Aug 17, 2013, 12:43 am
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)
Aug 30, 2018, 10:29 am
#991
Join Date: May 2015
Location: YUL
Programs: AC 50K, *A Gold
Posts: 301
The call center can book the seat but not process the payment. I guess I was lucky enough that the agent recognized me and waived the fee (without me asking) as he was well aware of my previous issue.
Aug 31, 2018, 1:56 am
#992
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Marriott Silver, HH Gold
Posts: 797
Purchased Lifemiles a couple years ago during one the promotions. Didn't get around to using them until recently, well after the outsized value of SAW and other boomerang type itineraries got shut down.
Was dreading the process since every time in the last year that I've searched using the buggy LM website, I've gotten timeouts, errors, or no availability (even when it was showing on UA).
This time, surprisingly, was able to book a return ticket on ANA in J (F wasn't available, unfortunately)-- and I even was able to cancel and rebook within 24 hours for one of my one-way tickets (due to the 24 hour DOT rule). Of course, the agent tried to charge a $200 change fee, but after a reminder about the DOT rule, the agent went and discussed with his supervisor, then said it would be a special request to be refunded. I requested to speak to the supervisor again, reminding again about the rule and that it's not a "request" but required by regulation, and after a few more minutes on hold, was told that it would be done that day. I was skeptical, but it did get processed within about 2-3 hours, and I was able to rebook the ticket (was a change of departure airport) without issue.
Already flew on the outbound one-way ticket without any issues. Once I use up my LM I'm probably going to stay away as there are too many unknowns and hassles with booking with LM.
Was dreading the process since every time in the last year that I've searched using the buggy LM website, I've gotten timeouts, errors, or no availability (even when it was showing on UA).
This time, surprisingly, was able to book a return ticket on ANA in J (F wasn't available, unfortunately)-- and I even was able to cancel and rebook within 24 hours for one of my one-way tickets (due to the 24 hour DOT rule). Of course, the agent tried to charge a $200 change fee, but after a reminder about the DOT rule, the agent went and discussed with his supervisor, then said it would be a special request to be refunded. I requested to speak to the supervisor again, reminding again about the rule and that it's not a "request" but required by regulation, and after a few more minutes on hold, was told that it would be done that day. I was skeptical, but it did get processed within about 2-3 hours, and I was able to rebook the ticket (was a change of departure airport) without issue.
Already flew on the outbound one-way ticket without any issues. Once I use up my LM I'm probably going to stay away as there are too many unknowns and hassles with booking with LM.
Sep 3, 2018, 12:51 am
#993
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: LAX/SFO
Programs: AS 100k, BA GGL, UA 1k, DL DM, AC SE, B6 Mosaic4, Hyatt/Hilton/Wyndham/IHG Diamond, Marriot Ti
Posts: 1,248
Looking at ORD-FRA on 9/5. Seeing space on UA and AC for F, LM shows only J. Was hoping some of the past tricks would work but nothing so far. Hopefully it shows up in the next day or two.
Sep 3, 2018, 2:03 am
#994
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,838
The minimum anticipation time for redemptions with Star Alliance Airlines is forty eight (48) hours prior to the flight.
Sep 6, 2018, 10:20 am
#995
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: HPN
Programs: not anymore! I'm FREE!
Posts: 3,459
To be fair, I've booked several itineraries with LM and had the website crash on me in only one case. So it does work most of the time - but that's not quite good enough when making a large cash investment in points (or a large transfer from, say, Citi).
Sep 6, 2018, 3:35 pm
#996
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,405
Yup. In theory, LM offers some great values especially if you take advantage of the miles sales. But you have to trusts that (a) you'll eventually find a use for the thousands of dollars worth of miles you buy, and (b) you'll actually be able to use them when you find availability that meets your needs.
To be fair, I've booked several itineraries with LM and had the website crash on me in only one case. So it does work most of the time - but that's not quite good enough when making a large cash investment in points (or a large transfer from, say, Citi).
To be fair, I've booked several itineraries with LM and had the website crash on me in only one case. So it does work most of the time - but that's not quite good enough when making a large cash investment in points (or a large transfer from, say, Citi).
Sep 21, 2018, 2:42 pm
#997
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: NYC
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Plat, Marriott Silver, HH Gold
Posts: 797
Mod: please delete, wrong posting
Nov 7, 2018, 2:15 pm
#998
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 252
Lifemiles success??
Has everyone given up on life miles?
Nov 7, 2018, 4:31 pm
#999
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,405
Nov 11, 2018, 7:31 am
#1000
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,738
I'm finding a very annoying problem again. For some airlines (e.g. TK, LX) I observed that when I find flights using Smart Search or Star Alliance search and try to move to book them, the personal details page errors out. However, when I switch to the specific carrier only search it pulls up the same flights and I can book them (or say at least I can enter pax details).
