loyalty

Expiring Points

Points/Miles Expiration

Definition

Most airline and hotel programs expire points after 18-24 months of inactivity. A single qualifying transaction (purchase, transfer, redemption) extends the clock.

Why it matters

Programs without expiration: Delta SkyMiles, JetBlue TrueBlue, Hyatt (active member), Hilton (4 years dormant). Programs that expire fastest: American AAdvantage (24 months no activity), United MileagePlus (18 months), easy to inadvertently lose 100k+ pts.

Related terms in loyalty

Elite Status

Higher tiers of airline or hotel loyalty programs earned through annual spending or stays. Provides perks like upgrades, lounge access, bonus miles, and waived fees.

Status Match

When one loyalty program grants you equivalent status based on your status with a competing program. Often time-limited and requires a 'challenge' (spend or stays) to keep.

Tier Credits

Status credits earned through flights, separate from frequent-flyer miles (which are for redemptions). Determine annual elite-status qualification.