Avianca LifeMiles cuts elite thresholds for 2027, but partner flights and cards will count far less
From Jan. 1, 2027, Avianca flights earn by dollars spent, and partner miles count 1 qualifying mile per 5 instead of per 2. Magno drops to 90,000 qualifying miles.
Avianca LifeMiles will lower the number of qualifying miles needed for every elite tier on Jan. 1, 2027. The new rules also change how you earn. Flights on Avianca will earn by dollars spent, not distance flown. Miles from partner airlines and the LifeMiles credit card will count for much less toward status. Whether you come out ahead depends on how you earn today.
Avianca posted the changes on its LifeMiles Elite Program page, which we checked on Nov. 9, 2026. Avianca says the goal is to make progress toward status "easier to understand."
Lower totals for every tier#
From 2027, you need to hit two targets each calendar year: a total number of qualifying miles, and a minimum number of qualifying miles earned with Avianca. Both numbers come from Avianca's page.
| Tier | 2026 total (Avianca min.) | 2027 total (Avianca min.) |
|---|---|---|
| Red Plus | 6,000 (1,000) | 5,000 (2,500) |
| Silver | 12,000 (3,000) | 10,000 (5,000) |
| Gold | 24,000 (12,000) | 20,000 (10,000) |
| Diamond | 45,000 (22,500) | 40,000 (20,000) |
| Magno | 110,000 (110,000) | 90,000 (45,000) |
Two things stand out. The total goes down at every tier. But the Avianca minimum goes up for Red Plus and Silver. Silver members, for example, will need 5,000 qualifying miles from Avianca instead of 3,000.
The biggest shift is at Magno, the top tier. In 2026, all 110,000 qualifying miles have to be flown on Avianca. In 2027, the total drops to 90,000, and only 45,000 must come from Avianca.
Source: Avianca LifeMiles Elite Program
Show the numbers
| Tier | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Red Plus | 6,000 | 5,000 |
| Silver | 12,000 | 10,000 |
| Gold | 24,000 | 20,000 |
| Diamond | 45,000 | 40,000 |
| Magno | 110,000 | 90,000 |
How qualifying miles will be earned#
Avianca flights will earn qualifying miles per dollar from 2027:
- Domestic flights within Colombia, for members enrolled in Colombia: 8 qualifying miles per $1
- All other Avianca flights: 5 qualifying miles per $1
- Avianca extras such as seat selection, Business Class upgrades, empty seats, VIP lounge access and priority boarding: 5 qualifying miles per $1
Avianca flights and those extras count toward the Avianca minimum.
Partner earning gets weaker. In 2026, Avianca's page says you get 1 qualifying mile for every 2 miles earned on Star Alliance flights, partner merchants and Avianca LifeMiles cards. From 2027, the LifeMiles credit card, LifeMiles Plus, Star Alliance, GOL and Clic Air flights earn 1 qualifying mile for every 5 redeemable miles. That is a big cut if you lean on partner flights or card spending.
How redeemable miles will be earned on Avianca#
Redeemable miles, the ones you spend on awards, will also be based on spending. Avianca lists these base rates per $1:
| Status | Miles per $1 |
|---|---|
| LifeMiles (no status) | 2 |
| Red Plus | 3 |
| Silver | 5 |
| Gold | 8 |
| Diamond | 9 |
| Magno | 10 |
The fare adds more. Basic and Light fares add nothing. Classic fares add 1 mile per $1. Flex and Business fares add 2 miles per $1.
Upgraded Points, which analyzed the changes, reported that most travelers will earn fewer redeemable miles on Avianca trips under the new system. We have not run that comparison for every fare type, so check your own typical tickets.
Fewer upgrades, reportedly#
Avianca's page says members who earn or renew status from Feb. 1, 2027, will get a new number of Business Class upgrades. The page we checked did not show the numbers in text form. Upgraded Points reported that Silver and Gold members will get fewer upgrades. Treat that as reported until Avianca's table is visible to you.
Who wins and who loses#
Based on Avianca's published numbers:
- Likely winners: Members who spend a lot on Avianca, Colombia-based domestic flyers earning 8 per dollar, and Magno hopefuls who can now count partner activity.
- Likely losers: Members who build status mostly from Star Alliance flights or LifeMiles card spending, since those count for much less. Low-tier members who rarely fly Avianca also face a higher Avianca minimum.
Sources#
Cite this article
Patrick Karsh. “Avianca LifeMiles cuts elite thresholds for 2027, but partner flights and cards will count far less.” Points Frog. Published 2026-11-09. https://www.pointsfrog.com/news/avianca-lifemiles-2027-elite-status-qualifying-miles-earning-changes
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