For those without an eligible Capital One credit card, visiting a Capital One Lounge before a flight just got pricier.
13.08.2024 - 21:39 / thepointsguy.com
One of the best ways to book first-class flights to Europe with points and miles has just become much more expensive: Avianca's LifeMiles program increased redemption rates overnight by up to 50%.
As first reported by One Mile at a Time, the South America-based program has, without warning, increased award rates for flights operated by Star Alliance partner airlines from North America to Europe as follows:
The LifeMiles program has not yet updated its partner award chart, which still shows the previous mileage rates, but searches for current availability show higher prices.
The increases to economy- and business-class redemption rates on partner airlines — like Swiss, Air Canada, United Airlines and Austrian Airlines — are mild and still represent good value compared with other programs, especially as the program does not impose fuel surcharges. However, the first-class rate increase is extreme.
LifeMiles has consistently been one of the best-value ways to book first-class awards to Europe. While fellow Lufthansa Group airline Swiss does not make transatlantic first-class awards available to Europe, Lufthansa has consistently opened up first-class seats to partners within 14 days of departure. Note that most seats are released within a few days of departure, favoring those who can book at the last minute.
The program has also increased the price of first-class awards from North America to Asia from 90,000 miles to 120,000 miles on partner airlines like All Nippon Airways; availability on these flights is exceptionally hard to come by.
While a Colombian loyalty program might not be the first place you would think of to redeem miles for flights to Europe, LifeMiles are easy to earn as the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards. According to TPG's August 2024 valuations, LifeMiles are worth 1.7 cents each.
The timing of this devaluation is especially unfortunate, given that Cardless recently launched two new Avianca-branded credit cards for U.S. residents. If you had applied for this card with the plan to book a flight to Europe, you may have to settle for business class rather than first class with the pricey new rates.
If you are looking to book Lufthansa's first class to experience the famous first-class terminal in Frankfurt Airport (FRA), your best option now is to book through Air Canada's Aeroplan program — also a transfer partner of multiple credit card currencies. Business-class awards on partner airlines like Lufthansa to Europe cost 60,000 points from the U.S. East Coast or 70,000 points from the Midwest and West Coast, similar to LifeMiles rates.
For first-class awards to Europe, the Aeroplan rates are
For those without an eligible Capital One credit card, visiting a Capital One Lounge before a flight just got pricier.
In 2022, a new startup airline called Norse Atlantic Airways launched cheap flights between Europe and the US, operating Boeing 787 Dreamliners equipped only with economy and premium economy seats.
If you are traveling by car, gas prices had a modest decrease in July. If you are turning on the lights, electric rates stayed the same.
As the days turn shorter and the world begins to cool, travelers everywhere begin to consider where they should visit next.
Tara Cannon and her husband Rand have traveled with their two kids for 19 years — since they were babies.
I consider myself fairly frugal when it comes to travel. I've booked the 6 a.m. flight to save $50 and have flown basic economy more times than I'd care to admit.
Tom Hatfield, 74, spent the first 60 years of his life living in Louisiana. However, after traveling extensively over the last few years, the retiree has visited all 50 states and is set to visit his last few national parks this year.
Martini in hand and pursuing another, I stumble to the bar—not because I’m drunk but because the bar itself is moving. I’m on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, A Belmond Train, Europe; specifically, in Bar Car 3674, swathed in sapphire velvet and buzzing with passengers in their black-tie best for cocktail hour. Outside, the landscape unfurls gradually, the industrial tableaus of France’s heartland fading into fields baking under the summer sun. Golden hour has hit; onboard, cufflinks and jewels catch the light and shine. There’s a mirthful sparkle to the crowd, guests and crew alike, made even more apparent by our close quarters on the train. As I sidle past a woman in a sequined dress, our crystal coupes meet by chance in a delicate clink. She and I exchange introductions and share a proper toast: We’re finally here.
My husband and I have traveled with our five kids countless times across the US, Canada, and Newfoundland. We have camped in national parks and visited amusement parks.
When you've done as much travel as Lee Abbamonte has, you know a thing or two about the places worth visiting within the US.
The United MileagePlus program has recently increased the prices of its premium cabin Anytime awards, as first reported by Live and Let's Fly. However, we wouldn't recommend booking United Airlines' Anytime awards. Instead, consider our trick to save hundreds, if not thousands, of miles on your next flight to Europe.
Media giant Disney recently announced that it was planning to invest about $5bn (€4.58bn) in Europe and the UK, to make more TV shows and blockbuster movies, especially superhero movies, according to the Financial Times. This move follows the recent release of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, which has been a major success.