After a review of the new Lifemiles program it seems to be the best combination of the US Airways & BMI programs combined.
A short summery:
Elite qualification:
Diamond 75,000 miles or 85 segments
Gold 40,000 miles or 45 segments
Silver 22,000 miles or 25 segments
Unlimited Elite Upgrades
Excluding Europe
Diamond 120 hours
Gold 72 hours
Silver 48
Diamond "4" System Wide Upgrades
Used when ticket is purchased
Good on all international fares and non promo domestic fares.
Upgrades are transferable to whomever the member dictates.
Elite Bonus Earnings
Diamond 100%
Gold 100%
Silver 25%
Avianca/Taca Lounge access
Diamond both Avianca/Taca & Star member plus one guest
Gold both Avianca/Taca & Star member plus companion
Silver Avianca/Taca for member
Elite Baggage
Silver/Gold/Diamond 2 pieces up to 70lbs each.
Elite Waiver of administrative fee for award tickets on lifemiles.com
Diamond waiver for tickets from call center or point of sale.
Mileage Redemption
Cash & Miles awards
Can purchase miles sometimes at 2 for 1, like US with 100% bonus.
Can book online, including partner flights.
One-way awards at 50% miles.
Both "limited" and "all seats" redemption levels.
"All Seats" redemptions earn miles based on class flown.
Looks like the cash and miles combo for award flights is for more than just Avianca/Taca flights. I checked booking awards with United through LM... just a standard USA award.. offered *limited* flights on UA for 10,000 miles plus $191.00 cash.
Also should be noted that AV/TA requires a minimum flown miles on their metal for elite. Three levels of elite status require 5K, 10K, and 15K respectively on their metal to qualify for their elite.
JohnnyColombia
Jun 22, 12, 9:19 am
Lifemiles has easily the worst customer service and telephone support ever. Just be warned before you all get excited about the prospect.
I could feasibly earn top tier elite on Avianca and they have offered up a status match, plus I have a Citi LifeMiles credit card and regularly splurge 8 million pesos a month on flights in their Cedritos office in Northern Bogotá.
They have better economy class than LAN and a real business class, and elite lounges at most Colombian airports.
Despite all of the benefits, no matter how much LAN abuses us LAN victims, I simply cannot face a lifetime of LifeMiles customer service. Whatever they say on their website, just ignore it. You will spend an eternity chasing up missing miles and arguing the toss with Costa Rican idiots.
Set up a LifeMiles account, go to their contact centre page and call a few of the numbers. Even their telephones don't work. Just give up!
tomasr
Jun 22, 12, 10:27 am
Lifemiles has easily the worst customer service and telephone support ever. Just be warned before you all get excited about the prospect.
I cannot agree with this fully. I mostly fly Avianca, and have found their customer support chat and call center to be excellent overall, and usually get stuff resolved in minutes. Miles on avianca flights also usually post like clockwork within 24-hours.
That said, I have to agree that, for some reason, I've never had miles on TACA flights post automatically, but been upgraded to business every single time I've flown with them, so can't complain much. I've usually been able to resolve the issue with a quick call to the call center around a week or two after the flights, or by emailing the elite support alias (though that one can take a couple of weeks at times!).
I do have a somewhat funny story to share... a couple of months ago forgot my laptop while connecting at UIO flying with Taca/Aerogal. They handled it extremely professional, got an email that same night saying the craft personnel had found it, and stored it on the airport safe, then handed it back as I was connecting at UIO on my return flight. That's brilliant service, and very much appreciated!
UA Fan
Jun 22, 12, 10:28 am
Very promising thanks for the briefing.
Any news on land based miles - i.e. credit cards etc
In the US they partner with US Bank for credit cards. For those who have taken a card in the past year or so its almost impossible to get one
US Bank is very conservative with credit cards.
UA Fan
Jun 22, 12, 10:31 am
I do have a somewhat funny story to share... a couple of months ago forgot my laptop while connecting at UIO flying with Taca/Aerogal. They handled it extremely professional, got an email that same night saying the craft personnel had found it, and stored it on the airport safe, then handed it back as I was connecting at UIO on my return flight. That's brilliant service, and very much appreciated!
That is very impressive indeed.
JohnnyColombia
Jun 22, 12, 10:32 am
To clarify I wasn't saying Avianca has awful customer service, specifically LifeMiles. They send you around in circles. AV has some great FAs, we get great service in their sales office and as you pointed out, they can deliver the goods on the ground too.
All I was saying, my experience over the phone with LifeMiles trying to sort out problems suggests I should not seriously consider their programme until I retire and have bags of spare time on my hands.
neuromancer
Jun 23, 12, 7:07 am
Well, redemption rates seem pretty high to me, but with no fuel surcharges could be useful.
How many miles is intra - South America?
northernstar84
Jun 23, 12, 7:10 am
Well, redemption rates seem pretty high to me, but with no fuel surcharges could be useful.
How many miles is intra - South America?
yes but if you use mile and cash the ratio gets pretty good (1K for USD 12,75)
SoCal
Jun 23, 12, 7:32 am
About 5 years ago, we were flying Avianca from SCL to LAX via BOG afgter a cruise, and our plane had to turn around an hour out of SCL, due to some unspecified problem detected by the pilot (my wife said an attendant mentioned a problem with wing flaps, I think). After an hour back at SCL, the plane was cleared to continue but my wife was too nervous to continue flying, and Avianca personnel escorted us back out through passport control, got our bags, etc. Told us to call a central # to arrange for a new flight, but when we decided to find the Avianca office at the airport, we ran ito the same airline personnel. They were very understanding of my wife's nervousness. Said the Avianca flight the next day was filled, so they put us on a LAN non-stop for the next day and arranged free hotel for the night (first arranged for the downtown Sheraton, but when my wife asked if we could just stay at the airport Holiday Inn, they checked and said yes). I don't know how typical this of the airine, but we could not have been treated better.
Phlee
Jun 23, 12, 10:57 am
Hi northernstar84,
Where did you find the Star Alliance redemption rates? Are they available somewhere on the Lifemiles website?
Are the standard (non SA) Lifemiles redemption rates also available somewhere?
Thanks
ph
Cash + Miles Option: you need to have at least 40% of the total miles on your account, the rest can be paid with cash (1K = 12,75 USD )
[...]
cgnSenator
Jun 23, 12, 11:29 am
Are stopovers allowed on award flights? I hope it will be allowed on oneways awards ;)
northernstar84
Jun 23, 12, 12:24 pm
Hi northernstar84,
Where did you find the Star Alliance redemption rates? Are they available somewhere on the Lifemiles website?
Are the standard (non SA) Lifemiles redemption rates also available somewhere?
Thanks
ph
There is no chart on the website. But on an other forum someone wrote down the rates from EX-Europe
I tried emailing Lifemiles about the redemption tables, but have not received an answer back yet.
ph
Herb687
Jun 24, 12, 11:21 am
No EQM bonuses though for paid F/J on other Star Alliance carriers?
wheresmybagba
Jun 24, 12, 10:37 pm
There is no chart on the website. But on an other forum someone wrote down the rates from EX-Europe
Return (One-Way) (miles + cash)
Europe - Europe
Eco: 25.000 (12.500)
Business: 40.000 (20.000)
All the miles + cash figures quoted are half the miles only numbers but I think the minimum number of miles required is actually 40% of the straight up number.
I looked at Australia to Thailand and the numbers were 50000/20000 or Australia to UK 85000/34000.
flo_147
Jun 25, 12, 2:10 am
All the miles + cash figures quoted are half the miles only numbers but I think the minimum number of miles required is actually 40% of the straight up number.
I looked at Australia to Thailand and the numbers were 50000/20000 or Australia to UK 85000/34000.
yes thats right! You always need 40% of the total mileage amount. And keep in mind, that the cash option is even more lucrative than a possible 100% mileage promotion! Because 72k miles would then cost 1080 USD and as a cash part only 918.72 USD...
Bottom line: So always buy as little miles as possible and just pay more for the cash part ;)
travelislife
Jun 26, 12, 5:01 pm
I signed up and just did a dummy booking for BKK-MEL-BKK and it looks like brilliant value. 36,000 miles + 689 cash + 102 tax, total 36,000 miles + 791. If 36,000 miles at half price, it would be a total of approximately $1400 return in Business Class. Just need a sale to come along! It is nice how it can all be done online as well.
UA Fan
Jun 26, 12, 5:06 pm
I signed up and just did a dummy booking for BKK-MEL-BKK and it looks like brilliant value. 36,000 miles + 689 cash + 102 tax, total 36,000 miles + 791. If 36,000 miles at half price, it would be a total of approximately $1400 return in Business Class. Just need a sale to come along! It is nice how it can all be done online as well.
You mean the award booking or buying miles?
travelislife
Jun 26, 12, 5:15 pm
You mean the award booking or buying miles?
Everything online.
UA Fan
Jun 26, 12, 5:22 pm
Everything online.
So now there are four airlines in star that can book partners online. NH UA TA AC.
Really good for a newbie.
Shanye2233
Jun 27, 12, 6:01 am
Do you need to be a lifemiles member for a certain period before you buy the miles/points ? Are stop overs allowed Australia to Europe or US. Can you book your intinrary and then purchase the miles or do find the intinrary and then need to purchase instantly to sercure the seats ?
Is award availability better or worse then USD
?
c2h
Jun 27, 12, 7:31 pm
Just wondering is anyone has any info about RTW redemption rate? Thanks.
JohnnyColombia
Jun 29, 12, 7:11 pm
Do you need to be a lifemiles member for a certain period before you buy the miles/points ?
No, you can set up a LifeMiles account today and buy miles. For the 2x1 miles offers though you have to have had an exisiting LifeMiles account since before the offer started. So say there is a 2x1 in October for the whole month. You would have to have had a LifeMiles account already on 30th September
One of the reasons I think LifeMiles CS is crappy, when I buy miles I get charged 18% tax on the purchase. Colombia does NOT have an 18% tax rate. Peru has an 18% tax rate but there is no tax applicable on purchases in Peru. I have spent seemingly forever on the phone to them about their non existent tax rate to no avail.
Set up your LifeMiles account in the USA and there is zero tax. I cannot speak for other countries
travelislife
Jun 29, 12, 9:16 pm
Are stop overs allowed Australia to Europe or US.
Yes but it will be charged as a point to point itinerary. Ie. SYD-SIN-LHR with a stopover in SIN is actually 2 trips in terms of miles SYD-SIN+SIN-LHR
Can you book your intinrary and then purchase the miles or do find the intinrary and then need to purchase instantly to sercure the seats ?
