How to cancel your Lifemiles subscription and protect your miles in canada
What Lifemiles is and why you might want to cancel
Lifemiles is Avianca's loyalty programme that rewards members with miles for flights and partner purchases. You earn miles through credit card transactions, flight bookings, and subscription plans, then redeem them for award tickets or travel benefits. The programme operates via web and mobile app, offering four subscription tiers (Lite, Basic, Pro, Max) that charge recurring monthly fees in US dollars, converted at your Canadian bank's foreign exchange rate.
You might cancel if you fly infrequently, find the monthly subscription cost unjustified, or want to delete your account entirely to halt promotional emails. Yafee specialises in helping Canadian consumers navigate digital subscription cancellations within the legal framework that protects you.
When cancellation makes financial sense
If you fly fewer than two or three times annually, the monthly subscription fee may exceed the value of earned miles. If you have accumulated miles but no imminent travel plans, you risk miles expiring after 24 months of inactivity. If you have switched to a different airline or loyalty programme, cancelling eliminates duplicate membership costs.
Conversely, maintain your subscription if you fly regularly with Avianca or Star Alliance partners, actively use the credit card multiplier, or value waived change and cancellation fees on award bookings.
How Lifemiles charges work in canada
Lifemiles subscription plans renew monthly on your billing date. Charges appear on your credit card statement in US dollars, and your Canadian financial institution applies a foreign exchange conversion fee. You bear responsibility for tracking your subscription status and cancelling before the next renewal cycle to avoid unwanted charges. Most subscriptions require no cancellation period once any initial commitment expires.
Your legal position under canadian consumer protection law
Canadian consumer protection legislation establishes your rights when you cancel digital services and recurring subscriptions.
Consumer protection act rights and your cancellation entitlements
Under the Consumer Protection Act (applicable in most Canadian provinces), merchants must clearly disclose subscription terms, renewal dates, and cancellation procedures before you purchase. You hold the right to cancel without penalty once any mandatory initial term expires, typically ranging from zero to six months depending on your subscription tier. Lifemiles must honour your cancellation request promptly, usually within one to two billing cycles.
Your legal position: If Lifemiles fails to cancel your subscription, charges you after cancellation, or deliberately obscures cancellation procedures, you can file a complaint with your provincial consumer protection authority (for example, the Competition Act Bureau if federal oversight applies) or pursue a credit card chargeback through your financial institution. Document all cancellation attempts, including dates, times, confirmation numbers, and response messages, to support any future dispute.
Account deletion and personal data removal rights
You also possess the right to request permanent deletion of your Lifemiles account and associated personal data. When you delete your account via the mobile app or contact customer support, your miles balance, elite status, communication preferences, and payment information are removed from Lifemiles' active systems. Deletion is generally irreversible; you cannot recover miles or status once the account is closed. In accordance with applicable privacy legislation, Lifemiles must confirm deletion within a reasonable timeframe.
Award ticket refunds and cancellation fees
Award ticket refunds follow Lifemiles' fare-type rules rather than automatic Canadian refund rights. Lifemiles charges a fixed cancellation fee based on ticket fare level: Basic US$100, Light US$75, Classic US$50, Flex US$30, and Business US$100. If you cancel an unused ticket within Lifemiles' cancellation window, you receive the miles minus the applicable fee. Non-refundable fares generate no refund regardless of cancellation timing.
Lifemiles subscription pricing and plan comparison
Understanding what you pay each month helps you decide whether to maintain or cancel your subscription.
| Subscription tier |
Monthly cost (USD) |
CAD equivalent (approx.) |
Key benefits |
Best for |
| Lite |
$9.99 |
$13.50 |
Miles earning bonus, priority support |
Occasional flyers |
| Basic |
$19.99 |
$27.00 |
Earning bonus, seat upgrades, miles top-up discount |
Moderate flyers |
| Pro |
$49.99 |
$67.50 |
All Basic benefits plus annual companion ticket, lounge access |
Frequent flyers |
| Max |
$99.99 |
$135.00 |
All Pro benefits plus additional companion ticket, premium support |
Elite frequent flyers |
Foreign exchange rates fluctuate daily, so your Canadian dollar charge may vary month to month. Yafee recommends reviewing your credit card statements for three months prior to cancellation to confirm the actual CAD amount you pay.
