Thursday, August 29, 2024 Turkish Airlines, recognized for flying to more countries than any other carrier, has reached a major milestone with its Miles&Smiles loyalty program, now surpassing 20 million members. Launched in 1989, the program has steadily grown over the past 35 years, rebranding to its current name in 2000, just eight years before Turkish Airlines joined the Star Alliance. This achievement highlights the enduring appeal of Miles&Smiles and the airline’s commitment to rewarding its loyal passengers.
Turkish Airlines has built a strong reputation not only for its extensive global network but also for the attractive benefits offered through its Miles&Smiles loyalty program. Members enjoy perks like free WiFi on flights and generous award redemption opportunities across both Turkish Airlines and its Star Alliance partners. Beyond flights, points can be used with a broad array of over 300 global partners, including brands like Booking.
com, Marriott, Enterprise, Apple, Ikea, Sephora, and Ticketmaster. Additionally, members can use points for cabin upgrades, extra baggage, and seat selections, making the program versatile and appealing. Turkish Airlines continues to expand its already impressive network of destinations.
As of this summer, the airline operates 296 international routes in 130 countries, offering a staggering 52,000 connection options primarily through its hub at Istanbul Airport (IST). The airline’s growth strategy remains robust, with plans to add new routes across Europe, including Bergen, Norway (BGO); Katowice, Poland (KTW); Nantes, France (NTW); Iasi (IAS) and Timisoara (TSR) in Romania; Glasgow (GLA), Scotland; and Newcastle (NCL), England. Domestically, Turkish Airlines aims to introduce services to Bayburt and Yozgat, while in the Middle East, the airline is eyeing destinations such as Abha (AHB) in Saudi Arabia, Salalah (SLL) in Oman, and Mitiga International Airport (MJI) in Tripoli, Libya.
The airline’s ambitious plans extend even further, with prospective routes to Aswan (ASW) in Egypt, Brazzaville (BZV) in the Republic of Congo, Hargeisa (HGA) in Somaliland, Lome (LFW) in Togo, Monrovia (ROB) in Liberia, Port Sudan (PZU) in Sudan, and Windhoek (WHD) in Namibia. In Asia and Oceania, Turkish Airlines is considering new services to Sydney (SYD), Australia; Phnom Penh (PHN), Cambodia; and Atyrau (GUW), Kazakhstan, which is noted for being the lowest commercial airport in the world. Across South America, potential new destinations include Lima (LIM), Peru; Santiago (SCL), Chile; and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
In the United States, the airline has highlighted Orlando (MCO) as a future destination, adding to its recent expansion efforts in the US market. To further enhance its presence in the United States, Turkish Airlines recently introduced a co-branded credit card—the Miles&Smiles Premier Visa Signature Credit Card—in partnership with First Electronic Bank. The card, which features a limited-edition metal version for early applicants, offers additional rewards and benefits, making it an attractive option for frequent travelers.
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