Well you can do a search using the online tool without having the requisite miles in your account, but I don't know about putting a hold on, you might have to try on the phone.
Is award availability better or worse then USD
?
I have no idea what this means. USD cash will let you buy a ticket and the availability should be any seat that is available for sale on the plane.
erik123
Jun 29, 12, 9:31 pm
Yes but it will be charged as a point to point itinerary. Ie. SYD-SIN-LHR with a stopover in SIN is actually 2 trips in terms of miles SYD-SIN+SIN-LHR
Is a stopover allowed on a r/t?
wheresmybagba
Jun 30, 12, 12:08 am
Is a stopover allowed on a r/t?
The online booking option offers no way to include a stop over in either a one way or a r/t booking. You'd have to use the multi-city option which prices each 'from and to' seperately.
Shanye2233
Jun 30, 12, 4:07 am
Yes but it will be charged as a point to point itinerary. Ie. SYD-SIN-LHR with a stopover in SIN is actually 2 trips in terms of miles SYD-SIN+SIN-LHR
Well you can do a search using the online tool without having the requisite miles in your account, but I don't know about putting a hold on, you might have to try on the phone.
I have no idea what this means. USD cash will let you buy a ticket and the availability should be any seat that is available for sale on the plane.
I'm referring to USDM is there more availability for award seats with life miles. I read on the Au forum there is plenty SQ Availability .
I'm goin to join and wait to see which is a better option with USDM it's about $2,5k to go SYD Europe wonder how much life miles
Is with the sale/promo
erik123
Jun 30, 12, 6:41 am
The online booking option offers no way to include a stop over in either a one way or a r/t booking. You'd have to use the multi-city option which prices each 'from and to' seperately.
Doesn't seem to work for itin that do not end in an Avianca hub.
flo_147
Jul 6, 12, 3:42 am
I'm referring to USDM is there more availability for award seats with life miles. I read on the Au forum there is plenty SQ Availability .
I'm goin to join and wait to see which is a better option with USDM it's about $2,5k to go SYD Europe wonder how much life miles
Is with the sale/promo
I heard about a possibility to fly from down under to europe in C for less than 30-40k miles ow...
wheresmybagba
Jul 6, 12, 3:50 am
I heard about a possibility to fly from down under to europe in C for less than 30-40k miles ow...
Go on then...do share.
wheresmybagba
Jul 7, 12, 5:20 am
I heard about a possibility to fly from down under to europe in C for less than 30-40k miles ow...
OK Borat...I see what you were getting at! ;)
flo_147
Jul 7, 12, 1:17 pm
OK Borat...I see what you were getting at! ;)
Haha not really... But this one is good as well, but mine is even better ;)
pogonation
Jul 8, 12, 3:10 pm
I heard about a possibility to fly from down under to europe in C for less than 30-40k miles ow...
And what crazy long leg of the itinerary is being thrown away ;) The benefit of automated systems like this is that, unlike programs like BD, you don't have a phone agent to tell you to get a reality check and refuse to ticket lol.
Fancy sharing this little loop hole? :D
EDIT: In the process of trying to figure out your loop hole I found something very interesting... A way of nearly doing a full RTW for 45k in C!
The only way I can see it being less than 30k is if you are effectively flying back to Oceania :eek: Are you somehow routing SYD-Europe-South Pacific??
abcx
Jul 8, 12, 4:23 pm
The benefit of automated systems...
And the benefit of phone agents is that they think HKG is in the Middle East. At least US agents. You mind PMing me the routing you found? I have an idea - it goes to see Scarlett Johannson via Europe.
wheresmybagba
Jul 8, 12, 4:49 pm
The only way I can see it being less than 30k is if you are effectively flying back to Oceania :eek: Are you somehow routing SYD-Europe-South Pacific??
Depends if you're doing miles or miles and cash to arrive at that number.
The Borat version to (the edge of) Europe is 18k ow in C as a miles / cash.
pogonation
Jul 8, 12, 5:11 pm
Depends if you're doing miles or miles and cash to arrive at that number.
The Borat version to (the edge of) Europe is 18k ow in C as a miles / cash.
I was hoping he meant miles only otherwise it isn't so impressive. The Borat fare is good. I like the Europe - Far East for 20k or 8k + $153 myself ;)
wheresmybagba
Jul 8, 12, 5:32 pm
I was hoping he meant miles only
I'm pretty sure he did...after all ow is 34k + money for conventional routes.
I have studied, and studied the Star routemap and I still can't find the route that takes you from down under to europe for 30-40k...as you say, surely it has to take you back closer to Ocenia than Asia but you couldn't have got there by connecting in Asia in the first place. Unless a destination is simply allocated to an incorrect zone in the system somewhere. :D
smit0847
Jul 8, 12, 7:42 pm
OK Borat...I see what you were getting at! ;)
TSE is another option.
oliver2002
Jul 9, 12, 2:28 am
How to get Hilton and Avis to accept the LM number? I tried using TACA as partner, but that doesn't work either...
erik123
Jul 9, 12, 8:28 am
How to get Hilton and Avis to accept the LM number? I tried using TACA as partner, but that doesn't work either...
Avis tells me they are not a partner?
oliver2002
Jul 9, 12, 9:35 am
It seems they just started June 18. https://www.lifemiles.com/eng/tra/pro/proofeinf.aspx?D=DOF23
erik123
Jul 9, 12, 11:41 am
It seems they just started June 18. https://www.lifemiles.com/eng/tra/pro/proofeinf.aspx?D=DOF23
Avis doesn't know yet - called them yesterday to add my number to a rental booking and they said it couldn't be done.
oliver2002
Jul 9, 12, 11:58 am
This avis booking page: https://book1.carrental.com/dcweb/app?service=page/LACStep1&pid=LACMarketing&locale=en&customerID=air2&awdNumber=S761000&iataNumberAvis=0181451L&avisCoupon=UUWA039&logo=1340048381.JPG&inited=false
probably aimed at central & south america, has Avianca as partner @:-)
gkbiiii
Jul 9, 12, 12:30 pm
How about a new Avianca/Taca Lifemiles forum, now that BMI will soon be with BA?
Can't we just rename the BMI Diamond Club forum and carry on as though nothing ever happened?:D
gkbiiii
Jul 9, 12, 1:23 pm
Can't we just rename the BMI Diamond Club forum and carry on as though nothing ever happened?:D
Sounds good to me!! ;):D
flo_147
Jul 10, 12, 9:55 am
I'm pretty sure he did...after all ow is 34k + money for conventional routes.
I have studied, and studied the Star routemap and I still can't find the route that takes you from down under to europe for 30-40k...as you say, surely it has to take you back closer to Ocenia than Asia but you couldn't have got there by connecting in Asia in the first place. Unless a destination is simply allocated to an incorrect zone in the system somewhere. :D
a little hint: its C6 - 1 and its miles only as well ;) To your last question: MAYBE lol
lsed
Jul 10, 12, 1:25 pm
Can't we just rename the BMI Diamond Club forum and carry on as though nothing ever happened?:D
And here I am thinking this forum should be kept a secret lol
flo_147
Jul 10, 12, 1:53 pm
And here I am thinking this forum should be kept a secret lol
..., u and keeping a secret is like getting married for the pope :D
The Mileage Millionaire
Jul 10, 12, 2:25 pm
No EQM bonuses though for paid F/J on other Star Alliance carriers?
Looks like you earn 125% for business on Copa (full C only) and Iberia.
Also, you earn 100% for O on US Airways. Isn't that the code for an F-award ticket?
wheresmybagba
Jul 10, 12, 4:48 pm
a little hint: its C6 - 1 and its miles only as well ;) To your last question: MAYBE lol
I'm not sure what C6 refers to as LifeMiles doesn't seem to publish a zone concept. I fear I'll have to give up on this haystack! :( ;)
smit0847
Jul 10, 12, 8:12 pm
I'm not sure what C6 refers to as LifeMiles doesn't seem to publish a zone concept. I fear I'll have to give up on this haystack! :( ;)
I know C1 is North America and C2 is Europe.
I assume C6 is Oceania?
So that would presumably mean a fare that has to route via Europe to get from Oceania to North America? and you drop the Europe to USA leg?
If so, we've been looking at the wrong region for the drop city - we've been looking for a Asian city you can only get to via Europe when we should have been looking at a US city you can only get to via Europe.
Would that mean the Nth A city is incorrectly classified in the wrong zone in order to get it for so cheap?
Am I on the right track?
abcx
Jul 10, 12, 8:41 pm
I know C1 is North America and C2 is Europe.
I assume C6 is Oceania?
So that would presumably mean a fare that has to route via Europe to get from Oceania to North America? and you drop the Europe to USA leg?
If so, we've been looking at the wrong region for the drop city - we've been looking for a Asian city you can only get to via Europe when we should have been looking at a US city you can only get to via Europe.
Would that mean the Nth A city is incorrectly classified in the wrong zone in order to get it for so cheap?
Am I on the right track?
Yes, I think you are. But I'll be damned if I can figure out what the city is. I suspect it's not an American city because any American city you can get to through Europe, you can also get to by taking one of those SYD/AKL to W. Coast flights. Similar reasoning for Canadian cities. So maybe it's something else in the Caribbean or in N. America?
BTW, how do you force BKK from Europe? I can force it ex-LHR but the crazy taxes kill it. Departing ex any other European city, even those which have direct TG flights to BKK, give me connections through MUC to a North Asian country...
Has anyone tried stopovers on the phone yet?
There is some bizarre stuff on the award chart. JNB-EZE costs more than SYD-EZE.
smit0847
Jul 10, 12, 9:32 pm
Yes, I think you are. But I'll be damned if I can figure out what the city is. I suspect it's not an American city because any American city you can get to through Europe, you can also get to by taking one of those SYD/AKL to W. Coast flights. Similar reasoning for Canadian cities. So maybe it's something else in the Caribbean or in N. America?
BTW, how do you force BKK from Europe? I can force it ex-LHR but the crazy taxes kill it. Departing ex any other European city, even those which have direct TG flights to BKK, give me connections through MUC to a North Asian country...
Has anyone tried stopovers on the phone yet?
There is some bizarre stuff on the award chart. JNB-EZE costs more than SYD-EZE.
Then if Im right it would have to be a North American city that United don't fly to (as they service MEL and SYD and would not route you through Europe).
