Avianca’s LifeMiles program, a Star Alliance member, is offering a 100% bonus on purchased miles through December 31. This is only open to members whose accounts were open prior to today.

I love the tagline, ‘Buy iles 2×1’, my eyes tricked me when I first read it and thought they were trying to sell me “lies.” After all, back in May they tweaked some award prices without notice and increased the cash cost of cash and points awards as well.

That said, when they joined Star Alliance I declared the program the most generous in the alliance. After United’s devaluation, which goes into effect February 1, that’s likely true. They are part of my “Devaluation Plan B” which is to look to international frequent flyer programs for value if and when US programs devalue further.

There are no fuel surcharges, they offer one-way awards which are priced reasonably, and as with this offer they sell miles cheap. They also offer ‘cash and points’ which means that as long as you have 40% of the miles needed for an award you can buy the rest at the time of redemption for just over 1.5 cents apiece.

That said, their call centers are frustrating and they don’t permit “mixed cabin” redemption — so if you are redeeming a transatlantic business class award, all segments need to be in business class (including domestic US flights, and intra-Europe flights).

(HT: Lucky)

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