Last edit by: Tokyoite
Please do your homework before buying Lifemiles. It is what it is... for some that's useful, for others it's not.
Biggest complaints are about
- mixed class bookings are available but now many of the suitable connections dont show
- not being able to book anything that isn't available online (there are work-arounds, see screenshot method below)
- the quality of the call center (English speaking agents are scarce, you might get thrown in a loop with call transfers within their call center)
- no stopovers (>24H) or open jaws, but you can book one way awards
- no reservations on Certain subsidiaries of Star Alliance carriers (Lufthansa Cityline, Germanwings)
Problems with ticketing / lack of confirmation screen or email
- write down the confirmation number shown on the screen after confirming your purchase.
check here: http://serviciosenlinea.avianca.com/...doReserva.aspx
Sometimes, even if you cannot see the PNR, the record may have been created, so better to call them and give them flight details you were trying to book. They can find the PNR from those details.
- ticketing usually takes place within 10-15 min of booking
- but it may also take up to 2 days
- if miles have been deducted from your account and a temporary authorization has been placed on your CC, you're probably fine even if you did not see a confirmation screen
- if no e-ticket number is visible on checkmytrip.com after two days, you should contact LifeMiles. You can expedite the ticketing by emailing with your booking reference to: [email protected] after you have booked, especially if you have booked last minute flights, and need ticketing straight away
Screenshot method.
So, on a date you are looking for in the future, there is availability for LAX-NRT and NRT-BKK. But not LAX-NRT-BKK.
It may be a case of the LM system not offering the through connection.
Take three screen shots - two 'available' screen shots for LAX-NRT and NRT-BKK and the 'not available' screen for LAX-BKK.
Send them all off with a scan of your passport page (PDF) and LM will make the booking manually for you.
Send to these two email addresses, and CC yourself (just for your records)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sample email:
====
Email topic: Urgent request for booking Lifemiles Award
====
Dear Sirs,
I have tried several times, over several days, but the following itinerary does not show on the website.
Please see the three attached screenshots I took just now.
Please do the manual booking First Class/Business class for xx,000 miles. (*Know how many miles the whole award should cost-here, to avoid surprises once ticketed)
The availability is only 1 seat for this date, so please process this request urgently before it is gone.
Los Angeles (LAX) - Bangkok (BKK)
Saturday August 11th 2018
NH 175 connecting to NH 807
(*Provide the specific flight numbers you want, to avoid surprises once ticketed)
My passport copy (Number xxxx, expiry 20xx/xx/xx, Nationality xxx) is attached in this email.
LifeMiles Number: xxx
First Name: xxx
Last name: xxx
Date of Birth: Month, date, year
Gender: Male/Female
Email: xxxx
Phone Number: +1-xxxx
Regards,
XXX
=========
Biggest complaints are about
- mixed class bookings are available but now many of the suitable connections dont show
- not being able to book anything that isn't available online (there are work-arounds, see screenshot method below)
- the quality of the call center (English speaking agents are scarce, you might get thrown in a loop with call transfers within their call center)
- no stopovers (>24H) or open jaws, but you can book one way awards
- no reservations on Certain subsidiaries of Star Alliance carriers (Lufthansa Cityline, Germanwings)
Problems with ticketing / lack of confirmation screen or email
- write down the confirmation number shown on the screen after confirming your purchase.
check here: http://serviciosenlinea.avianca.com/...doReserva.aspx
Sometimes, even if you cannot see the PNR, the record may have been created, so better to call them and give them flight details you were trying to book. They can find the PNR from those details.
- ticketing usually takes place within 10-15 min of booking
- but it may also take up to 2 days
- if miles have been deducted from your account and a temporary authorization has been placed on your CC, you're probably fine even if you did not see a confirmation screen
- if no e-ticket number is visible on checkmytrip.com after two days, you should contact LifeMiles. You can expedite the ticketing by emailing with your booking reference to: [email protected] after you have booked, especially if you have booked last minute flights, and need ticketing straight away
Screenshot method.
So, on a date you are looking for in the future, there is availability for LAX-NRT and NRT-BKK. But not LAX-NRT-BKK.
It may be a case of the LM system not offering the through connection.
Take three screen shots - two 'available' screen shots for LAX-NRT and NRT-BKK and the 'not available' screen for LAX-BKK.
Send them all off with a scan of your passport page (PDF) and LM will make the booking manually for you.
