There can be lots of value to having airline elite status, though it goes without saying that not all elite status levels are created equal. In this post I wanted to take a closer look at Lufthansa’s HON Circle elite status, which I’d argue is the world’s most exclusive airline elite tier with published qualification criteria.
Here in the United States, we have American Concierge Key, Delta 360, and United Global Services, but those are all invitation-only, with no published qualification requirements. Meanwhile Lufthansa HON Circle status has published requirements, it’s just a very hard status to earn. So let’s go over all those details.
In this post:
How do you earn Lufthansa HON Circle status?
HON Circle is Lufthansa’s highest of three elite tiers, as it’s above Frequent Traveller and Senator status. While the status isn’t invitation-only, it’s probably tougher to earn than most status levels that are. Miles & More has changed how status is earned as of 2024, and it’s now based on earning a certain number of qualifying points (rather than being based on earning elite qualifying miles).
Below are the Miles & More elite status requirements as of 2024, with qualifying activity required per calendar year. As you can see, HON Circle status requires earning 6,000 qualifying points in a year.
For context on how much flying that requires, the number of points earned varies based on the cabin you’re flying, and whether you’re flying a continental or intercontinental flight. Specifically:
- In economy you earn 20 qualifying points for continental and 60 qualifying points for intercontinental
- In premium economy you earn 20 qualifying points for continental and 80 qualifying points for intercontinental
- In business class you earn 40 qualifying points for continental and 200 qualifying points for intercontinental
- In first class you earn 40 qualifying points for continental and 300 qualifying points for intercontinental
Only points earned on Lufthansa Group carriers count toward HON Circle status. So as you can see, the requirements for the status are steep. For example, you’d need to fly 15 roundtrip intercontinental nonstop business class tickets annually to earn HON Circle status.
Obviously these status requirements are significant. Then again, if you frequently fly long haul in first or business class, then it’s definitely not unachievable.
What are the benefits of Lufthansa HON Circle status?
Generally European frequent flyer programs aren’t as generous as US programs (though I suppose the gap is narrowing), so the benefits aren’t that huge on paper. The benefits of HON Circle status include:
- A 25% mileage bonus
- Six eVouchers (it takes one to two vouchers per upgrade, so this equates to three to six upgrades every two years)
- Senator status for a spouse
- A meet-and-greet service in Frankfurt and at all intercontinental destinations
- An additional baggage allowance
- First class check-in (though all Star Alliance Gold members get that)
- The highest priority for operational upgrades, and also special treatment from the crew
Oh, and most important of all, HON Circle members always get access to the Lufthansa First Class Terminal, Lufthansa First Class Lounges, and SWISS First Class Lounges, regardless of what cabin they’re flying.
That’s such a cool benefit. If I were a HON Circle member I’d probably book cheap tickets between Frankfurt and Munich every weekend just so I could hang out in those lounges. Then again, if I were a HON Circle member I’d probably be so tired of those lounges that I wouldn’t want to visit them anymore. 😉
To me the First Class Lounge access is the biggest perk of this status, given how exceptional Lufthansa’s First Class Lounges are.
It’s especially cool if you’re Frankfurt based, since you’ll never have to use the actual terminal again. You can just be dropped off at the First Class Terminal, enjoy the lounge, and then be driven to the plane. What a perk!
How many Lufthansa HON Circle members are there?
I have no clue. I’ve seen estimates that there are somewhere around 5,000 members, which probably sounds about right to me. In my experience there are typically anywhere from one to five per long haul flight. It all depends how premium the route is, the day of the week, etc.
Where does the term HON Circle come from?
Why did Lufthansa decide to name its top-tier status HON Circle? That’s a great question, and there’s not necessarily a simple answer, as Lufthansa has never publicly explained the name. I think most people would assume that the “HON” is short for “honorable.”
Here’s what we do know about the HON Circle name:
- In the late 1990s, long before HON Circle was introduced, Lufthansa temporarily had the “HON Club,” which was an invitation-only status at the time
- In the early 2000s, SWISS’ frequent flyer program used to be known as SWISS Travel Club, with “SWISS Circle” being an invitation-only status at the time
SWISS joined Lufthansa Group in 2007, eventually leading to the joint Miles & More frequent flyer program. So it sure seems like Lufthansa essentially merged the names of HON Club and SWISS Circle to create HON Circle.
Am I jealous of Lufthansa HON Circle members?
On one hand I’m super jealous of HON Circle members, since they get to use the Lufthansa First Class Terminal so often. On the other hand, I feel bad for how much time most HON Circle members spend in Lufthansa business class. I imagine a small minority of HON Circle members exclusively fly paid first class, but the number of people who are in a position to do that is limited.
So instead most HON Circle members are spending most of their time in Lufthansa’s subpar business class.
Sure, SWISS’ business class is a bit better, but ultimately these products still aren’t really competitive to the best out there. So it’s one thing if you work for a company with a corporate contract and flying Lufthansa business class is the only option, but if you have any flexibility, you’re giving up a better onboard experience by choosing to fly Lufthansa. I’d much rather fly business class on an airline with a better business class product and forgo the the first class ground experience, but that’s just me.
