Airlines

Lufthansa Group rolls out new status programme in 2024

Simple and clear Points system.
Miles & More award miles continue to be awarded as before.
New: Frequent Traveller Lifetime status for long-term loyalty.
All changes apply to flights from 1 January 2024.

The status programme is being made simpler by the Lufthansa Group. For reaching and maintaining Frequent Traveller, Senator, and HON Circle status, users will soon be given access to a clearer, more transparent earning structure. Loyalty to the airlines of the Lufthansa Group will also be rewarded with enhanced benefits. In addition to the current Senator Lifetime level, the most devoted customers will soon be eligible for the new Frequent Traveler Lifetime category. Flights beginning on January 1, 2024, will be affected by all status programme modifications.

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Key changes from 2024 at a glance:

Points system replaces status miles

In the future, Miles & More members will be awarded Points instead of status miles for their flights. How many Points customers earn for each flight will depend on just two criteria: the travel class and whether the flight is continental or intercontinental1.

Points can be earned on flights with all Star Alliance airlines, as is currently the case with status miles. To achieve Frequent Traveller or Senator status in future, it will also be necessary to take a number of those flights with Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Eurowings Discover, Lufthansa, SWISS or the co-issuing Miles & More airline partners2.

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As before, HON Circle Members will continue to qualify exclusively on flights in Business and First Class operated by the airlines mentioned above. Overall, it will be easier to achieve status. In future, status will be valid for at least one year. The period for earning the necessary Points for any frequent flyer status will be one calendar year.

Long-standing frequent flyers will qualify for Frequent Traveller Lifetime and Senator Lifetime status in future. This will be based on the sum of all Points earned on flights operated by Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings, Eurowings Discover, Lufthansa, SWISS or the co-issuing Miles & More airline partners2.

Miles & More award miles continue to be awarded as before. Award miles are miles that can be earned both on everyday purchases and when travelling – for flights, rental cars, hotel stays and much more. They can then be redeemed for merchandise awards or services.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.