Avianca LifeMiles might not be the first loyalty program that comes to mind when discussing frequent flyer miles, unlike giants such as ANA Mileage Club, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, or United MileagePlus. However, savvy travelers recognize LifeMiles as an exceptionally valuable asset, particularly for those who accumulate transferable points across various programs.
Based in Bogotá, Colombia, Avianca Airlines has proudly served as the national airline and flag carrier of Colombia since 1919. Crucially for award travelers, Avianca is a member of the Star Alliance – the world’s largest airline alliance. This membership opens up a vast network of redemption possibilities, making LifeMiles an incredibly versatile tool for accessing flights around the globe, including coveted routes to and from Japan with partner airlines like ANA.
The sheer number of excellent options for redeeming Avianca LifeMiles can sometimes feel overwhelming. Deciding where to allocate your miles for maximum value requires strategic planning. This guide will illuminate the most rewarding ways to redeem Avianca LifeMiles, with a special focus on leveraging their Star Alliance partnerships, particularly for travel to Japan.
Avianca LifeMiles: The Advantages and Drawbacks
Before diving into specific redemption strategies, let’s outline the key pros and cons of the Avianca LifeMiles program:
Pros:
- No Fuel Surcharges: A significant advantage is that Avianca LifeMiles does not impose fuel surcharges on any award flights, regardless of the operating carrier. This can lead to substantial savings, especially on long-haul flights that often carry hefty surcharges.
- Extensive Online Booking for Star Alliance Partners: The LifeMiles website generally allows online booking for award flights on nearly all Star Alliance partners. This self-service capability simplifies the booking process and avoids the potential hassles of phone bookings.
- No Close-in Booking Fees: LifeMiles does not charge extra for booking award flights close to the departure date. This is a valuable perk for those who need to book last-minute travel or find spontaneous award availability.
- Miles Expiration Policy: LifeMiles remain active for 12 months as long as there is qualifying earning activity within that period. Qualifying activity includes earning miles through flights, partner transactions, transferring points, or even purchasing LifeMiles.
- Frequent and Generous Miles Sales: Avianca regularly offers promotions to purchase LifeMiles with substantial bonuses, often ranging from 125% to 175%. These sales can present opportunities to acquire miles at a reduced cost, effectively “buying” discounted premium cabin flights.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Phone Support: While online booking is generally robust, the phone reservation service of Avianca LifeMiles can be less reliable. If an award isn’t bookable online, navigating phone support can be challenging.
- Award Booking Fee: A flat $25 award booking fee applies to all redemptions. While not exorbitant, it’s an additional cost to consider.
- Change and Cancellation Fees: Modifying or canceling award bookings with LifeMiles can incur significant fees. It’s crucial to understand these fees before finalizing travel plans. Refer to guides on airline award cancellation and change fees for detailed information.
- Website Availability Inconsistencies: Award availability displayed on the LifeMiles website can sometimes be inconsistent with what’s shown on other Star Alliance websites like United.com or Aeroplan.com. It’s advisable to cross-reference availability on multiple platforms.
Boosting Your Avianca LifeMiles Balance for Japan Travel
To effectively utilize Avianca LifeMiles for flights to Japan and beyond, accumulating a sufficient balance is key. Here are several strategies to boost your LifeMiles:
Transferring Points from Credit Card Partners
One of the most efficient ways to accrue LifeMiles is by transferring points from various credit card rewards programs. Avianca LifeMiles partners with major transferable currencies, including:
- American Express Membership Rewards: Transfers at a 1:1 ratio.
- Capital One Miles: Transfers at a 1:1 ratio.
- Citi ThankYou Rewards: Transfers at a 1:1 ratio.
- Marriott Bonvoy: Transfers at a 3:1 ratio, with a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.
Maximizing Credit Card Rewards for LifeMiles:
Consider these recommended credit cards that earn transferable points, ideal for channeling into Avianca LifeMiles:
Recommended American Express Cards (Personal)
BEST LOUNGE ACCESS
The Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
The Platinum Card® from American Express stands out for luxury travel, offering unparalleled airport lounge access, substantial statement credits, and complimentary elite status benefits. Transferring Membership Rewards points to LifeMiles can unlock premium cabin flights to Japan and other destinations.