Bottom line
Miles & More HON Circle status is one of the most exclusive status levels out there, and earning it requires a lot of travel in premium cabins. While the perks aren’t that huge, access to first class lounges is a very nice benefit that’s especially nice if you’re based in Frankfurt, given the First Class Terminal. So the next time you’re on a flight with a HON Circle member, now you know just how much time they spend on the airline.
Are any OMAAT readers HON Circle members? If so, what has your experience been with the status?
Many (many!) years ago HON members received a special pin. That’s why they were called “HONorary pin holder”.
I've been a HON Circle Member for more than 16 years and it has saved me a lot of time and hassle when things go wrong. The availability of the HON Circle Hotline is extremely efficient (waiting times rarely more than 30 seconds), knowledgeable and result oriented. And very often they solve a problem I don't even know yet.
The service on board is extremely important for me. And the Lufthansa Group airlines never...
I've been a HON Circle Member for more than 16 years and it has saved me a lot of time and hassle when things go wrong. The availability of the HON Circle Hotline is extremely efficient (waiting times rarely more than 30 seconds), knowledgeable and result oriented. And very often they solve a problem I don't even know yet.
The service on board is extremely important for me. And the Lufthansa Group airlines never disappoint. I know that this is not the common opinion but I am always treated very well.
Yes, the hardware on the aircraft is outdated. But it is still fit-for-purpose, namely to transport me safely and comfortably from A to B. I regularly sleep well which may also be a result of the excellent service I receive.
Having access to the First Class Lounges is fantastic. However, I don't understand the hype about the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt. At least not anymore. Until a couple of years ago it was amongst the best lounges in the world. But today it is a zoo. Crowded, noisy and service level went down because of too many guests. Right now I prefer the lounges. The reason for this is clear: we have too many HON Circle Members right now because of the Double-Mile promotions that were run during the pandemic. But a lot of these HONs will disappear end of February 2025. And that's when the HON Circle will go back to what it was before: a real experience.
Am totally agree with you. FCT used to be the best lounge in the world, but not now. I really enjoy Zurich E gate FCL now. Soft product is always excellen on both LH and LX.
Completely agree too. Way too many HONs now in FRA/MUC/ZRH lounges. A zoo is the perfect way to put it.
The soft product and private event invitations are a nice touch too I would say. It’s probably the only elite status of loyalty programs that have such a great direct relationship with high revenue generating customers. Everything is highly personalized and the availability of direct contact is great! The CCC team in Basel is amazing!!!!
Meet&greet in FRA? Never.
Meet&greet on intercontinental stations? Yes in theory, but not everywhere.
Very true - never received a Meet & Greet in FRA. This seems to be a bit outdated. Even with the Passport control you just need to wait and depending on the time it takes forever (not LH fault to be clear).
You missed to mention a very important fact: only flights in Business and First Class give you HON Circle Qualifying Points!
"Circle" has been there in the 1990s when Swissair and its partners (including OS and SN) had the Qualiflyer programme. SWISS Travel Club inherited the "Circle" tier from Qualiflyer.
I’ve been HON for 8 years (through reaching the flying requirements) and have never flown LH/LX long haul business class in my life, and don’t plan on doing it anytime soon.
There is also a corporate program where companies can buy HON circle for their executives so I’m sure plenty of people don’t spend that much time in LH Biz
Where to get more information on this?
I heard a rumor that the DJ Paul van Dyk is one of the highest ranking Hon Circle members. He flies around the world every week for DJ gigs.
I was surprised to learn recently that the English DJ Judge Jules has a net worth of $42MM. So I believe it. I'm in the wrong line of work!
6.000 points on only "LH-group" flights, not even on major StarAlliance carriers allowed.
On a yearly basis, that is quite insane to reach.
There are a lot HON's out there who are still holding status under the old rules (some as long as of 02-2027) - but I highly suppose a hefty cut on HON members (maybe as low as under 1.000 people) - indeed making it an exclusive club on the planet....
6.000 points on only "LH-group" flights, not even on major StarAlliance carriers allowed.
On a yearly basis, that is quite insane to reach.
There are a lot HON's out there who are still holding status under the old rules (some as long as of 02-2027) - but I highly suppose a hefty cut on HON members (maybe as low as under 1.000 people) - indeed making it an exclusive club on the planet.
And oh yeah, there might be still status freaks out there who might fly Europa-FRA/MUC to Israel/Lebanon 10 times yearly return in Business (which is still not enough to credit 6.000) - but hey ... nevermind
The benefits seem to be on par with CK, GS, and D360. If someone is based in Canada or the US, it means flying to Germany (or CH or AS) on a monthly basis in a premium cabin . . . on revenue ticket. That'll be roughly $45k to $75k. That level of spending is on par with CK, GS, and D360. So, the high hurdle seems appropriate.
I have been a HON Circle members for 15y and it is hands down the best uber Loyalty program on the planet.
The 24h hotline and "fix it and get me home" is the ultimate under the radar perk that saves you days in airports during the course of a year.
Those benefits are standard at Aeroplan for super elites , and are very nice perks but at a fraction of the qualifying cost . 100000 miles per year plus 20k Canadian $ spend . Other than first lounge access I think the upgrades etc etc are better even .