My first brilliant thought was Havana but AC service this for the exact reasons why UA don't.
There are about 100 North American destinations on the *A interactive route map (which is excellent by the way) but of the 10 or so random ones I tried they are either service by UA, US, CA or they have no flights at all.
I think without a clue from Flo we aren't going to solve this!
What do you mean force BKK? Where from/to? Surely you would select TG as the carrier as they are hub and spoke?
abcx
Jul 10, 12, 10:05 pm
Then if Im right it would have to be a North American city that United don't fly to (as they service MEL and SYD and would not route you through Europe).
My first brilliant thought was Havana but AC service this for the exact reasons why UA don't.
There are about 100 North American destinations on the *A interactive route map (which is excellent by the way) but of the 10 or so random ones I tried they are either service by UA, US, CA or they have no flights at all.
I think without a clue from Flo we aren't going to solve this!
What do you mean force BKK? Where from/to? Surely you would select TG as the carrier as they are hub and spoke?
I thought HAV too but I can't get anything to HAV.
The BKK question was ex-EU for the reduced 20k price. You can't do only TG as your final destination isn't BKK and you need another airline to get to your final destination.
oliver2002
Jul 11, 12, 12:36 am
weird no blogger has picked up on this yet... that will be the quick end of LM and its gaps.
Anyone know which loyalty program manages LM for Avianca/TACA?
abcx
Jul 11, 12, 5:55 am
Well, let's keep talking in code. The bloggers are quite daft and usually don't bother doing their own research.
Right now there are only four or five such oddities I think.
JohanSlam
Jul 11, 12, 6:08 pm
Am I missing something here?
I book on Copa in L bucket. If I credit the miles to United or Copa I receive 100%.
If I credit the miles to Lifemiles I receive 25%
Is this a fantastic program?
pc_aus
Jul 14, 12, 1:25 am
Looks like a great program. I have 2 questions:
* are you able to redeem tickets for family members?
* if so, for those who have done redemptions - do you need to input the passenger's passport number and/or expiry date during the redemption booking process?
tomasr
Jul 14, 12, 6:35 am
* are you able to redeem tickets for family members?
When redeeming tickets, it will ask you for the passenger details during the process; so I guess yes?
* if so, for those who have done redemptions - do you need to input the passenger's passport number and/or expiry date during the redemption booking process?
It does ask for the passport number, I believe, but not the expiry date. Not sure how much it matters, though.
fflyer1
Jul 14, 12, 7:14 pm
are there any details on stop-over rules?
mixed cabin flights (i.e. HKT (only business available) - BKK (First)- SYD)) do not seem to be bookable (at least online)?
To remember: You need at least 40% of the total miles of the trip then you can pay the rest with cash (1K for 12,5 USD)
AndrewE
Jul 15, 12, 12:01 pm
Do they block LH F like US dividend miles does?
Kay_nyc
Jul 15, 12, 2:05 pm
Anyone have any experience with the US Bank Lifemiles credit card?
kawoh
Jul 15, 12, 2:49 pm
Anyone have any experience with the US Bank Lifemiles credit card?
Just applied, no email or anything... will see if they come back to me... fingers crossed. Went for the visa signature one...
pogonation
Jul 15, 12, 2:59 pm
Do they block LH F like US dividend miles does?
Nope ^
JohnnyColombia
Jul 15, 12, 3:05 pm
Did anyone work out yet whether you are allowed a couple of days stopover on a *A award ticket booked with LifeMiles?
I want to go Miami - Zurich - Shanghai | Shanghai - Toronto - Miami
It is only 65,000 miles but can I have a cheeky weekend in Zurich?
ADNANALI
Jul 15, 12, 5:05 pm
my first redemption with using lifemiles;
KTM-BKK-ICN-TAS (I Know its a very long route, but this seemed the only possible way using star alliance carriers.)
7500 lifemiles + $143 cash + $34 taxes. booked online in Business class.
I presume it is not a bad deal at all.
abcx
Jul 15, 12, 7:04 pm
Edited. Never mind...
wheresmybagba
Jul 15, 12, 7:21 pm
Edited. Never mind...
Nothing to see here.
erik123
Jul 15, 12, 8:15 pm
Deleted.
abcx
Jul 15, 12, 8:26 pm
no kidding - maybe delete the previous 2 posts???!!!!!!!!!
Edited mine. Also sent PM to ADNANLI asking him to edit his post.
smit0847
Jul 15, 12, 8:32 pm
are there any details on stop-over rules?
mixed cabin flights (i.e. HKT (only business available) - BKK (First)- SYD)) do not seem to be bookable (at least online)?
No you can't book them online. Maybe you can book it through the call centre, I'm not sure.
However, HKT-BKK is less than an hour flight and a Y ticket will cost you less than AUD100 each way. For the hassle of going through the call centre I wouldn't bother trying to get this leg added on to your redemption.
wheresmybagba
Jul 15, 12, 8:47 pm
no kidding - maybe delete the previous 2 posts???!!!!!!!!!
Swings and roundabouts though...it makes some itins (much) more expensive! Which is why I've got no qualms posting it...will edit if you insist!
harryhv
Jul 16, 12, 12:58 am
How about a coded hint? Or a PM, was just about to book
abcx
Jul 16, 12, 5:47 am
Swings and roundabouts though...it makes some itins (much) more expensive! Which is why I've got no qualms posting it...will edit if you insist!
I know what you mean, that's why I left it there. But what really needs to go is that routing for 7.5k.
pogonation
Jul 16, 12, 5:03 pm
Well, let's keep talking in code. The bloggers are quite daft and usually don't do bother doing their own research.
Right now there are only four or five cush oddities I think.
Looks like they picked up on it and noticed there are some loopholes: View From the Wing post (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfromthewing/2012/07/16/aviancataca-lifemiles-posts-their-star-alliance-award-chart/)
It's crazy to think that these guys make money by stealing (in a lot of cases) information from FT :roll eyes: Then again I'm sure some of them contribute what they find back to FT so I suppose it might be fair in the end.
echino
Jul 16, 12, 5:18 pm
Hey, guys, does any of you have any Lifemiles, preferably 50,000? But less than that is also OK. If you do have the Lifemiles, you can PM me for a hint on how to double them for a cost of $0.015 per mile. I don't want to post it in the open forum.
abcx
Jul 16, 12, 5:50 pm
Looks like they picked up on it and noticed there are some loopholes: View From the Wing post (http://boardingarea.com/blogs/viewfromthewing/2012/07/16/aviancataca-lifemiles-posts-their-star-alliance-award-chart/)
It's crazy to think that these guys make money by stealing (in a lot of cases) information from FT :roll eyes: Then again I'm sure some of them contribute what they find back to FT so I suppose it might be fair in the end.
Uh yeah, I saw that. I can't remember the last time he contributed something to FT.
I also PMed ADNANALI about editing his post, but he completely missed the point and thought my request was pathetic and selfish. I love how these 10 post wonders show up and suddenly decide that they know what's best.
harryhv
Jul 16, 12, 11:48 pm
Hey, guys, does any of you have any Lifemiles, preferably 50,000? 1,000 is fine and you can buy them for $30 but your cc company will probably call to see why the stream of increasing payments to Avianca.
phat-dave
Jul 17, 12, 2:25 am
i must be doing something wrong...
Australia to Europe = 170,000
To buy the points is USD$30 per 1,000 pts which is roughly USD$5000 for a business class ticket.. alternatively you buy 40% so 68,000 @ USD$30 = USD$2050+balance of 102,000pts @ $12.75/1000pts using pts+cash?
still seems expensive around $3300 compared to Dividends Miles...
maybe im getting confused... ?
Aussie_flyer
Jul 17, 12, 2:44 am
i must be doing something wrong...
Australia to Europe = 170,000
To buy the points is USD$30 per 1,000 pts which is roughly USD$5000 for a business class ticket.. alternatively you buy 40% so 68,000 @ USD$30 = USD$2050+balance of 102,000pts @ $12.75/1000pts using pts+cash?
still seems expensive around $3300 compared to Dividends Miles...
maybe im getting confused... ?
what if its USD15 per 1000?
phat-dave
Jul 17, 12, 3:15 am
at USD$15/1000pts im polishing off the credit card and ready to buy.... but for me it keeps coming up at as USD$30/1000pts :(
edit: just noticed the thread on aff too (noticed your posts, will read in more detail)
Aussie_flyer
Jul 17, 12, 3:30 am
at USD$15/1000pts im polishing off the credit card and ready to buy.... but for me it keeps coming up at as USD$30/1000pts :(
better start looking at the current promos as mentioned on the front page of lifemiles.com
Shimon
Jul 17, 12, 5:21 am
To those of you doing tricks and dropping off the last leg: How do you get back home?
I'm assuming you're paying full miles back?
YorkieFlyer
Jul 17, 12, 7:24 am
To those of you doing tricks and dropping off the last leg: How do you get back home?
I'm assuming you're paying full miles back?
Also don't forget any visa requirements for the final destination as presumably you will be checked for this when checking in.
stinger101
Jul 17, 12, 8:31 am
Deleted...
The Mileage Millionaire
Jul 17, 12, 1:45 pm
Deleted...
The Mileage Millionaire
Jul 17, 12, 1:47 pm
Will this work?
Buy 25k @ 3.0 cpm = $750
Transfer 25k @ 1.5 cpm = $375
Transfer back 50k @ 1.5 cpm = $750
Then, you will have 100k miles for $1,875.
stinger101
Jul 17, 12, 1:55 pm
SOMEONE PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, but it appears that you will need a Russian visa, even if you drop the last segment. The cost is $140, plus you will need to obtain visa support documents from the hotel that you'll have to book in Russia.
Here's the Russian consulate info:
http://consulrussia.org/eng/visatype.html
You are correct that you would need a Russian visa...or proof that you would just be transiting. Even if one had to include the visa fee into the equation it's still cheap for business class on LH....more complicated...but cheap.
Any other city pairs?
stinger101
Jul 17, 12, 2:02 pm
SOMEONE PLEASE CORRECT ME IF I AM WRONG, but it appears that you will need a Russian visa, even if you drop the last segment. The cost is $140, plus you will need to obtain visa support documents from the hotel that you'll have to book in Russia.
Here's the Russian consulate info:
http://consulrussia.org/eng/visatype.html
However...
