Airline miles, explained.
A reward currency for your next journey.
What are miles?
Airline miles are rewards held in a loyalty account. They are not a fixed amount of cash or necessarily the distance you have flown. Each program sets its own earning and redemption rules.
Miles, bank points, and status
Airline miles are used for rewards. Eligible bank points may transfer into airline programs. Status credits help you qualify for elite benefits; they are often separate from redeemable miles.
Your first step
Choose a trip you want to take. Explore the programs that can book that trip, then check the ways to earn from where you live. Avoid collecting small balances in too many programs.