US–Europe Star Alliance partner awards rise 15–21% without notice

40,000 / 80,000 miles (US–Europe economy/business, one-way) → 48,400 / 92,400 miles

In late April 2026 (date approximate; documented April 24–28), Avianca LifeMiles raised award prices on Star Alliance partner flights between the US and Europe without notice, its third increase in under two years. One-way economy awards on carriers such as United rose from 40,000 to 48,400 miles and business class from 80,000 to 92,400 miles, with some routes previously at 55,000 miles in business repricing as high as 92,400. Longer routes also rose, such as Newark–Cape Town economy from 55,000 to 66,550 miles. In July 2026 Avianca partially reversed course, cutting some of these routes back below the new levels, though pricing remains inconsistent. LifeMiles receives 1:1 transfers from American Express, Citi, and Capital One.

What to do: Price LifeMiles against Aeroplan and ANA before transferring; some routes dropped back to 78,500 miles in July 2026, so search before assuming the worst rate.