The LifeMiles program (transfer partner of Amex MR points, Citi TY points, and Capital One points) charges just 35K miles to book a one-way business class seat on TAP Portugal flights. This deal only works on JFK-LIS outbound nonstop flights and inbound flights are charged 63K miles. If you find the award space, you can book it any time of the year and TAP Portugal provides a high-quality service with great food and drinks.
Typical cash prices for JFK-Lisbon one-way business class flights
Cash prices for the same flight is around $2400-3000.
How to Find Award Space on TAP Portugal Flights?
I encourage readers to use the United Calendar Search function (https://awardcracker.com/searching-for-partner-airline-award-space/) to isolate the awards and then go to Life Miles to book them (see pictures below). United charges 77K miles for the award but Life Miles charges only 35K miles and a little more in taxes.
Are there any Quirks with using the LifeMiles Program?
LifeMiles may not show a matching award space when compared to other Star Alliance programs. For example, you may see saver award space on United and Aeroplan, but LifeMiles may not show availability on the same date. Life Miles charges $25 booking fees (nonrefundable). The LifeMiles program charges $200 to cancel and redeposit miles, which is higher compared to the other Star Alliance programs.
What are the other TAP Portugal award booking options?
For roundtrip business class awards, there is no better option than using 88K ANA miles with low taxes (https://awardcracker.com/ana-mileage-club-sweet-spots/). For one-way business class bookings, 60K Aeroplan miles can be used with low taxes as well.
Can I use Life Miles to Book a Connecting Flight from Lisbon?
Life Miles can also be used to book a connecting flight to another European destination if you prefer not to stay in Lisbon, but the mileage requirement will increase to 63,000.
Summary
Life Miles is one of the best programs to book Star Alliance flights and JFK to Lisbon is a fantastic sweet spot that every traveler should utilize to explore Portugal and go to any other European destination.
All my 15 years of booking award flights, I never knew about this sweet spot. I feel like I wasted so many points on my previous US-Europe trips.
Thank you for the post.
Natalie
I know that feeling as well from my award booking learning days, but I am sure you will enjoy booking your next flight.