On May 15th, 2020 Lufthansa announced their general COVID courtesy for all frequent fliers whose status is expiring in 02/2021 that their status will be extended by one year. For many frequent fliers holding HON Circle status, this was seen as insufficient due to the qualification period of 2 calendar years.

Lufthansa and Miles&More have now added a COVID courtesy rule with regards to the HON Circle status, which will be communicated to all existing HON Circle members in a mailing this afternoon.

In 2021, all Miles&More members will be credited with the HON Circle miles they collected in 2019.

For existing HON Circle members, this effectively results in the following requalification period:

Status valid until 02/2022
Re-Qualification possible with the cumulated flight activities from 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Status valid until 02/2023
Re-Qualification possible with the cumulated flight activities from 2019, 2021 and 2022. The activities in 2019 + 2021 will be converted to the new points system according to the revised Miles&More rules effective from January 1st, 2022.

Due to technical limitations, both the website and the app will continue to display the regular 2-year qualification period. Those members who do not want (or cannot) do their own math will wait until the courtesy credit of the HON Circle miles has been done in 2021 to display the correct total amount of HON Circle miles good towards their qualification.

Senators will not receive a direct mailing, but these rules are valid for all Miles&More members. It is also meant to enable high value Senators to obtain the HON Circle Status.

Those qualifying for HON Circle status for the first time in 2020 can use the HON Circle miles collected in 2019 as a head-start towards their 2021/2022 re-qualification. Alternatively, one can qualify for HON Circle status in 2021 based on the flight activities in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

HON Circle services
While some services are still limited or suspended because of COVID-19, there are no plans to alter the benefit package. As soon as passenger numbers allow for it, all First Class facilities including the FCT shall re-open. There is a new agreement with FRAPort in place that allows HON Circle members to use the fast lane for pax without any hand luggage at any time now. Additionally, Lufthansa is currently exploring options to include COVID testing in the benefits package of their premium customers.