I receive compensation for content and many links on this blog. Citibank is an advertising partner of this site, as is American Express, Chase, Barclays and Capital One. Any opinions expressed in this post are my own, and have not been reviewed, approved, or endorsed by my advertising partners. I do not write about all credit cards that are available -- instead focusing on miles, points, and cash back (and currencies that can be converted into the same). Terms apply to the offers and benefits listed on this page.
Avianca’s LifeMiles is a Star Alliance frequent flyer program that:
- Has a reasonable award chart
- Sells miles cheap
- Doesn’t add fuel surcharges
- Let’s you book partner tickets online
- Partners with several banks to let you transfer miles
LifeMiles is one of the best frequent flyer programs for advanced miles and points collectors because they have hidden deals and there are tricks to reduce the price of awards.
I once heard the head of the program give a presentation where he called miles earned by flying “bad miles” and miles sold to partners (like banks) and to customers “good miles.” This frequent flyer program is basically the consolidator for Star Alliance airline excess premium cabin inventory. Lots of ways to get their miles cheap, and use them for seats that their partners aren’t going to sell for cash (saver award inventory).
Recently I wrote about the Avianca LifeMiles credit card‘s exceptional offer for a 50% bigger initial bonus than usual using a promo code. That offer ends September 30.
There’s also a 145% bonus buying LifeMiles. I received an offer of a 130% bonus, but One Mile at a Time reports some can buy with a 145% offer netting miles as low as 1.35 cents apiece (the lowest I see them go generally).
Avianca is an Airline — and Not Just a Frequent Flyer Program That Sells Partner Seats Cheap
Whether you’re snatching up miles from their credit card offer, transferring them in with a bonus, or buying them on the cheap there are great ways to use these miles — domestic awards start at just 3500 miles one way on United, transatlantic awards start at 16,500 miles one way (again, no fuel surcharges), and one of the things I covered this summer is Star Alliance award sales.
- Frequent flyer programs often discount awards on their own airline but rarely partners
- And when discounts run it’s generally for coach
- However in this case LifeMiles is currently running a promotion on certain premium cabin routes on Star Alliance airlines
One Mile at a Time was first to point out this new award sale for bookings made by October 18 and travel into the future offering 10% – 31% off specific routes. For instance,
- Chicago, Houston, or Los Angeles to Taipei business class for 64,000 miles
- Los Angeles or San Francisco to Hong Kong business class for 64,000 miles
- Los Angeles – Seoul or Shanghai business class for 64,000 miles
- New York JFK or Washington Dulles to Beijing business class for 67,500 miles (Dulles only) or first class for 81,000 miles (both).
Now is a great time to have LifeMiles, however you’re accumulating them.
@ Gary — Avianca is bankrupt.
@Gene. Avianca Brazil is BK. Avianca Colombia and the other Avianca entities are solvent at present. And LifeMiles is a separate corporate entity.
I took advantage of last year’s sale on miles and award flights to Asia and flew LAX-ICN on Asiana F. I really do wish Avianca would have sales on award flights other than Asia sometimes.
@Neal Z. Avianca Colombia is in a very bad financial position and had to restructure debt to survive. There’s even a leaked video of the CEO saying they’re bankrupt. I’m not saying they’ll go down and miles will be worthless, but failing to mention their dire situation in this post is just wrong.