Airline frequent flyer programs offer great value to travelers, but only if you understand how to manage your miles before they expire. Avianca’s LifeMiles program is particularly valuable for Star Alliance travel, but has specific expiration policies you need to be aware of. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything about LifeMiles expiry, including effective strategies to keep your miles active and extend their validity.
About Avianca Airlines
Founded in 1919, Avianca is one of Latin America’s oldest and most prominent airlines. As Colombia’s flag carrier and a founding member of the Star Alliance, Avianca connects travelers to over 1,300 destinations worldwide through its extensive network and partner airlines.
What is LifeMiles
LifeMiles is Avianca’s frequent flyer program, replacing the previous “AviancaPlus” program when it launched in 2011. It has become one of the most versatile and valuable loyalty programs in the region.
The program allows members to earn miles through:
- Flights on Avianca and Star Alliance partner airlines
- Co-branded credit cards
- Hotel stays and car rentals
- Shopping through the LifeMiles portal
- Dining at partner restaurants
- Transfers from programs like Marriott, HDFC Credit Cards
What makes LifeMiles particularly attractive is its competitive award pricing, the absence of fuel surcharges on award tickets, and frequent mileage promotions.
Additionally, LifeMiles often sells miles directly at discounted rates, making it a flexible program for travelers even if they don’t frequently fly on Avianca.
Do LifeMiles Expire?
Yes, LifeMiles do expire after 12 months of account inactivity. This is a key policy that members need to understand to avoid losing their hard-earned miles.
Unlike some programs with fixed expiration dates, LifeMiles uses an activity-based expiration system. If you are an Elite member of Avianca, your points will not expire till 24 months.
How to keep them active
As long as you have at least one qualifying activity in your account every 12 months, your miles will remain valid.
Qualifying activities include:
- Flying on Avianca or Star Alliance partner airlines
- Using a LifeMiles co-branded credit card which is not available in India
- Earn miles with car rental partners like Hertz, Avis.
- Stay with hotel partners
By doing just one accrual transaction, your miles will extend for another 12 months. Please note that transferring points from HDFC cards or Marriott does not qualify as an earning activity.
Can you Extend them?
In case your points expire, you can extend them but it will be a little costly affair. You can reactivate expired LifeMiles in multiples of LM 1,000 by paying US$ 10 per LM 1,000. Call their customer care and ask for reinstating. Take help of one of your friend to speak in Spanish.
Conclusion
LifeMiles represent a valuable currency that can unlock memorable travel experiences and significant savings, but their 12-month expiration policy requires vigilance. By understanding how the lifemiles expiry policy works and implementing simple strategies to maintain activity, you can protect your miles indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need at least one qualifying earning or redemption activity every 12 months to keep your LifeMiles from expiring.
You can reinstate them for a fee of $10 for every 1000 miles.
Yes, Lifemiles expiry for elite status members is 24 months