re: Avianca "Life Miles" - Questions and Discussion
I wrote the following in Sept 2013 before quite a few changes. I think it is still relevant and people need to remember all schemes have their limitations
"I thought a post by "wheresmybaga" from Melb on FT was pretty spot on as an observation of LifeMiles
"There's actually not that much to comprehend.
And of course the simplest of all rules to remember is that if the website doesn't show it, you're not booking it! There are very few variables to play with on the website...force an airline choice, (try to) force a departure time...that's it. Let's forget about trick cities.
Confusion arises mainly because a lot of people have an idea that LM should somehow allow all the best bits of other FFPs they have membership of. Rather than simply accepting LM for what it is and what it offers there is this constant angst and hand wringing about what's not possible! "
I can't agree with you more. In fact, this is what I would warn people before they commit themselves to purchase LM. If you can't see it online, you can't book it. That's it!
The issue we are facing here is that, these bookings that we are trying to get LM to book manually were available online before. It was simple IT glitch that made it not available online. LM acknowledge the issue and is apparently working on it, and that is why they are willing to book it manually. In the mean time, we just have to put up with the inconvenience and stress.
I understand that this is what happens in mileage game. The rules change and to stock pile miles is a risk we take. I actually already had back up plan made before I contacted LM with the screenshots. If this doesn't work out, my back up plan is just to fly business class on OZ NRT-ICN-SYD for 40K, or I could try NH F NRT-SIN, then SQ Y SIN-BNE for 72.5K. All with space available. Or I can use my KF miles to book SQ J NRT-SIN-BNE. Worst comes worst I can always fly a paid ticket on Jetstar. I am not stuck in Japan. So with not much expectation, I wrote them the emails with screenshots, but I didn't expect that it would be approved and actually booked so fast!
The problem is, it's like you have won a lottery unexpectedly, but you are waiting for them to contact you for further instructions, yet if you don't claim the money within 72 hours, you forfeit your prize. It is the waiting that makes it so........stressful/exciting? Whatever it is, it's adrenaline rush, and not really suitable for the faint hearted.
I am not complaining about LM. I agree it is still very good value. The purpose of me writing my experience is to share with others who might be thinking of doing it. If you can take the stress, do it. For me, I am not sure if it is worth the stress for me (well, after I get the 60 min spa treatment in BKK, I might change my mind....). But in the mean time, I think I will stick to whatever is available online until they fix the glitch.
