Avianca Lifemiles American Express® Elite Card

Best redemption values: No fuel surcharges (key advantage): - United flights: Book through LifeMiles with zero fuel surcharges - ANA flights: Same routes, no surcharges (savings of $200-600 vs. booking through ANA directly) - Lufthansa: No surcharges through LifeMiles (huge savings on Lufthansa awards) - EVA Air, Turkish, Swiss, and others: All surcharge-free Star Alliance business class sweet spots: - US to Europe: 63,000 miles one-way in business - US to Asia: 78,000 miles one-way in business - US to South America: 51,000 miles one-way in business - Within the Americas: 25,000-30,000 miles one-way in business Economy sweet spots: - US to South America: 25,000-30,000 miles one-way - Within the Americas: 7,500-20,000 miles one-way - US to Europe: 30,000 miles one-way Buy miles + book strategy: - During sales, buy LifeMiles at 1.2-1.4 cpp - Book a United business class flight for 63,000 miles ($880-$880) - Cash value often $3,000-8,000+ = massive value Avoid: - Avianca metal awards (limited network, some surcharges) - Waiting too long to book (availability disappears) - Buying miles at full price (only buy during sales)