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A rare feature among frequent flyer programs is the ability to transfer miles from one program member to another. Similarly, pooling miles among a group of members is also rare. But it's a valuable benefit because it helps prevent hard-earned miles from getting stranded. Avianca is the latest airline to join the roster of airlines that allow you to combine points or miles with its new LifeMiles family pooling feature.
Unfortunately, the LifeMiles family pooling feature is restricted to elite members. However, there is a relatively easy way to obtain the required LifeMiles Silver elite status to unlock the pooling feature. Here's what you need to know.
How LifeMiles Family Pooling Works
The Avianca LifeMiles family pooling benefit is exclusive to LifeMiles elite members. You must have at least LifeMiles Silver status to initiate a family pool. Once created, you can enroll other family members in the pool.
Miles can be transferred freely between any pool members. To create a LifeMiles family pool, you'll need to log into your account online or through the LifeMiles app. Then, navigate to the elite benefits section. There is no cost to take advantage of the family pooling feature — outside of what's required to earn Avianca LifeMiles elite status.
The LifeMiles family pool group can include up to seven members: the member initiating the pool (i.e., the “head” member), one other member over 18 years of age, and up to five members under 18. The other members of the LifeMiles family pool do not need to have Avianca elite status. Although miles can be transferred between any two members, only the LifeMiles pool “head” can initiate transfers.
If one of the family pool members turns 18 while still a member of the group, they will be automatically deactivated. If this happens, the “head” of the group will no longer be able to transfer miles to or from their account. The deactivated member must be removed before being added to another group.
LifeMiles family pooling remains active while the head member retains Avianca elite status. If the head member fails to renew the status and you reach the cutoff date, the group will automatically be eliminated. If your elite status level changes, the group will remain active.
Related: How To Earn Avianca LifeMiles: A Complete Guide
How To Easily Obtain LifeMiles Elite Status via Credit Card
Both the Avianca LifeMiles American Express® Card and the Avianca LifeMiles American Express® Elite Card offer one year of complimentary Avianca LifeMiles Silver elite status after approval. This status will allow you to access the LifeMiles family pooling feature of Avianca LifeMiles.
Getting a LifeMiles credit card is by far the easiest way to be able to pool Avianca LifeMiles. Besides the pooling benefit, enjoy an extra free checked bag, seat upgrades, access to Avianca VIP lounges (with Silver Avianca LifeMiles status), and more.
The Avianca American Express Card offers 40,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of card membership. The card earns 2X LifeMiles on purchases with Avianca, at restaurants, and at grocery stores. Purchases with the LifeMiles program (think buying miles) also earn 2X LifeMiles. The card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, but it does have a $99 annual fee.
- 2x on all avianca airlines and lifemiles purchases
- 2x on groceries and restaurants
- 1x on everything else
The Avianca American Express Elite Card offers up to 100,000 lifemiles. This bonus is two-tiered - 60,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 90 days plus an additional 40,000 miles after spending $25,000 in the first 365 days.
The card earns 3X LifeMiles on purchases with Avianca and LifeMiles, 2X at restaurants and on other travel, and 1X on everything else. Other benefits of the Avianca American Express Elite Card include up to 25% off redemptions with Avianca Airlines and 10% of your miles back on redemptions with Star Alliance partners. It also doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. The card carries a $249 annual fee.
- 3x on all avianca airlines and lifemiles purchases
- 2x on travel and restaurants
- 1x on everything else
Related: All the Details on the Two Avianca LifeMiles Credit Cards
Final Thoughts
I'm a major fan of LifeMiles, and the Avianca LifeMiles family pooling is a great feature. My children do not have any LifeMiles, but if they did, family pooling would be worth taking advantage of to ensure valuable miles never get stranded. And getting a LifeMiles credit card that offers complimentary elite status for a year is an easy path to Avianca's elite ranks if you don't plan to credit your flying activity to the program.
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