ixmnrs

When doing web check-in, does the first free checked bag benefit of the Visa Infinite Aerogold automatically apply or must you check in through the counter?

iMedic

Is it an aeroplan reward ticket?

ixmnrs

Yes, the only thing is I don't remember whether I had paid the taxes and such with the Visa Infinite as I usually use my Amex Plat.

Absolute

From my experience the AC IT system doesn't cover a scenario like this. You'll be charged for OLCI, and can either go through the hoops to be refunded, or check in at the airport.

I do not have any experience with this either, but others have stated that they've checked in with 0 bags, and gone to the airport desk to later add them for free.

Also occurs for *G members, SE's choosing preferred seats on an AE reward ticket, etc.

Clipper801

You should always use your Aerogold Visa Infinite to pay as the Amex Plat has no travel insurance coverage if you are flying on an Aeroplan reward ticket.

ixmnrs

Thanks, wasn't aware of that. It's usually automatically Amex as it is the first option of my saved cards.

beep88

the logical option is to OLCI with 0 bag, and line up for the bag drop at the airport - the only option online is to pay, and it's always difficult to get your money back.

Murphy123

Yes, this is the most efficient way to do it.

Murphy123

We charge all revenue and reward tickets to Amex as well. But we have separate, multi-trip medical/trip cancellation insurance that will cover reward travel. Just as well because we are so annoyed with TD Aeroplan that we will be cancelling the cards this Dec. And, yes we were sold.

Clipper801

The new CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Privilege card has very good insurance coverage, including pre-trip cancellation protection (for covered events) and post-departure travel insurance coverage that also includes travel on an Aeroplan reward ticket.

The pre-departure cancellation protection coverage is $2,500 per person up to $10,000, i.e., 4 persons. This is better than Amex Plat. Amex Plat's travel insurance does not cover travel on an Aeroplan reward ticket.

https://www.cibc.com/ca/pdf/visa/aer...ome-kit-en.pdf

(Pre-departure cancellation insurance does not protect the points used to redeem the reward ticket.)

ixmnrs

Thanks for your replies. I did pay for the taxes for my reward tickets with my AMEX. ; I have a feeling that if I would have used my Visa at the time of booking the tickets, that may have been able to trigger some code for the boarding pass (I believe others posted that their boarding pass had a code AP*CC or something which may identify them. Also, my wife who is booked on my reservation with my aeroplan points may not get the benefit , even though she is a separate Aerogold Visa Infinite Card holder. I guess I will take my chances with the agent after my web check-in with 0 bags and see what happens!
I'll update after my flight this weekend. (Also my experience with AC Rouge---not looking forward to that!)

Clipper801

Here're the rules for CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite card: (NOT CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Privilege card)
"11 The primary cardholder will receive one complimentary checked bag, up to 23kg (50lbs), whenever traveling on a ClassicFlight or Market Fare Flight Reward on all flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express or Air Canada rouge. Flights operated by other airlines are not eligible. Benefit only applies when the primary cardholder has booked their Aeroplan flight reward by redeeming the miles from their Aeroplan account. Benefit does not apply to any companion travellers, including companions traveling in the same reservation as the primary cardholder. Service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may also apply. You may be required to show your CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Card to the Air Canada airport agent in order to receive this benefit. Primary cardholder will be eligible for this benefit two weeks after receiving their CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite Card."

ixmnrs

An Update

I did OLCI today, but I only put 1 bag that I was going to have to pay for anyway; No baggage fee was required and my boarding pass has AC*CC under the Frequent Flyer section. So somehow the computer knows...For this transaction from booking to OLCI, the Visa has not been used; AMEX was used for taxes and fees.

Clipper801

No, you don't have to pay for your 1st bag so long as it is under 23kgs and you're flying on an Aeroplan reward ticket on AC -> CIBC Aerogold Visa Infinite.

You should be able to claim a refund from AC.

Safti

Definitely claim a refund. I did and was refunded within 2 weeks.