After a five-year break, Colombia’s flag carrier is returning to the Windy City. Starting in late October, Avianca will launch nonstop service to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The move will mark the Bogota-based airline’s first time serving Chicago since 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. The carrier will operate daily flights from O’Hare to its home base, El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota.
As a Star Alliance partner with a LifeMiles loyalty program popular for redemption sweet spots, it makes sense the carrier would make its return to the home city of United Airlines.
Want more airline-specific news? Sign up for TPG’s free biweekly Aviation newsletter.
Bogota, Colombia. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUYRoute details
Avianca will operate its service between Chicago and the Colombian capital city daily with an Airbus A320 aircraft, which has a total capacity of 180 passengers.
Here’s how the itinerary shakes out:
ORD-BOG — departs 2:35 p.m., arrives 8:25 p.m.
BOG-ORD — departs 7:00 a.m., arrives 1:15 p.m.
More Avianca, LifeMiles opportunity
Avianca’s return to Chicago will give the carrier a total of 13 U.S. cities, and with a growing footprint. Even prior to the announcement of this newest route, the carrier’s total seats to the U.S. in 2024 was set to rise 27% over 2023 — and by nearly 38% over 2019, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.
Loyalty basics: Best ways to earn airline miles
Though plenty of travelers may be eager to fly Avianca on this newest route, keep in mind that its LifeMiles program remains a useful bet even if you never (or rarely, at least) step foot on an Avianca aircraft.
The program is known for its award chart that often produces sweet spots for Star Alliance redemptions, including domestic U.S. flights aboard United.
American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Bilt Rewards all transfer to Avianca LifeMiles at a 1:1 rate.
Hoping to earn enough points for your next redemption? Here are some of the best credit card welcome offers we’re seeing this month.
Related reading:
When is the best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare?
What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
The best credit cards to reach elite status
What are points and miles worth? TPG’s monthly valuations