Apply Now(at Amex’s secure site)
The Platinum Card® from American Express
The Amex Platinum is a premium card with a high annual fee but delivers exceptional value through luxury travel perks. Earning a welcome bonus and utilizing its bonus categories for flights and prepaid hotels can quickly amass Membership Rewards points for LifeMiles transfers.
Key highlights include:
- Best-in-class airport lounge access: Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and more.
- 5x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year).
- 5x points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
While it carries a $695 annual fee (rates and fees), the card’s benefits can outweigh the cost for frequent travelers seeking luxury and maximizing rewards points for programs like LifeMiles.
BEST FOR DINING
American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for food enthusiasts who dine out frequently and spend significantly at U.S. supermarkets. It offers high rewards rates in these everyday spending categories, making it a strong earner of Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to LifeMiles.
Apply Now(at Amex’s secure site)
This card is a game-changer for points accumulation, particularly for those who spend heavily on dining and groceries. The Membership Rewards points earned can be strategically transferred to LifeMiles to book award flights, including those to Japan.
Key highlights include:
- 4x points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x).
- 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x).
- 3x points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or through AmexTravel.com.
With a $325 annual fee (rates and fees), the Amex Gold Card provides substantial value for those who can maximize its bonus categories and utilize the earned points for travel rewards like LifeMiles.
Recommended Capital One Cards (Personal)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is a premium travel card offering a strong combination of rewards and benefits at a competitive annual fee. Earning Capital One Miles and transferring them to LifeMiles can be a cost-effective strategy for accessing award travel.
Apply Now(at Capital One’s secure site)
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
The Venture X card is Capital One’s flagship travel card, offering a compelling value proposition. Its miles program partners with LifeMiles, providing another avenue to accumulate miles for award bookings, including flights to Japan.
Key highlights include:
- 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel.
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases.
With a $395 annual fee (rates & fees), the Venture X card offers significant travel credits and lounge access, potentially offsetting the annual cost while providing a steady stream of miles for LifeMiles transfers.
LIMITED TIME OFFERTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a popular and versatile travel rewards card, known for its simplicity and flexible redemption options. It’s a solid choice for earning Capital One Miles that can be transferred to LifeMiles for Star Alliance award flights.
Apply Now(at Capital One’s secure site)
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
The Venture card offers straightforward rewards earning and redemption, appealing to those seeking ease of use. Its partnership with LifeMiles provides a valuable transfer option for accessing award flights, including routes relevant to Japan.
Key highlights include:
- 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases.
The card has a $95 annual fee (rates & fees) and offers a good balance of rewards and benefits for travelers looking to accumulate miles for programs like LifeMiles.
Hot Tip: For more detailed strategies on maximizing your LifeMiles accumulation, explore resources dedicated to the best ways to earn Avianca LifeMiles.
Leveraging Avianca LifeMiles Sales
Another avenue for boosting your LifeMiles balance is through purchasing miles directly from Avianca, particularly during promotional periods. Avianca frequently offers LifeMiles sales with bonus miles ranging from 125% to an impressive 175%.
Waiting for these sales can be a strategic move if you have a specific redemption in mind or need to top off your account for an upcoming trip to Japan. At a 175% bonus, the cost per mile can be as low as approximately 1.2 cents each, effectively reducing the “price” of award flights.
Top Ways to Redeem Avianca LifeMiles, Including Japan Focused Options
Avianca LifeMiles shines when redeemed for flights on Star Alliance partners. The online booking tool is generally efficient for partner awards. While theoretically any partner award is bookable online, occasional glitches or limited availability may occur for certain airlines.
For instance, Air New Zealand is known to sometimes display restricted award availability on the LifeMiles website. Business class availability on Air New Zealand is especially scarce, and in such cases, contacting LifeMiles via phone might be considered as a last resort, though online booking is generally preferred.
Remember the flat $25 award booking fee, which is easily offset by the absence of fuel surcharges on LifeMiles bookings. There are also no close-in booking fees, making last-minute award bookings cost-effective. However, be mindful of the change and cancellation fees, which can be substantial.
