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What is LifeMiles?
LifeMiles is the loyalty program of Avianca Airlines, a member of the Star Alliance network. LifeMiles allows members to earn and redeem miles across a vast array of airline partners, providing access to numerous destinations worldwide. The program is renowned for its competitive redemption rates, lack of fuel surcharges, and frequent promotions on purchased miles.
LifeMiles Elite Status Tiers
The LifeMiles program offers four elite status tiers, each with specific qualification requirements and benefits:
| Tier | Qualifying Miles (Total) | Qualifying Miles on Avianca | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Plus | 6,000 | 1,000 | - Lounge Access: One entry per year. - Seat Selection: Free economy seat selection; Plus and exit-row seats at check-in. - Discounts: 5% off premium seat purchases. - Mileage Bonus: 10% bonus on earned miles. - Priority Services: Standby and waitlist priority. - Star Alliance Status: Silver. - Other: 24-month mileage validity; maternity leave extension; LifeMiles Club subscription discount. |
| Silver | 12,000 | 6,000 | - All Red Plus benefits, plus: - Lounge Access: Five entries per year; two guest passes. - Upgrades: Two business class upgrades to North America per year. - Seat Selection: Two premium seat selections; Plus and exit-row seats at booking. - Discounts: 10% off premium seat purchases. - Baggage: Extra checked bag. - Mileage Bonus: 30% bonus on earned miles. - Priority Services: Check-in and customer service priority. - Boarding: Group B. - Other: Same-day flight changes within Colombia. |
| Gold | 24,000 | 12,000 | - All Silver benefits, plus: - Lounge Access: 20 entries per year; eight guest passes; access to partner VIP lounges with one guest. - Upgrades: Four business class upgrades to North America per year. - Seat Selection: Four premium seat selections. - Discounts: 15% off premium seat purchases. - Mileage Bonus: 50% bonus on earned miles. - Boarding: Group A. - Star Alliance Status: Gold. |
| Diamond | 45,000 | 22,500 | - All Gold benefits, plus: - Lounge Access: Unlimited entries; 12 guest passes; access to VIP Diamond Lounges with one guest. - Upgrades: Two business class upgrades to Europe per year; seven to North America per year. - Seat Selection: Seven premium seat selections. - Discounts: 20% off premium seat purchases. - Mileage Bonus: 70% bonus on earned miles. |
Note: Qualification requirements and benefits are subject to change. For the most current information, refer to the official LifeMiles Elite Program page.
Key changes to LifeMiles in 2025
- Award Chart Adjustments: In early 2025, Avianca LifeMiles implemented changes to its award pricing, affecting several popular routes. For instance, domestic United Airlines economy awards increased from 6,500 to 10,000 miles, and business class flights from the U.S. East Coast to Europe rose from 45,000 to 80,000 miles.
- Elite Status Enhancements: LifeMiles revised its elite tiers with improved benefits:
- Silver: Unlimited Avianca business class upgrades, VIP lounge access, 25% mileage bonus, and Star Alliance Silver status.
- Gold: Adds access to partner lounges with a guest, 75% bonus miles, priority check-in, and Star Alliance Gold status.
- Diamond: Highest tier with enhanced upgrade priority, dedicated concierge services, and maximum mileage bonuses.
- Credit Card Partnerships: Avianca introduced refreshed credit cards, including the Avianca LifeMiles American Express® Elite Card, offering up to 120,000 bonus miles, automatic Silver status, and lounge access.
How many LifeMiles for a flight?
LifeMiles uses region-based pricing for award travel, with no fuel surcharges on most redemptions. Here’s what to expect for one-way flights:
| Route | Economy Class (Miles) | Business Class (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. to Europe | 30,000 - 40,000 | 80,000 |
| U.S. to Northern South America | 20,000 - 25,000 | 35,000 - 40,000 |
| U.S. to Asia | 35,000 - 40,000 | 100,000 |
| U.S. to Australia/New Zealand | 40,000 | 100,000 |
Example redemptions: 80,000 miles for business class from New York to Zurich on SWISS, 35,000 miles for business class from Miami to Bogotá on Avianca, or 100,000 miles for business class from Los Angeles to Sydney on United.
How much are LifeMiles worth?
The estimated average value of a LifeMiles mile is between 1.2 and 1.8 cents (USD) per mile, although with strategic redemptions it can exceed 3 cents. The value depends on the route, class of service, partner availability, and whether the miles were purchased during promotions. The best value is typically obtained by booking long-haul Business Class flights in advance on Star Alliance airlines. The worst value appears on short routes in Economy Class or when redeeming miles purchased without a discount.
Key features of LifeMiles
- Tiers and Elite Status: Red Plus, Silver, Gold, and Diamond.
- What We Love: Competitive redemption rates, no fuel surcharges, and frequent discounted award sales.
- Exclusive Perks: Access to Star Alliance partners, ability to purchase discounted miles, and the LifeMiles+ subscription offering monthly bonuses and discounts.
- Best Redemptions: Business Class to Europe for 80,000 miles, Business Class to South America for 35,000 miles, First Class to Asia from 100,000 miles.
- Award Release Dates: Varies by partner; book as early as possible for best availability. Read our full guide here.
Airlines You Can Book Using Avianca LifeMiles
Aegean (A3)
Air Canada (AC)
Air China (CA)
Air India (AI)
Air New Zealand (NZ)
ANA (NH)
Asiana Airlines (OZ)
Austrian (OS)
Avianca (AV)
Brussels Airlines (SN)
Copa Airlines (CM)
Croatia Airlines (OU)
Egyptair (MS)
Ethiopian Airlines (ET)
EVA Air (BR)
LOT (LO)
Lufthansa (LH)
SAS (SK)
Shenzhen Airlines (ZH)
Singapore Airlines (SQ)
South African Airways (SA)
Swiss (LX)
TAP Portugal (TP)
Tarom (RO)
Thai Airways (TG)
Turkish Airlines (TK)
United Airlines (UA)
The best time to book your next flight with Avianca LifeMiles
Know when airlines and frequent flyer loyalty programs release new award seats. Find the best time to book hard to get redemptions.
Ultimate Guide to Award Release Dates