To the poster a few posts back..last year YOW-YYZ was still allowed (at least in the January version I think) but you might be correct in the spring version now that I think about it.
It's the summertime Ontario pass where YOW-YYZ was not allowed.
This pass is useless and a total ripoff on its own. The only justification is the additional bonus pass for $199. Basically, I could get two RTs from YYC to YVR (albeit severely restricted) and one RT from YYC to HKG...all for about $800 (taxes included).
The flight to HKG alone would be more expensive than that.
I'm confused...for the 7 day advance booking restriction...does that mean I have to book EXACTLY 7 days before I intend to fly, or is it AT LEAST 7 days before I intend to fly?
Programs: SPG Gold, PriorityClub Plat, EmeraldClub Exec, Airmiles Gold, AC E (*G)
Posts: 157
Quote:
Originally Posted by bub_lee
This pass is useless and a total ripoff on its own. The only justification is the additional bonus pass for $199. Basically, I could get two RTs from YYC to YVR (albeit severely restricted) and one RT from YYC to HKG...all for about $800 (taxes included).
The flight to HKG alone would be more expensive than that.
I think that's what is making this a good deal.
I understand this may not be "as good" as in previous years, where one got status miles and unlimited travel domestically. But the option for HKG or GRU for essentially $99 each way + GST makes this very attractive. Status miles or not (the horror, I know) that makes for a relatively cheap get-away.
Quote:
Eligible Travellers:
Each pass may include up to two (2) eligible travellers;
Eligible travellers include the Flight Pass purchaser and one (1) additional designated traveller who may be added anytime within the validity period.
Name changes are not permitted; all eligible travellers must have a valid Aeroplan membership. New enrolment activation may take up to 72 hours.
Booking Flight Credits:
Travel is not permitted between March 14 - 29 and April 9 - 13, 2009;
Travel must be booked seven (7) days in advance of travel;
Travel is permitted on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays only;
Flight credit bookings are subject to availability of the Tango fare option (K booking class). Note: this fare option is not available for single ticket purchases on Air Canada's transborder routes as it is reserved for use by Flight Pass customers only; Flight credits are non-transferable and can only be used by the user designated at time of purchase and the designated eligible traveller;
One (1) flight credit is required per direction including connections;
Bookings are permitted up to one (1) hour prior to departure;
Flight credits may be available for booking only 24 hours after purchase;
Flight credits cannot be booked for travel between two (2) U.S. destinations;
Flight credits can be used only on Air Canada, Air Canada Jazz, Air Canada regional partners;
Fights and routes may be seasonal and are subject to change without notice at any time;
Flight Pass travel is subject to Air Canada's normal checked baggage policies.
As CdnFlyr suggested - it looks, based on the rules posted above, that one could purchase the 2-person option and then use all 4 international credits for one person, instead of 2....there doesn't seem to be any stipulation that this can't be done at least...did anyone do that last year with the Paris/London option?
Programs: AC*A, former long running AC*SE and soon E;SPG Platinum;Marriott Silver;Hilton Silver;Hertz PC
Posts: 8,875
Quote:
Originally Posted by bub_lee
I'm confused...for the 7 day advance booking restriction...does that mean I have to book EXACTLY 7 days before I intend to fly, or is it AT LEAST 7 days before I intend to fly?
At least.
__________________
Back to E soon.
Kuujjuarapik Esquimalt
Doesnt it say that the special pass to HKG/LON etc is in booking class A?
Wouldn't that mean status miles?
Also, here is a quote from the rules: "Bookings are permitted up to one (1) hour prior to departure;"
Isn't that a contradiction from the 7 day advance booking rule?
Doesnt it say that the special pass to HKG/LON etc is in booking class A?
Wouldn't that mean status miles?
Also, here is a quote from the rules: "Bookings are permitted up to one (1) hour prior to departure;"
Isn't that a contradiction from the 7 day advance booking rule?
Just spoke with AC. The "Bookings are permitted up to one (1) hour prior to departure" is a typo. Also, the bonus pass is NOT eligible for upgrade or status miles, even though it is A class fare and the terms don't specify this.
Just spoke with AC. The "Bookings are permitted up to one (1) hour prior to departure" is a typo. Also, the bonus pass is NOT eligible for upgrade or status miles, even though it is A class fare and the terms don't specify this.
Thank you for calling them, I was lazy tonight
Well in that case, it's really not worth it unless you really need to be in one of the destinations covered by the pass.
Absolutely doesnt make sense for someone who simply wants to travel extra miles for fun and earn top tier status
Programs: SPG Gold, PriorityClub Plat, EmeraldClub Exec, Airmiles Gold, AC E (*G)
Posts: 157
Quote:
Originally Posted by yadidim
Absolutely doesnt make sense for someone who simply wants to travel extra miles for fun and earn top tier status
True. I agree with that point. But I think it does make sense for those who don't care about / or will get status anyways and want a real cheap international getaway.
For me, I would have done a couple BC trips for personal reasons anyways. While I normally would have booked T+ for the status miles, I can live with booking T with this pass and then taking a week vacation in Asia for dirt cheap...I will still get E next year even without those four segments. I think the Wynn Macau is calling my name...
So although I would have probably paid a bit more for a T+ option on this pass, I think combined with the international segments, this is a very good deal for me. I do agree with others that this probably isn't the best option for someone who would have not used the international add-on.
I have to go to Miami at the end of the month anyways.
So I was thinking of going from Calgary to Miami. Then Miami to Toronto. Then Toronto to somewhere else... but I just found out I can't do that. I need to head back to my zone when I'm leaving Miami. Which gives me an option of BC, Alberta and the NWT and Yukon.
This really kills my plan.
But I do want to visit my sister/niece in London eventually. I think those 2 flights pay for itself... and I can always head to Penticton after Miami to visit the family. Just seems a bit ridiculous since I will be transfering in Toronto anyways...
What if I just miss the transfer in Toronto? Would there be any harm in that?
Programs: SPG Gold, PriorityClub Plat, EmeraldClub Exec, Airmiles Gold, AC E (*G)
Posts: 157
Quote:
Originally Posted by bub_lee
Just spoke with AC. The "Bookings are permitted up to one (1) hour prior to departure" is a typo. Also, the bonus pass is NOT eligible for upgrade or status miles, even though it is A class fare and the terms don't specify this.
I just bought it online. Here are the T&C on the BONUS pass, which seems to indicate you can upgrade with an SSWU:
Quote:
Congratulations! As a purchaser of the Air Canada Escape Pass you are now eligible for this incredible offer:
Two (2) flight credits for travel from Canada to Paris, London, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Bogota or Lima at a special price of $199
Available for purchase until March 31, 2009
Valid for travel from April 14 to June 15, 2009
Anytime changes online for a $50 fee
Same-day airport changes for a $50 fee
Flight credit bookings are subject to availability of Economy class (A booking class)
Seat Selection:
Advance seat selection is complimentary when done at aircanada.com. Additional fees may apply for seat selection requested through Air Canada Call Centres.
Upgrades:
Applicable with Air Canada Special System-Wide Upgrade Certificate.
Aeroplan Miles:
Aeroplan mile accumulation is not permitted.
These terms and conditions may change at any time without notice and other conditions may apply.
ps - no GST on the $199 bonus.
Last edited by calgary_jay; Jan 7, 09 at 3:32 am.
Reason: added no GST info...
