Earn Your Wings 2016
May 10, 2016, 10:13 am
#46
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,304
Okay just given the response on this thread, I'm bumping my estimate up to $4000 for top 20 
I'm just sitting here tweaking my algorithm, warming it up. It's interesting seeing how many routes have changed since last year. Some new ones have sprung up, and some old ones are gone.
I'm going to do some explorations using last year's rules to see if just doing weekends out of SFO might work.
I'm just sitting here tweaking my algorithm, warming it up. It's interesting seeing how many routes have changed since last year. Some new ones have sprung up, and some old ones are gone.
I'm going to do some explorations using last year's rules to see if just doing weekends out of SFO might work.
May 10, 2016, 10:32 am
#47
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: 44,316
I think be game to fly if guided by some of the prior winners via PM. 3 family SE100k accounts w/100 eups each to tap into. I'm usually either a 3hr drive from YYZ or a 10min shuttle from LAS.
Some mileage/status runs planned but can be changed or skipped. South Africa planned 7/5-7/13, dates flexible for a change fee. Pair of US-Australia $199 round trips booked but could be skipped as upgrade chances look low.
Flew 1500 segments, 100% B737, from 2001-2015. Last year I finally broke down and flew on Airbus, CRJ, and EMB equipment.. Even 5-6 flights on regional carriers. No turboprop or (gasp) single engine piston aircraft yet.
Somehow I think EYW would conquer those last steps... in a big way
Some mileage/status runs planned but can be changed or skipped. South Africa planned 7/5-7/13, dates flexible for a change fee. Pair of US-Australia $199 round trips booked but could be skipped as upgrade chances look low.
Flew 1500 segments, 100% B737, from 2001-2015. Last year I finally broke down and flew on Airbus, CRJ, and EMB equipment.. Even 5-6 flights on regional carriers. No turboprop or (gasp) single engine piston aircraft yet.
Somehow I think EYW would conquer those last steps... in a big way
May 10, 2016, 10:43 am
#48
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
May 10, 2016, 11:07 am
#49
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
May 10, 2016, 11:11 am
#50
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
May 10, 2016, 11:14 am
#51
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
I bet the new YHM route will come into play this year. And if so, there will be some good MRing/lucrative cnx opportunities. I also see YMM (if and when they get back up) and BRU, CDG, being on the list for special badges
IAD, SJC, and JAX also see some special offers. PIT as well now that PD is in town.
YXX is a possibility. I've heard mixed reviews of those flights. Long route for no cnx opportunity though
Wildcard is will there be a rouge badge for those who decide to fly their domestic routes at mainline prices
I'd also like to see a social media badge that allows you to instagram/tweet photos of certain AC products/destinations for a badge. To better leverage their different social media channels.
An amazing race badge would also be cool. Whereby you get one for flying in half of the airports that teams have travelled for (participant) and one for travelling through all airports (finalists)
I suspect with Ditullio's departure, the promo wont be as creative/generous as years past.
IAD, SJC, and JAX also see some special offers. PIT as well now that PD is in town.
YXX is a possibility. I've heard mixed reviews of those flights. Long route for no cnx opportunity though
Wildcard is will there be a rouge badge for those who decide to fly their domestic routes at mainline prices
I'd also like to see a social media badge that allows you to instagram/tweet photos of certain AC products/destinations for a badge. To better leverage their different social media channels.
An amazing race badge would also be cool. Whereby you get one for flying in half of the airports that teams have travelled for (participant) and one for travelling through all airports (finalists)
I suspect with Ditullio's departure, the promo wont be as creative/generous as years past.
Last edited by kwflyer; May 10, 2016 at 11:22 am
May 10, 2016, 11:34 am
#52
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: 44,316
I bet the new YHM route will come into play this year. And if so, there will be some good MRing/lucrative cnx opportunities. I also see YMM (if and when they get back up) and BRU, CDG, being on the list for special badges
IAD, SJC, and JAX also see some special offers. PIT as well now that PD is in town.
YXX is a possibility. I've heard mixed reviews of those flights. Long route for no cnx opportunity though
Wildcard is will there be a rouge badge for those who decide to fly their domestic routes at mainline prices
I'd also like to see a social media badge that allows you to instagram/tweet photos of certain AC products/destinations for a badge. To better leverage their different social media channels.
An amazing race badge would also be cool. Whereby you get one for flying in half of the airports that teams have travelled for (participant) and one for travelling through all airports (finalists)
I suspect with Ditullio's departure, the promo wont be as creative/generous as years past.
IAD, SJC, and JAX also see some special offers. PIT as well now that PD is in town.
