How to Earn LifeMiles
LifeMiles are one of the most accessible airline currencies, as you can transfer points from almost every major bank program.
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Credit Card Transfers | LifeMiles are incredibly easy to earn. They are a transfer partner of Amex, Citi, Capital One, and Bilt Rewards. |
| Co-branded Credit Cards | Avianca offers its own co-branded credit cards in the U.S. through Banco Popular. |
| Flying Star Alliance | Earn miles when you fly on Avianca or any Star Alliance partner airline like United, Lufthansa, or ANA. |
| Buying Miles | LifeMiles frequently runs promotions to buy miles at a significant discount, which can be a good deal for a specific redemption. |
How to Use LifeMiles
LifeMiles uses a region-based award chart for its Star Alliance partners. The best part? You almost never have to worry about huge fuel surcharges.
- Quirky Website: Be warned, the LifeMiles website can be slow and sometimes won't show all available flights. Patience is key when searching!
- No Close-in Fees: Unlike some programs, LifeMiles won't charge you extra for booking a flight close to the departure date.
Pro Tip: Search Segment by Segment
The Best Deals (Sweet Spots)
Here’s how to get amazing value from your LifeMiles:
This is the program's biggest selling point. LifeMiles doesn't pass on those hefty fuel surcharges from partners like Lufthansa or Austrian, which can save you hundreds of dollars per ticket.
A unique feature. If you book a trip with one leg in economy and another in business, LifeMiles calculates a blended, lower price. Perfect for trips with a short domestic connection.
Fly on United within a single US region (e.g., West Coast to West Coast) for as low as 6,500 miles one-way.
A very competitive rate. Fly from the US to Europe in a lie-flat business class seat for just 63,000 miles on partners like United, Swiss, or SAS.
Partners & Rules
As a member of Star Alliance, LifeMiles gives you access to a massive global network of airlines.
- Key Star Alliance Partners: United, Lufthansa, ANA, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada.
- Other Partners: You can also redeem miles on Iberia, GOL, and Aeromexico.
- The Rules: You must fly a reasonably direct route. Stopovers are not allowed on award tickets, so think of each booking as a one-way trip.