Many frequent flyer enthusiasts are feeling a sense of disappointment—or even frustration—because Turkish Airlines has once again reduced the value of their Miles & Smiles loyalty program. This ongoing devaluation significantly diminishes the perks that made collecting miles worthwhile in the first place. But here's where it gets controversial: some travelers might question whether loyalty programs are ever truly beneficial in the long run, especially when airlines repeatedly tweak the rules.
To give you some background, last February, Turkish Airlines made a major change by removing what used to be its most attractive features—those 'sweet spots' that offered exceptional value for miles. For example, it was historically possible to book United domestic flights—and even trips to Hawaii—using just 7,500 miles one way in economy or 12,500 in business class. These rates represented incredible bargains compared to typical cash ticket prices. However, the airline increased those figures to 10,000 and 15,000 miles respectively.
Now, in a further blow, Turkish Airlines has announced an additional devaluation affecting various awards. Domestic awards on Star Alliance partners are increasing from 10,000 to 15,000 miles one way, and flights from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii are jumping all the way up to 25,000 miles. For business class, domestic awards climb from 15,000 to 22,500 miles each way, and flights to Hawaii now cost 40,000 miles—more than double the previous rates.
To put this into perspective, these changes effectively mark the end of Turkish's 'sweet spots' on United. It’s stark: what once were some of the most budget-friendly options for Hawaiian or domestic flights in the U.S. are now heavily inflated in miles—making those redemptions far less appealing. For example, round-trip First Class awards to Hawaii that previously required only 25,000 miles now demand a staggering 80,000 miles.
Despite these setbacks, Turkish Airlines remains a transfer partner for major credit card programs such as Citi, Capital One, and Bilt. The main reason to transfer miles to Turkish today might be to access specific Turkish award availability—especially for routes or dates not offered through other partners. However, be warned that fuel surcharges still apply, which can add unexpected costs.
In summary, Turkish Airlines’ repeated devaluations significantly undermine the appeal of their Miles & Smiles program, especially for popular routes like Hawaii and domestic U.S. flights. As loyalty programs continue to evolve—often in ways that favor airlines more than travelers—it's worth asking: are these programs still worth the investment? And what’s your take? Do you think such frequent devaluations are fair, or should travelers demand more transparency and stability? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
