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Amazing Deal Alert: Buy Avianca Taca Lifemiles For 1 Cent Each Today (December 26) Only!

Dec. 26, 2013
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3 min read
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Amazing Deal Alert: Buy Avianca Taca Lifemiles For 1 Cent Each Today (December 26) Only!
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Update: As I mention in the post below - this offer does appear targeted though a lot of people, myself included, have been able to call in and get the 3X offer instead of the public 2X offer. Some readers appear not to be getting the higher offer and are being told it is targeted, but it is still worth calling and asking in case you are able to participate.

Lifemiles, the mileage program of Star Alliance carrier Avianca Taca has offered several great buy miles promotions with up to 100% bonuses in 2013 (including a current offer good through December 30), but they are topping themselves for one day only with a 200% bonus on purchased miles - meaning you get 3 miles for the price of one and that works out to 1 cent per mile.

You won't see this offer if you just go to the Lifemiles buy miles page, but it was sent out in a targeted email to Lifemiles members. Even if you didn't get the offer, however, you can call Lifemiles directly at 1-800-284-2622 in the US and ask if you can take part. I called and asked whether I was eligible despite not receiving the 3 x 1 email and they said yes, so it can't hurt to ask.

Normally Lifemiles cost $30 per 1,000 including tax, but with this promo, you get 3,000 miles for $30, bringing the price down to 1 cent per mile, and you can buy up to 150,000 miles per calendar year, so if you haven't taken advantage of past bonuses, this could be your chance to max it out.

While I don't normally encourage buying miles speculatively, with the upcoming exit of US Airways from Star Alliance and a major United devaluation set to strike February 1, 2014, Lifemiles could be good to consider as one of your main Star Alliance frequent flyer programs.

You can view their award chart here, but for instance, roundtrip business class from North America to Southern South America (Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia) is 100,000 miles (135,000 in first class). So that roundtrip business class ticket to Argentina would only cost you $1,000 if you used miles - well below economy tickets go for a lot of times.

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North America to Europe in business has gone up recently to 105,000 miles, but that's still puts the cost of a ticket in terms of miles purchased with this promotion at just $1,050. Plus, Avianca lets you redeem for one-way awards, adding an extra level of flexibility that some other Star Alliance carriers including US Airways do not. Note: Avianca does not allow mixed class awards, so the same class of service must be available on all segments, which can be a major hassle. Check out this post for a rundown on buying Lifemiles vs. US Airways miles.

I would also caution that this could be the precursor to a Lifemiles devaluation, but because it's a one-day sale, I don't think it is. Still, though this is a great deal, I would suggest having a specific, imminent redemption in mind that you are sure you can book.

Any of you buying? If so, please leave a comment with your experience below.

Hat tip: Globetrotter HQ.
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.