Here are some of the most compelling ways to redeem Avianca LifeMiles, with a spotlight on options relevant to Japan:
1. Experience Lufthansa First Class to Europe (87,000 Miles)
Lufthansa First ClassEnjoy complete privacy and utter perfection in Lufthansa first class without the surcharges using Avianca LifeMiles! Image Credit: Greg Stone
Flying Lufthansa First Class is a dream for many, and LifeMiles provides one of the most accessible pathways to this luxurious experience, especially without hefty fuel surcharges. Lufthansa First Class award availability to partners typically opens within 15 days of departure. LifeMiles’ lack of close-in booking fees makes this spontaneity advantageous.
A First Class flight from the U.S. to Europe costs just 87,000 LifeMiles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees each way, a remarkable value compared to cash fares or other mileage programs that impose fuel surcharges.
Example Routes:
- Boston (BOS) to Frankfurt (FRA)
- Chicago (ORD) to Frankfurt (FRA)
- New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Frankfurt (FRA)
Hot Tip: For step-by-step guidance on booking this coveted award, refer to resources on booking Lufthansa First Class.
2. Indulge in Swiss Air Business Class to Europe (63,000 Miles)
SWISS Air First ClassRevel in Swiss luxury aboard SWISS International Airlines First Class! Image Credit: SWISS Air
SWISS Air’s Business Class is renowned for its quality and generally offers good award availability well in advance. While SWISS typically levies fuel surcharges, LifeMiles does not pass these on to award travelers.
A one-way Business Class flight to Zurich costs only 63,000 LifeMiles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees.
Example Routes:
- Boston (BOS) to Zurich (ZRH)
- Chicago (ORD) to Zurich (ZRH)
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Zurich (ZRH)
- Miami (MIA) to Zurich (ZRH)
- New York (JFK) to Geneva (GVA)
- San Francisco (SFO) to Zurich (ZRH)
3. United Airlines Transcontinental Business Class Across the U.S. (25,000 Miles)
United Polaris 787-10 seatFlying on United Polaris is a great way to try a new product en route to Europe. Image Credit: Stephen Au
For domestic travel within the U.S., consider United Airlines’ premium transcontinental Business Class, specifically on routes between Newark (EWR) or New York (JFK) and Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
Experience United Polaris Business Class with lie-flat seats for just 25,000 LifeMiles each way, when partner-level availability is found.
4. United Polaris Business Class to Europe (63,000 Miles)
United Polaris business class 787 10 window seats HND LAXImage Credit: Ryan Smith
Extend your United Polaris experience to long-haul flights to Europe. Destinations like Frankfurt, London, and Paris are accessible for 63,000 miles each way plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees.
Example Routes:
- San Francisco (SFO) to Frankfurt (FRA)
- San Francisco (SFO) to London (LHR)
- San Francisco (SFO) to Paris (CDG)
Hot Tip: For travel to the Middle East, United operates nonstop routes from San Francisco (SFO) and Newark (EWR) to Tel Aviv (TLV), and from Newark (EWR) to Dubai (DXB). These can be booked for 78,000 LifeMiles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees.
5. Avianca Promo Awards
Avianca economy A320 LAX SAL seat spacingAvianca A320 economy class. Image Credit: Ryan Smith
Avianca periodically offers promotional award rates for select destinations worldwide. These promos can unlock even greater value from your LifeMiles, offering discounted redemption rates.
Keep an eye on Avianca’s promotions and be ready to book quickly, as promo awards are often valid only for bookings within a limited timeframe (typically 2-3 weeks).
Example Promos (past examples, actual promos vary):
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Beijing (PEK) – Round-trip in Air China First Class for 144,000 miles (regularly 180,000).
- New York (JFK) to Seoul (ICN) – Round-trip in Asiana Airlines First Class for 144,000 miles (regularly 180,000).
- San Francisco (SFO) to Taipei (TPE) – Round-trip in EVA Air Business Class for 136,000 miles (regularly 170,000).