Transit Visas: If you intend to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country, you must have a Russian transit visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. If you are transiting through an international airport in Russia, and will depart from there again in 24 hours to an onward international destination, without leaving the customs zone, Russian law does not require you to have a transit visa. However, this law is sometimes misinterpreted by travelers and customs officials alike, and we recommend you obtain a Russian transit visa if there is any doubt about your transit plans. Foreigners who arrive in Russia without a valid visa, who do not meet visa-free transit requirements, may be forced to return to the point of origin at their own expense.
The Mileage Millionaire
Jul 17, 12, 2:07 pm
However...
Transit Visas: If you intend to transit through Russia by land en route to a third country, you must have a Russian transit visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. If you are transiting through an international airport in Russia, and will depart from there again in 24 hours to an onward international destination, without leaving the customs zone, Russian law does not require you to have a transit visa. However, this law is sometimes misinterpreted by travelers and customs officials alike, and we recommend you obtain a Russian transit visa if there is any doubt about your transit plans. Foreigners who arrive in Russia without a valid visa, who do not meet visa-free transit requirements, may be forced to return to the point of origin at their own expense.
Thanks for the clarification. Unfortunately, it looks like you still have to pay $140 for a transit visa.
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Rollover Miles and Segments
erik123
Jul 17, 12, 3:42 pm
CDG-MUC-ICN-
BOOM
I doubt it will be around for very long. As will any other city pairs that are clear anomalies and posted here.
oliver2002
Jul 18, 12, 11:50 am
I'm sure once US Bank offers bloggers 150$ referrals for the Lifemiles CC, this will get quick notice asap... :)
Hosserunda
Jul 18, 12, 10:48 pm
I checked their website and handbook for travel agents but can't find anything on changes / cancellations of award tickets. Any info / experience?
Thanks!
northernstar84
Jul 19, 12, 12:51 am
I checked their website and handbook for travel agents but can't find anything on changes / cancellations of award tickets. Any info / experience?
Thanks!
Change: 150 USD
Cancel: 50 USD
burmans
Jul 19, 12, 5:24 am
Will this work?
Buy 25k @ 3.0 cpm = $750
Transfer 25k @ 1.5 cpm = $375
Transfer back 50k @ 1.5 cpm = $750
Then, you will have 100k miles for $1,875.
Yes this will work, you can transfer a TOTAL of 50K per account, note that other posters have multiple transactions so its not per transaction. As far as I know no-one has tried to exceed 50K but I know some have started with 1K bought only and then merrily transferred back and forward.
Hosserunda
Jul 19, 12, 7:33 am
Change: 150 USD
Cancel: 50 USD
Thank you!!!
ikura
Jul 19, 12, 9:59 am
What about this one:
A buys 1000, transfers to B (A: 0, B: 2000).
B transfers 2000 back to A (A: 4000, B:0).
A transfers 4000 back to B (A: 0, B:8000).
B transfers 8000 back to A (A: 16000, B:0).
A transfers 10000 back to B (A: 6000, B: 20000).
B transfers 20000 back to A (A: 46000, B: 0).
A transfers 10000 back to B (A: 36000, B: 20000).
B transfers 20000 back to A (A: 76000, B: 0).
Shimon
Jul 19, 12, 12:59 pm
Any proposals for who should be B? ;)
cmcbugg
Jul 19, 12, 1:03 pm
Any proposals for who should be B? ;)
but B ends up with nada.
Not quite sure what is being achieved by transferring smaller amounts instead of the full balance each time. Looks like it will just take more goes to reach your target (unless you were specifically aiming for a particular balance). For some reason it looks marginally cheaper (if my maths is right), but still just over $15 per 1000 miles.
ikura
Jul 19, 12, 3:23 pm
but B ends up with nada.
Not quite sure what is being achieved by transferring smaller amounts instead of the full balance each time. Looks like it will just take more goes to reach your target (unless you were specifically aiming for a particular balance). For some reason it looks marginally cheaper (if my maths is right), but still just over $15 per 1000 miles.
From LifeMiles.com:
You can transfer up to 50,000 LifeMiles per calendar year between LifeMiles accounts.
echino
Jul 19, 12, 4:59 pm
From LifeMiles.com:
You can transfer up to 50,000 LifeMiles per calendar year between LifeMiles accounts.
It's a bit unclear. Is 50,000 incoming, or outgoing limit?
If I transfer 50,000 to my wife, will she get 100,000? Or is the incoming limit 50,000, making it send a maximum of 25,000 to receive 50,000?
TGflyergirl
Jul 19, 12, 5:35 pm
It's a bit unclear. Is 50,000 incoming, or outgoing limit?
If I transfer 50,000 to my wife, will she get 100,000? Or is the incoming limit 50,000, making it send a maximum of 25,000 to receive 50,000?
It is the OUTGOING limit.
The website dynamically tracks how many have previously gone out from your account and if you exceed the 50000 - it'll tell you so even before you get to the page you enter your credit card details. Neat feature i like very much :)
I've done two full cycles of A:B:A:B ping pong-ing - and that's pretty much how it works.
From the example above re: buying your first thousand.
1)Assuming account A bought the first thousand, after one cycle:
Account A will be left with 29,000 available to transfer (1 + 4 + 16= 21,000 transferred)
Account B will be left with 8,000 available to transfer (2+8+32=42,000 transferred)
At this stage Account A will have a balance of 64,000 B will have 0.
2) Account A can then finally transfer one last shot of 29,000 - leaving the theoretical max balances at this stage: A: 35,000, B: 58,000
3) Account B can then transfer 8,000 back to A , and your FINAL theoretical max balance is like this: A: 27,000, B: 74,000
That's for a two account tango - dynamics are different naturally, with more people joining the dance..... ;)
You can even out the 27/74k ratio to 51/50k without losing out if you do this:
A transfers: 1+4+16
B transfer: 2+8+28
At this stage you have A with 56K, B with 4K balances. Available to transfer A: 29K, B: 12K
A transfers to B: 29K (hitting the 50k limit) - Balance at this stage A: 27K (56K-29K), B: 62K (29K x2 + 4K balance)
B transfers to A: 12K (hitting the 50K limit) - Balance at this stage A: 51K (27K+24K), B: 50K (4K balance+58K - 12K)
There are naturally more permutations that can even out the balances:
essentially though - if you go all the way, it doesn't really matter. Your spend for the 101,000 miles you didn't have yesterday will amount to 30 USD for the first thousand, and 1500 USD for the 100,000 = 1530 USD.
tusflyer
Jul 19, 12, 9:44 pm
Very impressive analysis.
Thank you!
burmans
Jul 20, 12, 6:29 am
It is but of course if you have 4 accounts they each can transfer 50k!!
YorkieFlyer
Jul 20, 12, 12:39 pm
An interesting discussion with some experiences in another place..
Does anybody else find their website buggy? I cant enter many of the airports I want..Also I havent been able to input airport codes in a multi-city itinerary.
phat-dave
Jul 20, 12, 5:57 pm
i dont like how multicity itineraries always default as a return leg... ..... me
fflyer1
Jul 20, 12, 6:24 pm
Does anybody else find their website buggy? I cant enter many of the airports I want..Also I havent been able to input airport codes in a multi-city itinerary.
try choosing "star alliance" instead of "avianca" for preferred airlines...
if avianca is chosen, it wont accept any airports which avianca doenst serve
alexanderrr
Jul 21, 12, 4:12 am
I tried to book a TATL flight with an overnight stop in ZRH (<24H), but the system does not understand it. Other alternative is too leave at 5am and have 2 very tight connections, so I would rather leave the night before. ANA usually shows this as a normal connection. I tried multi-city, but Avianca tries to charge me separately. Any idea how to avoid calling them?
pogonation
Jul 21, 12, 6:42 am
I tried to book a TATL flight with an overnight stop in ZRH (<24H), but the system does not understand it. Other alternative is too leave at 5am and have 2 very tight connections, so I would rather leave the night before. ANA usually shows this as a normal connection. I tried multi-city, but Avianca tries to charge me separately. Any idea how to avoid calling them?
:confused: Why do you want to avoid calling them? There is no way to do what you are wanting with the online booking system so you will have to call them ;)
alexanderrr
Jul 21, 12, 10:40 am
I think from many previous posts it is pretty clear that their call center is not yet ready to deal with English-speaking clients, who want to redeem for * awards. Besides, extra fee is charged. Again, many other award booking engines, incl. ANA, can easly do that and in fact such routing is usually offered first. So any useful advice will still be highly appreciated.
tylergupku
Jul 21, 12, 11:11 am
Yesterday I bought 1000 miles as the seed to accumulate some miles but it hasn't posted to my account yet. How long does it typically take? Thanks for sharing.
Aussie_flyer
Jul 21, 12, 11:14 am
Yesterday I bought 1000 miles as the seed to accumulate some miles but it hasn't posted to my account yet. How long does it typically take? Thanks for sharing.
instantly here
alfrie
Jul 21, 12, 12:45 pm
CDG-MUC-ICN-KHV 8000 miles + $153 + $113 tax = $266 in business on LH
BOOM
Does this purchase appear on credit card statement with two transactions or just one? I guess if two transactions, then one is cash payment for miles, and the other is for taxes.
carpetbagger
Jul 21, 12, 5:19 pm
17 500 miles but only in C. Anyone found some "good deals" in F?
alfrie
Jul 22, 12, 12:09 am
It's a bit unclear. Is 50,000 incoming, or outgoing limit?
If I transfer 50,000 to my wife, will she get 100,000? Or is the incoming limit 50,000, making it send a maximum of 25,000 to receive 50,000?
After transferring miles among 3 accounts, I found out 50,000 is also the limit of incoming base miles, i.e, the 100% bonus miles don't count toward the limit. Actually the de facto incoming limit is 49,000 instead of 50,000. It is probably because Lifemiles has programmed the condition to be incoming_miles < 50000, instead of <=50,000.
tylergupku
Jul 22, 12, 8:11 am
instantly here
Mine hasn't posted yet. Dose anyone have any idea of what I should do besides waiting? Thanks.
tusflyer
Jul 22, 12, 10:01 am
After transferring miles among 3 accounts, I found out 50,000 is also the limit of incoming base miles, i.e, the 100% bonus miles don't count toward the limit. Actually the de facto incoming limit is 49,000 instead of 50,000. It is probably because Lifemiles has programmed the condition to be incoming_miles < 50000, instead of <=50,000.
Thanks for this. You just saved me from stranding a bunch of miles.
tylergupku
Jul 22, 12, 3:42 pm
For those who has paid the transaction fee, can you please check whether the purchase is categorized as air travel? Is it an international transaction?
wheresmybagba
Jul 22, 12, 4:42 pm
Is it an international transaction?
