Star Alliance frequent flyer program Avianca LifeMiles is testing points transfers with Brazilian carrier Gol, which is a much bigger deal than it might seem at first.

We have good news for you! You have been selected to participate in a pilot test for a new benefit. Smiles will soon be offering this opportunity to a select group of members as well.

Starting today, you have the ability to convert your miles from lifemiles to Smiles; the loyalty program & currency of avianca’s sister airline GOL. You will need to have a Smiles account to convert your miles. If you are not yet a member you can join for free.

LifeMiles calls this “a temporary benefit” they “will evaluate the results in a few months” but certainly the intention is for it to be a permanent feature of the program.

Points currently transfer 1:3 but as part of this test that may be adjusted – something they’ll be looking at monthly.

For example, if you need 150,000 Smiles for your redemption, and the applicable exchange rate at the time is 3:1, then you’ll need to convert 50,000 lifemiles.

Once your lifemiles are converted to Smiles, you’ll have 12 months to use them before they expire. In case you don’t use them, you can convert them back to lifemiles before they expire at the exchange rate that applies at that time.

American Airlines and Gol have an exclusive partnership over Brazil, have worked towards a joint frequent flyer program and joint credit card, and offer elevated elite benefits between the two carriers.

This creates interesting arbitrage opportunities – with occasional American Airlines flyers having the ability to move points into a Star Alliance program (Lifemiles) and occasional Star customers being able to credit to LifeMiles and have the opportunity to redeem with American. This is in some ways similar to the role that Aer Lingus played as it partnered with both United and British Airways.