By Bryce Casson, Founder · Cardocrat · Updated June 2026
The short answer: Avianca LifeMiles was prized for low Star Alliance pricing and no fuel surcharges. Both advantages have eroded fast: three devaluations in fifteen months raised key business-class awards by up to 77 percent, and LifeMiles began adding fuel surcharges, so holders have watched roughly 30 to 50 percent of their value evaporate, frequently without any official notice.
What made LifeMiles special
Avianca LifeMiles drew points collectors with two things: low Star Alliance award prices, including cheap US to Europe business class, and a long-standing absence of fuel surcharges that kept the cash cost of awards down. Miles came easily from most transferable currencies plus Rove. Those strengths are exactly what recent devaluations have chipped away. See Avianca LifeMiles guide.
Three devaluations and new surcharges
In August 2024, LifeMiles raised some partner awards by as much as 50 percent while cutting others up to 25 percent. In February 2025, it went further, lifting US East Coast to Europe business class from 45,000 to 80,000 miles, a 77 percent jump, and crucially began adding fuel surcharges, undercutting its signature benefit. A third devaluation in 2026 pushed US to Europe business up by as much as 45 percent more. That is three cuts in fifteen months. See the surcharge trap.
What it means
Holders have lost roughly 30 to 50 percent of their LifeMiles value in little over a year, often with no announcement, which is the clearest recent case of a transferable partner devaluing fast. The takeaway is to treat LifeMiles as earn-and-burn, transfer only for a confirmed booking, and check the current price and any surcharge before moving points. See earn and burn and the devaluation overview.
Frequently asked questions
Has Avianca LifeMiles devalued?
Yes, three times in fifteen months. US East Coast to Europe business class rose from 45,000 to 80,000 miles in February 2025, a 77 percent jump, with further increases in 2026, and LifeMiles began adding fuel surcharges it once avoided.
Does Avianca LifeMiles have fuel surcharges now?
Increasingly, yes. LifeMiles long marketed itself as surcharge-free, but in 2025 it began adding fuel surcharges to some awards, undercutting one of its signature advantages along with the higher mileage prices.
How much value have LifeMiles lost?
Roughly 30 to 50 percent of their cash-equivalent value in little over a year, across three devaluations, often with no official announcement. It is one of the fastest recent declines among transferable partners.
Should I hold Avianca LifeMiles?
Only against a confirmed booking. Given three devaluations in fifteen months and new surcharges, treat LifeMiles as earn-and-burn and check the current price and surcharge before transferring, rather than banking them.
Bryce Casson, Founder of Cardocrat. Every card is ranked by what it actually returns, with all points valued at a flat 1 cent and offers verified against issuer sources. About the author.
