Knowledge Hub · Program Reference
Avianca LifeMiles Complete Guide
Avianca LifeMiles consistently rank as one of the best Star Alliance currencies for partner award redemptions. No fuel surcharges (a major savings on European routes), mixed-cabin awards, and frequent promotional sales make LifeMiles a sought-after commodity. iBuyPoints buys LifeMiles balances from members who accumulated through Avianca promotions but do not have a Star Alliance trip planned.
By iBuyPoints Editorial TeamUpdated September 9, 2026
Key facts
- Parent company
- Avianca
- Launched
- 2011
- Currency
- miles, single-program
- TPG valuation
- 1.4¢
- NerdWallet valuation
- Not published
- Expiration
- 12 mo inactivity
How Avianca LifeMiles works
Avianca conducts more aggressive account scrutiny than most programs. Every LifeMiles transaction we process is booked manually with careful award structure, keeping account activity within typical patterns.
No Fuel Surcharges
Unlike many Star Alliance currencies, LifeMiles does not pass through carrier fuel surcharges. A Lufthansa First award costs only the miles plus minimal taxes, which is why our network values them.
Mixed-Cabin Award Flexibility
LifeMiles allows mixed-cabin one-way redemptions (Business on one leg, Economy on connections) at the lower of the two cabin rates. Practical value per mile is unusually high.
Promotional Buy-Mile Sales
LifeMiles regularly runs sales with 25 to 100 percent bonuses. Sellers who topped up during a promotion often have large balances they cannot use, ideal for cashout.
Redeeming Avianca LifeMiles miles
Lufthansa First Class, US to Europe one-way · First Class with no fuel surcharges
Premium European First
100,000 to 130,000 miles · via Lufthansa via Star Alliance
ANA First Class, US to Tokyo one-way · First Class minimal surcharges
Premium trans-Pacific First
105,000 to 130,000 miles · via ANA via Star Alliance
United Polaris Business, US to Europe one-way · Business Class lie-flat
Trans-Atlantic Business
80,000 to 105,000 miles · via United MileagePlus
Program history & changes
Avianca Bankruptcy and Restructuring
Avianca filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. LifeMiles continued operating but with operational uncertainty around award booking and partner access.
Partner Award Pricing Adjustments
LifeMiles raised pricing on certain Star Alliance partner redemptions. Some legacy sweet spots became less competitive.
Continued Operational Changes
Avianca and LifeMiles continue to refine award structures post-bankruptcy. Future pricing direction is uncertain.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions, answered straight.
Yes. Bought miles that have posted to your account and cleared any holding period are valid for sale, subject to standard verification.
Avianca has conducted account audits in the past. Our process uses careful Star Alliance partner award routings that minimize the appearance of irregular activity.
LifeMiles operates as a separate entity from Avianca airline. Even during bankruptcy proceedings, the program continued. Still, holding large balances during corporate uncertainty carries risk that cash sale eliminates.
We pay top-tier market rates based on live demand for no-surcharge Star Alliance premium cabin redemptions. Submit a quote and a specialist confirms your payout by phone.
Most transactions complete within 1 to 2 business days.
Yes. Loyalty programs may have restrictions in their terms of service, but the transaction itself is legal.
Ready to Cash Out Your Points?
Get your live estimate in under a minute. Most payouts complete within 1 business day.