Avianca LifeMiles, the loyalty program of Colombian airline Avianca (a Star Alliance member), is known for often offering attractive redemption rates, particularly for partner awards. However, it has one of the shorter mileage expiration periods among major programs.
Avianca LifeMiles Expiration Policy
According to the LifeMiles terms and conditions, LifeMiles expire if there is no qualifying mileage accrual activity on your account for 12 consecutive months.
This means you must earn at least one mile every year to keep your existing balance from expiring. Note that the policy specifically mentions accrual (earning) activity. While redemption might sometimes count in practice or due to system quirks, the safest way to ensure your miles don't expire is to focus on earning at least one mile within the 12-month window.
How to Keep Your LifeMiles From Expiring
Given the 12-month accrual requirement, here are the most reliable ways to keep your Avianca LifeMiles active:
- Earn Miles:
- Fly with Avianca or its Star Alliance partners and credit the miles to LifeMiles.
- Use an Avianca LifeMiles co-branded credit card (like those issued by Cardless in the US) for purchases.
- Transfer points from flexible currency partners: American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Points, or Bilt Rewards. Even a small transfer counts as accrual.
- Earn miles through hotel partners (booking platforms or direct stays), car rentals, or specific LifeMiles promotions.
- Purchase LifeMiles (often available with bonuses, but ensure it counts as accrual per the terms at the time of purchase).
A single qualifying earning transaction will reset the 12-month expiration clock for your entire mileage balance.
Official Policy
For the most accurate and detailed information, always consult the official LifeMiles program documentation:
- Avianca LifeMiles Terms and Conditions (Look for sections related to mileage validity or expiration)
Due to the short 12-month window focused on accrual, it's crucial for LifeMiles members to actively manage their accounts and ensure they earn at least one mile each year to prevent expiration. Transferring a small number of points from a partner program is often the easiest way to achieve this if you don't have other earning activities planned.
Disclaimer: Always use credit responsibly. Program terms and conditions can change. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Verify details directly with Avianca LifeMiles.