- Seattle (SEA) to Taipei (TPE) – Round-trip in EVA Air Business Class for 136,000 miles (regularly 170,000).
6. Economy Flights to Australia and New Zealand (40,000 Miles)
Air New Zealand economy classAir New Zealand economy class. Image Credit: Air New Zealand
For budget-conscious travelers heading to Australia or New Zealand, LifeMiles offers an economical option in economy class. Round-trip tickets to these destinations often exceed $1,200 in cash, making this redemption particularly valuable.
Redeem 40,000 Avianca LifeMiles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees each way for economy flights.
Example Routes:
- Chicago (ORD) to Auckland (AKL) on Air New Zealand
- Houston (IAH) to Auckland (AKL) on Air New Zealand
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) on United Airlines
- San Francisco (SFO) to Auckland (AKL) on United Airlines
- Vancouver (YVR) to Sydney (SYD) on Air Canada
7. Brussels Airlines Business Class to Belgium (63,000 Miles)
Brussels Airlines business classFly Brussels Airlines in business class for 63,000 Avianca LifeMiles. Image Credit: Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines operates nonstop flights to Brussels from two U.S. East Coast cities. Their Business Class product offers direct aisle access and a comfortable 1-2-1 configuration.
Book these routes for just 63,000 miles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees each way.
Available Routes:
- New York (JFK) to Brussels (BRU)
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Brussels (BRU)
8. LOT Polish Airlines Business Class to Warsaw (63,000 Miles)
LOT Polish Business ClassWhile definitely not industry-leading, LOT Polish Airlines presents a comfortable way to fly to Warsaw, Poland. Image Credit: LOT Polish
For travelers planning a trip to Poland, Star Alliance partner LOT Polish Airlines provides four nonstop routes from the U.S. to Warsaw.
While LOT’s Business Class seats in a 2-2-2 configuration may not offer direct aisle access for all, they provide a comfortable lie-flat experience for a nonstop flight to Poland.
Redeem 63,000 miles each way for LOT Polish Business Class.
Nonstop Routes:
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Warsaw (WAW)
- Chicago (ORD) to Warsaw (WAW)
- New York (JFK) to Warsaw (WAW)
- Newark (EWR) to Warsaw (WAW)
9. ANA Business Class from Japan to Australia (40,000 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Focus
ANA Business Class SeatEnjoy the comfort of ANA business class. Image Credit: Stephen Au
For travelers in Japan looking to journey to Australia, Avianca LifeMiles offers an exceptional value redemption on ANA (All Nippon Airways), a premier Star Alliance partner and a leading Japanese airline.
Experience ANA Business Class for a remarkable 40,000 LifeMiles for a nearly 10-hour nonstop flight. ANA operates its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on this route, featuring lie-flat seats and renowned Japanese hospitality and catering.
Route:
- Tokyo (HND) to Sydney (SYD)
This redemption highlights the power of Avianca LifeMiles in accessing premium cabins on top-tier partners like ANA, particularly for routes involving Japan.
Hot Tip: For detailed booking guidance, consult resources on booking ANA Business Class.
10. THAI Business Class Between Bangkok and Japan (36,000 Miles)
Thai Airways Royal Silk business class 777 300er cabinTHAI Airways business class. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque
Explore THAI Airways Business Class on flights between Bangkok and Japan (approximately 6 hours). Redeem 36,000 LifeMiles for this route. THAI’s Business Class products vary by aircraft type, with the Airbus A350 offering a particularly solid experience.
Routes:
- Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (HND/NRT)
When booking, aim for flights operated by the A350 for the best Business Class experience.
11. THAI First Class Between Bangkok and Japan (50,000 Miles)
Thai Airways Boeing 747 – First ClassThai Airways first class. Image Credit: Cherag Dubash
For an even more luxurious experience on the Bangkok-Japan route, consider THAI First Class, available on select Boeing 777 flights. Redeem 50,000 LifeMiles for a one-way First Class ticket on this 6-hour flight.
Route:
- Bangkok (BKK) to Tokyo (NRT)
Flight TG 676, operated with a Boeing 777, is a route to target for First Class. For enhanced privacy and space, try to secure bulkhead seats 1K or 2K.
