Aeroplan distinction another scam
#16
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: yyz
Posts: 1,611
It's not a scam. Just not a good product. Ok, at best.
They really should have a filter for nonsensical marketfare redemptions that just make the program look stupid. Like, a gazillion points to get to wherever.
I booked two Y tickets YYZ-CUN for just over 40k points each. A small premium over classic fare, but still ~1.5c/mile redemption value. I'll take that, especially for a direct flight at peak time (first week of Jan). I booked about 6-8 months in advance. Just looked recently and market fare was over 70k.
As with all things Aeroplan, though, Distinction/Market Fare is probably useless for Joe Public. They've tried to bridge the "convenience" gap between them and Avion/Aventura and have failed for the most part.
They really should have a filter for nonsensical marketfare redemptions that just make the program look stupid. Like, a gazillion points to get to wherever.
I booked two Y tickets YYZ-CUN for just over 40k points each. A small premium over classic fare, but still ~1.5c/mile redemption value. I'll take that, especially for a direct flight at peak time (first week of Jan). I booked about 6-8 months in advance. Just looked recently and market fare was over 70k.
As with all things Aeroplan, though, Distinction/Market Fare is probably useless for Joe Public. They've tried to bridge the "convenience" gap between them and Avion/Aventura and have failed for the most part.
#19
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
#20
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100k, AS MVP Gold, National EE, SPG Platinum, HHonors Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 238
Never seen a market fare lower than a classic? Typically with the DD discount still about 20% more most of the time?
Any examples you can share? I'm curious to see...
Any examples you can share? I'm curious to see...
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
Market fares basically give you less than a penny on the point, and are loosely based on revenue pricing.
Look up YYZ-LHR for Feb.18-25
Classic is 60k+$705
Market fare is 29000 RT + $675
Revenue is $840
So basically you are saving $165 with your 29,000 points
So with distinction discounts - you could save 35%, and pay 19000 points + $675 to save $165 - getting you closer to a penny a point value.
#23
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 29
There are many examples where market fares are lower than classics.
Market fares basically give you less than a penny on the point, and are loosely based on revenue pricing.
Look up YYZ-LHR for Feb.18-25
Classic is 60k+$705
Market fare is 29000 RT + $675
Revenue is $840
So basically you are saving $165 with your 29,000 points
So with distinction discounts - you could save 35%, and pay 19000 points + $675 to save $165 - getting you closer to a penny a point value.
Market fares basically give you less than a penny on the point, and are loosely based on revenue pricing.
Look up YYZ-LHR for Feb.18-25
Classic is 60k+$705
Market fare is 29000 RT + $675
Revenue is $840
So basically you are saving $165 with your 29,000 points
So with distinction discounts - you could save 35%, and pay 19000 points + $675 to save $165 - getting you closer to a penny a point value.
Even the better market fare deal is 0.5 cents per mile.
Could you provide an example that is also a decent deal? (1.5 cents per mile or higher).
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
#26
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SEMM
Posts: 1,379
Not sure that is right. On my YYZ-YHZ redemptions Market fare has always covered the YQ and the Nav Canada charges, whereas Classic requires you to pay them - generally this means it is an extra ~$50 out of pocket to use a Classic reward.
#27
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,346
Domestic revenue flights have no YQ
#28
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Ontario, CAN
Posts: 5,813
This is just another case of Aeroplan trying to scam its members along with AC.
When I first was introduced to this program I was exited as I am sure many of you were when it posted 35% discounts with aeroplan. It would be natural to assume that.
same routing in market fare points 360 000 and take you discount of 35% for diamond distinction you are down to 235 000 points still 4 times as much.
When I first was introduced to this program I was exited as I am sure many of you were when it posted 35% discounts with aeroplan. It would be natural to assume that.
same routing in market fare points 360 000 and take you discount of 35% for diamond distinction you are down to 235 000 points still 4 times as much.
LOL ..... Classic post here.
I booked similar and agree it was INCREDIBLE value for non-stop flights in peak WX season. AP Distinction option blew DL and AA/US options out of the water ...
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
Exactly. But the faux NAVCAN charge is indeed covered by market fare.
Look at my YYZ-LHR example in this thread. It was indeed $30 less on the 29,000 RT market fare, than the 60,000 classic award.
However, in either case, the points covered <$200 of the cost
Look at my YYZ-LHR example in this thread. It was indeed $30 less on the 29,000 RT market fare, than the 60,000 classic award.
However, in either case, the points covered <$200 of the cost
#30
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Has there been any case where market fare is less than classic award (dd black) for a J/F seat to your knowledge? I'd definitely snatch one of those up