This isn’t a devaluation to the extent that most devaluations are, but it is one nonetheless. Avianca is changing their mileage expiration policy as of April 15, 2018, and it’s not for the better.

Starting on April 15, 2018, you’ll have only 12 months to redeem your Avianca LifeMiles, down from what used to be 24 months. In order to extend the expiration of your miles, you will have to earn miles within that 12 months period. Redeeming miles will no longer count as qualifying activity to extend the expiration date of your LifeMiles.

If you already have LifeMiles in your account, they’ll still expire according to the old rules, but any new miles earned (or purchased) will expire according to the new rules.

If you have a LifeMiles credit card or Avianca status, your miles will still only expire after 24 months of inactivity.

This new policy could be a big deal for those of you that enjoy Avianca’s frequent LifeMiles sales. If you have a lot of LifeMiles or generally speculatively purchase LifeMiles (which I still don’t recommend for most!), you’ll want to keep a close eye on the expiration date of your miles. It would be a shame to have a bunch expire!

While this change isn’t going to be a big deal for most people, it could have significant impacts for a few.

What do you think about Avianca’s new mileage expiration policy?