12. Air New Zealand Business Class from New Zealand to Japan (50,000 Miles)
Air New Zealand Boeing 787 business class cabin rearAir New Zealand business class on the 787 features a now-obsolete configuration that offers little privacy compared to competing products. Image Credit: Daniel Ross
Travel from New Zealand to Japan in Business Class on Air New Zealand’s 11-hour flight. Redeem 50,000 LifeMiles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees for Business Class on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
» Related: Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Business Class Review [SYD to AKL]
13. Asiana Airlines Business Class from Hawaii to Korea (48,000 Miles)
Asiana Airlines business classEnjoy Asiana Airlines Business Class to or from Korea! Image Credit: Stephen Au
For those departing from Hawaii, Asiana Airlines offers a convenient route to Asia. Fly between Honolulu (HNL) and Seoul (ICN) in Business Class for 48,000 LifeMiles. The flight duration is approximately 9 hours each way, typically operated by a Boeing 777-200LR featuring lie-flat Business Class seats.
14. TAP Portugal Business Class to Portugal (63,000 Miles)
TAP A330 900neo business class cabinTAP A330-900neo business class. Image Credit: Daniel Ross
TAP Portugal, the flag carrier of Portugal, offers Business Class flights on its Airbus A330 from several U.S. East Coast cities to Portugal. Redeem 63,000 miles for these routes.
Available U.S. Departure Cities:
- Boston (BOS)
- Miami (MIA)
- New York (JFK)
- Newark (EWR)
15. THAI Business Class from Thailand to Australia (40,000 Miles)
Thai Airways Royal Silk business class 777 300er business class seatThai Airways business class. Image Credit: Ehsan Haque
Fly THAI Airways Business Class for 9 hours from Bangkok (BKK) to Sydney (SYD) for just 40,000 LifeMiles one-way. Take advantage of THAI’s Business Class lounge in Bangkok before your flight.
16. Turkish Airlines Business Class to Turkey (63,000 Miles)
Turkish Airlines Boeing 787 9 Business Class Middle Aisle SeatsTurkish Airlines Boeing 787-9 business class. Image Credit: Greg Stone
Explore Turkey in comfort with Turkish Airlines Business Class, bookable with LifeMiles for 63,000 miles one-way. While some of Turkish Airlines’ Business Class products feature a dated 2-3-2 configuration, newer aircraft like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offer 1-2-1 configurations with enhanced privacy.
17. Air China Business Class from Hawaii to China (48,000 Miles)
Air China business seat with flight attendantAir China business class. Image Credit: Air China
Fly Air China Business Class from Honolulu (HNL) to Beijing (PEK) for 48,000 miles. While Air China’s reputation may be mixed for cabins below First Class, this route offers lie-flat seats in a 2-2-2 configuration on the Airbus A330, making it a reasonable option for a nonstop flight to China from Hawaii.
Hot Tip: Monitor Air China’s routes as travel to China recovers, as flight availability may fluctuate.
18. ANA Business Class from Hawaii to Tokyo (48,000 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Focus
ANA A380 Business ClassANA A380 business class. Image Credit: ANA
For Hawaii residents seeking nonstop flights to Japan, Avianca LifeMiles offers an excellent redemption on ANA Business Class. Fly between Honolulu (HNL) and Tokyo (HND/NRT) for 48,000 LifeMiles.
Notably, ANA often deploys its Airbus A380 on its Honolulu routes, offering a state-of-the-art double-decker aircraft with exceptional Business Class seats. This is a prime example of maximizing LifeMiles for travel to Japan with a top partner.