Send to these two email addresses, and CC yourself (just for your records)
[email protected]
[email protected]
Sample email:
====
Email topic: Urgent request for booking Lifemiles Award
====
Dear Sirs,
I have tried several times, over several days, but the following itinerary does not show on the website.
Please see the three attached screenshots I took just now.
Please do the manual booking First Class/Business class for xx,000 miles. (*Know how many miles the whole award should cost-here, to avoid surprises once ticketed)
The availability is only 1 seat for this date, so please process this request urgently before it is gone.
Los Angeles (LAX) - Bangkok (BKK)
Saturday August 11th 2018
NH 175 connecting to NH 807
(*Provide the specific flight numbers you want, to avoid surprises once ticketed)
My passport copy (Number xxxx, expiry 20xx/xx/xx, Nationality xxx) is attached in this email.
LifeMiles Number: xxx
First Name: xxx
Last name: xxx
Date of Birth: Month, date, year
Gender: Male/Female
Email: xxxx
Phone Number: +1-xxxx
Regards,
XXX
=========
Lifemiles serious booking problems - Beware (old legacy thread)
#1501
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
You don't even know my booking circumstances so I don't know why you thought this was useful to suggest? I buy large quantities of lifemiles which sometimes go to ANA F, sometimes to BR J, etc, but very often go toward AC J on YYZ<->SFO which is a lie-flat product without any competition and is obtained much cheaper buying miles than paying cash.
#1502
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH G,Hyatt E,*A Gold, OW Emerald.
Posts: 3,023
I'm getting an error when I try to select travelers for any attempted Air Canada booking. I emailed support and let them know that this is happening regardless of route or date and only on AC.....They seemed to understand after a second email that I just wanted the underlying issue looked at and they said someone has been informed.
Well reported on this very thread that AC has had issues for more than a year. If there are any lucky people out there, that would be a surprise. Otherwise, AC bookings still have issues on LM.
#1503
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
While the program has its issues, it also has rewards. Your experience probably doesn't serve as a relevant warning to 'the guy that knows nothing'.
Last edited by LHR/MEL/Europe FF; Aug 29, 2019 at 2:51 pm Reason: spelling
#1504
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: SFO/YYZ
Programs: AC 25K, AS MVP Gold, BA Bronze, UA Silver, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,459
Hope your email will get through to LM management and they invest resources in rectifying the issue. Many of us don't expect any improvement, and use the program as it is, with its many quirks and limitations. You will also get used to it.
[color=#333333] Well reported on this very thread that AC has had issues for more than a year. If there are any lucky people out there, that would be a surprise. Otherwise, AC bookings still have issues on LM.
[color=#333333] Well reported on this very thread that AC has had issues for more than a year. If there are any lucky people out there, that would be a surprise. Otherwise, AC bookings still have issues on LM.
This is the first time I've seen the error before I can even select myself as the traveller though. Actually, since the website redesign I've had pretty good luck with AC bookings and better luck with bookings in general, so this is an unfortunate regression. I'm just trying to theorize in my mind why it breaks at that stage of the booking process where it hasn't even requested the space or made a PNR yet.
#1505
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
I'm getting an error when I try to select travelers for any attempted Air Canada booking. I emailed support and let them know that this is happening regardless of route or date and only on AC, and they offered to help me do a manual booking which doesn't really matter for me right now since I was just trying to let them know about an error. They seemed to understand after a second email that I just wanted the underlying issue looked at and they said someone has been informed.
Wondering if anyone is able to get past that point for an AC booking though? I've never seen the site error out at that point in the booking process before; it normally breaks after you actually click to submit the booking.
Wondering if anyone is able to get past that point for an AC booking though? I've never seen the site error out at that point in the booking process before; it normally breaks after you actually click to submit the booking.
#1506
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,343
Is LM no longer showing the early JFK-FRA flight on the A380 in F? For example, tomorrow shows 4 F awards available on UA awards but LM does not.
#1507
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH G,Hyatt E,*A Gold, OW Emerald.
Posts: 3,023
You will need more datapoints than just one date and one flight. Gather data for a month and then we can make that broad statement. Otherwise, chalk it up to one of the many LM engine quirks.
#1508
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Georgia, USA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA Silver, AV
Posts: 126
I'm getting an error when I try to select travelers for any attempted Air Canada booking. I emailed support and let them know that this is happening regardless of route or date and only on AC, and they offered to help me do a manual booking which doesn't really matter for me right now since I was just trying to let them know about an error. They seemed to understand after a second email that I just wanted the underlying issue looked at and they said someone has been informed.
