It may be easier to add a new FF partner to Cdn and AC res software to permit crediting Aeroplan and Cdn+ almost immediately, but to program their PNR system with elite status from each other may be a bigger problem, thus making reciprocal upgrading somewhat more difficult. (How do you confirm Elite or SE status on Cdn's Sabre, and Gold and EP on AC's system?) As it stands, I can only think of NW and CO, and Cdn and AA that permit reciprocal upgrading.

And until we get confirmation about 2000's fare categories for Cdn upgrades, there will be a major disparity on upgrades from the lowest fare categories. (I expect we Cdn+ folks will now get hit with the same exclusion of upgrading from the lowest fares, and likely lose the "ultimate upgrade" sticker as well.)

So, we'll all just have to wait and see what Santa/Grinch Robert Milton has in store for us.

I wonder if a similar merger in the US would have seen the government require a guarantee of FF points as part of an anti-trust settlement? It seems our points have become as sacrosanct as Medicare to Canadians! Obviously, commercial pressure would have led to an honoring of outstanding balances in any case.

Cdn has an interesting summary of what will happen posted on their website, new this week. Doesn't reveal too much, but does stress the "integration" may take up to two years.