Well surely that depends on where your credit card is issued.
smit0847
Jul 22, 12, 5:50 pm
I tried to book a TATL flight with an overnight stop in ZRH (<24H), but the system does not understand it. Other alternative is too leave at 5am and have 2 very tight connections, so I would rather leave the night before. ANA usually shows this as a normal connection. I tried multi-city, but Avianca tries to charge me separately. Any idea how to avoid calling them?
You can't create a stopover online. You can only do this by calling the call centre.
The online system will not necessarily give you all the flight options, only the most direct/practical/cheapest etc.
Let us know how you get on with the call centre - apparently there is a 'live chat' option on their call centre too.
Aussie_flyer
Jul 22, 12, 7:44 pm
For those who has paid the transaction fee, can you please check whether the purchase is categorized as air travel? Is it an international transaction?
processed by TACA Panama
tylergupku
Jul 22, 12, 10:57 pm
Has anyone figured out how to book relatively complicated trip that was not provided by the website? I assume I need to call but what number? Thanks.
Valley_MUC
Jul 23, 12, 4:47 am
Did you all use different credit cards when use the share-promo or it is also possible to use the same for two different accounts?
TGflyergirl
Jul 23, 12, 5:41 am
Did you all use different credit cards when use the share-promo or it is also possible to use the same for two different accounts?
I used the same card throughout. There's a space for you to enter your name and billing address, and naturally, this can be different from the account holder's name.
Valley_MUC
Jul 23, 12, 6:18 am
I used the same card throughout. There's a space for you to enter your name and billing address, and naturally, this can be different from the account holder's name.
Thank you, TGflyergirl!
tylergupku
Jul 23, 12, 10:58 am
I called Avianca at 8002842622 to book a ticket. Even if I asked to speak to English-speaking agents and they did seem to speak English, they could not COMMUNICATE in English. Their trick is to use "bad connection" as an excuse and then asked you call back. The only agent who was able to communicate in English could not get my pin validated on the phone, which was a must if a ticket is booked over the phone. I have officially given up till I see at least one successful case of booking a ticket over the phone...BTW, the connection indeed did not sound very good to me
I am talking an agent from TACA who speaks English very well, hopefully I will be able to book the ticket with him.
alexanderrr
Jul 23, 12, 12:00 pm
You can't create a stopover online. You can only do this by calling the call centre.
The online system will not necessarily give you all the flight options, only the most direct/practical/cheapest etc.
Let us know how you get on with the call centre - apparently there is a 'live chat' option on their call centre too.
Thanks, but I am not talking about stopover. It is an overnight stop <24H. In fact it is the only possible connection between my point of origin and destination using LX. I always booked it this way using BMI DC which did not allow stopovers in Europe. If you do a search on ANA, it appears there along with early morning LH connection (same day). Anyway, it is probably the only way to do it, so I will just keep in mind. I can also fly on LH, but the schedule is not so convenient and LX C is better then old LH C. I doubt that you can book an award flight using their online chat - if anything I would be a bit worried giving my CC info this way.
echino
Jul 23, 12, 12:30 pm
The miles have two-year expiration, right? I bought 1,000 "seed" miles for transferring, and I see the following in my account:
Available miles: 1,000
Miles expiration date: August 2014
Edit: never mind. found this:
Any activity in the member’s LifeMiles account, extends the expiration date of the mileage credit of that account for a term of twenty four (24) months from the date of the latest qualifying activity. Qualifying activity is defined as any mileage accrual or redemption transaction, affecting the member’s mileage credit. Twenty four (24) months after the latest activity all miles will expire and the mileage credit of the account will be zero (0).
echino
Jul 23, 12, 5:10 pm
An observation: the booking system does not show any connections crossing the midnight. Only same-day connections are allowed. For example, if a flight arrives 23:00, and the connecting flight departs in two hours, at 01:00, then their system would not show this option, even though there is availability for all those flights.
pogreen
Jul 23, 12, 9:19 pm
Hello,
Was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the stopover policy when booking a flight?
From what I understand, a stopover is possible if you make a call to the call centre with a variable booking fee (depending on travel destination). Does anyone know how the booking fee is calculated?
Also, is this stop over available for a one-way trip?
Appreciate anyone who can shed some light on this!
smit0847
Jul 24, 12, 5:41 pm
Thanks, but I am not talking about stopover. It is an overnight stop <24H. In fact it is the only possible connection between my point of origin and destination using LX. I always booked it this way using BMI DC which did not allow stopovers in Europe. If you do a search on ANA, it appears there along with early morning LH connection (same day). Anyway, it is probably the only way to do it, so I will just keep in mind. I can also fly on LH, but the schedule is not so convenient and LX C is better then old LH C. I doubt that you can book an award flight using their online chat - if anything I would be a bit worried giving my CC info this way.
Let me rephrase - if you can't book it online, you need to call the CC.
smit0847
Jul 24, 12, 5:41 pm
Hello,
Was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with the stopover policy when booking a flight?
From what I understand, a stopover is possible if you make a call to the call centre with a variable booking fee (depending on travel destination). Does anyone know how the booking fee is calculated?
Also, is this stop over available for a one-way trip?
Appreciate anyone who can shed some light on this!
Read the last few pages of this thread.
Robcuk
Jul 24, 12, 6:46 pm
I booked a simple single flight for 2 from MAD to SYD via BKK dept 29.12 in J online using the miles I brought.
The MAD leg came up on TG's reservation page as waitlisted so after several phone calls to TG, Avianca, Taca and some live chats my flight is now listed as waitlisted confirmed.
Unfortunately I have a third flight from MAD on the 1.1.2013 listed as confirmed!! Emailed Lifemiles to which they replied they could not see it whilst TG have stated they can't change it.
So 3 flights confirmed! Luckily this is a one off single for me and will stick with USDM
wheresmybagba
Jul 24, 12, 9:04 pm
Another quirk I see with the online booking engine is that it won't allow you to book same day connections as part of a multi-city.
So I wanted to book A-B-C (and the return). This involved a straight forward 3 hour connection but the website wouldn't offer it (because it doesn't seem to recognise LH Cityline as *A). I tried to book A-B, B-C using multi city but it won't let me search for B-C with the same date as A-B...it tells me I have to use a later date. Sounds like this situation would involve brushing up on your Spanish as well! :rolleyes:
schoflyer
Jul 25, 12, 2:01 am
Tylergupku:
Did your miles post on your purchase.
Still waiting here.
Anyone else.
thanks
-scho
harryhv
Jul 25, 12, 3:23 am
Did your miles post on your purchase.
Still waiting here.Yes instantaneously - except one time, when the final payment confirmation page never showed up.
Freewilly
Jul 25, 12, 4:51 am
I transferred from Mariott to Lifemiles last week, but the miles didn't show up yet.
How long will this tranfer take?
cmcbugg
Jul 25, 12, 1:41 pm
I transferred from Mariott to Lifemiles last week, but the miles didn't show up yet.
How long will this tranfer take?
Don't know about Marriott - but I had a Best Western stay on 21/7 and the miles posted automatically to Lifemiles on 25/7.
schoflyer
Jul 26, 12, 5:14 am
Ok. Mine finally posted. Not sure if it was the email to support @ life miles.com or time. Not sure. all-in about 72 hours.
flyinstyle
Jul 26, 12, 7:02 am
Bought the miles and playing with the Transfer a bit... found a sweet route...
just redeemed JFK - ZRH - NRT with LX metal... First class is only 70000 miles for one way.. or 28K miles plus cash and 27 USD TAX..
Wow... it is very very very good deal
echino
Jul 26, 12, 10:30 am
Another observation: their website booking tool shows LX availability when neither ANA, nor Aeroplan show any. I think this may be phantom. Someone reported that it books, looks fine at first, but then turn out the LX segments are "waitlisted" and not actually confirmed.
flyinstyle, did you check whether those LX flights had been available on ANA or Aeroplan before you booked? Try calling LX and ask them whether you are confirmed for the flights. Let us know!
The Mileage Millionaire
Jul 26, 12, 4:14 pm
Another observation: their website booking tool shows LX availability when neither ANA, nor Aeroplan show any. I think this may be phantom. Someone reported that it books, looks fine at first, but then turn out the LX segments are "waitlisted" and not actually confirmed.
flyinstyle, did you check whether those LX flights had been available on ANA or Aeroplan before you booked? Try calling LX and ask them whether you are confirmed for the flights. Let us know!
CRAP. This is why I bought LifeMiles! The flights I see available on LifeMiles also show as available on EF.com, so they could be "for real".
flyinstyle
Jul 26, 12, 7:06 pm
Another observation: their website booking tool shows LX availability when neither ANA, nor Aeroplan show any. I think this may be phantom. Someone reported that it books, looks fine at first, but then turn out the LX segments are "waitlisted" and not actually confirmed.
flyinstyle, did you check whether those LX flights had been available on ANA or Aeroplan before you booked? Try calling LX and ask them whether you are confirmed for the flights. Let us know!
Checked on LX website , Confirmed...
Checked with friend in LX reservation .. Confirmed.. also seen the ticket no..
so I think it wont be a problem
abcx
Jul 26, 12, 7:56 pm
Checked on LX website , Confirmed...
Checked with friend in LX reservation .. Confirmed.. also seen the ticket no..
so I think it wont be a problem
Was this last minute? Did ANA or Aeroplan show inventory? I wonder if LX is blocking on their side using a blacklist and they haven't added AV/TA to the list yet.
flyinstyle
Jul 26, 12, 8:43 pm
Was this last minuted? Did ANA or Aeroplan show inventory? I wonder if LX is blocking on their side using a blacklist and they haven't added AV/TA to the list yet.
I booked my flight 3 days ago... but I check it again .. NYC - ZRH still available.. on NOV 10 .. EWR - ZRH..
Hosserunda
Jul 27, 12, 8:14 am
Also booked Swiss that didn't show up on ANA, ZRH -BKK. Confirmed and ticketed, just called Swiss to reserve seats.
pogreen
Jul 27, 12, 1:42 pm
Read the last few pages of this thread.
I've read the "last few pages" but I'm not sure if my question has been addressed.
Perhaps you would be kind enough to point me in the right direction?
Just to clarify, I'm asking about how the booking fee is calculated and whether it is possible to book a stopover on a one way ticket.
YorkieFlyer
Jul 27, 12, 2:24 pm
I've read the "last few pages" but I'm not sure if my question has been addressed.
