re: Avianca "Life Miles" - New FF program in *A
Couldn't get my Amex to work for some reason but the MC did the trick
I've now taken this to the next step and have used my LifeMiles to book a flight. I had some issues with the payment so thought that I'd provide a summary.
I had forewarned my bank that I'd have an unusual credit card transaction coming through and they duly noted it.
I went through the booking process and the only problem I had was when it came to entering the address. In the end I went for the following options:
Other 01
"Australia"............... State
City Street............... Number and Name
I didn't enter the postcode at all.
On hitting "Pay Now" I was given a screen (sometimes briefly) and it had the booking reference number shown. Have a pen and paper ready and make a note of it before the screen disappears. If the transaction is rejected, as mine was, then you don't get a second chance to find it.
My Amex card was rejected. I tried again thinking that the address wasn't correct but, again, it was rejected. I couldn't try again as the flights were no longer available....I must have used them up with the 2 bookings. The only way to try again was to get them cancelled.
I tried phoning Bogota but couldn't get through. I couldn't find an international number for the US office. I phoned the UK sales office but they couldn't help but gave me the number of the Madrid office. I tried them but the people that deal with LifeMiles issues were only available overnight (after midnight EST). I tried Madrid at 8am EST but couldn't get an answer so tried Bogota again.
The guy there was very helpful and spoke excellent english and liaised with the payment department. They told me that there was no problem their end but the bank was blocking it. They cancelled the 2 bookings so that I could try again. I tried one while still on the phone to Bogota and they still said all was ok their end and he cancelled the new booking.
I phoned my bank and they told me that there was no indication of any transaction coming through. Nothing pending and nothing blocked. I tried another booking while on the phone to the bank but still they had nothing showing.
I got back on the phone to Bogota and spoke to someone else who's english was, again, perfect. Again they couldn't find any problem but told me that they could make a booking for me but it would cost US$80. He cancelled my latest 2 bookings and I had another go at an online booking with a Mastercard. Success!!
So, in summary:-
- I used 2 different Mastercards to buy my points and then the flights.
- Like Princess Fiona, my Amex didn't work even though it's linked to the same credit card account as one of the Mastercards.
- Bogota customer service were very helpful and should be called if you have a problem, +5714013434.
- Make sure that you note the Booking Reference number that is displayed, sometimes briefly, after hitting "Pay Now" and getting the credit card rejection or cancellation message.
I have since received an email confirming the booking and my LifeMiles have been deducted. CheckMyTrip is showing my booking but the Avianca site gives an error message when I try and view the booking:
"Your ticket number or reservation code is presenting an error. Please contact one of our team."
I checked with Avianca and this is simply because none of the flights are with Avianca.
The booking is showing up on the web-site of the airline on which the first flight is being made.
