Back in February, we reported on a devaluation of Avianca LifeMiles awards (the second in just a few months). Although Nick found a bunch of ways to circumvent the increased awards by using connecting flights, many nonstop routes between the US and Europe which had been 63K LifeMiles one-way just a few months ago, had increased to 80k…a hike of almost 30% in less than half a year.
It looks like we may have a reprieve from the soaring prices, however. Thrifty Traveler has noticed that most of these routes are back down to 69K one-way for business class or 35-37K in economy.
There’s one major exception: United awards between the US and Europe are still sky-high, pricing at 80K one-way in business or 40-45K in economy.
The News
- Avianca LifeMiles has appeared to reverse an earlier increase of award prices between the US and Europe.
- Star Alliance partner business class awards that had been priced at 80K miles one-way are now back down to 69K.
- Economy awards are now 35-37K one-way, down from 40-45K.
- The one exception is United, whose flights to Europe are still pricing at 45K LifeMiles in economy or 80K in business each way.
Quick Thoughts
Could there be anything more LifeMiles then doing an overnight devaluation, not having it affect connecting flights, then reversing that devaluation (again with no notice) two months later…except for United flights? Party on, Avianca!
Looking at flights from Washington, DC (IAD) to Lisbon on the 27th of November shows the difference:
The TAP Air Portugal is showing the reduced 35K in economy:
The same thing can be seen on other Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa, LOT and Swissair.
Meanwhile, United’s nonstop flight is still at the 40K/80K level:
This is a terrific development, but it’s bizarre as well. I’m curious if the original intent was to just raise United prices, or if the recent plummet in passenger loads from Europe to the US provoked a second take. Regardless, assuming that the new, old pricing sticks, it’s a blessing for those that have LifeMiles to burn…or who want to get to Europe for less points and miles.
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[…] Avianca LifeMiles Appears to Reverse European Award Devaluation: The only thing constant about this hobby is that things are constantly changing. This time, it’s for the better. See this post on Frequent Miler. […]