The ability to hack awards to pay less miles than the published chart rates, and the fact that there are no fuel surcharges make Avianca LifeMiles one of my favorite airline programs. The purpose of this post is to give an overview of the strengths of Avianca LifeMiles as a reference when looking at transfer partners of the major currencies.
We have updated this sweet spot guide due to the 2022 award chart changes for awards to Asia both to reflect the new award pricing and to provide an updated example of mixed-cabin pricing. As a reminder, you can find more resources like this one on our Resources page, linked at the top of any page on Frequent Miler.
Collecting miles
Transfer points
Amex, Brex, Citi, Marriott, and Capital One transfer partners make it easy to accumulate miles from transfers. Transfer bonuses to LifeMiles can allow you to stretch your points further. The standard point transfer ratios are listed.
Rewards Program
Amex Transfer Ratio
Chase Transfer Ratio
Citi Transfer Ratio
Marriott Transfer Ratio
Capital One Transfer Ratio
Brex Transfer Ratio
Avianca LifeMiles
1 to 1
1 to 1
60K to 25K
1 to 1
1 to 1
Buy points on sale
Frequent sales on points are offered by LifeMiles. The offers will be listed in this post. Depending on the sale, LifeMiles can offer between 1.2c and 1.4c each.
Credit cards are offered by Avianca Lifemiles. Click the card names to find out more about the current bonus information.
Hacking Avianca LifeMiles awards to pay less
Use Avianca LifeMiles to fly Lufthansa First Class with no fuel surcharges and for less than sticker price with the right hacks.
There are a lot of ways to pay less than the award chart rates for the program. The rates shown in the sections below are usually before considering ways to reduce the price. There are a number of ways to save on LifeMiles awards.
Award Ticket Sales
Reduced-rate award tickets are sometimes put on sale. It is possible that they may offer sales to other regions for awards to Asia or South America. When a region is on sale, it is worth keeping an eye out for emails from LifeMiles.
Award Pricing Anomalies
Some flights are priced below their award chart rates. We wrote a lot about this phenomenon.
There are anomalies popping up in different regions and routes. Good sweet spots on select routes can be found thanks to the reduced pricing. Here are some examples of this phenomenon that have not been reported.
New York (JFK) to Zurich for 16.5K miles one way in economy class (should be 30K)
New York (JFK) to Lisbon for 35K one way in business class (should be 63K)
Mixed-cabin awards (more on these in the next section) sometimes price differently depending on the combination of partners
There are a lot of examples of this. You never know when you'll find a spot that's right for you.
There is a hack on the LifeMiles. The awards are based on the percentage of distance traveled in each cabin. If you book a trip that is 10,000 miles in total distance and you travel 4,000 miles in economy class and 6,000 miles in business class, Avianca will charge you 40% of the economy class price and 50% of the business class price. The final price is based on percentage of total distance flown in each cabin, but the exact price does work out exactly down to the mile, and there are some other variables. Some great opportunities can be found in this situation.
Business class from most of Europe to the USA should cost 63K miles. You can see this flight from Paris to Newark in business class.
The total price will decrease if you add some economy class segments. On the same business class flight, Paris to Newark is followed by another flight to Seattle.
There is a small print at the bottom of the screen shot that shows how much that itinerary costs. You only need to transfer 38,000 Citi ThankYou points to cover the cost of Paris to Newark, which is 25% less than the cost of the entire trip. If you only want to travel to Newark, you may be able to get off the plane in Newark and not take the connecting flights. If there are irregular operations, you might end up rebooking on a route that doesn't connect at Newark. If your bags get lost and you can't find them in Newark, I assume that United will try to deliver them to you. It is possible that United and/or Avianca will be upset with you if you make a habit of doing this. People miss connecting flights all the time, so if you do this once or twice it won't be noticed. For more warnings and considerations, see the section titled "LifeMiles Skiplagging (advanced flyers only)".
In the fall of 2022, Avianca LifeMiles increased redemption rates to Asia and now charge 90K miles one way in business class from the US to Asia. There is an award flight from Seattle to Tokyo in business class.
If you book Seattle to Singapore and an economy class leg to Singapore, you can save more than 30% over booking the flight from Seattle to Tokyo alone.
There are a few examples, but Greg has many more similar examples in his post. It's worth noting that award pricing can vary by partners.
You might be able to pay less than the award rates shown by using the techniques and scenarios above.
Avianca LifeMiles Sweet Spots (Economy Class)
Africa in economy from 40K each way
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive pricing for Star Alliance awards with no fuel surcharges.
Miles required: Officially, 40K each way in economy class to South Africa (which includes most of Africa) or 42.5K each way to North Africa (and the Middle East). Note that there is sometimes variance (See: The secret LifeMiles award chart), though we are not aware of any such pricing anomalies to Africa.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Keep in mind that the mandatory $25 booking fee (added to all bookings) is the same whether one-way or round trip, so book round trip to save.