Perhaps you would be kind enough to point me in the right direction?
Just to clarify, I'm asking about how the booking fee is calculated and whether it is possible to book a stopover on a one way ticket.
Booking fee is variable on a number of factors so nobody really knows
You can book a stopover but not online only via a call centre, try TACA US call centre and it is unclear whether 2 sectors are then charged
Rom Sac
Jul 28, 12, 7:54 am
Also booked Swiss that didn't show up on ANA, ZRH -BKK. Confirmed and ticketed, just called Swiss to reserve seats.
How did you get the LX confirmation number?
flyinstyle
Jul 28, 12, 9:00 am
Also booked Swiss that didn't show up on ANA, ZRH -BKK. Confirmed and ticketed, just called Swiss to reserve seats.
How did you get the LX confirmation number?
Using the lifemiles confirmation number and check your booking www.checkmytrip.com the u will find it
Rom Sac
Jul 28, 12, 12:56 pm
Using the lifemiles confirmation number and check your booking www.checkmytrip.com the u will find it
Thanks, I had tried this but it didn't initially work. It looks like there is a delay during which time your flight is viewable on CMT but doesn't have the LX confirmation number. But now it showed up and all is fine.
tylergupku
Jul 29, 12, 4:43 pm
I just called Avianca to booked a ticket in mixed cabin of coach and business. The agent told me that they could not do it. Did people have any luck with Taca?
smit0847
Jul 29, 12, 5:17 pm
I just called Avianca to booked a ticket in mixed cabin of coach and business. The agent told me that they could not do it. Did people have any luck with Taca?
It's weird that they can't do this and just charge you the business rate for the whole trip - thats what USDM do.
Was this a Lifemiles *A redemption reservation? Did the agents speak ok English?
tylergupku
Jul 29, 12, 6:21 pm
yes. He did. He was basically guided by a "supervisor" who speaks Spanish only. I was told they could not mix cabin classes.
smit0847
Jul 29, 12, 10:16 pm
yes. He did. He was basically guided by a "supervisor" who speaks Spanish only. I was told they could not mix cabin classes.
Thanks for letting me know - thats good to hear - we were/are worried that redemptions can only be made in Spanish. I assume if you ring your ask for someone who speaks english and if they then say they cannot do redemptions you ask for them to be guided by a spanish speaking supervisor?
I don't suppose you were advised of what the booking fee through the call centre would be? What was your route?
ung1
Jul 29, 12, 10:30 pm
Completed a purchase of miles and made a booking. Have the confirmation from life miles, can pull up the booking on cmt and also see an LX pnr. How do I know whether this has been ticketed yet? When pulling up the reservation on LX it says there's no eticket and to proceed to check in, but could that be because it's issued by another airline?
smit0847
Jul 29, 12, 10:39 pm
Completed a purchase of miles and made a booking. Have the confirmation from life miles, can pull up the booking on cmt and also see an LX pnr. How do I know whether this has been ticketed yet? When pulling up the reservation on LX it says there's no eticket and to proceed to check in, but could that be because it's issued by another airline?
Call LX to check or else try checkmytrip.com
ung1
Jul 30, 12, 12:15 am
Completed a purchase of miles and made a booking. Have the confirmation from life miles, can pull up the booking on cmt and also see an LX pnr. How do I know whether this has been ticketed yet? When pulling up the reservation on LX it says there's no eticket and to proceed to check in, but could that be because it's issued by another airline?
Call LX to check or else try checkmytrip.com
I can see the booking on check my trip. What do I look out for to know whether it's been ticketed?
IAN-UK
Jul 30, 12, 12:16 am
I can see the booking on check my trip. What do I look out for to know whether it's been ticketed?
A ticket number.
wheresmybagba
Jul 30, 12, 1:22 am
I can see the booking on check my trip. What do I look out for to know whether it's been ticketed?
Near the top where the passenger name is first displayed, click the down arrow to expand that section. You might see something like:
E-ticket number 236-xxxxxxxxxx
Issuing Airline: BD
Endorsments/Restrictions *M*DC MILES PLUS CASH BOOKIN/ RESTRICTIONS APPLY
Ticket status: e-ticket processed 13APR12
If you don't see any E-ticket number then it hasn't been ticketed.
Might be better to use:
https://classic.checkmytrip.com ...it has a seperate tab - 'e-ticket receipt'.
oliver2002
Jul 30, 12, 1:27 am
Since its Amadeus, you can download the eticket here:
https://eitr.amadeusasia.com/index.aspx
ung1
Jul 30, 12, 4:10 am
Thanks guys. There's no eticket number yet, but it's early AM in S America and I booked when it was Sunday morning there. Should I wait a couple days before calling if I see nothing, or will that mean the booking gets canceled?
ETA: How long has it taken for most people's bookings to ticket?
KRS
Jul 30, 12, 8:37 am
Was able to book RGN-BKK-HKG on TG in business with an overnight in BKK. I was not charged a phone booking fee. Total cost was 9500 miles and USD 168.44 + USD 10 (tax I believe). PNR given and email received promptly.
I tried the US LM number but was not able to get through.
Called Avianca (call center) and selected the LifeMiles option and was put through immediately to an agent who spoke good English, but everything was exceedingly slow (was on the phone for over 1 hour even though I had specific flights before calling), and I had to request the specific flights and the overnight several times.
The system for entering your PIN is awful, and the automated recording almost impossible to comprehend. I kept entering the same (correct) PIN but it was rejected by the system multiple times, before finally getting accepted (no idea why). Later in the process apparently the system requested the PIN again, I could not get it verified so a supervisor got involved and was apparently able to override. I was on Skype (excellent connection) but don't know if this might be a cause of the problems.
PS
Surely not being able to mix classes is a misunderstanding? Would be a bummer for me as there are no First flights to my home airport.
(I did not ask as it was taking long enough with my simple request)
Rom Sac
Jul 30, 12, 9:24 am
ETA: How long has it taken for most people's bookings to ticket?
I just did one on LX and it was essentially instantaneous (LX confirmation number on CMT along with ticket numbers, and available to check via swiss.com). Previous one took a day or two though.
PetzLUX
Jul 30, 12, 2:46 pm
2 weeks ago, using miles + cash I managed to book SQ21. So I will be traveling in business class:
09FEB LX751 LUX ZRH 1035 1140
09FEB LX18 ZRH EWR 1725 2020
12FEB SQ21 EWR SIN 2300 0630(+2)
17FEB TK67 SIN IST 0030 0640
17FEB TK1587 IST FRA 0815 1035
Looking forward to the longest non-stop flight. :)
lsed
Jul 31, 12, 4:32 am
Ok just did a 1K transfer to my brothers account.
Paid the $15 transfer fee, and 1K showed up in his account and 0 in Mine?!
What am I supposed to do now? The banners for 2 for 1 are still up and this promo is ending soon!
Edit: So apparently there is a problem with the transaction and people have been calling in for this.
Now I need 26K miles. This is going to take a long long while
Edit 2:
Agent said to wait till 9 am for the team to come in and they'll add the missing miles.
I think they'll try to fix the issue. It's a known problem. The agent said many people are having this issue.
If I'm allowed to speculate, someone probably didn't know there were 31 days in July
wheresmybagba
Jul 31, 12, 4:47 am
Ok just did a 1K transfer to my brothers account.
Paid the $15 transfer fee, and 1K showed up in his account and 0 in Mine?!
What am I supposed to do now? The banners for 2 for 1 are still up and this promo is ending soon!
Sounds like the promo finished early!
mmdpkaaa
Jul 31, 12, 6:36 am
just had the same problem!!! transferred 4k miles from my account to my mums and no bonus has shown up. What can be done???
Short hair Francis
Jul 31, 12, 7:52 am
just had the same problem!!! transferred 4k miles from my account to my mums and no bonus has shown up. What can be done???
I just try calling to the TACA number (lady recording is easier to understand vs. Avianca's male voice)
And I got absolutely nowhere :mad::mad:
mmdpkaaa
Jul 31, 12, 8:03 am
bollocks! this was working yesterday just fine, i got lazy and only did half the transfers! tried calling the CS and they've asked me to call back in 3 hours. He was sprouting some rules about being unable to transfer back to the same account - even though i did this yesterday without a problem...
lsed
Jul 31, 12, 9:34 am
Ok seems to be fixed.
I havent gotten the bonus miles yet (from the earlier error). But the bonus miles field has appeared again.
Its 9:30am so I guess this was fixed rather quickly.
They should be going thru all the accounts with missing miles now and crediting them manually. (That's what agent said they would do from 9am)
Edit: Ok I shall attempt and report back
Edit 2: IT'S WORKING AGAIN GUYS^
Done two transfers without issues.
swissytrader
Jul 31, 12, 10:37 am
Ok seems to be fixed.
I havent gotten the bonus miles yet (from the earlier error). But the bonus miles field has appeared again.
Its 9:30am so I guess this was fixed rather quickly.
They should be going thru all the accounts with missing miles now and crediting them manually. (That's what agent said they would do from 9am)
Edit: Ok I shall attempt and report back
Edit 2: IT'S WORKING AGAIN GUYS^
Done two transfers without issues.
Did the agent give any indication for how long the manual adjustments would take?
Or is this on a request base?
Just one final question, which number did you use to contact them ? ;)
Many thanks for your efforts.
rao67
Jul 31, 12, 10:58 am
2 weeks ago, using miles + cash I managed to book SQ21. So I will be traveling in business class:
09FEB LX751 LUX ZRH 1035 1140
09FEB LX18 ZRH EWR 1725 2020
12FEB SQ21 EWR SIN 2300 0630(+2)
17FEB TK67 SIN IST 0030 0640
17FEB TK1587 IST FRA 0815 1035
Looking forward to the longest non-stop flight. :)
Hello PetzLux. I'm unable to view any availability with SQ for SIN-NRT, SIN-SYD, SIN-EWR even when I looked 10-12 months ahead. Not sure how you managed to book SQ EWR-SIN :confused: Great list of flights btw :)
swissytrader
Jul 31, 12, 11:51 am
Did the agent give any indication for how long the manual adjustments would take?
Or is this on a request base?
Just one final question, which number did you use to contact them ? ;)
Many thanks for your efforts.
Well after a 45 minute Skype call, with the agent having to consult with her supervisor on numerous occasions, they granted me the manual adjustment.
This will take TWO days to hit the beneficiary account, which is quite a pain.