Wondering if anyone is able to get past that point for an AC booking though? I've never seen the site error out at that point in the booking process before; it normally breaks after you actually click to submit the booking.
Wondering if anyone is able to get past that point for an AC booking though? I've never seen the site error out at that point in the booking process before; it normally breaks after you actually click to submit the booking.
Haven't called or emailed yet... wanted to see if anyone else has had a similar. (I've used LM for AI a few years ago without hassles. For my purposes, it's a good use of my LM. And also other airlines. I've never down the screenshot thing or called the call center to book a ticket...)
#1509
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
If you have selected ‘Air India’ from the airline list and it still doesn’t work, you can give them a call. They can book anything we can see on line.
If you cannot see the whole itinerary on line, but can see individual segments, you’ll need the screenshot method.
If you cannot see the whole itinerary on line, but can see individual segments, you’ll need the screenshot method.
#1510
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Georgia, USA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA Silver, AV
Posts: 126
Thanks! I've only ever done Smart Search.
So, I tried Air India only, and it doesn't let me select but a couple of origin airports in Europe. No London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Vienna (weird. All show up when selecting Smart Search or Star Alliance). But yes Frankfurt, Madrid. I tried Madrid - Delhi. Same result - error screen. I'll give em a call a little later.
So, I tried Air India only, and it doesn't let me select but a couple of origin airports in Europe. No London, Paris, Milan, Rome, Vienna (weird. All show up when selecting Smart Search or Star Alliance). But yes Frankfurt, Madrid. I tried Madrid - Delhi. Same result - error screen. I'll give em a call a little later.
#1511
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Georgia, USA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA Silver, AV
Posts: 126
If you have selected ‘Air India’ from the airline list and it still doesn’t work, you can give them a call. They can book anything we can see on line.
If you cannot see the whole itinerary on line, but can see individual segments, you’ll need the screenshot method.
If you cannot see the whole itinerary on line, but can see individual segments, you’ll need the screenshot method.
Actually quite painless.
As to why I had to do that? :: shrugs :: It's a quirky system. But it's worth these extra hassles for premium seats. [And sometimes some amazing seats.]
#1513
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Georgia, USA
Programs: DL Diamond, UA Silver, AV
Posts: 126
Haha. Touché. Well, still definitely better than at the back of the bus. As I’d said for my purposes (frequent personal travel back to India recently), it works. I don’t expect a world class product or service on AI. But I can sleep, get decent Indian food, and bring my own entertainment on my iPad. And I’ve found the FAs to be friendly and attentive in J.
This saga isn’t over yet. I’m in India currently. I made the booking just before going to bed on Sep 3, India time. I got a call from the billing dept. at 1 am my time. They left a message and said to call back before 3 pm Colombia time. Which was like 30 minutes later. So I call back when I wake up (just now), and guess what, the reservation is cancelled. The guy said apparently Air India wants payment right away, else they cancel. (Hah) He said he could make a new reservation, however, the billing department English speakers had gone home (it was 9 pm in Colombia). So he suggested calling back the next day when the Call Center opened so they could do the transaction in one call. I told him I speak Spanish fluently (in Spanish), but he still suggested to wait. So there we are. [I’ve never had to call Air India to make a reservation, so I’ve no idea how they’d compare haha.]
This saga isn’t over yet. I’m in India currently. I made the booking just before going to bed on Sep 3, India time. I got a call from the billing dept. at 1 am my time. They left a message and said to call back before 3 pm Colombia time. Which was like 30 minutes later. So I call back when I wake up (just now), and guess what, the reservation is cancelled. The guy said apparently Air India wants payment right away, else they cancel. (Hah) He said he could make a new reservation, however, the billing department English speakers had gone home (it was 9 pm in Colombia). So he suggested calling back the next day when the Call Center opened so they could do the transaction in one call. I told him I speak Spanish fluently (in Spanish), but he still suggested to wait. So there we are. [I’ve never had to call Air India to make a reservation, so I’ve no idea how they’d compare haha.]
#1514
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Gold
Posts: 3,215
You took a gamble in cancelling an Air China F award in the hope of your miles being instantly returned to your account so you could book ANA F. The gamble didn't pay off.
While the program has its issues, it also has rewards. Your experience probably doesn't serve as a relevant warning to 'the guy that knows nothing'.
