Jan 17, 2022, 5:12 pm
Last edit by: italdesign
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)
- no availability showing at all on the website (try logging out and logging back in)
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.
You need to have 40% of the miles in your account for them to make the booking. On some occasions, credit card points do not transfer over immediately. In such cases also send screenshots of the points being debited from your credit card. In some cases the LM account will immediately show the points transferred in the account activity section. Send a screenshot of that as well.
After a day or two, you will get a reply via email saying the matter has been escalated to an internal area. The next day someone will call you from 305 447 2819 and will process the payment over the phone. You will need to set a PIN which you can do in your online LM account (under the account access section of your online profile).
Send to these two email addresses, and CC yourself (just for your records)
[email protected] (invalid as of July 2022)
[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 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)
- no availability showing at all on the website (try logging out and logging back in)
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.
You need to have 40% of the miles in your account for them to make the booking. On some occasions, credit card points do not transfer over immediately. In such cases also send screenshots of the points being debited from your credit card. In some cases the LM account will immediately show the points transferred in the account activity section. Send a screenshot of that as well.
After a day or two, you will get a reply via email saying the matter has been escalated to an internal area. The next day someone will call you from 305 447 2819 and will process the payment over the phone. You will need to set a PIN which you can do in your online LM account (under the account access section of your online profile).
Send to these two email addresses, and CC yourself (just for your records)
[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 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 (from January 2022 onwards)
Mar 14, 2024, 5:11 am
#813
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,842
I know it's common to see phantom space from TG with LifeMiles, but what if I am seeing a seat available not only on LM, but also AC? Does it mean it's a genuinely available award seat, or not necessarily?
I tried to book online with LifeMiles and I got an error message at the payment page, then the seat disappeared from AC leading me to believe it was genuinely available prior to my attempt. Then after some time elapsed, the space came back as available on AC, I called LifeMiles and the agent said she got an error message as well. Then space gone from AC. Moments later, seat is back to being available.
Does this look like a problem with TG leading to phantom space showing on all *A partners? Or is this a symptom that it's LM specifically which is the problem and that booking with AC should work?
I would rather not burn AC points in this case unless LM is truly a dead end.
I tried to book online with LifeMiles and I got an error message at the payment page, then the seat disappeared from AC leading me to believe it was genuinely available prior to my attempt. Then after some time elapsed, the space came back as available on AC, I called LifeMiles and the agent said she got an error message as well. Then space gone from AC. Moments later, seat is back to being available.
Does this look like a problem with TG leading to phantom space showing on all *A partners? Or is this a symptom that it's LM specifically which is the problem and that booking with AC should work?
I would rather not burn AC points in this case unless LM is truly a dead end.
Mar 14, 2024, 7:05 am
#814
Join Date: Mar 2022
Location: WAW
Programs: LH FTL, AY+ Gold, BAEC Silver, AF FB
Posts: 122
Just emailed Lifemiles (using the email displayed in this thread's intro: [email protected]), but received an auto-reply saying:"Thanks for contacting us.
If your email is for a new case request, we kindly ask you to open a new case with us at our help center on https://helpcenter.lifemiles.com/hc/en-us and we will work on it from there. This mail box is no longer enable to receive cases."
Is that new? Did I use wrong email address?
The helpcenter also doesn't seem to offer any explicit form for booking requests. So where and how do I ask for a manual booking if I can't get the itinerary online? Or is this no longer possible? Also don't want to call them as I have been told a couple of weeks ago that they don't do manual bookings on the phone. You have to email them instead (although the chat said the opposite, but the chat in itself seems to have disappeared, too). Any input and thoughts? TIA!
If your email is for a new case request, we kindly ask you to open a new case with us at our help center on https://helpcenter.lifemiles.com/hc/en-us and we will work on it from there. This mail box is no longer enable to receive cases."
Is that new? Did I use wrong email address?
The helpcenter also doesn't seem to offer any explicit form for booking requests. So where and how do I ask for a manual booking if I can't get the itinerary online? Or is this no longer possible? Also don't want to call them as I have been told a couple of weeks ago that they don't do manual bookings on the phone. You have to email them instead (although the chat said the opposite, but the chat in itself seems to have disappeared, too). Any input and thoughts? TIA!
Mar 26, 2024, 8:41 am
#815
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 106
Just emailed Lifemiles (using the email displayed in this thread's intro: [email protected]), but received an auto-reply saying:"Thanks for contacting us.
If your email is for a new case request, we kindly ask you to open a new case with us at our help center on https://helpcenter.lifemiles.com/hc/en-us and we will work on it from there. This mail box is no longer enable to receive cases."