My only issue right now, for my desired itinerary, LM site does not recognize the airport code I want to start from when going via carrier search - frustrating as usual. For example, using Smart Search I can pull up LEJ-ZRH-SIN on LX in Biz, but not book it. Under carrier search for LX it won't accept LEJ as an airport code even though this LEJ-ZRH flight is operated by LX (not Helvetica or others) and shows fine under Smart Search. I change LEJ to FRA and I can pull up FRA-ZRH-SIN just fine under Carrier search and proceed to booking (meaning personal details page).
Fun fun. I send them an email providing screenshot from Smart search and all the recommended info and asked them to book it as booking attempt on website errors out. Let's see. I hope others positive experiences with that route will prevail here too. YMMV
My only issue right now, for my desired itinerary, LM site does not recognize the airport code I want to start from when going via carrier search - frustrating as usual. For example, using Smart Search I can pull up LEJ-ZRH-SIN on LX in Biz, but not book it. Under carrier search for LX it won't accept LEJ as an airport code even though this LEJ-ZRH flight is operated by LX (not Helvetica or others) and shows fine under Smart Search. I change LEJ to FRA and I can pull up FRA-ZRH-SIN just fine under Carrier search and proceed to booking (meaning personal details page).
Fun fun. I send them an email providing screenshot from Smart search and all the recommended info and asked them to book it as booking attempt on website errors out. Let's see. I hope others positive experiences with that route will prevail here too. YMMV
Nov 11, 2018, 3:38 pm
#1001
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,838
They'll have no issue booking it for you with the screenshot method.
Nov 12, 2018, 3:10 am
#1002
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH G,Hyatt E,*A Gold, OW Emerald.
Posts: 3,023
I'm finding a very annoying problem again. For some airlines (e.g. TK, LX) I observed that when I find flights using Smart Search or Star Alliance search and try to move to book them, the personal details page errors out. However, when I switch to the specific carrier only search it pulls up the same flights and I can book them (or say at least I can enter pax details).
My only issue right now, for my desired itinerary, LM site does not recognize the airport code I want to start from when going via carrier search - frustrating as usual. For example, using Smart Search I can pull up LEJ-ZRH-SIN on LX in Biz, but not book it. Under carrier search for LX it won't accept LEJ as an airport code even though this LEJ-ZRH flight is operated by LX (not Helvetica or others) and shows fine under Smart Search. I change LEJ to FRA and I can pull up FRA-ZRH-SIN just fine under Carrier search and proceed to booking (meaning personal details page).
Fun fun. I send them an email providing screenshot from Smart search and all the recommended info and asked them to book it as booking attempt on website errors out. Let's see. I hope others positive experiences with that route will prevail here too. YMMV
My only issue right now, for my desired itinerary, LM site does not recognize the airport code I want to start from when going via carrier search - frustrating as usual. For example, using Smart Search I can pull up LEJ-ZRH-SIN on LX in Biz, but not book it. Under carrier search for LX it won't accept LEJ as an airport code even though this LEJ-ZRH flight is operated by LX (not Helvetica or others) and shows fine under Smart Search. I change LEJ to FRA and I can pull up FRA-ZRH-SIN just fine under Carrier search and proceed to booking (meaning personal details page).
Fun fun. I send them an email providing screenshot from Smart search and all the recommended info and asked them to book it as booking attempt on website errors out. Let's see. I hope others positive experiences with that route will prevail here too. YMMV
after selecting FRA and before clicking on search. It works (it was part of the "Lifemiles trick it" body of knowledge)
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/..._the_Inspector
Nov 12, 2018, 6:48 am
#1003
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: GA USA
Programs: AA, Delta Million Miler, SW, Hilton (Diamond), Bonvoy (Gold), Hyatt
Posts: 25
Now that Amex MR are transferable to LM, I was told by Amex that the transfer can take up to 48 hours. Is it at all possible for Avianca to hold an itinerary while the transfer is in process? Or do you have to hope availability won't disappear in the next 2 days after the transfer is begun?
Nov 12, 2018, 8:03 am
#1004
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,738
using firefox and developer tools, there are deep ways to manually change the "FRA" in the menu to "LEJ" ,
after selecting FRA and before clicking on search. It works (it was part of the "Lifemiles trick it" body of knowledge)
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/..._the_Inspector
after selecting FRA and before clicking on search. It works (it was part of the "Lifemiles trick it" body of knowledge)
https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/..._the_Inspector
Last edited by demue; Nov 12, 2018 at 8:09 am
Nov 12, 2018, 10:26 am
#1005
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH G,Hyatt E,*A Gold, OW Emerald.
Posts: 3,023
Now that Amex MR are transferable to LM, I was told by Amex that the transfer can take up to 48 hours. Is it at all possible for Avianca to hold an itinerary while the transfer is in process? Or do you have to hope availability won't disappear in the next 2 days after the transfer is begun?
then, wait 2 days, get your miles, and then call LM with the PNR, explain there was an error, and then chose to pay with 100% miles you should now have in your account.
(this is similar to the now-dead United Mileageplus paypal hack....where you purposely postponed payment via paypal to indirectly put a hold to your award ticket!)
or, use screenshot and hope by the time they get back to you, you will have the miles in your account.