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Citi has launched a 25% transfer bonus to Avianca LifeMiles that is valid until 10/19/24. Given the plethora of Avianca LifeMiles sweet spots, this could make some very good deals even better.
The Deal
- Citi Thank You points is offering a 25% transfer bonus when you convert Thank You points to Avianca LifeMiles by 11:59pm on October 19th, 2024
- Direct Link to Promo
Key Terms
- Offer is valid for Point Transfers to Avianca LifeMiles completed by 11:59 PM ET October 19th, 2024. Promotion Terms and Conditions Apply.
Quick Thoughts
As noted at the top, this 25% transfer bonus could make for some very good deals via Avianca LifeMiles.
For instance, most routes between the United States and Europe cost 70,000 miles each way in business class. With this transfer bonus, just 56,000 Citi Thank You points would be enough for a one-way business class ticket to Europe, which is a fantastic deal when you consider the fact that LifeMiles does not pass along any carrier-imposed surcharges.
If you’re able to score a mixed-cabin booking, you can do even better since a long economy class leg on either end would drop the price further (See: Avianca LifeMiles awesome mixed-cabin award pricing. First class for less.). Then there are certain routes that just price lower than expected.
On the flip side, Avianca often sells their miles for around 1.3c per mile. Still, even if you only valued the miles at that price, the 25% transfer bonus would be like getting 1.5c per point out of your Thank You points, which is certainly a reasonable deal.
Best Uses of Avianca LifeMiles
- Business class to Europe from 45-70K with no fuel surcharges. While 70,000 miles to Europe isn't Earth-shattering, what makes this particularly exciting is the lack of fuel surcharges. Surcharges for Lufthansa are often $700-1000, so this can be a huge savings. There are many examples of routes inexplicably pricing far below the official award chart like the US Northeast to England or Ireland for 45K miles and mixed-cabin business class itineraries that price from as low as 52K (Check out The secret LifeMiles award chart and Avianca LifeMiles’ awesome mixed-cabin award pricing: First class for less).
- Business class South America from 35K. Avianca LifeMiles offers competitive Star Alliance pricing to both Northern and Southern South America with no fuel surcharges. Again, you can mix cabins on partner awards to save miles, which can be useful if you need a positioning flight. Flights on Avianca metal usually price out slightly higher than partners
- North America in Business for 10K. Avianca LifeMiles offers one-ways on United within a single "zone" at excellent prices (the US is split into 3 zones). Within a single zone, pricing is officially 10K one-way in business class. Pricing between Zone 1 (most of the East Coast) and Zone 2 (most of the states apart from the far west) is officially 15K. Many routes will price well below the chart for no obvious reason.
Thinks to Know
- How to find awards: Search for available space at LifeMiles.com (you’ll need to create a free Avianca LifeMiles frequent flyer account).
- How to book awards: Book online at LifeMiles.com. Can also book via email. Phone bookings are known to be a hassle but also possible.
- Key warnings:
- Availability at LifeMiles.com often doesn't match what you’ll find at United.com or Aeroplan. Phone agents usually do not see better availability than what is shown at LifeMiles.com. While it can be possible to book via E-mail, it is very slow and frustrating. ALWAYS check the LifeMiles site before transferring points.
- LifeMiles expire after 12 months of inactivity. Redeeming Miles does NOT count as activity, but buying miles does.
- Transfer from: Amex, Bilt, Capital One, Citi, Wells Fargo. Also can transfer from Marriott Bonvoy.
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