Avianca’s LifeMiles program has increased redemption costs on many popular routes just six months after previously raising Europe rates. According to Loyalty Lobby, the Bogota-based loyalty program has raised mileage costs for flights operated by Star Alliance partners, including United Airlines, EVA Airways, and All Nippon Airways, without prior notice.
Flights to Europe have seen an increase in economy and business class fares. Economy class tickets have risen from 35,000 miles to 40,000 miles one-way per person, plus taxes and fees—an increase of about 14%. Business class tickets now require 80,000 miles instead of the previous 70,000 miles one-way per person—a rise of approximately 15%. First-class prices remain unchanged after a previous 50% hike last year.
For Asia-bound flights, economy class fares have jumped from 47,000 miles to 55,000 miles one-way per person (up by about 18%), while business class now costs 100,000 miles compared to the earlier rate of 90,000 miles (up by about 11%). First-class pricing remains at 120,000 miles one-way per person.
Domestic flights within the U.S. have also experienced increases across the board. Some examples include Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which was previously priced at 7,500 miles one-way per person and is now at 10,000 miles. Other routes like Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) have similarly seen increases.
LifeMiles redemption rates for flights to Australia/New Zealand have also been adjusted. Economy class has increased from 40,000 miles to 55,000 miles one-way per person—an uptick of about 38%. Business class tickets now require 100,000 miles compared to the previous rate of 80,000—a rise of around 25%.
The LifeMiles program does not offer premium economy redemptions on any airline due to Avianca not operating this service class itself.
Additionally noted are discounts available through “LifeMiles+ World,” a paid monthly subscription service offering reduced redemption rates among other benefits. The minimum commitment for this service is six months.
LifeMiles remains easy to earn as it is a transfer partner with several major currencies including American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One Miles. Despite recent changes and challenges with seat availability on certain airlines like Lufthansa across the Atlantic route—where some seats may be blocked—the program continues offering options through its partnerships within Star Alliance.
Travelers considering alternatives can look into Air Canada’s Aeroplan program as it offers competitive pricing for both economy and business classes on routes similar to those affected by LifeMiles’ adjustments.
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