I have for the past 8 months been travelling semi-frequently with AC. My previous flying experiences have been mainly with SK, LH, OS, AY and a whole bunch of one-time experiences with other European airlines. I have also had the "pleasure" to last month fly SFO-FRA with UA.

My personal conclusion is that AC frequent fliers have very little to complain about in comparison.

1. Aeroplan is one of the easiest FFPs to get Star Gold status. So the next time someone compares the benefits of an AC Elite to a LH Senator, have in mind the difference in miles it takes to achieve that status. I am neither (although I thought about collecting on AC for a while for the simple qualification) but do understand the frustration of LH Senators who constantly find the FRA lounges packed with AC Elites.

2. Air Canada has a top notch product on long haul flights, both in Economy and Business. This is of course a personal opinion and people have different experiences, but I rather fly AC than for instance SK or LH over the Atlantic both in Economy and Business. Admittedly it is a bit silly to charge for food on flights within North America, but compared to UA the prices are much better, and the offering is quite decent!

3. Maple Leaf Lounges are according to my experience among the nicest within Star Alliance. Good selection of food and drinks, and they are big enough so most of the time you can find a nice seat.

4. It could be completely due to my routes, but usually AC has the most competitive prices, and good connections within Europe with Star Alliance partners.

5. On TATL flights AC members get 100% status miles even for the cheapest tickets. Now that is a real benefit!

There are many other things that are just superior compared to other airlines. I have been fortunate enough to not experience any longer delays or cancellations, but those things happen to every airline. It's a part of flying. If you don't like it, don't fly!

Aeroplan is an excellent FFP both considering earning and redemption possibilities. Sure, maybe Super Elites should have even more benefits, but then again it corresponds to a LH SEN when we talk about miles required. And Super Elites seem to have much better benefits, although I don't have any personal experience.

Have a look at some of the alternatives, at least within Star Alliance, and you will soon find that AC is a very customer-friendly airline and have an attractive FFP. Sure they are not best in every aspect, but being among the best across the board in most categories should be good enough. Look at SK for instance and see how that FFP has evolved over the years. The rumor is the SK programme has now taken Aeroplan as a model, and will try to take as much influence as possible. I see that as great news!

Sadly my AC experiences will end in the spring, as I will be changing travel patterns to a more European one again. That's why I didn't want to change to AC although I had been close to qualifying for SE this year. If I had more time in Canada, I would definitely switch to AC.

So the next time you want to doom the whole airline and its FFP based on a bad experience, think twice. Also, it would be really refreshing to read posts that are actually constructive. If Air Canada gives more to their Elites and Super Elites, what's in it for them?