Jan 11, 2014, 10:36 am
Last edit by: TEDisgone
WARNING - The cancellation fee has been increased up to $200 for long haul premium awards as of Feb 2017 .
T&Cs here:
How to cancel a Lifemiles ticket:
Some agents have stated that the ticket can be cancelled even AFTER the flight dates, as long as the ticket is "open". Confirmed by FTers @ #334, 336, 371 and 445.
T&Cs here:
How to cancel a Lifemiles ticket:
- Lifemiles tickets cannot be canceled or changed online, you need to call the Avianca/TACA call center
(+1 800 284 2622)(number updated to +1 866 919 0081 as of February 2024). #2 for English, then enter your Lifemiles number, enter #3 for Lifemiles then #3 again for transactions. - The cancellation fee is variable, $50-200. The change-fee is $150. This is per passenger/ticket. If you cancel, you will not get back the $25 booking fee paid when the ticket was issued.
- The cancellation fee for Awards booked after 20th/2/2017: Award Tickets are reimbursable by paying a fee that varies depending on the redeemed route, the redemption channel and other circumstances, Accurate information of the reimbursement cost shall be informed at the time of redeeming the Award Ticket. If you cancel, you will not get back the $25 booking fee paid when the ticket was issued.
- You need to set-up a phone PIN to do any changes to tickets on lifemiles.com before or during the call. Do this before you call as doing this while calling can add a couple of minutes to the call
- Make sure your address and phone number are up to date in your lifemiles account. This will help immensely as spelling out everything letter-by-letter to the phone agent.
- Your credit card information is collected via an automated system on the phone and not by the agent. The system first asks you for your card number (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express), followed by the expiration month/year in MMYY format, then followed by the Security Code. Press * to correct mistakes in entering numbers.
- You need to enter/confirm credit card information for every ticket seperately. The process is simpler for remaining tickets as you only need to: first confirm the last 4 digits of the card (1 - Yes; 2 - No); followed by the expiration Month; followed by the expiration Year; followed by the Security code. For AMEX,(and sometimes for visa too ) the whole cared number has to be entered again
- Similarly if you have used credit cards before, the system keeps information about your credit cards, so even for the first ticket, the process is simpler as you only need to confirm the last four digits of credit card, then expiration month, then expiration year last two digits only followed by the security code
- Be prepared to spend between 20 minutes and 3 hours on the phone to get your changes / cancellation done, depending on the agent you get, or if you're really unlucky, you may spend days getting it sorted out.
- Avianca transactions may trigger fraud alerts on your credit card, you may need to contact your bank about this.
- Miles should be back in your account instantaneously, tax refund can take longer (2-3 weeks)
- Money paid for miles purchased as part of "more money/less miles" choice will NOT be refunded in cash but as miles.
- As soon as your flight is ticketed, the refund for a cash & miles booking will be only in miles
- BE PATIENT: some agents are very knowledgeable and fast, others take hours to get a simple cancellation done
- TAXES ARE REFUNDABLE: if an agent claims that taxes are non-refundable you may need to write an email to [email protected] to follow-up
- You should be able to see your cancellation receipts under "Your Lifemiles" - "Print receipts" (Only works with Internet Explorer!)
- NEW RULE - Ticket cannot be cancelled in the T-48 to T+24 window. Ticket can be cancelled after T+24 as long as ticket is valid, which is up to 365 days after issuance date (not travel date!)
Some agents have stated that the ticket can be cancelled even AFTER the flight dates, as long as the ticket is "open". Confirmed by FTers @ #334, 336, 371 and 445.
Cancellation of Lifemiles ticket
Jun 7, 2020, 7:25 am
#946
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: 14.66m NbW of PHL
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 848
Have a LM redemption on Swiss, JFK-ZRH on June 27th. It was for a wedding which has been postponed so the trip is canceled.
Unfortunately, Swiss is still flying that route on that day (although they have reduced service to 4 times/week). Any chance I'll not have to pay the $200?
Unfortunately, Swiss is still flying that route on that day (although they have reduced service to 4 times/week). Any chance I'll not have to pay the $200?
Jun 7, 2020, 9:36 pm
#947
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,838
Have a LM redemption on Swiss, JFK-ZRH on June 27th. It was for a wedding which has been postponed so the trip is canceled.
Unfortunately, Swiss is still flying that route on that day (although they have reduced service to 4 times/week). Any chance I'll not have to pay the $200?
Unfortunately, Swiss is still flying that route on that day (although they have reduced service to 4 times/week). Any chance I'll not have to pay the $200?