How to cancel your Lifemiles subscription step by step
The cancellation method you choose depends on your subscription type and preferred communication channel.
Step 1: gather your account information
Before initiating cancellation, collect your Lifemiles account details. You need your Lifemiles member number (visible in the mobile app under "Profile"), the email address registered to your account, and your subscription tier name. Review your most recent billing statement to confirm your subscription renewal date and the US dollar amount charged. This information supports your cancellation request and protects you if disputes arise.
Step 2: cancel via the mobile app (fastest method)
- Open the Lifemiles mobile app and log in with your email and password.
- Tap "Profile" or "Account" in the app menu.
- Select "Subscription" or "Billing Settings".
- Locate your active subscription plan.
- Tap "Manage Subscription" or "Cancel Subscription".
- Follow the confirmation prompts and select your cancellation reason.
- The app generates a cancellation confirmation screen; screenshot it for your records.
- Verify your email inbox for a cancellation confirmation message from Lifemiles within 24 hours.
- The confirmation email must state your cancellation effective date and confirm that no further charges will occur.
- If you do not receive confirmation within 24 hours, proceed to Step 3.
Step 3: cancel via email (documented method)
If the mobile app method fails or you prefer written documentation, email Lifemiles customer support directly. This creates a permanent record of your cancellation request, which Yafee emphasises as critical for dispute resolution.
- Send an email to Lifemiles' designated cancellation address (typically found in their "Contact Us" section or account settings).
- Subject line: "Subscription Cancellation Request - [Your Lifemiles Member Number]".
- Include your full name, email address, Lifemiles member number, and current subscription tier.
- State your cancellation request clearly: "I request cancellation of my Lifemiles subscription effective immediately."
- Specify your preferred cancellation date if you wish to use your subscription through a specific date (for example, before an upcoming trip).
- Request a cancellation confirmation in return.
- Ask Lifemiles to confirm in their reply that your subscription is cancelled and no further charges will be applied.
- Save the confirmation email in a folder for future reference.
- Allow 5 to 7 business days for Lifemiles to respond and process your cancellation.
- If you do not hear back within this timeframe, escalate to Step 4.
Step 4: cancel via registered mail (highest legal protection)
For maximum legal protection and proof of delivery, send your cancellation request via registered mail with return receipt (raccomandata con ricevuta di ritorno in Italian-speaking regions, or the Canadian postal equivalent). This method leaves no ambiguity about when and how you submitted your request.
- Prepare a formal cancellation letter.
- Write on plain paper or use a template from Yafee's cancellation toolkit.
- Include your full name, mailing address, Lifemiles member number, current subscription tier, and date of the letter.
- State: "I hereby request cancellation of my Lifemiles subscription effective [date]. Please confirm cancellation in writing within 7 days. No further charges should be applied after this date."
- Sign and date the letter.
- Send the letter via registered mail to Lifemiles' official mailing address.
- Check Lifemiles' website or contact customer support for the exact mailing address in Canada or the country where Lifemiles processes cancellations.
- Purchase "Registered Mail" service at Canada Post to obtain proof of delivery and signature confirmation.
- Keep your Canada Post receipt, tracking number, and delivery confirmation in a safe location.
- Follow up after delivery confirmation.
- Once Canada Post confirms delivery (typically 5 to 10 business days), allow Lifemiles a further 7 to 10 business days to process your cancellation and send written confirmation.
- If you do not receive written confirmation within 10 business days of delivery, contact customer support with your tracking number and demand escalation.
Step 5: monitor your billing after cancellation
Even after receiving a cancellation confirmation, verify that Lifemiles stops charging your credit card. Consequently, track your credit card statements for the next two to three billing cycles.
- Check your credit card statement on or near your previous renewal date.
- Confirm that no Lifemiles charge appears.
- If a charge does appear, immediately contact your credit card issuer and report the unauthorized charge.
- If Lifemiles charges you after cancellation, request a chargeback from your financial institution.
- Your chargeback right exists under the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard and Canadian banking regulations.
