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If you're a frequent Avianca flyer, there's a brand-new tier of LifeMiles elite status to aim for. The new top-tier Magno status confers Avianca's most valuable benefits, but earning it requires racking up more than 100,000 miles flown with Avianca each year.
Here's what you need to know about earning Magno status and the perks you'll enjoy once you qualify.
Avianca Magno: The New Top Tier of LifeMiles Elite Status
Avianca Magno is the fifth and most exclusive tier in the LifeMiles program. Unlike Diamond status, which sits one level below it, Magno can only be earned by accumulating 110,000 qualifying miles on Avianca-operated flights. There's no way to boost your progress through credit card spending, partner activity, or other non-flying methods.
So, you'll need to spend a lot of time on Avianca aircraft to earn this status.
For those who do qualify, though, Avianca advertises an “exclusive, consistent, and aspirational experience.” Some of the key benefits of Magno status include:
- 100% bonus miles on top of base miles earned
- Unlimited access to Avianca VIP Lounges
- Three annual visits to third-party VIP lounges
- 18 business class upgrades within the Americas (international routes only)
- 12 business class upgrades on domestic flights
- Four business class INSIGNIA upgrades on routes to and from Europe
- Up to two additional checked bags (excluding Basic and Light fares)
- 20% discount on carry-on baggage
- Personalized assistance from a dedicated Magno Executive
- Complimentary snack and beverage on all flights
- Star Alliance Gold benefits
Of all these benefits, the most interesting are likely the 18 business class upgrades on international routes within the Americas, the four business class INSIGNIA upgrades on routes to and from Europe, and perhaps the personalized service provided from dedicated Magno Executives.
Beyond those perks, however, much of what's offered isn't that different from what you'll already receive with LifeMiles Diamond status, which you can compare below.
To put the differences between Magno and Diamond into perspective, earning Magno requires 110,000 qualifying miles, all of which must come from Avianca flights. By comparison, Diamond status requires 45,000 qualifying miles, with just 22,500 needing to come from Avianca-operated flights. Qualifying miles are earned at a rate of one mile per mile flown (base miles) and through eligible ancillary purchases.
Long story short, that's a substantial difference in qualification requirements for a relatively minor difference in benefits.
Ultimately, if I were paying for my own travel, I'd probably stop at Diamond rather than make a concerted effort to reach Magno. But if my employer were footing the bill for frequent Avianca travel, I certainly wouldn't complain about picking up the additional benefits along the way.
Related: Avianca LifeMiles: Transfer Partners and Partner Airlines
Bottom Line
It's always nice to be recognized for your loyalty. And apparently Avianca has a group of travelers who fly the airline a lot, because it just introduced a new ultra-exclusive elite tier that can only be earned by accumulating 110,000 qualifying miles on Avianca flights in a calendar year.
If you manage to unlock Magno status, you'll receive several valuable perks that can make your future travels more rewarding and comfortable. That said, the benefits don't appear to be dramatically better than those offered by Diamond status, which is significantly easier to earn.