The agent had insisted that the promotion only allowed for up to a half of miles could be transferred for the beneficiary to received X2. I.E. If the donor had 12K miles, then only 6K could be transferred for the beneficiary to receive 12K.
How wrong and frustrating.
mmdpkaaa
Jul 31, 12, 1:31 pm
ok so bonus miles have now posted in the beneficiaries account. i need to make one more transfer back to myself to get the miles i need. should i risk it?!?
Short hair Francis
Jul 31, 12, 1:43 pm
ok so bonus miles have now posted in the beneficiaries account. i need to make one more transfer back to myself to get the miles i need. should i risk it?!?
Be careful, I was having some difficulties figuring out the numbers.
I mean I did get 120K spread over 3 accounts but my math wasn't at what I thought I could get to.
The last couple transfer at the higher amount is hard to understand at least from my prespective.
I must have done something wrong with my last transfer so I couldn't maximize it for some reason
If you have a good amount playing bumper table already than maybe no.
mmdpkaaa
Jul 31, 12, 1:52 pm
im up to 8k, i need 16k for the redemption i need to make....hmm not sure whether to chance it?
Short hair Francis
Jul 31, 12, 2:16 pm
im up to 8k, i need 16k for the redemption i need to make....hmm not sure whether to chance it?
Oh its, that fine :p
I thought you had a higher amount than that
mmdpkaaa
Jul 31, 12, 2:28 pm
phew....! chanced it and it went through. thats enough for me, think i'll just buy them outright next time when they have a promotion!
Short hair Francis
Jul 31, 12, 2:31 pm
phew....! chanced it and it went through. thats enough for me, think i'll just buy them outright next time when they have a promotion!
Same, so much work :eek:
swissytrader
Jul 31, 12, 4:01 pm
Well after a 45 minute Skype call, with the agent having to consult with her supervisor on numerous occasions, they granted me the manual adjustment.
This will take TWO days to hit the beneficiary account, which is quite a pain.
The agent had insisted that the promotion only allowed for up to a half of miles could be transferred for the beneficiary to received X2. I.E. If the donor had 12K miles, then only 6K could be transferred for the beneficiary to receive 12K.
How wrong and frustrating.
Well the two days in fact took only two hours.^
Shimon
Jul 31, 12, 6:00 pm
It seems like they are throwing up an error if you try booking any "trick" itineraries. :/
Deltahater
Jul 31, 12, 6:30 pm
I got 70,000 miles in about 30 mins this afternoon
Atlantico
Aug 1, 12, 9:34 am
Hi guys,
Does Lifemiles has a 24h free cancelation policy after purchase on award Tickets?
I couldn't find any information on their website.
Gracias,
Short hair Francis
Aug 1, 12, 3:25 pm
Was able to book RGN-BKK-HKG on TG in business with an overnight in BKK. I was not charged a phone booking fee. Total cost was 9500 miles and USD 168.44 + USD 10 (tax I believe). PNR given and email received promptly.
Does Lifemiles have a last in/first out rule for redemptions?
I thought int'l connections are usually <24 hrs?
I've trying to do HKG-BKK-RGN
Problem is I prefer TG over ET on HKG-BKK
TG HKG-BKK at 8:05pm or ET HKG-BKK at 10:10pm
TG BKK-RGN at 7:45am
I was just even trying to test the days ET doesn't fly HKG-BKK and it will just tell me as unavailable?
Deltahater
Aug 1, 12, 4:12 pm
Does Lifemiles have a last in/first out rule for redemptions?
I thought int'l connections are usually <24 hrs?
I've trying to do HKG-BKK-RGN
Problem is I prefer TG over ET on HKG-BKK
TG HKG-BKK at 8:05pm or ET HKG-BKK at 10:10pm
TG BKK-RGN at 7:45am
I was just even trying to test the days ET doesn't fly HKG-BKK and it will just tell me as unavailable?
Lifemiles is a very limited capability website. Very userunfriendly. I think you need to leave your connecting city the same calendar day. If you call in, it might work out though
I was told the service charge could be $90 per ticket, or maybe $60. It all depends. When I asked on what, he said on your flights.
The cancellation policy apparently is $150 per ticket or $250, maybe, again, it all depends.
It was impossible to get a straight answer from TACA, but the guy spoke very good English.
AndrewE
Aug 1, 12, 8:09 pm
The booking engine does not seem to be able to put YUL-ZRH-HKG together even though both segments are available. However it does give me YUL-ZRH-NRT. I suspect because the Tokyo flight leaves in the early afternoon and the Hong Kong flight is late evening, if the connections is longer than say 12 hours, it won't put the two segments together.
Deltahater
Aug 1, 12, 8:28 pm
The booking engine does not seem to be able to put YUL-ZRH-HKG together even though both segments are available. However it does give me YUL-ZRH-NRT. I suspect because the Tokyo flight leaves in the early afternoon and the Hong Kong flight is late evening, if the connections is longer than say 12 hours, it won't put the two segments together.
Have you played with your dates? Some flights are daily, others are only 3-4x per week and it might give you the results you want. Why do you want ZRH? you want LX or you do want Raclette?
oliver2002
Aug 2, 12, 1:13 am
Applied for the LM 20k US Bank Visa Signature yesterday. Instant approval ^
ikura
Aug 2, 12, 6:58 am
I chanced it and got myself a nice chunk of LifeMiles during the share promo. Originally I thougt about booking through the website, but decided against it as it doesn't show my preferred routing for the trip I'm looking to book. Tried my luck with the call center yesterday, but no dice there, they can only see so many seats on each flight, not corresponding with what I see online. Also they do not seem to understand that in Star Alliance there are three classes of service, as I wanted to include a flight in First. Guy on the phone spoke great english though.
ikura
Aug 2, 12, 7:01 am
The booking engine does not seem to be able to put YUL-ZRH-HKG together even though both segments are available. However it does give me YUL-ZRH-NRT. I suspect because the Tokyo flight leaves in the early afternoon and the Hong Kong flight is late evening, if the connections is longer than say 12 hours, it won't put the two segments together.
This is most likely due to LH/LXs infamous married segment blocking. This means that you may see 2 or even 4 seats on A-B and B-C, but when you search A-C no seats are available.
abcx
Aug 2, 12, 7:12 am
This is most likely due to LH/LXs infamous married segment blocking. This means that you may see 2 or even 4 seats on A-B and B-C, but when you search A-C no seats are available.
The married segment business is new, at least for award tickets. Earlier, if A-B and B-C were available, you could always get A-B-C.
ikura
Aug 2, 12, 10:41 am
The married segment business is new, at least for award tickets. Earlier, if A-B and B-C were available, you could always get A-B-C.
Not in my experience, I struggled with this over a year ago and had to book Swiss instead of Lufthansa (no loss there though :) )
ikura
Aug 2, 12, 10:43 am
The website is indeed very lacking. It shows the most obvious connections, yes it does, but when it comes to more complex requests it completely falls through. I see that several people have been able to book over the phone without any charge, did you say anything special or did the agent just forget to charge you?
YorkieFlyer
Aug 2, 12, 2:34 pm
Applied for the LM 20k US Bank Visa Signature yesterday. Instant approval ^
May I ask which country residency is this application based on?
Deltahater
Aug 2, 12, 4:58 pm
Can anybody confirm that the most interesting routings no longer process or it just me? I get an error message after the availability screen shows me my flight options, mileage requirements, etc.
Cheers
Edit:
My C1-C3 does not price.
My C3-C2 works wonderfully...
Strange
GUWonder
Aug 2, 12, 6:12 pm
May I ask which country residency is this application based on?
US credit history.
oliver2002
Aug 3, 12, 12:45 am
May I ask which country residency is this application based on?
Still have a home (and credit history) in the US :)
US Bank was the bank my initial secured credit card came from when I got my SSN in 2005 and started out with my credit history. So they know me well :)
I was surprised that USB offers a secured credit card that earns LM ^
GUWonder
Aug 3, 12, 1:37 am
Still have a home (and credit history) in the US :)
US Bank was the bank my initial secured credit card came from when I got my SSN in 2005 and started out with my credit history. So they know me well :)
I was surprised that USB offers a secured credit card that earns LM ^
It is great that they have such a product.
USB having a secured credit card that earns Lifemiles was probably done due to the demographics and credit history/credit risk nature of the primary target market. [Most of those in the US who fly Avianca/TACA are probably traditionally not financially as settled in the US as say a BA FFP participant and it is great to see USB has considered a product that makes sense for the relevant market.]
marble
Aug 3, 12, 3:33 pm
For people who have just bought lots of miles, but don't know what to do with them, perhaps these are a couple of ideas:
For people in the US, it's worth taking a flight out to the birthplace of the first female flight attendant. For us Europeans, a trip to the largest German beer festival is also a nice weekend away (though search for one of the less well known airports in the city to fly into).
The Mileage Millionaire
Aug 3, 12, 5:28 pm
For people who have just bought lots of miles, but don't know what to do with them, perhaps these are a couple of ideas:
For people in the US, it's worth taking a flight out to the birthplace of the first female flight attendant. For us Europeans, a trip to the largest German beer festival is also a nice weekend away (though search for one of the less well known airports in the city to fly into).
Huh? Is this some sort of code language.
Cresco, Iowa and Munich, Germany?
phat-dave
Aug 3, 12, 7:13 pm
yes..
calvinoeh
Aug 3, 12, 8:20 pm
For people who have just bought lots of miles, but don't know what to do with them, perhaps these are a couple of ideas:
For people in the US, it's worth taking a flight out to the birthplace of the first female flight attendant. For us Europeans, a trip to the largest German beer festival is also a nice weekend away (though search for one of the less well known airports in the city to fly into).
what the?!?1
wheresmybagba
Aug 4, 12, 1:25 am
what the?!?1
Marble seems to have confused this thread with Trick It!
ung1
Aug 4, 12, 10:02 am
If I book a redemption on miles + cash that I want to later cancel, do I get to keep the points I paid cash for a la IHG, or do I get the money back and give up the points?
I made two identical bookings but got charged half the amount for the miles on one of them, no idea how that happened.
Shimon
Aug 4, 12, 5:02 pm
Are us tricksters going to be kicked into our own Lifemiles trick it thread? :P
Seems like they just return an error as they identify the trick... :/
lsed
Aug 5, 12, 1:38 am
If that's what it takes I guess we have to do it to keep the routes alive.
Now regarding in the C3-C2. is this the one that goes close to borat land?