- Provide your bank with the cancellation confirmation email, screenshots, or registered mail receipt as supporting documentation.
- Your bank investigates and typically credits your account within 30 to 90 days.
What happens to your Lifemiles miles after cancellation
Cancelling your subscription does not automatically forfeit your accumulated miles.
Miles retention and expiration rules
Your miles remain in your Lifemiles account indefinitely, provided you maintain account activity. Activity includes earning or redeeming miles, booking through Lifemiles, or maintaining an active subscription. If your account remains inactive (no earning, redemption, or subscription) for 24 consecutive months, Lifemiles deducts your miles balance to zero. Consequently, you must either keep your account open, maintain minimal subscription activity, or redeem your miles before the 24-month expiration window closes.
Redeeming miles before cancellation
If you hold a substantial miles balance and do not plan to fly with Avianca or Star Alliance partners in the near term, redeem your miles before or immediately after cancellation. Log into your Lifemiles account, search available award flights, and complete your redemption. Award tickets issued remain valid even after you cancel your subscription; you cannot lose a redeemed award booking by cancelling membership.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Lifemiles
Cancelling a subscription may feel straightforward, but overlooking critical steps can result in unwanted charges and frustration. Yafee has documented the most frequent errors and how to prevent them.
Mistake 1: assuming cancellation is immediate
Many Canadian consumers believe that submitting a cancellation request immediately stops charges. In reality, subscription cancellations typically take effect on your next renewal date or within one to two billing cycles. If you cancel on the 10th and your renewal date is the 25th, you may incur one final charge before cancellation activates. Always confirm the effective cancellation date in writing from Lifemiles.
Mistake 2: cancelling via chat or phone without documentation
Verbal cancellations or chat messages lack permanence if disputes arise. Customer service representatives may not log your request into Lifemiles' system, or they may claim they did not receive it. Always follow up any verbal or chat cancellation with an email requesting written confirmation. This creates an undisputable record.
Mistake 3: failing to verify cancellation before your next billing date
Do not assume cancellation is complete simply because you submitted a request. Check your email for a formal confirmation and monitor your credit card statements. If Lifemiles charges you despite your cancellation request, you must act quickly to dispute the charge through your bank.
Mistake 4: deleting your Lifemiles app without cancelling first
Uninstalling the Lifemiles app does not cancel your subscription. The subscription remains active and continues to charge your credit card. Always cancel through the app settings or via email before deleting the application.
Mistake 5: not requesting miles transfer or deletion
If you want to permanently erase your Lifemiles presence, request account deletion separately from subscription cancellation. Account deletion removes your miles, elite status, and all personal data. Nevertheless, this action is irreversible; once deleted, you cannot recover your miles.
After cancellation: what to do with your Lifemiles account
Cancelling your subscription and deleting your account are two separate actions, each with different implications for your miles and personal information.
Option 1: keep your account open (miles retention)
Cancel your subscription but maintain your Lifemiles account. Your miles remain accessible indefinitely as long as you avoid 24 months of complete inactivity. You can redeem miles at any time, maintain elite status through flight activity, and re-subscribe to a paid plan in the future without losing your account history. This approach suits consumers who fly occasionally with Avianca or wish to preserve their miles for a future redemption.
Option 2: request permanent account deletion
Contact Lifemiles customer support and request permanent deletion of your account and associated data. Provide your member number and confirm that you understand deletion is irreversible. Lifemiles typically processes account deletion within 10 to 15 business days. Your miles are forfeited, and your personal data (name, email, payment information) is removed from their systems, though Lifemiles may retain transaction records for legal and tax compliance purposes.
Addressing unwanted promotional emails
If you cancelled specifically to stop receiving promotional emails but continue receiving messages from Lifemiles, unsubscribe from their mailing list separately. Look for an "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of promotional emails and click it. Alternatively, log into your Lifemiles account (if still open) and adjust your communication preferences to disable all marketing emails. If Lifemiles continues sending emails after you unsubscribe, contact customer support in writing and request removal from all mailing lists.
Refund eligibility and post-cancellation charges
Understanding your refund rights prevents unexpected invoices after cancellation.
