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Thai Airways is Thailand's national flag carrier and a founding Star Alliance member. From its main hub in Bangkok, the airline serves major destinations at home and abroad. In Thailand, the airline focuses on flights to and from Phuket and Chang Mai.
Thai Airways Royal Orchid Plus is the airline's loyalty program. The airline seems to have a relatively generous miles expiration period. However, there's one major limitation. Here is all you need to know about Thai Airways Miles expiration.
Do Thai Airways Miles Expire?
Thai Airways Royal Orchid do miles expire after three years. Per the Thai Airways Royal Orchid terms and conditions page:
“Miles are valid for 3 years. Miles accrued in each quarter of any given year, and not redeemed, expire at the end of the corresponding quarter 3 years there after. Expiring miles that are not redeemed by the last day in each quarter are void and deleted from accounts.”
Unfortunately, you cannot extend the validity of your miles. Once they expire, they are consigned to history and cannot be reinstated.
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Boosting Your Thai Airways Balance
Fortunately, you have options if you are a few miles short of a redemption. Thai Airways is a transfer partner with two of the major flexible points currencies around the globe. You can transfer the following points to Thai Royal Orchid Plus miles.
One thing to keep in mind is that transfers are not quick. They typically take between 3 and 7 days. So, if you want to transfer your points for a specific redemption, factor in this transfer time.
Using Your Thai Airways Miles
There are a few sweet spots to be had with the program, sweetsops to be had on route to and from Bangkok, including:
- Bangkok to Melbourne or Sydney for 65,000 miles plus taxes and fees for one-way business class awards.
- Europe to Bangkok for 90,000 miles plus taxes and fees one way in business class.
Use AwardWallet to Track Thai Airways Miles Expiration
With a hard expiration deadline, it pays to keep a close eye on your Thai Airways Royal Orchid Mileage balance. Although three years is a long time, it can go by in a flash, and you are then faced with the prospect of losing a bunch of miles. The best way to keep track of your miles is to use AwardWallet. That way you will get a timely reminder if you have any miles in danger of expiration.
To use AwardWallet, log into your account and link your Thai Royal Orchid Plus account, and you will start getting notifications about balance changes and warnings about upcoming mileage expriation.
Related: How to Track Your Rewards Using AwardWallet
Our Take
Thai Royal Orchid used to be a valuable program, but it no longer offers much value. The lack of Star Alliance awards means that relatively expensive other options are the best the program has to offer.
However, the program may be worth a closer look if you are a dedicated visitor to Thailand. If that is the case, keep in mind that Thai Airways miles expire after three years, regardless of your activity.
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