Transfer from: Amex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
ANA Mileage Plan charges just 65K round trip on Star Alliance and is an Amex transfer partner, but they do pass on fuel surcharges so you will want to avoid the Lufthansa Group flights. For more information and a comparison of options, see our Best ways to get to Africa with miles.
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers one-ways on United to the “rest of North America” (i.e. not the US) for 12,500 miles each way in economy class.
Miles required: 12,500 miles each way in economy class
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points.
Transfer from: Amex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
Turkish Miles & Smiles charges just 10k each way to international destinations in North America or 7.5k to Caribbean destinations that are part of the United States, though booking through Turkish is often more difficult than LifeMiles. For more information and a full comparison of options, see our best ways to get to the Caribbean.
Europe in economy: 20-30K each way (exceptions from 16.5K one-way)
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive pricing for Star Alliance awards, with some routes to Europe inexplicably pricing lower than the award chart.
Miles required: Officially, the LifeMiles award chart offers economy class at 20K one-way from the Northeastern US to the British Isles, Scandinavia, and Russia or 30K one-way on all other routes between the US and Europe. However, there is some inexplicable variance (See: The secret LifeMiles award chart), with some routes pricing well under the expected 30K economy class price (such as JFK to Zurich for 16,500 miles or Denver to Brussels for 23K). Also see: Trying to crack the LifeMiles secret code to Europe.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com, though note that you may be able to make a manual booking if individual segments are available separately. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Keep in mind that the mandatory $25 booking fee (added to all bookings) is the same whether one-way or round trip, so book round trip to save. Also note that as of May 2020, Avianca has filed for bankruptcy protection. LifeMiles is not yet affected by this process and may not be, but given the uncertain state of global economics it may be wise to hold off on bookings that aren't time-sensitive.
Transfer from: Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Cash, Citi Thank You, Capital One, Marriott Bonvoy
We sometimes see a couple of routes from the US for 10K-15K each way in economy class, which is a comparison point. For more information and a comparison of options, see our best ways to get to Europe.
North America from 7.5K in economy (or less on some routes)
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers one-ways on United within a single "zone" at excellent prices. Some flights price even less than the "official" rates.
Miles required: As per the old award chart, the US is split into 3 zones. Within a single zone is officially 7.5K one-way in economy class or 10K one-way in business class. Between Zone 1 (most of the East Coast) and Zone 2 (most of the states apart from the far west) is 10K one-way in economy or 15K in business class. Note that some routes price below the chart for no clear reason. Note also that mixed-cabin itineraries can price favorably in some instances. See: Avianca LifeMiles' awesome mixed-cabin award pricing. First class for less.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Change and cancellation fees: Theoretically $50 within a region, though flights between regions can cost $200 to cancel.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points.
Transfer from: Amex, Brex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
Turkish Miles & Smiles charges just 7.5K each way for domestic Star Alliance flights, which means that flights within the US on United or within Canada on Air Canada are less expensive. International flights between the US and most North American destinations cost 10K each way. For more information on how to get to the US and Canada using miles, see our best ways.
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive Star Alliance pricing to both Northern and Southern South America with no fuel surcharges. Note that you can mix cabins on partner awards to save miles, which means that in some cases you can fly your long-haul flight in business class for not much more.
Miles required: According to the old award chart, flights to Northern South America are 20K each way in economy class and Southern South America costs 30K one way in economy class. However, flights on Avianca metal may price out at less than 20K each way in some instances (and always keep your eye out for Avianca pricing anomalies).
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Also note that as of May 2020, Avianca has filed for bankruptcy protection. LifeMiles is not yet affected by this process and may not be, but given the uncertain state of global economics it may be wise to hold off on bookings that aren't time-sensitive.
Transfer from: Amex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
Virgin Atlantic charges less for flights on the shortest routes to South America than American Airlines does. For more information and a comparison of options, see our best ways to get to South America.
Avianca LifeMiles Sweet Spots (Business and First Class)
Asia in business class from 75K one-way or first class from 90K one-way (or less)
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles increased redemption rates in 2022, but business class awards may still be a good deal since they are semi-hackable by finding the right partners and/or adding a long economy class leg.
Miles required: From 90K each way in business or 120K each way in first class, no fuel surcharges. Those prices are not very good, but note two things: first, there is sometimes variance by partner or city pair (See: The secret LifeMiles award chart); second, it is possible to pay less by combining a long-haul premium cabin flight with a long-haul economy class flight. See: Avianca LifeMiles’ awesome mixed-cabin award pricing: First class for less).
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Keep in mind that the mandatory $25 booking fee (added to all bookings) is the same whether one-way or round trip, so book round trip to save.