Is that new? Did I use wrong email address?
The helpcenter also doesn't seem to offer any explicit form for booking requests. So where and how do I ask for a manual booking if I can't get the itinerary online? Or is this no longer possible? Also don't want to call them as I have been told a couple of weeks ago that they don't do manual bookings on the phone. You have to email them instead (although the chat said the opposite, but the chat in itself seems to have disappeared, too). Any input and thoughts? TIA!
If your email is for a new case request, we kindly ask you to open a new case with us at our help center on https://helpcenter.lifemiles.com/hc/en-us and we will work on it from there. This mail box is no longer enable to receive cases."
Is that new? Did I use wrong email address?
The helpcenter also doesn't seem to offer any explicit form for booking requests. So where and how do I ask for a manual booking if I can't get the itinerary online? Or is this no longer possible? Also don't want to call them as I have been told a couple of weeks ago that they don't do manual bookings on the phone. You have to email them instead (although the chat said the opposite, but the chat in itself seems to have disappeared, too). Any input and thoughts? TIA!
Getting a reply is really slow. So you better hope that award availability does not disappear.
Mar 26, 2024, 12:39 pm
#816
formerly mattking2000
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: DXB
Programs: BA|AC|AZ|SPG|H|FPC
Posts: 1,187
I scrolled up the last 5 - 6 pages but didn't see any mention of this, however for some routes the engine simply refuses to provide dates for a cabin in J/F -- has anyone encountered this?
I've tried logging out / in again, incognito, across multiple devices, on Chrome, the app, and Edge, and they all pop up with the same error -- this mostly seems to affect long(er) routes, if I try EWR-FRA or TPE-HKG it's absolutely fine ...
edit: tried multiple routes, and none seem to work, whether long-haul (JFK-BKK), short haul (FRA-MUC), specifying alliance (YYZ-TPE) or specifying airline (UA for YYZ-ORD).
I've tried logging out / in again, incognito, across multiple devices, on Chrome, the app, and Edge, and they all pop up with the same error -- this mostly seems to affect long(er) routes, if I try EWR-FRA or TPE-HKG it's absolutely fine ...
edit: tried multiple routes, and none seem to work, whether long-haul (JFK-BKK), short haul (FRA-MUC), specifying alliance (YYZ-TPE) or specifying airline (UA for YYZ-ORD).
Last edited by BA Humbug; Mar 26, 2024 at 12:55 pm
Mar 26, 2024, 2:50 pm
#817
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Singapore
Programs: OZ Diamond, BAEC Silver, Marriott Platinum, HH Gold
Posts: 515
I have experienced the same in recent days. I found that clicking on the calendar multiple times it ends up showing more dates, at least to run the search as such
Mar 26, 2024, 3:56 pm
#818
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: UA, AS
Posts: 2,393
I scrolled up the last 5 - 6 pages but didn't see any mention of this, however for some routes the engine simply refuses to provide dates for a cabin in J/F -- has anyone encountered this?
I've tried logging out / in again, incognito, across multiple devices, on Chrome, the app, and Edge, and they all pop up with the same error -- this mostly seems to affect long(er) routes, if I try EWR-FRA or TPE-HKG it's absolutely fine ...
edit: tried multiple routes, and none seem to work, whether long-haul (JFK-BKK), short haul (FRA-MUC), specifying alliance (YYZ-TPE) or specifying airline (UA for YYZ-ORD).
I've tried logging out / in again, incognito, across multiple devices, on Chrome, the app, and Edge, and they all pop up with the same error -- this mostly seems to affect long(er) routes, if I try EWR-FRA or TPE-HKG it's absolutely fine ...
edit: tried multiple routes, and none seem to work, whether long-haul (JFK-BKK), short haul (FRA-MUC), specifying alliance (YYZ-TPE) or specifying airline (UA for YYZ-ORD).
Mar 27, 2024, 5:48 am
#819
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 480
I scrolled up the last 5 - 6 pages but didn't see any mention of this, however for some routes the engine simply refuses to provide dates for a cabin in J/F -- has anyone encountered this?
I've tried logging out / in again, incognito, across multiple devices, on Chrome, the app, and Edge, and they all pop up with the same error -- this mostly seems to affect long(er) routes, if I try EWR-FRA or TPE-HKG it's absolutely fine ...
edit: tried multiple routes, and none seem to work, whether long-haul (JFK-BKK), short haul (FRA-MUC), specifying alliance (YYZ-TPE) or specifying airline (UA for YYZ-ORD).
