First "Lifemiles" booking

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N860CR

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Nov 30, 2004
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I'm looking to make my first Business booking using Lifemiles while the current 2 for 1 "buy" promo is on. Have a few questions for those who are well versed on it;

- ill need 175k points (SYD-CDG-SYD) and the most I can buy is 75+75 for the 2 for 1 promo. Am I only eligible for the promo once? IE: could I buy 75+75 then 13+13 in two transactions? Otherwise, is the most cost effective just buying 75+75 then using "more cash" to make up the rest?

- my calculations seem to suggest 75+75 then "more cash" comes to under $3000US. Does this seem about right?

- my return date will change. How hard is it to change award bookings, are the fees as low as they appear ($50?), can it be done online and how good is availability between Europe and Australia (sort of Augustish)

Thanks. Really wish I'd found this earlier!
 
You should be able to buy the additional miles at the booking stage by adjusting the points+pay slider and bringing the cost down to the 1.5 CPM (same cost as during Promo).

Avoid Avianca call centre at all costs!!!! Maybe just book a one-way first and then book a return when your date is confirmed. They are a Pain.
 
Because you only need to pay 40% of 175k as miles, you only need 70k miles in your account. So you buy 35k miles first, which will cost you US$1,050, and they will give you another 35k as per the promo.
The other 105k miles you will be changed US1.576c per mile, bringing the total cost to US$1,050 + US$1,654.80 = US$2,704.80.

And then you need to add the taxes (usually US$100-150) and the booking fee of US$25 per person. So yeh you're US$3k estimate is about right as a ballpark but should be a tad lower.

Agree re Avianca call centre, but like any airline, some agent are more competent than others. I've had no experience with date changes. Note that the cost of LMs will go up in October by 10% so take that into account if deciding whether or not to book the return leg at a later date.
 
Cool thanks for the advise. Unfortunately I'll need a return ticket (for my French visa) so I need to book them together.

Once ticketed, can it be changed online, or does it have to be done over the phone? I'm guessing the change will involve paying the difference between the "old" fares and new fares.
 
Cool thanks for the advise. Unfortunately I'll need a return ticket (for my French visa) so I need to book them together.

Once ticketed, can it be changed online, or does it have to be done over the phone? I'm guessing the change will involve paying the difference between the "old" fares and new fares.

It is $150 to make a change but only $50 to cancel. So you will be better off booking it as two one ways (as then will be easier to cancel the 'return') then submit for your French visa. Then cancel the return ticket and rebook it when you want it to be. Should only cost you $50.
 
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I suggest very very strongly not to book return flights. Just book two separate one ways. That way you can cancel the return and rebook at any time. Once you take the first flight, it can be a pain to change the second if it's on the same ticket.
 
Definitely book 2 one-way tickets as it gives you the flexibility to change any of them.

It costs the same as a return ticket
 
Should be able to purchase a dummy ticket using expedia and if you cancel the same day they give you a 100% refund. Good for visa purposes.
 
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