While the program has its issues, it also has rewards. Your experience probably doesn't serve as a relevant warning to 'the guy that knows nothing'.
FWIW NRT-JFK on ANA in F opened up so I got what I wanted in the end. Also I learned my lesson to never fly ANA again and that JAL is 1000x better. First world problems...
#1515
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
^
Haha. Touché. Well, still definitely better than at the back of the bus. As I’d said for my purposes (frequent personal travel back to India recently), it works. I don’t expect a world class product or service on AI. But I can sleep, get decent Indian food, and bring my own entertainment on my iPad. And I’ve found the FAs to be friendly and attentive in J.
This saga isn’t over yet. I’m in India currently. I made the booking just before going to bed on Sep 3, India time. I got a call from the billing dept. at 1 am my time. They left a message and said to call back before 3 pm Colombia time. Which was like 30 minutes later. So I call back when I wake up (just now), and guess what, the reservation is cancelled. The guy said apparently Air India wants payment right away, else they cancel. (Hah) He said he could make a new reservation, however, the billing department English speakers had gone home (it was 9 pm in Colombia). So he suggested calling back the next day when the Call Center opened so they could do the transaction in one call. I told him I speak Spanish fluently (in Spanish), but he still suggested to wait. So there we are. [I’ve never had to call Air India to make a reservation, so I’ve no idea how they’d compare haha.]
But agree with the first para... Air India is perfectly fine. Flat bed. Chilled champagne. Acceptable food. FAs usually good. Non-stop to India vs an extra three or more hours connecting via somewhere else. For the price (on LM) it's ok.
Actually it was not suppose to be a “gamble.” I also find it kind of ironic and funny we’re talking about gambling and a frequent flyer program. Why is Avianca’s frequent flyer program and a casino in the same box? Lol. Anytime I canceled or had a reservation canceled with them the miles were instantly put back in my Avianca account. This time they did not, why? Who knows? As many of us have learned by now, you just go with the flow with this crazy program.
FWIW NRT-JFK on ANA in F opened up so I got what I wanted in the end. Also I learned my lesson to never fly ANA again and that JAL is 1000x better. First world problems...
With any FF program it's a gamble if seats will still be there after you cancel the original booking. And not all programs refund miles instantly. Not a gamble with LM, but any similar situation.
Agree ANA F is not the greatest Woeful IFE and serving champagne in wine glasses is odd. I've seen some pictures of flutes, but never had one.
Haha. Touché. Well, still definitely better than at the back of the bus. As I’d said for my purposes (frequent personal travel back to India recently), it works. I don’t expect a world class product or service on AI. But I can sleep, get decent Indian food, and bring my own entertainment on my iPad. And I’ve found the FAs to be friendly and attentive in J.
This saga isn’t over yet. I’m in India currently. I made the booking just before going to bed on Sep 3, India time. I got a call from the billing dept. at 1 am my time. They left a message and said to call back before 3 pm Colombia time. Which was like 30 minutes later. So I call back when I wake up (just now), and guess what, the reservation is cancelled. The guy said apparently Air India wants payment right away, else they cancel. (Hah) He said he could make a new reservation, however, the billing department English speakers had gone home (it was 9 pm in Colombia). So he suggested calling back the next day when the Call Center opened so they could do the transaction in one call. I told him I speak Spanish fluently (in Spanish), but he still suggested to wait. So there we are. [I’ve never had to call Air India to make a reservation, so I’ve no idea how they’d compare haha.]
But agree with the first para... Air India is perfectly fine. Flat bed. Chilled champagne. Acceptable food. FAs usually good. Non-stop to India vs an extra three or more hours connecting via somewhere else. For the price (on LM) it's ok.
Actually it was not suppose to be a “gamble.” I also find it kind of ironic and funny we’re talking about gambling and a frequent flyer program. Why is Avianca’s frequent flyer program and a casino in the same box? Lol. Anytime I canceled or had a reservation canceled with them the miles were instantly put back in my Avianca account. This time they did not, why? Who knows? As many of us have learned by now, you just go with the flow with this crazy program.
FWIW NRT-JFK on ANA in F opened up so I got what I wanted in the end. Also I learned my lesson to never fly ANA again and that JAL is 1000x better. First world problems...
Agree ANA F is not the greatest Woeful IFE and serving champagne in wine glasses is odd. I've seen some pictures of flutes, but never had one.