Avianca’s LifeMiles Program: A Hidden Gem for Travelers
Navigating a foreign airline’s frequent flyer program can be intimidating, but the savings on award travel can be substantial. One such program that stands out is Avianca’s LifeMiles, offering highly appealing redemption rates for Star Alliance awards and unique features that make it worth exploring.
To earn Avianca LifeMiles, Cardless recently launched two new LifeMiles-branded credit cards in the United States. The Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card offers up to 100,000 bonus miles, while the Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card provides a bonus of up to 40,000 LifeMiles. Additionally, you can transfer points from various loyalty programs to your LifeMiles account at a 1:1 ratio.
When it comes to redeeming LifeMiles, Avianca allows you to use them for flights on Star Alliance carriers and partners like Gol Airlines and Iberia. The program follows a zone-based award chart, with some deviations for flights within the U.S. that can work in travelers’ favor.
One of the standout features of Avianca LifeMiles is its competitive rates for Star Alliance awards and the absence of fuel surcharges, resulting in minimal taxes and fees for award tickets. This makes it a popular choice for savvy travelers looking to maximize their redemption opportunities.
Despite some customer service challenges, Avianca is making efforts to improve its program, including the launch of a subscription-based miles service, LifeMiles+. Overall, Avianca’s LifeMiles program offers great value and flexibility for travelers willing to explore its benefits and sweet spots.