1. Passengers are not allowed to enter.
- This does not apply to nationals or residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
- This does not apply to passenger with a cross-border commuter permit who are entering Switzerland for work, with a C-visa issued by Switzerland for the purpose of "business meetings" as specialists in the field of health or "official visit" of great importance, with a D-visa issued by Switzerland or who have an assurance of a residence permit.
- This does not apply to passengers traveling directly through Switzerland, provided that there are no reasons to believe that the country towards which they intend to leave Switzerland will refuse entry.
- This does not apply to passengers who have to travel to their place of work abroad, provided they can present a valid employment contract.
- This does not apply to passengers who are already legally residing within the EU/EFTA area and that are travelling for tourist purposes, provided that they can credibly demonstrate that they actually want to/can enter the destination country, e.g. by presenting a hotel booking, holiday apartment, etc.
- This does not apply to passengers who are entitled to freedom of movement (citizens of EU/EFTA-states) and have a professional reason for entering Switzerland and have a confirmation of registration.
- This does not apply to passengers who are of great importance as specialists in the health sector.
2. Until and including 07.06.2020, passengers can only land at Basel (BSL), Geneva (GVA) or Zurich (ZRH).
Claim you're unable to enter Switzerland as you're not EU/EFTA resident to avoid the fee?
Jun 8, 2020, 1:32 pm
#948
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: 14.66m NbW of PHL
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 848
Published 03.06.2020
1. Passengers are not allowed to enter.
- This does not apply to nationals or residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
- This does not apply to passenger with a cross-border commuter permit who are entering Switzerland for work, with a C-visa issued by Switzerland for the purpose of "business meetings" as specialists in the field of health or "official visit" of great importance, with a D-visa issued by Switzerland or who have an assurance of a residence permit.
- This does not apply to passengers traveling directly through Switzerland, provided that there are no reasons to believe that the country towards which they intend to leave Switzerland will refuse entry.
- This does not apply to passengers who have to travel to their place of work abroad, provided they can present a valid employment contract.
- This does not apply to passengers who are already legally residing within the EU/EFTA area and that are travelling for tourist purposes, provided that they can credibly demonstrate that they actually want to/can enter the destination country, e.g. by presenting a hotel booking, holiday apartment, etc.
- This does not apply to passengers who are entitled to freedom of movement (citizens of EU/EFTA-states) and have a professional reason for entering Switzerland and have a confirmation of registration.
- This does not apply to passengers who are of great importance as specialists in the health sector.
2. Until and including 07.06.2020, passengers can only land at Basel (BSL), Geneva (GVA) or Zurich (ZRH).
Claim you're unable to enter Switzerland as you're not EU/EFTA resident to avoid the fee?
1. Passengers are not allowed to enter.
- This does not apply to nationals or residents of Switzerland or Liechtenstein.
- This does not apply to passenger with a cross-border commuter permit who are entering Switzerland for work, with a C-visa issued by Switzerland for the purpose of "business meetings" as specialists in the field of health or "official visit" of great importance, with a D-visa issued by Switzerland or who have an assurance of a residence permit.
- This does not apply to passengers traveling directly through Switzerland, provided that there are no reasons to believe that the country towards which they intend to leave Switzerland will refuse entry.
- This does not apply to passengers who have to travel to their place of work abroad, provided they can present a valid employment contract.
- This does not apply to passengers who are already legally residing within the EU/EFTA area and that are travelling for tourist purposes, provided that they can credibly demonstrate that they actually want to/can enter the destination country, e.g. by presenting a hotel booking, holiday apartment, etc.
- This does not apply to passengers who are entitled to freedom of movement (citizens of EU/EFTA-states) and have a professional reason for entering Switzerland and have a confirmation of registration.
- This does not apply to passengers who are of great importance as specialists in the health sector.
2. Until and including 07.06.2020, passengers can only land at Basel (BSL), Geneva (GVA) or Zurich (ZRH).
Claim you're unable to enter Switzerland as you're not EU/EFTA resident to avoid the fee?
I've had contact with them on email about canceling, in which they said $200. I will try again with this information. Thanks!
Jun 8, 2020, 1:51 pm
#949
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 138
Permitted from 15 June
A general opening of borders between Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria. The relevant ministries agreed to lift all travel restrictions between their respective countries from 15 June if the pandemic situation permits.
A general opening of borders between Switzerland, Germany, France and Austria. The relevant ministries agreed to lift all travel restrictions between their respective countries from 15 June if the pandemic situation permits.
By 6 July: Travel restrictions to be lifted for all Schengen states
If developments with respect to the pandemic in Switzerland and in the Schengen Area permit, restrictions on entering, working, and living in Switzerland will start to be lifted beginning in mid-June with the complete free movement of persons across the Schengen Area re-established by July 6.
