Updated May 2026
Quick Answer
Everything you need to know about Brazil’s Smiles frequent flyer program in English: how to earn, redeem, transfer points, and maximize value in 2026. — read the complete guide below with current rates, tips, and step-by-step instructions.
Smiles Frequent Flyer Program: Complete English Guide 2026
Smiles is Brazil’s largest frequent flyer program, operated by GOL Airlines. With over 15 million members and connections to the SkyTeam alliance, it’s a powerful tool for both domestic and international travel.
✈️ What is Smiles?
Smiles is the loyalty program of GOL Linhas Aéreas, Brazil’s largest domestic airline by market share. Founded in 2007, it connects to the SkyTeam alliance, giving members access to Air France, KLM, Delta, Aeromexico, and 15+ partner airlines worldwide.
💰 How to Earn Smiles Miles
- Flying GOL: earn miles based on distance and fare class
- Credit cards: many Brazilian cards transfer to Smiles (Amex, Itaú, Bradesco, etc.)
- Points transfer: Livelo, Esfera, and Digio points convert to Smiles
- Partners: hotels (Accor, Marriott), car rentals, and retail partners
- Smiles Club: subscription that reduces redemption costs by up to 30%
🎫 How to Redeem Smiles Miles
Redemptions are made directly at smiles.com.br. Log in, search for flights under “Emitir passagem” (Redeem flight), enter your route and dates, and select payment with miles.
Cost ranges: 8,000-15,000 miles for domestic economy, 30,000-80,000 miles for international economy to Europe/USA.
🔄 Transferring Points to Smiles
You can transfer points from multiple Brazilian programs to Smiles. Common routes:
- Livelo → Smiles: 1:1 ratio, with frequent 50-100% bonuses
- Esfera (Santander) → Smiles: variable rate
- Amex Membership Rewards → Smiles: 1:1 transfer
⏰ Miles Expiration
Smiles miles expire after 2 years of account inactivity. Any transaction (earning or redeeming) resets the clock. Even a small purchase at a Smiles partner renews expiration without spending miles.
🏆 Smiles Club — Is It Worth It?
Smiles Club is a monthly subscription (R$30-R$70/month depending on tier) that reduces redemption costs by 15-30% and eliminates change/cancellation fees. For frequent redeemers, the savings typically far exceed the subscription cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Smiles is open to anyone with a Brazilian CPF. Even tourists visiting Brazil can create an account and earn miles on GOL flights. International credit card transfers are not directly available, but you can buy Smiles miles with foreign credit cards.
Smiles primarily operates in Portuguese. For English assistance, you may have better luck contacting GOL Airlines directly, as some agents speak English.
No. Smiles is part of SkyTeam, not Star Alliance. You can book with Air France, KLM, Delta, Aeromexico, Korean Air, and other SkyTeam members using Smiles miles.
Log into smiles.com.br or the Smiles app (available in iOS and Android). The balance is shown on the dashboard. The app is primarily in Portuguese.