Transfer from: Amex, Capital One, Citi, Marriott
The ANA Mileage Club has a phenomenal award chart with round trip awards to Japan from 75K round trip in business class. For more information and a comparison of options, see our best ways to get to Asia.
Africa in business class for 78K each way or first class for 105K each way
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive pricing for Star Alliance awards with no fuel surcharges.
Miles required: Officially, 78K each way in business or 105K each way in first class with no fuel surcharges. Note that there is some variance (See: The secret LifeMiles award chart). Also see: Avianca LifeMiles’ awesome mixed-cabin award pricing: First class for less for ways to fly first class for even fewer miles). In short, it is possible to pair the long-haul flights in business with connecting segments in economy class to pay fewer total miles.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Keep in mind that the mandatory $25 booking fee (added to all bookings) is the same whether one-way or round trip, so book round trip to save.
Transfer from: Amex Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou points, Capital One miles, Marriott Bonvoy
ANA Mileage Plan charges just 104K round trip on Star Alliance and is an Amex transfer partner, but they do pass on fuel surcharges, so you will want to avoid Lufthansa Group flights. There are many ways to get to Africa using miles.
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive pricing for Star Alliance awards, especially in first class, with no fuel surcharges.
Miles required: 63K each way in business or 87K each way in first class, no fuel surcharges. Note that there is some variance, with some routes inexplicably pricing well below the official award chart like Newark to Lisbon for 35K miles in business class (See: The secret LifeMiles award chart). Also see: Avianca LifeMiles’ awesome mixed-cabin award pricing: First class for less for ways to fly first class for even fewer miles). Mixed-cabin business class itineraries can price from as low as 49K. See: Trying to crack the LifeMiles secret code to Europe.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com, though you may be able to email for a manual booking. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Keep in mind that the mandatory $25 booking fee (added to all bookings) is the same whether one-way or round trip, so book round trip to save.
Transfer from: Amex Membership Rewards, Brex Cash, Capital One, Citi Thank You, Marriott Bonvoy
On its flights to/from Europe, Iberia charges less than 34K miles for business class. For more information and a comparison of options, see our best ways to get to Europe.
North America from 10K in business class (or less on some routes)
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers one-ways on United within a single "zone" at excellent prices. Some flights price even less than the "official" rates.
Miles required: As per the old award chart, the US is split into 3 zones. Within a single zone is officially 7.5K one-way in economy class or 10K one-way in business class. Between Zone 1 (most of the East Coast) and Zone 2 (most of the states apart from the far west) is 10K one-way in economy or 15K in business class. Note that some routes price below the chart for no clear reason. Note also that mixed-cabin itineraries can price favorably in some instances. See: Avianca LifeMiles' awesome mixed-cabin award pricing. First class for less.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Change and cancellation fees: Theoretically $50 within a region, though flights between regions can cost $200 to cancel.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points.
Transfer from: Amex, Brex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
Turkish Miles & Smiles charges just 12.5K each way for business class domestic Star Alliance flights, which means that flights entirely within the US on United or entirely within Canada on Air Canada are free. Each way between the US and most North American international destinations costs 15K in business class. For more information on how to get to the US and Canada using miles, see our best ways.
Oceania for 80K each way in business class
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles might have somewhat hackable awards if you could find premium cabin space on the long-haul.
Miles required: 80K miles in business class from the US to Australia / New Zealand / Oceania, but see Avianca LifeMiles' awesome mixed-cabin award pricing: First class for less for info on how this might be hackable if premium space exists. Note also that Air New Zealand economy class flights price lower than the chart shows for flights to/from Los Angeles. Business class may also price lower if you can find availability.
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you'll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points.
The ANA Mileage Plan requires round trip booking for 105K round trip in business class on ANA flights during low season. For more information and a comparison of options, see our Best ways to get to Oceania.
South America in business class from 35K one-way
The short story: Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive Star Alliance pricing to both Northern and Southern South America with no fuel surcharges. Note that you can mix cabins on partner awards to save miles, which can be useful if you need a positioning flight.
Miles required: According to the old award chart, flights to Northern South America are 35K each way in business class and Southern South America costs 60K one way in business class. However, flights on Avianca metal appear to be pricing out at 40K - 55K (while partner awards follow the old chart).
How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account)
How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
Key warnings: Availability at LifeMiles.com does not always match what you’ll find at United.com. Phone agents generally do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. Always check the LifeMiles site before transferring points. Also note that as of May 2020, Avianca has filed for bankruptcy protection. LifeMiles is not yet affected by this process and may not be, but given the uncertain state of global economics it may be wise to hold off on bookings that aren't time-sensitive.
Transfer from: Amex, Citi, Capital One, Marriott
American Airlines to much of northern South America is 30K each way and LATAM award flights cost 45K miles each way, so Alaska's award chart options are a little better. For more information and a comparison of options, see our best ways to get to South America.
