Summary

  • Avianca debuts new American Express credit cards with up to 100,000 bonus lifemiles and Star Alliance elite status perks.
  • Features include bonus miles, no foreign transaction fees, extended Lifemiles expiration, and immediate card use upon approval.
  • The Elite card offers 100,000 bonus miles, 3x Lifemiles on specific purchases, and complimentary access to the lifemiles+ Lite program.

The flag carrier of Colombia has officially revealed its updated credit card offerings in the United States. The two new avianca cards on the American Express network are tailored for frequent flyers with perks, including elite status in the Star Alliance network and up to 100,000 bonus LifeMiles.

Twice as nice

The second-largest carrier in South America, avianca was named the most punctual airline of 2023. Discussions for the new cards have been underway for three years (the airline previously offered an option with Puerto Rico’s Banco Popular), resulting in today’s announcement of the two options on the American Express network.

Related

Everything You Need To Know About Avianca Lifemiles

The largest airline in Colombia offers members of its lifemiles loyalty program ample opportunities to earn and redeem miles.

Both the cards are available now and were designed to help travelers maximize rewards across avianca’s considerable network and the broader Star Alliance range of destinations. Simple Flying attended the unveiling of the new cards held at the Amex Centurion Lounge in New York City. Speaking at the event, Will Stredwick, the Senior Vice President of Global Network Services North America at American Express, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two companies:

“It was about 30 years ago that Amex and avianca first started working together. We now have a partnership in many markets around the world.

“If you understand points and how redemptions work… you’ll understand that this is a very strong value proposition. It’s very customer-focused, and it’s really well thought through.”

avianca Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner at LAX.

Photo: Angel DiBilio | Shutterstock

The two cards are launched concurrently with avianca’s lifemiles+ subscription loyalty program, which features benefits such as points multipliers, monthly bonus miles, and redemption discounts.

The avianca lifemiles American Express Card

The entry-level card has a $99 annual fee and offers various rewards and benefits. The headline feature is a bonus of up to 40,000 LifeMiles after spending a minimum of $3000 in the first 90 days. Cardholders also earn 2 lifemiles for every $1 spent on purchases with avianca, LifeMiles, restaurants, and groceries, along with 1 lifemile on all other purchases.

Additionally, the card comes with Star Alliance elite status (discussed below), a 5% redemption discount on avianca airlines flights booked through the lifemiles website, no foreign transaction fees, and prevents your lifemiles from expiring as long as the card is active.

Simple Flying's Lead US Journalist Jonathan Hendry with Michael Spelfogel, President and Co-Founder of Cardless at the Avianca American Express Card Launch

Photo: Jonathan E. Hendry | Simple Flying

Notably, the cards can be used immediately upon approval thanks to the pioneering partnership with Cardless, the company behind the airline cards for Qatar Airways, TAP Air Portugal, and LATAM.

The avianca lifemiles American Express Elite Card

The premium card has an annual fee of $250 and offers the opportunity to earn up to 100,000 airline miles, which is currently the largest welcome bonus in the US. The lifemiles bonus is split between an award of 60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days and 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first 12 months.

Related

World’s Most Punctual Airline In 2023: avianca

The airline may have beat out other airlines around the globe but it finished second in Latin America.

The earning rate for the Elite card is as follows, with the ability to double up to 1,000 miles a month for additional points:

  • 3x lifemiles on all avianca airlines and lifemiles purchases (some in-flight purchases may be processed through a third party and receive the standard 1 mile)
  • 2x lifemiles on dining and restaurants
  • 2x lifemiles on all other travel, including hotels, taxis, and other airlines
  • 1x lifemile on everything else.

Cardholders also receive complimentary access to the airline’s new monthly subscription program, lifemiles+ Lite. The program provides a 10% miles redemption rebate on Star Alliance flights, up to 25% miles redemption discount on avianca flights, and up to 40% more miles on hotel and rental car cars bookings made through lifemiles.com, which also come with a discount of up to 10%. Matt Vincett, CEO of lifemiles, commented on the value offered by the new card:

“Together with Cardless and American Express, we are pleased to launch excellent new credit card options for mileage enthusiasts.

“The Premium card, I believe, is especially compelling, but both of our offerings give cardholders the ability to earn miles quickly, and then enjoy discounts when their miles are redeemed. We’ve even packaged-in an Elite status to make reward travel more enjoyable.”

The new avianca American Express cards

Photo: Cardless

As a bonus, Eite cardholders will also receive 500 miles per month in their account through the subscription and the opportunity to subscribe for a higher tier lifemiles+ tier at a reduced rate.

Star Alliance elite status

Avianca is a member of Star Alliance, which includes Air Canada, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. The airline’s loyalty program members can earn and redeem miles for travel to more than 1,300 destinations worldwide through the alliance’s network. Notably, both the new cards come with lifemiles Silver Status, which is equivalent to Star Alliance Silver Status.

Related

A Complete Guide To Elite Status In The Star Alliance

With status tiers, the only real perks start at Gold.

Earning elite status through the avianca cards provides benefits for members flying on any Star Alliance carrier worldwide and includes the following perks:

  • Complimentary lounge access and companion passes for avianca’s 12 VIP lounges
  • Priority services such as check-in, boarding, and baggage handling
  • Priority reservations waitlist & priority stand-by on Star Alliance flights
  • Gold Track priority airport security and immigration lanes
  • Additional checked baggage allowance and 10% discount on premium seat purchases
  • 30% bonus miles accrued on avianca flights.
Avianca Airbus A330-200 airplane with the Star Alliance special livery at Miami Airport in Florida.
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

In addition to its Star Alliance partners, avianca also has partnerships with Spanish flag carrier Iberia, Delta Air Lines’ joint venture partner Aeromexico, and Brazilian low-cost carrier GOL.

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