One Mile At A Time: "The avianca lifemiles program is known for being useful for Star Alliance redemptions. Not only does lifemiles often sell miles at an attractive cost, but the program also partners with major transferable points currencies. Unfortunately the value of lifemiles has just decreased a bit, as many award costs have quietly been increased."
Points Wire Note:
One-way first class rates between the US and Europe increased from 87,000 lifemiles to 130,000 lifemiles. The business class award rate on many routes between the US and Europe increased from 63,000 miles to 70,000 miles. The first class devaluation is aggressive, while the business class devaluation is more reasonable.
I will note that business some business class rates decreased slightly. So far, these seem to be routes that were already a bit lower than the usual award rate. For example, JFK to Zurich was 56,000 miles one-way, but it's now 55,000 miles.
Sadly, it also looks like the amazing sweet spot of JFK to Lisbon has been devalued. Previously, you could book a one-way business class ticket for 35,000 miles. Now, it's showing you need 65,000 miles.
Another (small) positive is that the award rate from JFK to Geneva decreased from 63,000 to 60,000 miles.
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