Falconflyer vs Miles&Smiles: which loyalty program wins?

We score Falconflyer and Miles&Smiles on the same five factors — earning rate, redemption value, partner network, ease of use, and point expiry — to help you choose the right program for how you actually spend.

Verdict

Falconflyer is best for Anyone with Bahrain travel routine, while Miles&Smiles is best for Frequent flyers.

Skip Falconflyer if Anyone wanting wide global partner network, and skip Miles&Smiles if Anyone who flies infrequently.

Overall rating

	Falconflyer	Miles&Smiles
Overall rating	2.9 / 5	3.9 / 5
Earning	3.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Redemption	3.0 / 5	4.0 / 5
Network	2.0 / 5	5.0 / 5
Ease of use	3.0 / 5	3.0 / 5
Expiry	4.0 / 5	3.0 / 5

Earning structure

Falconflyer	Members earn Falconflyer Miles by flying Gulf Air (with class-of-service multipliers - Falcon Gold business class earns up to 250%) and on Etihad Airways operated flights (Falconflyer's primary partner airline). Tier bonus miles for higher tiers: Silver +25%, Gold +50%, Black +75%. Saudi-specific earning surfaces: every transaction on the stc pay app earns Falconflyer miles, and Mobily Neqaty points can be converted to Falconflyer miles. Members can also earn through hotel partners, car rental partners, and various other lifestyle partners. Loyalty Points are earned only on Gulf Air and Etihad-operated flights. Members can buy up to 50,000 miles per year at USD 25 per 1,000 miles. Family enrollment (up to 8 nominated family members) allows pooling 70% of regular mileage.
Miles&Smiles	Members earn both Status Miles (for tier qualification) and Award Miles (for redemption) on Turkish Airlines and AnadoluJet flights - earning depends on flight distance, fare class, and elite status level. Earning extends to 25+ Star Alliance member carriers. Marriott Bonvoy transfer at 3:1 ratio. Choice Privileges transfer at 5:1 ratio. Status Miles can also be earned from 40 qualifying flights (Classic Plus only). Status upgrade purchases of 5,000-10,000 miles are available. No Saudi bank issues a Miles&Smiles co-branded credit card.

Redemption structure

Falconflyer	Falconflyer Miles redeem for award flights and upgrades on Gulf Air, award flights on Etihad Airways (partner), excess baggage, lounge access, and seat upgrades at airports. Members can also transfer Falconflyer Miles to ALL Accor hotel points for global hotel stays. Family members can use miles for awards at 70% of regular mileage rates. Award flight changes incur fees: USD 40/6,000 miles (Blue), USD 20/3,000 miles (Silver/Gold), USD 10/1,000 miles (Black). Date changes are free for Gold and Black tiers. Etihad Airways redemptions must be made through the Gulf Air contact center (+973 17 37 37 37) rather than online. All taxes and surcharges apply on top of mile redemption.
Miles&Smiles	Award Miles redeem for flights on Turkish Airlines, AnadoluJet, all 25+ Star Alliance partners, and selected non-alliance partners. Award booking is straightforward online for Turkish flights and most Star Alliance partners; some partner awards require calling. Sweet spots remain after the 2024 devaluation: Turkish Business Class to Europe/US, domestic US partner flights at favorable rates (some destinations like Hawaii start from 10,000 miles), and premium-cabin Star Alliance partner redemptions. Cabin upgrades available on Turkish flights. Elite Plus members receive two complimentary cabin upgrades annually. Award changes incur fees varying by tier. Fuel surcharges apply on most premium-cabin partner redemptions. Members can supplement with mile purchases.

Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy

	Falconflyer	Miles&Smiles
Number of partners	0	0
Partners	—	—
Number of tiers	4	4
Top tier	Black	Elite Plus
First-tier qualification	900 points	25,000 points
Point expiry	36 months	36 months

Open in loyaup