LifeMiles is a frequent flyer program of Avianca, Colombia’s biggest and oldest airline. Avianca is one of the Star Alliance member airlines so when you earn or redeem LifeMiles, you have access to the biggest airline alliance in the world and its extensive networks. Theoretically, you can get anywhere in the world with LifeMiles. 

The program has lots of fans, but it’s not the easiest to use. Airlines don’t grant all of their partners the same access to award space, and LifeMiles’ website also leaves a lot to be desired.

Citi ThankYou Points have added Avianca LifeMiles as a 1:1 transfer partner.

This is amazing news because Avianca LifeMiles can be used to book Star Alliance award space--the world's most available--without fuel surcharges at fair award prices--often much better than the prices offered by United MileagePlus for the same awards.

To transfer ThankYou Points to LifeMiles, sign into your citi.com account, and choose ThankYou Rewards under Rewards & Benefits.

Then select Points Transfer under More Ways to Redeem.

ThankYou Points can be transferred in increments of 1,000 points.

Avianca LifeMiles has introduced new (cheaper) award prices to fly shorthaul flights within the continental United States on United. Before, Avianca's domestic award prices were market standard--12,500 miles one way from anywhere to anywhere.

Your secret weapon for Business Class award space to Europe this summer is United's daily seasonal flight from Newark to Hamburg. It has two Business Class award seats most days from now through the middle of August. You can get to Newark in United First Class for zero extra miles and connect in Europe via plane or train to your final destination.

You can book this flat bed for 55,000 Aeroplan miles, 57,500 United miles, or 63,000 LifeMiles.

Swiss Airlines is releasing two Business Class award seats during Fall 2017 and Winter 2018 on its American routes, including from the West Coast.

Swiss flies the following routes to Zurich with connections throughout Europe.

You can book this rare award space in a top-notch flat bed for 55,000 Aeroplan miles, 63,000 LifeMiles, or 70,000 United miles. None of those programs collect fuel surcharges on Swiss awards, and all allow connecting United flights free of charge.
The Product
Swiss has a few Business Class products that you can check out on Seat Guru.

Avianca LifeMiles are easier to earn than ever thanks to the Avianca Vuela Visa that was introduced at the end of 2016.  In light of that fact, today I'm going to go over strategies for maximizing your LifeMiles.

Best Ways to Get Avianca LifeMiles

The new Avianca card issued by Banco Popular comes with 40,000 Avianca LifeMiles after your first purchase on the card and a $149 annual fee.

Avianca LifeMiles is offering a bonus of up to 125% on purchased miles through December 20, 2016. You can buy up to 150,000 LifeMiles during the sale and get up to 187,500 bonus miles.

LifeMiles cost 3.3 cents each, so with a 125% bonus, you get the miles for 1.47 cents each.

LifeMiles has been offering a 125% bonus on purchased miles this month, and now it is offering a 140% bonus on purchased miles through September 27, 2016.

LifeMiles cost 3.3 cents each, so with a 140% bonus, you get the miles for 1.375 cents each.

The cheapest I’ve ever seen LifeMiles was 1.32 cents each.
The Steps to Purchase LifeMiles for 1.375 Cents
This deal is a bit more complicated than previous sales because it requires pre-registration. Then you have to wait 24 hours to purchase miles.

Avianca LifeMiles is offering a bonus of up to 125% on purchased miles through September 30, 2016. You can buy up to 150,000 LifeMiles during the sale and get up to 187,500 bonus miles.

LifeMiles cost 3.3 cents each, so with a 125% bonus, you get the miles for 1.47 cents each.

If you act today (June 2, 2016), you can get a 135% bonus on the purchase of Avianca LifeMiles.

You have to register for an extra 10% bonus on top of the automatic 125% bonus by entering your LifeMiles number here.