/LIFEMILES

Avianca is offering a 15% transfer bonus from Capital One to LifeMiles from August 1 through August 31. That turns 1,000 Capital One miles into 1,150 LifeMiles. The key plays are Star Alliance business class to Europe from 69,000 miles with no fuel surcharges (especially on Lufthansa group) and South America from 35,000 miles. But LifeMiles expire after 12 months of inactivity and availability on LifeMiles.com often differs from other programs, so never transfer speculatively.

Avianca LifeMiles has quietly lowered business class award rates on key Star Alliance partners, including SWISS, United, and EVA Air. SWISS JFK-Zurich drops to just 54,010 miles each way, while United Polaris from Denver to London is down to 78,500 miles. EVA Air Los Angeles-Taipei now costs 83,200 miles, down from 90,000-plus. LifeMiles is notorious for yo-yoing rates, so this window could close at any moment without warning.