19. Economy Flights to South Asia (39,000 Miles)
Turkish Airlines 777-300ER economyTurkish Airlines economy class. Image Credit: Turkish Airlines
Explore South Asia economically with LifeMiles. For just 39,000 miles, fly one-way in economy class from the U.S. to countries in South Asia, including:
- Bangladesh
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos
- Malaysia
- Myanmar (Burma)
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietnam
Example Routes:
- Houston (IAH) to Taipei (TPE) to Bangkok (BKK) to Vientiane (VTE) on EVA Air and THAI Airways
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN) to Bandar Seri Begawan (BWN) on Singapore Airlines
- New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) to Dhaka (DAC) on Turkish Airlines
- Seattle (SEA) to Seoul (ICN) to Phnom Penh (PNH) on Asiana Airlines
20. Economy Flights to Southern South America (30,000 Miles)
Avianca economy A320 LAX SAL full cabinDon’t care too much about business class when flying to South America? Try out Avianca economy for 30,000 miles each way in economy! Image Credit: Ryan Smith
For budget travelers heading to the southern tip of South America, LifeMiles offers a great value economy redemption. Fly to countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay for just 30,000 miles each way in economy.
Example Routes:
- Houston (IAH) to Buenos Aires (EZE) on United Airlines
- Houston (IAH) to Santiago (SCL) on United Airlines
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Bogota (BOG) to La Paz (LPZ) on Avianca Airlines
- Miami (MIA) to Panama City (PTY) to Montevideo (MVD) on COPA Airlines
- Orlando (MCO) to Bogota (BOG) to Asunción (ASU) on Avianca Airlines
21. SAS Business Class to Scandinavia (63,000 Miles)
SAS A350 businessSAS business class. Image Credit: SAS
Explore Scandinavia in comfort with SAS Business Class. Redeem 63,000 miles for flights to SAS hubs in Copenhagen (CPH), Oslo (OSL), and Stockholm (ARN).
SAS U.S. Gateway Airports:
| U.S. Airport | Copenhagen (CPH) | Oslo (OSL) | Stockholm (ARN) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston (BOS) | X | ||
| Chicago (ORD) | X | X | |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | X | ||
| Miami (MIA) | X | X | X |
| Newark (EWR) | X | X | X |
| San Francisco (SFO) | X | ||
| Washington, D.C. (IAD) | X |
SAS operates Airbus A321neo, A330, and A350 aircraft with lie-flat Business Class seats, providing a comfortable journey to Scandinavia.
22. United Polaris Business Class to Ghana (78,000 Miles)
United Polaris business class 787 10 window seats HND LAXImage Credit: Ryan Smith
Fly United Polaris Business Class to Accra, Ghana, for 78,000 miles plus approximately $61 in taxes and fees.
Route:
- Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Accra (ACC)
United Airlines is the sole operator of this nonstop route, featuring lie-flat seating in Polaris Business Class.
23. Egyptair Business Class to Cairo (78,000 Miles)
Egyptair 787 businessEgyptair 787 business class. Image Credit: Egyptair
Reach Cairo, Egypt, via Egyptair Business Class for 78,000 miles each way. Egyptair operates routes from New York (JFK) and Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Cairo (CAI).
Egyptair’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner features lie-flat Business Class seats in a reverse herringbone configuration.
24. Short-Haul Business Class within North Asia (22,500 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Focus
Eva Air Royal Laurel Class business 787Eva Air Laurel Class on the 787. Image Credit: EVA Air
Avianca LifeMiles defines North Asia generously, including:
- China
- Guam
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Macao
- Mariana Islands
- Mongolia
- North Korea
- Palau
- Philippines
- South Korea
- Taiwan
Redeem just 22,500 miles for short-haul Business Class flights within this region. This opens up opportunities to experience regional Business Class products on routes like:
- Seoul (ICN) to Taipei (TPE) on THAI, EVA Air, or Asiana Airlines Business Class.
This 2.5-hour flight provides a chance to sample excellent regional Business Class offerings at a very reasonable mileage cost, especially for travel around Japan and neighboring countries.
26. Asiana Airlines Business Class to Saipan from Seoul (22,500 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Focus
Asiana A321neo BusinessAsiana A321neo business class. Image Credit: Asiana
Expanding on the North Asia short-haul redemption, fly Asiana Airlines Business Class nonstop from Seoul (ICN) to Saipan (SPN) in the Mariana Islands for 22,500 miles.
This 4.5-hour flight offers a direct Business Class option to Saipan from Korea, further illustrating the value for routes originating or connecting through Japan and its region.
