miles & more is the largest traveller loyalty programme in europe with 25 million members as of march 2014. it offers rewards to passengers of the star alliance travelling on certain types of tickets. the programme was launched by lufthansa (lh) in 1993 and has about 40 airline partners, including the 28 airlines of the star alliance. the programme enables its members to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles on all of the fully integrated airlines, all star alliance members as well as several other partner airlines. furthermore, there are more than 270 non-aviation companies affiliated with the programme. these include partners from the hotel, car rental & cruise industries, subscriptions & books, banks & insurance, telecommunications & electronics industries as well as shopping & lifestyle. customers are able to build status, which gives them access to certain privileges. miles & more is free of charge.