Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

[Cynicor]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

1.5c/point

USD though, so getting worse.

 

[VAG newbie]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

USD though, so getting worse.

Agree. It's free fall at the moment. I wouldn't participate this time. I bought some in May when AUD was closer to 80cents, so I'll give it a pass this time (unless AUD suddenly surged above 80 cents before 22nd)

 

[Flippantflyer]

Re: Avianca Life Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here

hmmm... I've just checked a range of other routes with Air China... seems LM is actively blocking them (I can't see why CA would).

Just as a data point I finally managed to book direct Air China SYD-PEK flights last night. I have been trying for a while, getting error messages and sending screen shots only to be told that Air China aren't releasing the award seats. But this time the screen shot worked. It all seems pretty arbitrary. I think it might be worth trying a couple of times if you are up for being a bit persistent as success seems to be rather dependant on which way the wind is blowing at the time.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Re: Avianca Life Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here

Just as a data point I finally managed to book direct Air China SYD-PEK flights last night. I have been trying for a while, getting error messages and sending screen shots only to be told that Air China aren't releasing the award seats. But this time the screen shot worked. It all seems pretty arbitrary. I think it might be worth trying a couple of times if you are up for being a bit persistent as success seems to be rather dependant on which way the wind is blowing at the time.

Did you confirm actual availability of the earlier attempts through UA? The times a screenshot will come back unavailable are usually because of phantom availability. If it is confirmed on UA, my experience is LM will confirm it.

 

[Flippantflyer]

Re: Avianca Life Miles - post your SUCCESSFUL award bookings here

Did you confirm actual availability of the earlier attempts through UA? The times a screenshot will come back unavailable are usually because of phantom availability. If it is confirmed on UA, my experience is LM will confirm it.

Yep. every time UA was showing that the seats were real. another time I had no problems though and got the seats via screenshot the first time, so maybe I was just really unlucky the first couple of tries this go-around!

 

[JessicaTam]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

USD though, so getting worse.

I jumped. I am heading to Asia next month so I will put them to good use. I won't be stockpiling any 'though.

 

[smit0847]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

TG continue their strange TG472 schedule.

Per airlineroute:

THAI on Wednesday 08JUL15 updated planned operational schedule on Bangkok – Sydney route, for Northern winter 2015/16 season. From 25OCT15, the Star Alliance member continues to operate 10 weekly flights, as it re-opened reservation for TG471/472.
TG471 BKK0710 – 2030SYD 744 457
TG475 BKK1750 – 0710+1SYD 744 D
TG476 SYD1000 – 1525BKK 744 D
TG472 SYD2200 – 0325+1BKK 744 457
TG475/476 operated by Boeing 747-400 new cabin.

 

[aaronjames000]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Hi all,

Does anybody know if its possible (or had any luck themselves) in splitting a return booking so I can drop one of the segments (either outbound or inbound)?

Or would I need to cancel the whole ticket and re-book the journey as just a one-way??

I know I should have just booked two one way tickets initially, but with the whole screenshot saga I was just happy to have both ways ticketed in one go.

Thanks in advance.

 

[VAG newbie]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Hi all,

Does anybody know if its possible (or had any luck themselves) in splitting a return booking so I can drop one of the segments (either outbound or inbound)?

Or would I need to cancel the whole ticket and re-book the journey as just a one-way??

I know I should have just booked two one way tickets initially, but with the whole screenshot saga I was just happy to have both ways ticketed in one go.

Thanks in advance.

I have not encounter that situation before. But knowing that LM doesn't like to deal with anything complicated, I doubt they'll let you drop just one leg. I would say they need you to cancel it.

But I might be wrong. You can always contact LM and find out.

 

[aaronjames000]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

I have not encounter that situation before. But knowing that LM doesn't like to deal with anything complicated, I doubt they'll let you drop just one leg. I would say they need you to cancel it.

But I might be wrong. You can always contact LM and find out.

Yeah I thought I might ask here first before sending them an email with my booking reference number and then having the whole thing cancelled in the confusion... because that would really stuff my holiday plans up!

 

[Nizar]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Hey all,

More of a TG/SQ question than LM specific but I was wondering if anyone could provide some insight as to whether TG F pax in Sydney have access to say the SQ F lounge in Syd?

They do. Star alliance lounge access based on class of service allows First class passengers to enter any Star alliance first class lounge.

How is the SQ F lounge at SYD ?
How does the service, the space/size/aesthetics, the amenities (showers, etc) and F&B offering compare to say the EY Sydney lounge ?
Does the SQ F lounge offer ala carte dining ?

