Among frequent flyers, Avianca LifeMiles is primarily known for regularly offering mileage sales. There are constant promotions with bonuses of 150%, 160%, or higher when purchasing miles. This could definitely be worthwhile, as the program offered numerous sweet spots for redemptions.
However, like other frequent flyer programs, LifeMiles has been diligently devaluing its miles. Now there has been another devaluation, done secretly overnight. Numerous award flights now require between 14% and 133% more miles than before.
Since there is no official award chart anymore, tracking individual changes isn’t easy. Therefore, we’ve compiled some examples of award flights before and after the change:
- Lufthansa Business Class San Francisco → Frankfurt: 80,000 (previously 70,000 miles) + $29 (+14%)
- Lufthansa Economy Class New York → Munich: 40,000 (previously 35,000 miles) + $29 (+14%)
- United Business Class San Francisco → Sydney: 100,000 (previously 80,000 miles) + $56 (+25%)
- Lufthansa Business Class Toronto → Frankfurt: 80,000 (previously 63,000 miles) + $53 (+27%)
- United Economy Class Boston → Newark: 10,000 (previously 6,500 miles) + $6 (+53%)
- EVA Air Business Class Taipei → Hong Kong: 35,000 (previously 15,000 miles) + $16 (+133%)
Some sweet spots remain unchanged, including the following:
- Swiss Business Class Zurich → Dubai: 42,000 miles + $40
- Swiss Business Class Toronto → Zurich → Frankfurt: 63,000 miles + $58
- Lufthansa Economy Paris → Frankfurt: 5,000 miles + $35
Unlike Miles&More and similar programs, Avianca LifeMiles does not pass on fuel surcharges. However, for long-haul flights, there is a booking fee of $25, which is already included in the figures above.
Second Devaluation Within Six Months
Just six months ago, Avianca raised numerous award ticket prices. At that time, transatlantic flights were primarily affected, e.g. many business class flights across the Atlantic increased from 63,000 to 70,000 miles. Now, in many cases, 80,000 points are required.
Conclusion
2025 will likely be a year of devaluations, just like the previous year. Avianca is actually a rather insignificant Star Alliance member with a limited route network. However, through mileage sales, the airline has made a lot of money and gained recognition. Now it is increasingly losing customer trust. Purchasing miles is only advisable if you can use them immediately.
Translated by Ditmar