YXX is a possibility. I've heard mixed reviews of those flights. Long route for no cnx opportunity though
Wildcard is will there be a rouge badge for those who decide to fly their domestic routes at mainline prices
I'd also like to see a social media badge that allows you to instagram/tweet photos of certain AC products/destinations for a badge. To better leverage their different social media channels.
An amazing race badge would also be cool. Whereby you get one for flying in half of the airports that teams have travelled for (participant) and one for travelling through all airports (finalists)
I suspect with Ditullio's departure, the promo wont be as creative/generous as years past.
Speaking of his departure, did you notice QR has a similar promo?
May 10, 2016, 11:43 am
#53
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
His PhD was largely in gamification marketing, and used AC to shuttle him to and from the UK campus ex YUL (similar to another AC rep using AC to learn about marketing overseas). He stayed with AC long enough to finish his PhD and shortly after graduation, jumped ship to QR.
Anyway, I think for YMM,BRU, and possibly CDG they will be roped into a more achievable badge (with other airports) rather than promoting dark tourism.
Last edited by kwflyer; May 10, 2016 at 11:52 am
May 10, 2016, 1:54 pm
#55
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 2,342
I bet the new YHM route will come into play this year. And if so, there will be some good MRing/lucrative cnx opportunities. I also see YMM (if and when they get back up) and BRU, CDG, being on the list for special badges
IAD, SJC, and JAX also see some special offers. PIT as well now that PD is in town.
YXX is a possibility. I've heard mixed reviews of those flights. Long route for no cnx opportunity though
Wildcard is will there be a rouge badge for those who decide to fly their domestic routes at mainline prices
I'd also like to see a social media badge that allows you to instagram/tweet photos of certain AC products/destinations for a badge. To better leverage their different social media channels.
An amazing race badge would also be cool. Whereby you get one for flying in half of the airports that teams have travelled for (participant) and one for travelling through all airports (finalists)
I suspect with Ditullio's departure, the promo wont be as creative/generous as years past.
IAD, SJC, and JAX also see some special offers. PIT as well now that PD is in town.
YXX is a possibility. I've heard mixed reviews of those flights. Long route for no cnx opportunity though
Wildcard is will there be a rouge badge for those who decide to fly their domestic routes at mainline prices
I'd also like to see a social media badge that allows you to instagram/tweet photos of certain AC products/destinations for a badge. To better leverage their different social media channels.
An amazing race badge would also be cool. Whereby you get one for flying in half of the airports that teams have travelled for (participant) and one for travelling through all airports (finalists)
I suspect with Ditullio's departure, the promo wont be as creative/generous as years past.
As far as some areas where load factors have dropped off, I'd expect we may see some of the oil and gas related cities featured more prominently this round. Stations like YYT, YEG, YYC, YQU, YXJ, and YMM haven't had much focus in past promos as planes were full over the past few years, but from what I see/hear, loads have dropped off pretty significantly this year. Perhaps an Oil Baron badge or something like that this year?
May 10, 2016, 2:48 pm
#56
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
Some pretty good speculation - they tend to focus on new routes, and routes where load factors may have dropped off.
As far as some areas where load factors have dropped off, I'd expect we may see some of the oil and gas related cities featured more prominently this round. Stations like YYT, YEG, YYC, YQU, YXJ, and YMM haven't had much focus in past promos as planes were full over the past few years, but from what I see/hear, loads have dropped off pretty significantly this year. Perhaps an Oil Baron badge or something like that this year?
As far as some areas where load factors have dropped off, I'd expect we may see some of the oil and gas related cities featured more prominently this round. Stations like YYT, YEG, YYC, YQU, YXJ, and YMM haven't had much focus in past promos as planes were full over the past few years, but from what I see/hear, loads have dropped off pretty significantly this year. Perhaps an Oil Baron badge or something like that this year?
I would also see something for LGW now as well as its a)new route on Rouge and more importantly b) WestJet is flying there this year as well and there prices are excellent.
A Winery badge that includes flying YHM, YLW along with travelling to a smaller wine region of Canada would be neat as well. Extra points if AC could arrange a pitstop bonus at the wine tasting desk at YLW.
May 10, 2016, 9:13 pm
#58
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: Only J via Peasant Points, 777HDPeasant or The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance and Narcissism.
Posts: 5,951
May 10, 2016, 9:20 pm
#59
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: 44,316
May 10, 2016, 9:43 pm
#60
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,304
I guess on Monday we will see just what the challenges and rewards will be and just how much we are willing to shell out to "Play a game" <----- remember the movie where that line came from?