I've tried logging out / in again, incognito, across multiple devices, on Chrome, the app, and Edge, and they all pop up with the same error -- this mostly seems to affect long(er) routes, if I try EWR-FRA or TPE-HKG it's absolutely fine ...
edit: tried multiple routes, and none seem to work, whether long-haul (JFK-BKK), short haul (FRA-MUC), specifying alliance (YYZ-TPE) or specifying airline (UA for YYZ-ORD).
That worked for me on a few routes, but not when searching Singapore Airlines from JFK / EWR to AKL.
Mar 27, 2024, 5:59 am
#820
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: 7,739
I've had the same issue with JFK / EWR to AKL. When searching Star Alliance or Smart Search I can keep clicking through and eventually get to the dates I want. But, If I search Singapore Airlines it will not populate a calander at all.
That worked for me on a few routes, but not when searching Singapore Airlines from JFK / EWR to AKL.
That worked for me on a few routes, but not when searching Singapore Airlines from JFK / EWR to AKL.
If so, not going to happen, pretty slim availability on SQ and mostly Y if anything. Even when you get some seats, booking them (completing) payment is the next hurdle as often the E2.1xxxxx error strikes.
Mar 28, 2024, 6:35 am
#821
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: OW Emerald
Posts: 524
I can't tell if it's TG Thai Air phantom award availability or if Lifemiles is blocking Thai award space at final step of award redemption.
I see biz award space NRT-BKK on united and lifemiles' websites. I don't have enough united miles, so when I click to book the TG Biz space, united says I don't have enough miles.
I transferred in enough Lifemiles through Amex (transfer was instant) but I get the dreaded E2 error between step 4 Traveler Info and step 5 Confirmation. I tried this on multiple Thai Air Biz flights(Lifemiles showing anywhere from 1-2 seats left for those Biz awards) over multiple days and they're all giving me the E2 error. Funny enough, I tried 3 different Thai Air Econ awards and 2/3 also gave me the E2 error. Though 1 Thai econ award let me go all the way to the step 5 confirm page.
I called Lifemiles and they say they can't see any Thai biz award space on the days the Lifemiles website is showing multiple awards on multiple flights over those multiple days.
Ugh, this reminded me why I've been transferring my Amex pts to Virgin, Cathay, and even Delta vs Lifemiles since 2018.
Update: Appears to be phantom availability. I checked Air Canada Aeroplan and the Thai Biz class award space isn't showing up for those dates on there. So buyer beware, for TH Biz awards, United's award calendar is also displaying phantom space. Pity, since United's award calendar was been very accurate when I've used VA flying club miles for ANA F/J awards this past 2 years.
I see biz award space NRT-BKK on united and lifemiles' websites. I don't have enough united miles, so when I click to book the TG Biz space, united says I don't have enough miles.
I transferred in enough Lifemiles through Amex (transfer was instant) but I get the dreaded E2 error between step 4 Traveler Info and step 5 Confirmation. I tried this on multiple Thai Air Biz flights(Lifemiles showing anywhere from 1-2 seats left for those Biz awards) over multiple days and they're all giving me the E2 error. Funny enough, I tried 3 different Thai Air Econ awards and 2/3 also gave me the E2 error. Though 1 Thai econ award let me go all the way to the step 5 confirm page.
I called Lifemiles and they say they can't see any Thai biz award space on the days the Lifemiles website is showing multiple awards on multiple flights over those multiple days.
Ugh, this reminded me why I've been transferring my Amex pts to Virgin, Cathay, and even Delta vs Lifemiles since 2018.
Update: Appears to be phantom availability. I checked Air Canada Aeroplan and the Thai Biz class award space isn't showing up for those dates on there. So buyer beware, for TH Biz awards, United's award calendar is also displaying phantom space. Pity, since United's award calendar was been very accurate when I've used VA flying club miles for ANA F/J awards this past 2 years.
Mar 28, 2024, 6:53 am
#822
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 10
Has anyone had any (recent) success booking TK flights online or over the phone? Everything that touches TK metal runs into the E6 error immediately after hitting the 'Continue' button when selecting flights online. I don't believe it to be a phantom space issue as AC, UA, EF are all showing the same availability as LM.
Last edited by dog face; Mar 28, 2024 at 7:02 am
Mar 29, 2024, 9:02 am
#825
Join Date: Feb 2001
Programs: IHG Diamond, HH Diamond, BW Diamond Select, Accor Silver, Marriott Gold
Posts: 4,228