What is the difference Between Award Miles and Status Miles?

I noticed that I been earning both "award miles" and "status miles" in my frequent flyer program. What is the difference between award miles and status miles?

Hi there,

Each frequent flyer program has its own set of rules. As a general rule, however, the term "award miles" applies to reward points (miles) which you earn when you purchase airline tickets.

Depending on the frequent flyer program in question, you may earn award miles based on the amount of money which you spend on your tickets, or based on the number of miles between your airport of departure and your destination airport. Some airlines have partnerships with hotel groups, merchants and credit card issuers and reward you with award miles when you use their partner services.

Award miles can typically be redeemed towards flights with the corresponding airline. They may also be redeemable for merchandise, hotel stays and other rewards from program partners.

The term "status miles" generally refers to a measure of your customer loyalty status. You normally earn status miles by spending a predetermined amount on purchases from the airline or its partners, or by traveling on a predetermined number of flights with the airline every year.

Status miles typically give you access to special privileges such as priority boarding, free hand luggage or free upgrades.

Best regards from Moneyguru

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