Amex will charge their standard AmexTravel fee for issuing tickets, since the MR points are only a partial payment. Most travel agencies now charge $25 to $35 for each ticket issued since airlines cut back severly on commissions. (I know it hurts, but can you blame the agencies? How else can they stay in business?) Not sure about the agencies tied in with the TD or other CIBC cards, or the one with AirMiles.

BTW, I wonder how many other Cdn+ elites are in the same situation as I am: Having the Diners/enRoute "MLL card" so we could have lounge access when travelling on AC (with no elite status in Aeroplan)? With the merged programs and reciprocal lounge access, there no need to pay extra for this benefit.