4,500 54,000 $960.00 $0.018
  Max $180.00 10,000 120,000 $2,160.00 $0.018
Clube Smiles Plan 1,000 $7.56 1,000 12,000 $90.72 $0.0076
  Plan 5,000 $29.16 5,000 60,000 $349.92 $0.0058
  Plan 20,000 $140.04 20,000 240,000 $1,680.48 $0.0070
LATAM Pass Lite $10.00 500 6,000 $120.00 $0.020
  Deluxe $98.00 6,000 72,000 $1,176.00 $0.016
Clube Azul Clube 1,000 $8.10 1,000 12,000 $97.20 $0.0081
  Clube 10,000 $66.60 10,000 120,000 $799.20 $0.0067
ConnectMiles Plan 12K $26.00 1,000 12,000 $312.00 $0.026
  Plan 90K $179.00 7,500 90,000 $2,148.00 $0.0238

FAQ

What’s the difference between “Subscribe for Miles” and a “Monthly Pass”?

Subscribe for Miles typically refers to a monthly subscription program offered by airlines or frequent flyer programs where members earn a set number of miles each month for a recurring fee. This is aimed at helping members accumulate miles gradually without relying on flights or other traditional earning methods.

A Monthly Flight Pass, like Alaska Airlines’ Flight Pass, is a subscription where you pay a fixed monthly rate to access a certain number of round-trip flights each year, often with some restrictions on destinations or availability. Rather than accumulating miles, a Monthly Flight Pass provides direct access to flights within specific limits, allowing subscribers to fly a predetermined number of times without needing to purchase individual tickets.

In summary, “Subscribe for Miles” helps you accumulate miles over time, whereas a “Monthly Flight Pass” provides actual flights each year under a subscription model, with set limits and conditions.

Is it better to subscribe monthly or just buy miles when needed?

It depends on your travel habits and goals. Monthly subscriptions are usually more cost-effective for frequent flyers who want to steadily accumulate miles and may use them for large redemptions down the line. Subscribing also provides a predictable number of miles each month, which can be helpful if you’re planning for a big trip or aiming for consistent accumulation over time.

Buying miles on an as-needed basis can be advantageous if you have a specific redemption in mind and only need a small top-up to reach it. However, buying miles outright tends to be more expensive per mile than a subscription, especially when not on promotion.

In general, monthly subscriptions are ideal for steady accumulation, while purchasing miles is better for topping up in a pinch.

Are miles earned through subscriptions eligible for elite status?

In most cases, miles earned through subscriptions are redeemable miles only, meaning they can be used for award flights or upgrades but do not count toward earning or maintaining elite status. Some programs might offer subscription tiers that include status benefits or extra perks, so it’s worth checking the specific terms of each airline’s subscription program.

Can I cancel my miles subscription at any time?

Most frequent flyer programs allow you to cancel your subscription at any time, but cancellation policies vary. Some may require a minimum commitment period or have a cutoff date for cancellations before the next billing cycle. Check the terms and conditions of the specific program before subscribing to ensure flexibility aligns with your needs.

Do miles from monthly subscriptions expire?

Miles from monthly subscriptions are typically added to your main frequent flyer account, and their expiration will follow the same rules as other miles earned. In many programs, miles won’t expire as long as you have account activity within a specific timeframe, which can range from 18 to 36 months, depending on the program.

How many miles do I get with a monthly subscription?

The number of miles you receive varies depending on the subscription tier you choose. Some programs offer several tiers, with basic plans providing a few hundred miles per month and premium plans offering thousands of miles. Check each airline’s options to see which plan aligns with your mileage goals.

Can I redeem miles from a subscription for partner airlines?

Yes, in most cases. Miles earned through a frequent flyer program’s subscription service are treated the same as miles earned through flights, meaning they can usually be redeemed on partner airlines within the program’s alliance (such as Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld). Always confirm this with the specific program’s redemption policy.

Is there an annual discount if I pay upfront for the entire year?

Some airlines may offer discounts for annual subscriptions or extra bonus miles as an incentive to pay upfront for a yearly plan. This varies by program, so check the airline’s payment options to see if an annual plan comes with added benefits.

Are subscription plans refundable?

Most miles subscription plans are non-refundable once the monthly or annual fee has been charged. If you decide to cancel, your subscription typically remains active until the end of the current billing period, after which it won’t renew. Check the terms of each specific program to confirm the refund policy.

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