Refund policy for prorated subscription fees
Lifemiles generally does not offer refunds for partial months of subscription. If you cancel mid-billing cycle, you forfeit the unused portion of your monthly subscription fee. For example, if you cancel 15 days into a 30-day cycle, Lifemiles retains the full month's charge. Review Lifemiles' terms of service to confirm whether prorated refunds apply to your subscription tier; some premium plans (Pro, Max) may offer partial refunds on request if you cancel within 7 days of the renewal charge.
Reclaiming erroneously charged fees after cancellation
If Lifemiles charges you after your confirmed cancellation date, you have the legal right to dispute the charge. Contact your credit card issuer (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and report an unauthorised or unwanted charge. Provide your cancellation confirmation email, screenshots, or registered mail receipt as evidence. Your issuer conducts an investigation and typically credits your account within 30 to 90 days. Meanwhile, request a written explanation from Lifemiles detailing why the charge occurred; obtain a reference number for your records.
Comparing Lifemiles to similar loyalty programmes
Before cancelling, consider whether another loyalty programme better suits your travel habits.
| Loyalty programme |
Annual/monthly cost (CAD) |
Miles expiration |
Redemption flexibility |
Best choice for |
| Lifemiles (with subscription) |
$13.50 - $135.00/month |
24 months inactivity |
Moderate |
Frequent Avianca flyers |
| Aeroplan (Air Canada) |
$99.99/year (optional) |
No expiration (with activity) |
Highest flexibility |
Multi-airline flyers |
| Mileage Plus (United) |
Free (no paid tier) |
18 months inactivity |
Good |
United-exclusive flyers |
| Marriott Bonvoy |
Free (no paid tier) |
No expiration |
Hotel and airline redemptions |
Hotel-plus-flight bookers |
If you fly across multiple airlines or prefer programmes without mandatory subscription fees, Aeroplan or Mileage Plus may offer better value. Yafee's comparison guides help Canadian consumers identify the loyalty programme that aligns with their travel patterns and budget.
How yafee helps you cancel safely and securely
Yafee specialises in helping Canadian consumers navigate subscription cancellations, dispute unauthorised charges, and exercise their consumer protection rights. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions across hundreds of services, ensuring compliance with the Consumer Protection Act and provincial regulations.
When you use Yafee, you gain access to legally compliant cancellation templates, step-by-step guidance tailored to your service and jurisdiction, and support in drafting dispute letters to financial institutions and consumer authorities. Yafee tracks common errors and ensures you avoid mistakes that delay or prevent successful cancellation. Furthermore, Yafee's resources are updated whenever consumer law changes, so you always receive current advice grounded in applicable legislation.
Steps to take after reviewing this guide
- Gather your Lifemiles account information (member number, email, subscription tier, billing date).
- Choose your preferred cancellation method: mobile app (fastest), email (documented), or registered mail (highest legal protection).
- Submit your cancellation request and retain confirmation documentation.
- Monitor your credit card statements for two to three billing cycles to confirm no further charges.
- If you wish to preserve your miles, keep your account open; if you want permanent deletion, request account deletion separately.
- Use Yafee's chargeback letter template if Lifemiles charges you after confirmed cancellation.
Key takeaways and next steps
Cancelling your Lifemiles subscription is your right under Canadian consumer protection law. You must receive clear cancellation confirmation, no charges should appear after your effective cancellation date, and you retain all accumulated miles unless you request account deletion. Document every step of your cancellation process, use registered mail for maximum legal protection, and monitor your billing closely.
If Lifemiles refuses to cancel, continues charging after cancellation, or makes cancellation deliberately difficult, escalate to your provincial consumer protection authority or file a chargeback with your credit card issuer. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers navigate subscription cancellations across Canada, providing legally grounded guidance and practical support every step of the way. Visit yafee.com today to access cancellation templates, dispute letter generators, and step-by-step assistance tailored to your situation.
Contact Lifemiles customer support: Visit Lifemiles' official website or check your account settings for the current customer support email address and mailing address. Mailing addresses vary by region; confirm the correct destination before sending registered mail. Canadian consumers may also file complaints with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) if Lifemiles is deemed a telecom service, or with the Competition Bureau if deceptive marketing practices are involved.