Bilt Rewards Adds Avianca Lifemiles as a New Transfer Partner

Bilt has been busy since its launch in 2021, adding transfer partners, optimizing Point.me to work within its platform, and debuting Rent Day at the beginning of every month. Now, Bilt is back at it again with the news that it’s adding another transfer partner — and it’s a good one.

Let’s take a look at the details of this new transfer partner.

Avianca Lifemiles Joins Bilt Rewards as a Transfer Partner

As it stands, Bilt’s hotel and airline transfer partners include valuable partnerships that provide access to all 3 major airline alliances: Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld.

Now, Bilt is adding another Star Alliance partner, Avianca Lifemiles, to its transfer partner lineup. Members will be able to transfer in 1,000-point increments, though those with Bilt Blue status will need to transfer a minimum of 2,000 points at a time.

The reward program already has strong representation from Star Alliance, including partners United Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Air Canada. So, what’s so good about adding Avianca?

Is Avianca Lifemiles a Good Addition?

We’re big fans of Avianca Lifemiles at Upgraded Points, and for good reason. While the website is clunky and calling the airline’s customer service can be a nightmare, redemption rates for Avianca are among some of the best around.

Combine this with the fact that you can also transfer over to Avianca Lifemiles from American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, and it means that booking award flights on Avianca is one of the easiest ways to score a Star Alliance award.

Just how good are redemptions with Avianca? Here’s a look at a first class flight on Lufthansa, which is one of the best (and hardest to get) ways to get across the Atlantic. We’ll review award pricing across United, Air Canada, and Avianca.

As you can see, United Airlines charges you 121,000 miles plus $131 for the experience of a lifetime. That’s a super expensive flight in miles.

Aeroplan charges you 100,000 points, which is better than United, though that CA$247 comes out to about $182 for taxes and fees, which is more costly than United.

Meanwhile, Avianca charges just 87,000 miles for your ticket, plus $152 in taxes and fees.

So, even though you can transfer your Bilt points to each of these 3 programs at the same 1:1 ratio, your rewards will go much further when using Avianca versus other airlines.

Final Thoughts

We’re jazzed to see Bilt adding more value to its program with the addition of Avianca Lifemiles. Although it can be frustrating to make redemptions, you’ll get some of the best value around, especially when it comes to premium flight awards.