Cheers

 

[knightman7]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Im almost certain they would cancel one leg. I've managed to get points refunded for an unflown segment after the date of travel before. I think its a case of finding the right agent. Don't email, call the US based number during US business hours and make sure you get onto a lifemiles team member. If they say no, ask to speak to a supervisor. If that doesn't work, hang up and call back.

 

[boomy]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

How is the SQ F lounge at SYD ?
How does the service, the space/size/aesthetics, the amenities (showers, etc) and F&B offering compare to say the EY Sydney lounge ?
Does the SQ F lounge offer ala carte dining ?

Cheers

I like the SQ F lounge in SYD. It's small but elegant and doesn't get too crowded. Service is very good, there is nice buffet, a-la-carte menu and VC champagne. Full range of amenities in the bathrooms (didn't try the showers).

 

[Jeffrey O'Neill]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

How is the SQ F lounge at SYD ?
How does the service, the space/size/aesthetics, the amenities (showers, etc) and F&B offering compare to say the EY Sydney lounge ?
Does the SQ F lounge offer ala carte dining ?

Cheers

there's 2 showers from memory.

It's very quiet and I like the big comfy chairs looking out onto the tarmac.

They had a very tasty beef redang when I was there, with beautifully fluffy rice. I think I ordered some duck pancakes off the ala carte menu. Can't remember what else was on offer, but I knew I'd be eating well on the plane so didn't want to overdo my breakfast.

It was a nice tranquil place to enjoy. I only had one glass of wine that the staff recommended - drinking at 9am just feels wrong even if it is SQ F - but for an afternoon flight I'd be happy to while away some time with a few champers or scotch on ice.

The main lady providing service was excellent. Friendly and attentive without being over the top, which i think is how most Aussies would like it.

Definitely looking forward to another visit in October

 

[aaronjames000]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Im almost certain they would cancel one leg. I've managed to get points refunded for an unflown segment after the date of travel before. I think its a case of finding the right agent. Don't email, call the US based number during US business hours and make sure you get onto a lifemiles team member. If they say no, ask to speak to a supervisor. If that doesn't work, hang up and call back.

So for any that are interested... received a response from lifemiles overnight...

Dear Mr. aaronjames000,​

​

​

It is my pleasure to greet you.​

​

​

Regarding your inquiry, I would like to inform you that it is not possible to cancel specific segments of your itinerary; in such case, you must refund the complete ticket by paying the cancellation fee of $50 US Dollars plus taxes (ticket must be unused) and book a new reservation subject to available seats.​

​

​

In order to process the cancellation fee, you must contact our Call Center; keep your Call Center PIN handy. Let us remind you that Star Alliance redemption fees are not refundable.
Keep in mind that according to our refund policy, you must process the cancellation fee at least 48 hours before the departing flight or 24 hours after the first scheduled flight and until the valid period of your ticket.
Thank you for contacting us.
Kind regards,

so there we go... perhaps I'll try calling instead...

 

[diningdecadence]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

lifemiles just partially sold to a PE firm a la Virgin? just got an email.

 

[smit0847]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

lifemiles just partially sold to a PE firm a la Virgin? just got an email.

Yikes. Id expect both the website to be improved and the award chart to be devalued.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

lifemiles just partially sold to a PE firm a la Virgin? just got an email.

Email from? I haven't received anything - only a notification about a new app.

 

[VAG newbie]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Email from? I haven't received anything - only a notification about a new app.

Email from Avianca Holding. Although it only sold 30% so Avianca is still in control.

I wouldn't be surprised if devaluation comes as it's the trend, although LM just did a major one last year so they shouldn't do one in the coming future.

 

[diningdecadence]

re: Avianca "Lifemiles" - Questions and Discussion

Dear LifeMiles member:

Avianca Holdings S.A. has incorporated Advent International – one of the largest and most experienced international private equity firms - as financial partner of LifeMiles B.V. Through this agreement, Advent acquired an equity stake of 30% of LifeMiles B.V., while Avianca Holdings S.A. keeps the remaining 70%.

With this transaction, the company seeks to reinforce its loyalty framework and gradually expand its products and options, in order to provide more and improved benefits to its members. The intended purpose is to further strengthen LifeMiles, already recognized as one of the best frequent flyer programs in Latin America and the world.

In addition to their financial support, we hope to build on more than 30 years´ experience of Advent International in 40 countries, and leverage the development of successful strategic growth initiatives for LifeMiles B.V.

At Avianca Holdings S.A. and LifeMiles B.V. we trust this step will transform into more benefits for you and for each of our members who provide us with their preference and loyalty and continue to give meaning to our work.