Avianca LifeMiles is a popular Star Alliance frequent flyer program for U.S. members because they sell miles inexpensively on a regular basis, and because you can transfer points into their program from several different credit card currencies. They have generally reasonable redemption pricing and no fuel surcharges, though getting customer service when things go wrong can be challenging at times.
There was a problem many members were experiencing this month where points would be transferred to the LifeMiles program, it would look to the bank program that the miles transfer went through, but account balances didn’t update. The program says this is solved.
Daniel Paredes from LifeMiles shares with me that,
The issue was related to some members who transferred points from other loyalty programs (such as Amex Rewards, Citi Thankyou Points, etc) to LifeMiles and did not show up/were available to use immediately to redeem; despite having confirmation from the partner and LifeMiles itself that the transfer was successful. Once again, this issue is now fixed 100%.
There shouldn’t, then, be concerns making points transfers to LifeMiles now if you were planning to do that.
Sometimes LifeMiles does not post availabilities even when they show up on United or on ExpertFlyer. However, my experience with their agents in the handful of times I had to call them had always been fast and efficient.
I’ve always wanted to enroll in the program but the horror stories of customer service and inability to see award space kept me away
I have had a lot of trouble with BA customer service with their inept foreign call centers which aren’t open most of the time I need them and hours of wait times on hold to be disconnected
Even during Covid they hit me with cancelation fees.I know longer earn in the program
Is LifeMiles any better?
Dwondermeant,
I loathe dealing with BA if you have call in. Lifemiles used to be the same way, though over roughly the last year things have really improved. I have snagged some great last minute redemptions like my flight last year on LH in F from JFK-FRA.
LifeMiles customer service usually just hangs up on you as soon as you say hello. I had booked a flight on Air Canada that got messed up when AC changed schedules. Had to go through LifeMiles to correct issue since issued with their ticket code. AC tried to work with LifeMiles and also ran into constant refusal to even attempt to communicate. AC was so frustrated that they took pity on me and just issued me points to cover a new flight.