Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

[bcworld]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Is it the c30 for SYD? Are you using Expertflyer for the seat map?

It is. I'm using KVS.

Seatmap always shows this config.

My old man is travelling on it in a couple of weeks...I'll try and get him to take a couple of snaps of the seats etc...but he probably wont!

 

[robcuk]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

It is. I'm using KVS.

Seatmap always shows this config.

Cheers BC - I cant use KVS, well I couldn't last time I checked, as it doesn't work on the mac. I used to subscribe to expertflyer when I flew EK &
found it very useful when upgrading.

The C30 doesnt look a bad layout - not too fussed about the soft product as I would of thought after a long flight from ZRH and all day in Shanghai
ill be ready for a long sleep.

 

[smit0847]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

This is incorrect, it most definitely can be done. I have done it and reported my experience both on here and FT. It may not be easy though and can be luck of the draw with the agents. Definitely easier with USDM. But saying it cant be done is incorrect.

Fine - I was wrong. I'll change my advice to 'you might be able to do it'.

What I meant was that I would not purchase LMs through this promo thinking 'Im going J from PER-IAH for cheap!' as you might not be able to book it no matter how many times you try - I dont want you to get your hopes up when USDM is a more reliable option.

Very little has been proven with LM because it's (still) such a new program.

 

[auriga]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Fine - I was wrong. I'll change my advice to 'you might be able to do it'.

What I meant was that I would not purchase LMs through this promo thinking 'Im going J from PER-IAH for cheap!' as you might not be able to book it no matter how many times you try - I dont want you to get your hopes up when USDM is a more reliable option.

Very little has been proven with LM because it's (still) such a new program.

I think what you wrote is pretty fair. There has been very very few reports of anyone succeeding in putting together an itinerary leg by leg (a la US DM).

 

[jgm]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Cheers BC - I cant use KVS, well I couldn't last time I checked, as it doesn't work on the mac.

KVS is fine on the MAC running under CrossOver except for ANA.

 

[bcworld]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

KVS is fine on the MAC running under CrossOver except for ANA.

The ANA method? I noticed that Aeroplan (AC) now (last few days) requires login to search...KVS prompted for credentials for that method...same on the AE website.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

It is. I'm using KVS.

Seatmap always shows this config.

My old man is travelling on it in a couple of weeks...I'll try and get him to take a couple of snaps of the seats etc...but he probably wont!

hmmm. Could be full lie flat. They have the same number of rows in the fwd cabin as QF, except they have removed the galley that QF has just fwd of doors 2L&R. So that would give them enough room for full flats.

 

[travelislife]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Fine - I was wrong. I'll change my advice to 'you might be able to do it'.

What I meant was that I would not purchase LMs through this promo thinking 'Im going J from PER-IAH for cheap!' as you might not be able to book it no matter how many times you try - I dont want you to get your hopes up when USDM is a more reliable option.

Very little has been proven with LM because it's (still) such a new program.

Sorry if my tone was a bit harsh there smit0847, not meaning to have a go. It is just that I know it can be done with a bit of persistence, but you are very right that it is easier with USDM.

 

[ermen]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Thanks all for your replies.
Yes I hear that its easier with USDM but Avianca is that much cheaper Too bad it doesn't seem clever enough to do PER - BKK - VIE - JFK - IAH

 

[bcworld]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Thanks all for your replies.
Yes I hear that its easier with USDM but Avianca is that much cheaper Too bad it doesn't seem clever enough to do PER - BKK - VIE - JFK - IAH

It's well under MPM limits so US should be fine with it...I think you'd need a lot of luck to get this one past LM though! Is it really that much cheaper??

 

[wafliron]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Probably not adding much beyond what has already been discussed on this forum, but worth a quick read anyway: Evaluating US Airways vs. Avianca 100% Buy Miles Bonuses For Star Alliance Awards | The Points Guy

 

[pangwen]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

This could be more of a general question than a Lifemiles one. I'm currently looking at purchasing a BNE-ZRH (via SIN) flight with Lifemiles, and the suggested itinerary is SQ236 BNE-SIN, LX179 SIN-ZRH. There appears to be 2hr05m transfer time at Singapore. I've never transferred between airlines on the same PNR before, so would someone be able advise whether:

1. This type of redemption will indeed be on the same PNR (i.e. they won't book me on two separate PNRs?) if I book it as a single trip?
2. If so, will they check my bags all the way through? (I imagine so)
3. Is 2hr05m enough connection time at SIN for transferring between carriers? I've transferred SQ-SQ previously, and that was enough time, but I'm not sure about SQ-LX.
4. If SQ236 is delayed and I miss my LX flight, will they book me onto the next ZRH bound flight? Or would it be a case of "it's a reward flight, tough bikkies"?
5. If yes to 4, if I was getting another onward connection from ZRH (say to FRA or VIE), would I also get rebooked onto the next flight on that leg?

