When do miles and hotel points expire? Seven programmes compared honestly

“Points expire after three years” sounds simple. It can mean a fixed clock for each earning batch, a timer since the last activity, or a normal rule that is temporarily paused. Remembering only the number can cost an entire balance — or trigger an unnecessary purchase when a free activity would have worked.

The three expiry models

• Fixed expiry: each earning batch carries its own clock; later activity does not automatically rescue older miles.
• Inactivity rule: an eligible transaction resets the timer for the balance.
• Temporary pause: the normal policy remains, but is not enforced until a stated date.

Miles & More: fixed 36 months plus quarter-end

The programme terms say miles not redeemed within 36 months of the underlying activity expire at the end of the following quarter. This is not a simple inactivity clock. One new earning transaction does not automatically move the expiry of older batches. Status- or card-based protection depends on the applicable conditions; the account’s actual expiry display controls.

British Airways Avios: activity protects the balance

British Airways states that Avios stay alive as long as at least one Avios is collected, spent, bought or shared within 36 months. Three years with no activity removes the Avios. Household Account members still need to watch activity for each individual member.

Flying Blue: a new 24-month rule, except Germany

From 4 May 2026, many markets use one 24-month date for all miles, with eligible flight or commercial activity extending the whole balance. Flying Blue explicitly excludes Germany: the existing three-year validity conditions remain there. Check the German account rather than importing advice from another market. The Germany exception guide explains the gap.

Aeroplan: normal 18 months, paused until 30 November

Aeroplan’s normal policy uses 18 months without activity. Air Canada has separately paused points expiry until 30 November 2026. Points that would otherwise expire remain until 29 November; the normal rule resumes on 30 November. A clearly eligible earning or redemption transaction before the deadline is the conservative route. See the Aeroplan deadline guide.

Emirates Skywards: three years and the birthday month

Skywards miles are generally valid for three years from the flight or partner transaction and then expire at the end of the relevant birthday month. New activity does not reset every older mile. Emirates sells extension or reinstatement options for eligible miles; compare their fee with the realistic redemption value first.

Marriott Bonvoy: 24 months, but not every transfer counts

Twenty-four consecutive inactive months forfeit the points balance. Earning, redeeming or purchasing points can keep an account active. Gifting or transferring points — sending or receiving — does not count under the terms. Lifetime Elite accounts are currently exempt, though Marriott reserves the right to change that.

Hilton Honors: 24 months of inactivity

Hilton also states 24 months. Its help centre lists stays, co-brand card earning, partner earning or redemption, buying and donating as ways to remain active. Use a transaction that actually posts with enough time to correct a failure; last-night registration is not a control system.

A safe five-step workflow

1. Check the official expiry date and last posted activity.
2. Identify the model: fixed batch, inactivity or temporary pause.
3. Choose an officially eligible action that also makes economic sense.
4. Leave enough posting time; a final-evening transaction is not a plan.
5. Save the before-and-after balance, activity and expiry date.

Bottom line

The dangerous assumption is that any tiny movement extends any balance. That can work for Avios; it does not generally rescue fixed Miles & More or Emirates batches. Flying Blue simplified its rules in 2026 but excluded Germany. Aeroplan is the urgent watch because its temporary pause ends on 30 November. The written rule beats memory every time.

Official sources checked 20 August 2026: Miles & More terms, British Airways — Avios expiry, Flying Blue — new validity, Aeroplan — pause to 30 November, Aeroplan — normal inactivity policy, Emirates Skywards rules, Marriott Bonvoy terms, Hilton Honors points help. The account display and current provider terms control.