Avianca LifeMiles – Bookings and Discussion

[repete]

Thanks MEL_Traveller - you guys are super helpful (as during the challenging booking process initially!) That helps a lot to know. I'll have to liaise with the oldies about when exactly to pull the trigger! Thanks again.

 

[coolkid101]

Avianca gone into bankruptcy protection. Appears they got even less aid from Colombian government than even VA did.

My first thoughts/questions were preemptively answered by the tpg article.

"
Avianca’s loyalty program LifeMiles is a separate company and not part of the reorganization.

In addition, Avianca is in discussions with the Colombian government over possible aid.

Avianca previously reorganized under Chapter 11 from 2003 to 2004.
"

Avianca latest coronavirus casualty, files for bankruptcy in US - The Points Guy

South American airline group Avianca has entered bankruptcy citing an 80% decline in revenues due to the coronavirus pandemic.

thepointsguy.com

 

[RB]

Rang Lifemiles this morning as we had a booking on a flight that has been cancelled. The estimate is 15 days for points to be returned and 30 days for the money for the taxes

 

[RB]

Further to the above post re cancellation of award ticket, received an email that translates as the following


Your refund request for ticket xx_xx_xx_ has been created in our system with the number xx_xx_xx_X. Our refund team will analyze your request and, if we need additional information, we will send you a new email to request it.

We remind you that the means of payment for authorized refunds is the same as the one used in the purchase of your ticket.

This email is informative, we thank you for not responding.

 

[RB]

A further update today re cancelled award tickets-sent them an email as the taxes haven't been refunded yet


It's a pleasure to greet you.
We advise you that because of the current worldwide crisis due to Covid-19, taxes refund may take about 5 months once authorized; however, we can guarantee you that these taxes will be returned to you. Therefore, we kindly ask you to allow more time and keep consulting your refund by clicking here with the ticket numbers xx_xx_X and xx_xx_xx_X

“As LifeMiles we want to help you fulfill your dreamed travel. That is why we have released the best miles purchase promotion of the year, starting from 1,000 miles you can get up to triple the amount. You can check the Terms and Conditions applicable on your country in our website by clicking the Link: Buy Miles”.
Thank you for your time.
Regards,

 

[boomy]

They are not kidding about the 5 months wait. I’ve noticed two refunds from LM appeared on my AMEX statement yesterday, at first I thought that some future bookings have been canceled but after checking more closely these were tax refunds for bookings I’ve canceled back in March!

 

[boomy]

More bad news for Avianca and possibly LifeMiles

Court Blocks Colombia's $370 Million Loan To Avianca

The Colombian government was supposed to give Avianca a $370 million loan, but that has now been blocked by a court. Here's why.

onemileatatime.com

 

[luxury-lizard]

Hum - agree - saw this on Twitter - it seems unless they get an 11th hour bailout (which I presume is still a possibility) - our 'hoarded' miles will go down the gurgler. Personally I'd book some seats (probably TG) to Europe for next August but really can't bring myself to pull the trigger due to the ongoing uncertainty over international travel. Even if our international border opens and there is a vaccine - still not sure I'd travel until the world is in much better shape.

 

[boomy]

For once I hope the notorious Colombian corruption will work in our favour and they’ll find a way to overturn the court decision.

 

[Guvner]

The miles will probably still have currency, just not for flights. If you have residual points that you'd otherwise dump, look at some of the hotel rates on LifeMiles Hotels. I just randomly checked a few nights in Melbourne at middle to upper rated hotels and if you purchased at 1.1 cpm then some of the redemption rates are pretty competitive.

 

[whole-lotta-moxie]

Anyone here going to risk buying miles in their new sale? 150% bonus

 

[boomy]

Anyone here going to risk buying miles in their new sale? 150% bonus

Hard NO on that one!

Btw I’m glad to report LM again agrees to cancel bookings with no penalty. I’ve tried to cancel a booking in December but was told their free cancellation policy ended in November and was offered free date change which I declined. Tried again couple of weeks ago and this time they agreed to cancel and refund.

 

[NDiddy]

Anyone here going to risk buying miles in their new sale? 150% bonus

Not for us at this stage. Im still trying to burn through about 160K in points which will probably end up in hotel redemptions for local travel

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I won’t be buying in this sale. Plenty of points to use, which will be for speculative bookings in December 2021. Minimal outlay and potential to snag award seats now while there are plenty of them, and before demand picks up!

 

[Glider_]

Although I'm keenly looking at flights about a year ahead in the hope the Gov will open the gates and let us out, I think I'm going to stick with revenue flights until it's much more certain about being able to get back into Oz reliably. Getting bumped multiple times on an Avianca ticket feels like a terrible fate to (almost) knowingly sign up for.

 

[Major]

I won't be buying any more either.
I have used nearly 100K points on accommodation in the last 12 months. Only 27K points to go and will then let LM disappear

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I won't be buying any more either.
I have used nearly 100K points on accommodation in the last 12 months. Only 27K points to go and will then let LM disappear

I hear ya! But AUD1500 return business class Australia to Thailand/Asia is just too tempting to get rid of the program outright!

 

[Major]

I hear ya! But AUD1500 return business class Australia to Thailand/Asia is just too tempting to get rid of the program outright!

I hope it works for you.

I am not even planning to plan any International travel while there is so much uncertainty amongst Countries and Airlines.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I hope it works for you.

I am not even planning to plan any International travel while there is so much uncertainty amongst Countries and Airlines.

(un)fortunately already have the points! So in that respect, not much to lose when it comes to speculative bookings. The likes of Thai, Air China, Singapore Airlines... they probably won’t be going anywhere (despite Thai’s best efforts otherwise!)

 

[boomy]

(un)fortunately already have the points! So in that respect, not much to lose when it comes to speculative bookings. The likes of Thai, Air China, Singapore Airlines... they probably won’t be going anywhere (despite Thai’s best efforts otherwise!)

Problem with LM speculative bookings is their non-transparent cancelation policy. While other programmes, such as QFF for example make it very clear and easy to book and cancel, LM moved from being probably the most generous to one of the hardest to deal with when it comes to cancellations.