LifeMiles, Avianca’s frequent flyer program, is the latest to surprise its members with an unannounced mileage devaluation. Today, prices for many award flights were increased—by up to 49% in initial checks.
The changes appear to affect only transatlantic flights to and from the USA. The biggest increase was in first class, where prices were raised from 87,000 to 130,000 miles. In business class, most flights now require 70,000 miles instead of the previous 63,000. Fortunately, LifeMiles does not impose fuel surcharges on redemptions, so there are still some attractive redemption options available.
However, two aspects leave a sour taste: First, there was no advance notice, depriving members of the opportunity to redeem miles before the changes. Second, LifeMiles has been actively selling award miles for years—only to suddenly devalue them. This is yet another program that is playing with the loyalty of its members (although loyalty may never have been particularly high in this case).
All Travel Classes Affected
Prices have also increased in economy class. Below are some examples of prices before and after the devaluation (one-way):
- Lufthansa first class Frankfurt → Washington D.C.: 130,000 instead of 87,000 miles – plus €160 (+49%)
- Swiss business class Zurich → Boston: 70,000 instead of 63,000 miles – plus €74 (+11%)
- Lufthansa business class Frankfurt → Washington D.C.: 70,000 instead of 63,000 miles – plus €160 (+11%)
- Austrian business class Vienna → Los Angeles: 70,000 instead of 63,000 miles – plus €81 (+11%)
- Austrian economy class Vienna → Los Angeles: 39,000 instead of 30,000 miles – plus €81 (+30%)
- Lufthansa economy class Munich → New York: 35,000 instead of 30,000 miles – plus €144 (+17%)
- United economy class New York → Munich: 35,000 instead of 30,000 miles – plus €26 (+17%)
Non-US Routes Unchanged
Now for some good news: If you’re not planning to travel to the USA, the increased prices do not currently affect you. Everything else appears to remain the same for now, e.g. the following redemptions are still available:
- Lufthansa first class Frankfurt → Buenos Aires: 114,000 miles (plus €121)
- Lufthansa business class Toronto → Frankfurt: 63,000 miles (plus €43)
- Swiss business class Zurich → Dubai: 42,000 miles (plus €37)
- Lufthansa economy class Paris → Frankfurt: 5,000 miles (plus €33)
- Austrian business class Frankfurt → Vienna → Tokyo: 75,000 miles (plus €112)
Of course, there are still many other sweet spots for redeeming miles. The list above is just a sample based on current availability.
Sources: Flyertalk, LoyaltyLobby & One Mile at a Time