Thanks very much all - been learning heaps

 

[bcworld]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

This could be more of a general question than a Lifemiles one. I'm currently looking at purchasing a BNE-ZRH (via SIN) flight with Lifemiles, and the suggested itinerary is SQ236 BNE-SIN, LX179 SIN-ZRH. There appears to be 2hr05m transfer time at Singapore. I've never transferred between airlines on the same PNR before, so would someone be able advise whether:

1. This type of redemption will indeed be on the same PNR (i.e. they won't book me on two separate PNRs?) if I book it as a single trip?
2. If so, will they check my bags all the way through? (I imagine so)
3. Is 2hr05m enough connection time at SIN for transferring between carriers? I've transferred SQ-SQ previously, and that was enough time, but I'm not sure about SQ-LX.
4. If SQ236 is delayed and I miss my LX flight, will they book me onto the next ZRH bound flight? Or would it be a case of "it's a reward flight, tough bikkies"?
5. If yes to 4, if I was getting another onward connection from ZRH (say to FRA or VIE), would I also get rebooked onto the next flight on that leg?

Thanks very much all - been learning heaps

It will be booked as a single ticket. 2 hours is plenty to connect at SIN. Missed connections will be rebooked by the carrier that caused the misconnection. For Q5 are you talking about a seperate ticket?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

see answers in bold within your quote:

This could be more of a general question than a Lifemiles one. I'm currently looking at purchasing a BNE-ZRH (via SIN) flight with Lifemiles, and the suggested itinerary is SQ236 BNE-SIN, LX179 SIN-ZRH. There appears to be 2hr05m transfer time at Singapore. I've never transferred between airlines on the same PNR before, so would someone be able advise whether:

1. This type of redemption will indeed be on the same PNR (i.e. they won't book me on two separate PNRs?) if I book it as a single trip? YES - single ticket
2. If so, will they check my bags all the way through? (I imagine so) YES
3. Is 2hr05m enough connection time at SIN for transferring between carriers? I've transferred SQ-SQ previously, and that was enough time, but I'm not sure about SQ-LX. More than enough - legal minimum connecting times aside, even if your flight was late arriving, provided you are off the plane quickly you could scoot between gates in less than 30 minutes. Whether your bags make it could be an issue! But they would sort that out and deliver them to you at the earliest opportunity
4. If SQ236 is delayed and I miss my LX flight, will they book me onto the next ZRH bound flight? Or would it be a case of "it's a reward flight, tough bikkies"? They are responsible to carry you to your destination. So no issues. They will put you on a 'full fare' seat if necessary.
5. If yes to 4, if I was getting another onward connection from ZRH (say to FRA or VIE), would I also get rebooked onto the next flight on that leg? YES. They may however route you direct to your final destination if that's what you want (so direct SIN-FRA if that's the case).

Thanks very much all - been learning heaps

 

[pangwen]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Thanks bcworld and Mel_Traveller! That was really quick, and the answers I was hoping for too.

Just to clarify, I did mean a further connection to Frankfurt or Vienna on the same reward booking (so two transfers on the one ticket). I might go and research the return leg now as well then .

Thanks again!

 

[robcuk]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Yes it has a decent business product. Don't think it's exactly the same as their 77Ws but full lie flat nonetheless. Soft product may be another story but I've just booked it myself.

Regarding your 8 hour stopover. The Maglev only goes half way to the city and drops you in what seems like the middle of nowhere at Longyang Road. From here you can take a subway or taxi ride into where you need to go for your look around. Our taxi from there to the Westin Bund Center took about 45 mins at 6PM on a Friday...cost next to nothing, about $6-7. If you want an amazing view of Pudong (as close as you'll get to the Skyfall shots!) get the taxi to Hyatt on the Bund. You can pay 100RMB to get up to the rooftop bar which includes a glass of wine or a beer...the view is amazing...but probably better at night. Then you could have the obligatory traipse along the Bund.

EDIT: Scratch that advice on the Hyatt - seems it'll be closed when you're there...doesn't open til 530pm.

Just wondering BC would i need a visa for my brief visit?

 

[bcworld]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Just wondering BC would i need a visa for my brief visit?

The short answer is no. But there is a lot of duff information about this...even on Air China's own websites...particularly Air China AU. Here's the info you need:

[KVS Availability Tool 7.1.0/Diamond - TIMATIC: Visa/Entry Requirements]

National United Kingdom (GB)    /Embarkation Switzerland (CH)
Transit China (People's Rep.) (CN)
Destination Australia (AU)      
ALSO CHECK DESTINATION INFORMATION BELOW


[Visa Information - Transit] China (People's Rep.) (CN)