If developments with respect to the pandemic in Switzerland and in the Schengen Area permit, restrictions on entering, working, and living in Switzerland will start to be lifted beginning in mid-June with the complete free movement of persons across the Schengen Area re-established by July 6.
Travel restrictions for Third Countries (incl. USA)
Travel restrictions remain in effect for third countries, including the United States. The Federal Council will decide on lifting entry restrictions for third countries, including the United States, at a later date and in consultation with the Schengen member states.
Travel restrictions remain in effect for third countries, including the United States. The Federal Council will decide on lifting entry restrictions for third countries, including the United States, at a later date and in consultation with the Schengen member states.
Jun 8, 2020, 4:04 pm
#950
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: 14.66m NbW of PHL
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 848
Yes, this is all good news for sure. I imagine this will allow me to waive the $200 (x2) fee.
They replied and it has gone in for evaluation. Hopefully get a response soon...I did point out to make sure it's evaluated before departure date...
They replied and it has gone in for evaluation. Hopefully get a response soon...I did point out to make sure it's evaluated before departure date...
Jun 9, 2020, 10:21 am
#951
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: 14.66m NbW of PHL
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 848
We've been informed that the miles for booking XXXXXX had been credited back in your account and you can confirm the returned mileage in the total amount of miles earned in your profile when logging in with your username and password.
Jun 9, 2020, 2:09 pm
#952
Join Date: May 2020
Programs: Lifemiles, Marriott Titanium,
Posts: 54
Called in to cancel two reservations today at 2pm ET. First reservation was 3 tickets TK in J for July 22. Second reservation was LX 3 tickets in J for July 31. I was told on the phone as previously 15 business days to review the case. 2 hours later all the miles in my account. Very impressive.
Jun 10, 2020, 1:09 am
#954
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 113
Yeah, the miles going back into my account was shockingly quick. Only 2 business days though quoted 15. I truly believe it just paid to wait. (and certainly once they started waiving the $200 fee)
On a related note, has anyone gotten back taxes yet? My plan is to wait 90 days then go to my credit card company. unfortunately the card i used is now closed so that will complicate things lol. it's just $75 for me but obviously i want anything back i can
On a related note, has anyone gotten back taxes yet? My plan is to wait 90 days then go to my credit card company. unfortunately the card i used is now closed so that will complicate things lol. it's just $75 for me but obviously i want anything back i can
Jun 10, 2020, 1:33 am
#955
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
Yeah, the miles going back into my account was shockingly quick. Only 2 business days though quoted 15. I truly believe it just paid to wait. (and certainly once they started waiving the $200 fee)
On a related note, has anyone gotten back taxes yet? My plan is to wait 90 days then go to my credit card company. unfortunately the card i used is now closed so that will complicate things lol. it's just $75 for me but obviously i want anything back i can
On a related note, has anyone gotten back taxes yet? My plan is to wait 90 days then go to my credit card company. unfortunately the card i used is now closed so that will complicate things lol. it's just $75 for me but obviously i want anything back i can
I have the same problem. the card for tax has closed.
Please update what happens to your tax. My flights are in September.
Thanks.
Jun 10, 2020, 5:49 am
#956
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: 14.66m NbW of PHL
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 848
Jun 10, 2020, 8:04 am
#957
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,848
Expired /closed credit cards are not an issue. Refunds can be made even to credit cards that are no longer valid/working. It happens all the time/every day.
Jun 10, 2020, 8:24 am
#958
Join Date: Sep 2018
Programs: Alaska
Posts: 2,188
Then how to claim the money back? The relationship with the bank could be closed.
Expired cards are easy to understand as the relationship with the bank continues.
Jun 10, 2020, 8:32 am
#959
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denmark
Programs: TK Elite
Posts: 11,848
Sure, if you are no longer a customer with the bank it could become complicated, but that has nothing to do with whether a refund can be made to expired/closed cards. The refund can be made but you need to deal with the bank on how for the bank to pay you.
I was just talking about the vendors making refunds to the cards, not how the money reach you/the customer if your bank accounts are closed.
I was just talking about the vendors making refunds to the cards, not how the money reach you/the customer if your bank accounts are closed.
Jun 11, 2020, 3:51 am
#960
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Tokyo
Programs: Marriott Plat, HH G,Hyatt E,*A Gold, OW Emerald.
Posts: 3,023
In short, when you cancel cards, always keep the old cards until you consume ALL past purchases you made with that card.
Your issue is that you haven't consumed the ticket you paid with the old card, and now that the consumption is cancelled,
you can and will get the refund from your old bank/credit card issuer.
As to how, that is up to you to figure out with your bank/credit card issuer.