27. United Airlines Business Class to Tokyo from Guam (22,500 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Focus
United 737-800 First ClassUnited 737-800 first class. Image Credit: United
Another compelling short-haul redemption is flying United Airlines Business Class from Guam (GUM) to Tokyo (NRT) for 22,500 miles. Despite being a 4-hour flight, it falls within the same mileage band.
While the Business Class on this route is typically domestic-style recliner seats on Boeing 737-800 aircraft in a 2-2 configuration, it’s still a comfortable option for a relatively short flight between Guam and Tokyo, especially at this mileage rate.
28. ANA Lie-Flat Business Class from Tokyo to Hong Kong (22,500 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Focus
ANA Business ClassThis lie-flat ANA business class seat can be yours with some planning! Image Credit: Stephen Au
One of the most rewarding short-haul redemptions involves flying ANA’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner Business Class with lie-flat seats from Tokyo to Hong Kong for only 22,500 miles each way.
Routes:
- Tokyo (NRT/HND) to Hong Kong (HKG)
This 4-5 hour flight offers a genuine long-haul Business Class experience for a fraction of the miles, highlighting the exceptional value LifeMiles provides for accessing premium cabins on ANA, a key partner for Japan-related travel. Ensure you book flights specifically on the 787 Dreamliner to guarantee the lie-flat seat experience.
29. EVA Air Business Class to Southeast Asia (90,000 Miles) – Avianca Award Partners Japan Context
Eva Air Royal Laurel Class business 777Image Credit: EVA Air
For travel from the U.S. to Southeast Asia with a connection through Taipei, EVA Air Business Class is an excellent choice. EVA Air often releases Business Class award seats well in advance, although typically in limited quantities (often two seats at a time).
Redeem 90,000 LifeMiles for one-way Business Class flights to Southeast Asia destinations via Taipei.
Example Redemptions:
- Chicago (ORD) to Taipei (TPE) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) in EVA Air Business Class
- Los Angeles (LAX) to Taipei (TPE) to Bali-Denpasar (DPS) in EVA Air Business Class
- San Francisco (SFO) to Taipei (TPE) to Bangkok (BKK) in EVA Air Business Class
While not directly involving Japan, EVA Air, a Star Alliance partner often accessed via connections through Japan, provides another avenue to utilize LifeMiles for premium travel in Asia.
30. Business Class Within Africa (From 33,000 LifeMiles)
South African Airways JNB VFA business class seatSouth African Airways business class. Image Credit: Keri Stooksbury
For intra-Africa travel, LifeMiles can be redeemed for Business Class flights on Star Alliance partners like Egyptair, Ethiopian Airlines, and South African Airways. Redemption rates start from 33,000 LifeMiles.
Example Routes:
- Addis Ababa (ADD) to Cape Town (CPT) in Ethiopian Airlines Business Class (33,000 miles)
- Cairo (CAI) to Addis Ababa (ADD) in Ethiopian Airlines 787 Business Class (35,000 miles)
- Cairo (CAI) to Johannesburg (JNB) in Egyptair 787 Business Class (35,000 miles)
- Lagos (LOS) to Johannesburg (JNB) in South African Airways A330 Business Class (35,000 miles)
Final Thoughts: Unlock Global Travel, Including Japan, with Avianca LifeMiles
Avianca LifeMiles deserves greater recognition as a robust and versatile frequent flyer program. Its partnership with major transferable point currencies like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, and Citi ThankYou Rewards makes it easy to accumulate miles. Combined with frequent and generous mile sales, building a substantial LifeMiles balance is readily achievable.
The program’s strengths – no fuel surcharges, extensive Star Alliance partner network, and valuable redemption rates, particularly in premium cabins – position LifeMiles as a powerful tool for savvy travelers. Whether your travel aspirations include exploring Japan with ANA, experiencing Lufthansa First Class, or venturing to other corners of the globe, Avianca LifeMiles offers a compelling pathway to unlock your travel dreams. When planning your next trip, especially to or from Japan, be sure to consider the exceptional value and opportunities offered by Avianca LifeMiles and its Star Alliance partners.