[Information For Normal Passports]
[B]TWOV (Transit Without Visa):[/B]
[B]Visa required, except for Holders of confirmed onward tickets[/B]
[B]for a max. transit [[TIRULES/R32]] time of 24 hours. Transit[/B]
[B]incl. two stops, with a total transit time of 24 hours, within[/B]
[B]China (People's Rep.) is permitted.[/B]  (SEE NOTE 43503) 
 - Not applicable at Chengdu (CTU). 
    NOTE 43503: Not applicable to holders of British passports
   endorsed  British National (Overseas) , who are required to
   hold a Returning Resident Permit, together with their Hong
   Kong ID.
Visa required, except for Holders of confirmed onward tickets
for a max. transit [[TIRULES/R32]] on the same calendar day at
Chengdu (CTU). Transit incl. two stops, with a total transit
time of 24 hours, within China (People's Rep.) is permitted.
(SEE NOTE 43503)
    NOTE 43503: Not applicable to holders of British passports
   endorsed  British National (Overseas) , who are required to
   hold a Returning Resident Permit, together with their Hong
   Kong ID.
- All transiting passengers are subject to a check by
  immigration officials. Passengers in transit are required to
  hold passports or passport replacing documents that are
  accepted for entry into China (People's Rep.). For more
  details on document requirements, please enter China
  (People's Rep.) as a destination. 
- [B]Leaving the transit area is allowed.[/B] (SEE NOTE 43503) 
    NOTE 43503: Not applicable to holders of British passports
   endorsed  British National (Overseas) , who are required to
   hold a Returning Resident Permit, together with their Hong
   Kong ID.






[Health Information] China (People's Rep.) (CN)


Vaccinations not required.


[Visa Information - Destination] Australia (AU)


[Information For Normal Passports]
Passport required.
- Passport and/or passport replacing documents must be valid
  on arrival. 
Passport Exemptions:
- Holders of a "Document for Travel to Australia" (DFTTA)
  issued by the Australian government (valid for a single
  journey).


Visa required, except for Those holding an Electronic Travel
Authority (ETA) [[TIDFT/AU/VI/IS/ID34790]] for tourist or
business travel, obtained prior to departure for Australia. 
 - An ETA may be issued to holders of British passports
   "United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland"
   endorsed  British Citizen ;
 - An ETA may be issued to holders of British passports
   endorsed  British National (Overseas) ;
Visa Issuance:
- Prior to arrival: Electronic Tourist Visa (e676): if such a
  visa is granted, the visa holder does not require a visa in
  his/her passport. This system is different from the ETA.
  The following passengers can apply for a tourist visa on the
  Internet ([http://www.immi.gov.au]) prior to travel:
 - nationals of United Kingdom;
 - holders of British passports  United Kingdom of Great
   Britain and Northern Ireland  endorsed  British Citizen ;
- Prior to arrival: eVisitor (651): if such a visa is granted,
  the visa holder does not require a visa in his/her passport.
  This system is different from the ETA.
  The following passengers can apply for a tourist visa on the
  Internet under Online Services at [http://www.immi.gov.au] prior to
  travel: 
 - holders of British passports  United Kingdom of Great
   Britain and Northern Ireland  endorsed  British Citizen .
Additional Information:
- Australia will accept other travel documents issued by a
  recognized authority, provided [[TIDFT/AU/PA/AI/ID28761]] 
- Passengers travelling on domestic sectors of international
  flights within Australia [[TIDFT/AU/PA/AI/ID554]]
- Australia issues many visas electronically,
  [[TIDFT/AU/VI/AI/ID41616]] 






[Health Information] Australia (AU)


Vaccination against yellow fever required if arriving within 6
days after leaving or transiting countries on Australia's list
of yellow fever declared places, at
[http://www.health.gov.au/yellowfever] 
Australia's yellow fever declared places reflects the list of
countries with risk of yellow fever transmission[[TIRGL/YFIN]] 
with these exceptions:
- addition of Paraguay;
- Argentina limited to only the Misiones Province; and
- Galapagos Islands excluded from Ecuador. 


Exempt from Yellow Fever vaccination:
- Children under 1 year of age.
- Passengers transiting countries with risk of yellow fever
  transmission provided not leaving the transit areas.
Warning:
- Passengers not holding a yellow fever certificate, if
  required, are subject to quarantine for 6 days.
  Further infromation can be found on the relevant pages on
  the following website: [http://www.health.gov.au/yellowfever] 


CHECK [[TINEWS/N1]] - TURKEY: BLANK VISA PAGE REQUIREMENT


06 Dec 2012 / 02:57 [UTC]

 

[robcuk]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Thanks for your response BC

 

[smit0847]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Did anyone receive this overnight?

Join now our contest “Vive tus millas con LifeMiles y gana” and earn in an easy and very fun way LM 80,000 if you live in Ecuador or LM 40,000 if you live in another country. Take advantage of this opportunity to earn LifeMiles, all you have to do is:

Follow these steps:

1. Upload a picture to our Fan Page where you create and “L” and “M” in the most original way
2. Invite all your friends to vote for your picture.
3. The two most creative pictures that are related to LifeMiles within the most voted pictures will be de winners of the prize.

The contest ends on December 14[SUP]th[/SUP], so do not wait anymore!


I would enter but I dont want all my friends knowing about LM!!

 

[BOZZ]

re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A

Yep, I've got it as well.