If its not can someone care to drop some hints? Thanks
oliver2002
Aug 5, 12, 8:17 am
Can anyone say who runs LM for Avianca TACA? Is it homemade or run by someone like ICLP or Loylogic?
burmans
Aug 6, 12, 3:03 am
Redacted
IAN-UK
Aug 7, 12, 2:05 am
If that's what it takes I guess we have to do it to keep the routes alive.
Now regarding in the C3-C2. is this the one that goes close to borat land?
If its not can someone care to drop some hints? Thanks
Somehow, I think the aim is not to spend holidays in Khabarovsk....
Wouldn't you have to go through the lengthy and difficult process of obtaining a Russian visa to be allowed to board the first leg of this journey? (regardless of whether you complete the whole thing)
heramato
Aug 7, 12, 6:22 pm
Wouldn't you have to go through the lengthy and difficult process of obtaining a Russian visa to be allowed to board the first leg of this journey? (regardless of whether you complete the whole thing)
It is not a lengthy and difficult process to obtain a russian visa (9 days for me). And surely not for a UK citizen (assuming that IAN-UK is one)
IAN-UK
Aug 8, 12, 1:31 am
It is not a lengthy and difficult process to obtain a russian visa (9 days for me). And surely not for a UK citizen (assuming that IAN-UK is one)
I am one :)
And the Russian consulate in London has streamlined things by involving a third-part agency to manage the process, adding an additional generous fee to said third-party. The old way was a dysfunctional circus, which sadly reinforced stereotypes of unfriendly bureacracy and low-level corruption.
Single entry is now $200 total for next day, half that if you leave your passport in their system for five days.
But, to be honest, I couldn't be arsed.
IAN-UK
Aug 8, 12, 1:40 am
Wouldn't you have to go through the lengthy and difficult process of obtaining a Russian visa to be allowed to board the first leg of this journey? (regardless of whether you complete the whole thing)
I think that would kick in only if you were making a direct connection through Seoul. Otherwise the visa check would kick in only at Seoul, when/if you checked-in for that final leg.
Please don't my comment as a definitive ruling! I base it only on what happens on my trips to other visa-challenging destinations.
Kais767
Aug 8, 12, 7:31 am
Any improvement on the call centre? Seems my desired itinerary can't be done online.
Is NRT-HKG-BKk-SIN pushing my luck for the price of a NRT-SIN award?
WingedWorldExplorer
Aug 8, 12, 9:35 am
LIFEMILES.AVIANCA/TACA does not seem to have a 24 hour penalty free cancellation policy. However I was told that if cancellation occurs BEFORE ticket ( ticket number ) is issued, then a full refund will be given. Does anyone have actual record of the time span from hitting the PURCHASE buttom to the time ticket was issued? Gracias
hevernan
Aug 8, 12, 12:07 pm
i got my Etix in about 4hours after Booking.
WingedWorldExplorer
Aug 8, 12, 1:58 pm
i got my Etix in about 4hours after Booking.Thanks - is that based on time stamp on tix or the time when you discovered that tix had been issued -
GmK
Aug 8, 12, 2:43 pm
LIFEMILES.AVIANCA/TACA does not seem to have a 24 hour penalty free cancellation policy. However I was told that if cancellation occurs BEFORE ticket ( ticket number ) is issued, then a full refund will be given. Does anyone have actual record of the time span from hitting the PURCHASE buttom to the time ticket was issued? Gracias
A complicated one took 36 hrs to ticket (timestamp on ticket), so it is rather varied. Another one I was able to cancel for free before it was ticketed (6hrs after pressing the button) so the above as you state is (or should be, they like to change their conditions) correct.
lsed
Aug 8, 12, 3:43 pm
With the transfer miles bonus now over it seems tickets are being issued quicker. My recent one was within 8 hours
lsed
Aug 8, 12, 3:45 pm
I think that would kick in only if you were making a direct connection through Seoul. Otherwise the visa check would kick in only at Seoul, when/if you checked-in for that final leg.
Please don't my comment as a definitive ruling! I base it only on what happens on my trips to other visa-challenging destinations.
So how would one tell the agent at first outbound airport to check him to Seoul only?
alfrie
Aug 8, 12, 5:50 pm
At the last step before buying a ticket, I saw a note of 'condition':
Itinerary changes: USD150
Refundable: USD50
I assume it costs $150 to change a ticket. However, what does 'Refundable:$50' mean? paying $50 to cancel a ticket and have the miles and taxes refunded, OR, I can only get $50 back if canceling a ticket?
smit0847
Aug 8, 12, 7:46 pm
Any improvement on the call centre? Seems my desired itinerary can't be done online.
Is NRT-HKG-BKk-SIN pushing my luck for the price of a NRT-SIN award?
The only way I could see this working is if you called and requested a HKG stopover because the only likely way to then go from HKG to SIN is via BKK. You would probably be charged a call centre booking fee but this should still be a North Asia to South Asia award.
Please let us know how you get on if you do call up!
WingedWorldExplorer
Aug 8, 12, 7:54 pm
A complicated one took 36 hrs to ticket (timestamp on ticket), so it is rather varied. Another one I was able to cancel for free before it was ticketed (6hrs after pressing the button) so the above as you state is (or should be, they like to change their conditions) correct.
Thanks for super precise answer.
Has anyone had any trouble booking "Innovative" itineraries or is the ticketing process smooth i.e What You See is What You Get.
IAN-UK
Aug 9, 12, 12:50 am
So how would one tell the agent at first outbound airport to check him to Seoul only?
One would engineer a stop-over in Seoul.
piiit
Aug 9, 12, 12:51 am
One would engineer a stop-over in Seoul.
No Stopovers allowed on OneWays.
ikura
Aug 9, 12, 1:25 am
At the last step before buying a ticket, I saw a note of 'condition':
Itinerary changes: USD150
Refundable: USD50
I assume it costs $150 to change a ticket. However, what does 'Refundable:$50' mean? paying $50 to cancel a ticket and have the miles and taxes refunded, OR, I can only get $50 back if canceling a ticket?
I noticed this as well. I assumed it was a mistake, and that changes should be USD 50 while refunds are charged USD 150? Anyhow I do have it on black ink in my e-mail confirmation (and it also noted in the Amadeus PNR), so if I need to cancel I am going to use it for all it's worth. YMMV.
WingedWorldExplorer
Aug 9, 12, 7:56 am
Any cheap ways of creating LM miles apart from the now dead Double Miles transfer Promo ? - which I missed ?
$ .0125 per mile is not too bad but I am used to much better, like the 4757 miles per $ 1.00 purchase on US Dividend Miles Program in 2011.
burmans
Aug 9, 12, 8:18 am
No Stopovers allowed on OneWays.
Ok, a 20 hour layover then where you need your bag!
lsed
Aug 9, 12, 1:57 pm
Any cheap ways of creating LM miles apart from the now dead Double Miles transfer Promo ? - which I missed ?
$ .0125 per mile is not too bad but I am used to much better, like the 4757 miles per $ 1.00 purchase on US Dividend Miles Program in 2011.
Wasn't that webhosting company mileage trick plagued with many problems with account cancallations due to 'fraud' and other bogus made up excuses?
But I don't know of any other way to purchase miles cheaply. Am very interested though. =)
lsed
Aug 9, 12, 2:00 pm
I noticed this as well. I assumed it was a mistake, and that changes should be USD 50 while refunds are charged USD 150? Anyhow I do have it on black ink in my e-mail confirmation (and it also noted in the Amadeus PNR), so if I need to cancel I am going to use it for all it's worth. YMMV.
At the last step before buying a ticket, I saw a note of 'condition':
Itinerary changes: USD150
Refundable: USD50
I assume it costs $150 to change a ticket. However, what does 'Refundable:$50' mean? paying $50 to cancel a ticket and have the miles and taxes refunded, OR, I can only get $50 back if canceling a ticket?
On checkmytrip.com system, under restrictions, it shows:
FEE50USD/CHNG150USD/LIFEMILES TKT AWARD/NO MILES
So seems USD$50 is a fee and not what you'll be left with
Deltahater
Aug 10, 12, 7:59 am
Has anybody been able to ticket anything exciting out of BKK?
NRT can be easily done, but I am struggling with BKK
GmK
Aug 10, 12, 8:01 am
Has anybody been able to ticket anything exciting out of BKK?
NRT can be easily done, but I am struggling with BKK
Define "exciting"? But before you do, remember that this is a public forum, so reconsider defining ;)
Deltahater
Aug 10, 12, 8:50 am
exciting as in multi city
echino
Aug 10, 12, 2:11 pm
I suppose everyone knows about Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer? Any tips on how to make the lifemiles website display availability there from North America?
IAN-UK
Aug 10, 12, 4:39 pm
I suppose everyone knows about Kenneth Ingalls Sawyer? Any tips on how to make the lifemiles website display availability there from North America?
A fine engineer, but outside Michigan and certainly outside the US I don't imagine its a name on the lips of many folk.
AF base named after him. Now known as Sawyer International Airport, serving Marquette, Michigan
IATA: MQT but FAA: SAW (leading to confusion with Istanbul's second airport)
echino
Aug 10, 12, 5:23 pm
AF base named after him.
I was trying to be a little more discreet. :cool:
mnscout
Aug 10, 12, 8:12 pm
I've booked a reward (United) JFK-LIM flight on Copa, but now there is another one available in J on Avianca and with much better arrival time. The problem is it has just 50 minutes layover in BOG, and that makes me a bit nervous. So 3 questions for those, who have flown them.
1. What is your general Avianca on-time experience?
2. Should things go wrong at BOG and we miss the flight, how well do they handle re-booking? Would they book it on another airline? What should I expect?
3. How is their business class? Worth extra 15,000 miles?
Thanks.
dannyrado
Aug 11, 12, 1:50 am
I think that would kick in only if you were making a direct connection through Seoul. Otherwise the visa check would kick in only at Seoul, when/if you checked-in for that final leg.
An interesting thought, may i ask any of you if you think this to be the case? Or can comment with any certainty...
I have a trip next year ARN-HKT(stop, 2 weeks)-HYD.
Would anyone think i'd be asked for my Indian visa in ARN? Booking wasn't lifemiles btw.
ps. Loving all the coded messages etc. I'm not jumping on this lifemiles bandwagon though, so can't be bothered trying to understand them.... :D
IAN-UK
Aug 11, 12, 3:23 am
I was trying to be a little more discreet. :cool:
I guessed. But wondered why ...
and couldn't work out if your target was provincial Michigan or the Asian side of the Bosphoros :)