Is an Avianca LifeMiles+ subscription worth it?
Avianca's loyalty program, LifeMiles, has always held a unique position for points and miles enthusiasts. The South American carrier has long been one of the best-value ways to book business- and first-class flights on Star Alliance partners such as Lufthansa, United Airlines and Swiss at the lowest rates. Avianca has retained a sensible award chart while other programs have moved to dynamic pricing — but the low rates come at a cost.
LifeMiles is equally well known for its poor IT infrastructure and telephone support, so making changes or canceling an Avianca or partner flight has become a point of contention between some TPG staffers and the loyalty program.
However, it seems the carrier is implementing positive changes to Avianca LifeMiles to improve the overall brand.
In addition to launching two new Avianca-branded credit cards in the United States, LifeMiles has also unveiled a new loyalty subscription service named LifeMiles+. What is this, and is it worth the cost?
Related: How to book Lufthansa first class with points and miles
What is Avianca's LifeMiles+ subscription?
Lifemiles+ has four different membership options:
| Lite | Basic | Pro | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Monthly bonus LifeMiles | 500 | 2,000 | 4,500 | 10,000 |
Double monthly LifeMiles on purchases for Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card* members | Up to 1,000 miles | Up to 2,000 miles | Up to 4,500 miles | Up to 10,000 miles |
Price per month (regular) | $20 | $50 | $100 | $200 |
Price per month for Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card* members | Free | $30 | $80 | $180 |
*The information for these credit cards have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
All LifeMiles+ members can also enjoy a 10% discount on Star Alliance redemptions (posted within 15 days after booking) and up to an immediate 25% discount on LifeMiles redemptions flying Avianca.
Basic, Pro and Max members can enjoy no change or cancellation fees on award tickets.
The discounted rate for cardholders is for the new LifeMiles-branded credit card from Cardless, the Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card*. This card offers:
- A welcome bonus of up to 100,000 bonus miles — 60,000 miles awarded after $4,500 spent in the first 90 days and an additional 40,000 miles after $25,000 spent in the first 12 months.
- Earn 3 LifeMiles per dollar spent on Avianca purchases, 2 LifeMiles per dollar spent on dining and non-Avianca travel, and 1 LifeMile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- LifeMiles+ Lite membership, with a discounted rate for the other tiers in the subscription program.
- LifeMiles Silver status for as long as you have the card, which also grants you Star Alliance Silver status.
- Annual fee: $249
The lower-annual-fee Avianca LifeMiles American Express Card* offers a bonus of up to 40,000 LifeMiles after you spend $3,000 with the card in the first 90 days, but does not provide any LifeMiles+ benefits.
If you decide to join LifeMiles+, you are committed to a minimum six-month subscription.
The information for these credit cards have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Is Avianca's LifeMiles+ subscription worth it?
This is an interesting offer from Avianca and potentially very lucrative for some Star Alliance enthusiasts.
It's worth noting that LifeMiles frequently sells miles with huge bonuses, bringing the purchase rate to under 1.3 cents per mile. If you were looking to boost your LifeMiles balance without the credit card by paying $200 per month to earn 10,000 extra miles and wouldn't use the other benefits, you would be better off purchasing LifeMiles in bulk during one of the frequent bonus offers.
The program also runs mileage sales occasionally when certain redemption rates are reduced.
For anyone who is not interested in applying for the Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card, doesn't fly Avianca and only redeems LifeMiles for a couple of Star Alliance flights each year, paying a monthly subscription fee probably doesn't make sense.
However, if you regularly book Star Alliance redemptions and would get a lot of value from the lack of change and cancellation fees, maximizing this service and boosting your mileage balance could be easy.
For anyone looking to apply for the Elite Amex card and traveling regularly on Avianca (perhaps to visit family or friends), this is an attractive offer to earn more miles, and to save both miles and money on redemptions.
But what use is the benefit of free change and cancellation if it's difficult to make a change online or by phone?
LifeMiles Chief Operating Officer Luis Coreas spoke with View from the Wing about the program's actions to improve customer service, including reducing call center wait times, increasing the number of experienced agents available 24 hours per day to resolve complex problems, and simplifying the refund process.
So, in theory, this perk should be valuable.
Bottom line
Despite its frustrations, LifeMiles is an underrated airline loyalty program with attractively low Star Alliance redemptions worldwide with low taxes and fees.
As a transfer partner of most major credit card currencies, LifeMiles are also easy to purchase for as low as 1.3 cents during frequent promotional sales.
If you've ever thought about dipping your toe into the world of LifeMiles, with promises of improved customer service, now is a great time to do it. Whether you apply for the new Avianca LifeMiles Elite American Express Card or not, and even if you aren't flying with Avianca, you can easily boost your mileage balance and save miles and cash on your next redemption with this unique LifeMiles+ subscription offering.
The information for the Avianca Lifemiles Amex and Avianca Lifemiles Elite Amex credit cards have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.