Key Points
- Six major U.S. airlines offer miles that never expire: Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, Alaska, and Hawaiian Airlines.
- Airline credit cards automatically keep your miles active through regular purchases, eliminating expiration worries.
- Non-expiring miles let you save for aspirational trips without racing against the clock.
Introduction
Nothing stings worse than watching months of earned airline miles disappear before you can use them. Fortunately, most major U.S. airlines have eliminated expiration dates entirely, and their co-branded credit cards make keeping miles active effortless.
This guide covers which airline miles never expire and the best credit cards for earning them.
Which Airline Miles Never Expire?
Airlines With Non-Expiring Miles:
- Delta SkyMiles: No expiration
- Southwest Rapid Rewards: No expiration
- United MileagePlus: No expiration
- JetBlue TrueBlue: No expiration
- Alaska Mileage Plan: No expiration (account locks after 24 months without activity, but reactivates with any purchase)
- Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles: No expiration
Airlines With Expiring Miles:
- American Airlines AAdvantage: Expire after 24 months without activity
- Frontier Miles: Expire after 12 months without activity
- Spirit Free Spirit: Expire after 12 months without activity
The simplest way to keep miles active? Use your airline credit card for everyday purchases. Every swipe counts as activity.
Best Credit Cards for Non-Expiring Miles
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
The Delta Gold card offers the best value for most Delta flyers at $150 annually. Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants, and U.S. supermarkets. You get a free checked bag (worth $70 per roundtrip), priority boarding, and 20% back on in-flight purchases.
Welcome bonus: 60,000 miles after $2,000 spend in three months.
For frequent Delta flyers, the Delta Platinum card at $350 adds companion certificates and $400+ in annual credits. Read our complete Delta card comparison for details.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
The Southwest Priority card delivers exceptional value at $149 annually. Earn 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x on transit, rideshare, streaming, and utilities, plus 1x everywhere else.
Annual perks include a $75 Southwest travel credit, 7,500 anniversary bonus points (worth ~$112), four upgraded boardings per year, and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credit.
Welcome bonus: 50,000 points after $1,000 spend in three months.
Southwest points maintain consistent value (1.3-1.5 cents each) and the airline charges no change fees. Check our Southwest card guide for strategy tips.
United Quest℠ Card
The United Quest card costs $250 annually and earns 3x miles on United purchases, 2x on travel, dining, and select streaming, plus 1x everywhere else.
You'll receive two United Club passes yearly (worth $118), a $125 United purchase credit, 25% back on inflight purchases, and free checked bags.
Welcome bonus: 80,000 miles after $5,000 spend in three months.
United offers excellent international redemption values, particularly for business class on partner airlines.
JetBlue Plus Card
The JetBlue Plus card from Barclays costs $99 annually and earns 6x points on JetBlue purchases, 2x at restaurants and grocery stores, plus 1x everywhere else.
You'll get a 5,000-point anniversary bonus, 10% rebate on all redeemed points, free checked bag for you and three companions, and 50% off inflight purchases.
Welcome bonus: 50,000 points after $1,000 spend and annual fee payment within 90 days.
See our JetBlue card comparison for more options.
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Card
The Alaska Airlines card costs $95 annually and earns 3x miles on Alaska purchases, 1x everywhere else. Alaska miles are exceptionally valuable for partner redemptions on airlines like Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Emirates.
You'll receive an annual Famous Companion Fare (pay just taxes from $22), free checked bag for you and six companions, and first inflight purchase free on Alaska flights.
Welcome bonus: 60,000 miles plus Companion Fare after $3,000 spend in 90 days.
Your account locks after 24 months of no activity, but any card purchase reactivates it immediately. Read about Alaska's powerful redemption options.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®
The Hawaiian Airlines card from Barclays costs $99 annually and earns 3x miles on Hawaiian purchases, 1x everywhere else.
Benefits include 50% off inflight purchases, free checked bag for you and eight companions, and a $100 companion discount on your anniversary.
Welcome bonus: 80,000 miles and $50 statement credit after $3,000 spend in 90 days, plus one-time 50% companion discount.
Hawaiian miles shine for inter-island Hawaii flights when cash fares spike.
What About American Airlines?
American Airlines miles expire after 24 months without activity, but the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card keeps them active automatically. Every purchase resets your expiration clock.
The card costs $99 annually and earns 2x miles on gas, restaurants, and American purchases. You get free checked bags and preferred boarding. Learn why American miles remain valuable despite the expiration policy.
Why Non-Expiring Miles Matter
Long-term planning: Save for premium cabin awards requiring 200,000+ miles without pressure.
Life flexibility: Job changes, family obligations, or global events won't cost you your miles.
Strategic positioning: Maintain balances across programs and book when you find great availability.
Peace of mind: No tracking expiration dates or rushing to book trips you're not ready for.
Maximizing Non-Expiring Miles
Delta: Target international business class and Hawaii flights. Avoid domestic economy where dynamic pricing runs high.
Southwest: Book early but cancel freely (no change fees). Pursue the Companion Pass for double value.
United: Use miles for partner airlines like Lufthansa first class or ANA business class to Asia.
JetBlue: Make larger redemptions to maximize the 10% points rebate.
Alaska: Focus on partner awards for 2-3 cents per mile value. Cathay Pacific and Emirates offer exceptional redemptions.
Hawaiian: Book inter-island flights when cash fares are high for maximum value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do credit card miles expire differently than flight miles?
No. Once miles are in your airline account, they follow the same expiration policy regardless of how you earned them.
What happens to miles if I close my credit card?
Your miles stay in your airline account. However, you lose automatic activity for expiring programs and card perks like free bags.
Can I transfer miles between airlines?
Not directly, but you can transfer flexible points from Chase, American Express, Citi, or Capital One to multiple airline partners.
Can airlines change expiration policies?
Yes. Delta, United, and JetBlue all switched from expiring to non-expiring miles in recent years. Take advantage of generous policies while they last.
Final Verdict
Six of eight major U.S. airlines now offer non-expiring miles. If you travel less than four times yearly or save miles for aspirational trips, build your strategy around these programs.
Start with the airline you fly most. Open a co-branded credit card, earn the welcome bonus, and enjoy knowing your miles will be there whenever you're ready to travel.
This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.
