I spend a lot of time in the air and often times, when I have the opportunity, I like to bring my wife and/or son with me. I generally pay for my ticket, and then book my wife and son on my Aeroplan miles (I am a Super Elite member).

A week ago my wife and I went to Las Vegas for the weekend in economy. I had tried using my upgrade certificates for myself and my wife and was told only that I could use the certificate for myself and NOT my wife. Apparently the rules have changed!

The week before, we flew to Barbados and somewhat the same issue - I booked on a paid ticket and my wife on my Aeroplan points. There was no availability on business for the way home when I booked so we both were in economy. I tried before to purchase an upgrade (the options you now get based on availability last minute when checking in online) and did. But then, I was not given the same chance to do the same for my wife (could have been based on availability, but it was not as I called the super elite desk and they confirmed many seats in business on the outbound still available).

After I purchased this upgrade, I was not then permitted to purchase one for my wife. This was odd, as I have had this option to purchase an upgrade for my wife before on an Aeroplan reward ticket (the week after this on other travel).

Long story short, I was refunded my purchased upgrade (after my seat was subsequently then given up next to my wife) which I did get back after an hour on the phone with AC. Based on the issue, AC did offer me an upgrade for free, but would not give one to my wife stating they had no authority to make any changes to Aeroplan tickets.

What was I supposed to do site in business and then leave my wife in economy - or she take business and I stay in economy? I explained this to the person in charge at the gate and was meet with, "there is nothing I can do."

Interesting, so AC cant make changes to Aeroplan tickets when it comes to upgrade certificates, but they will charge you for an upgrade based on availability when checking in online (yes including on Aeroplan). They subsequently will not be able to charge you for a last minute upgrade at the gate (nice inconsistency).

After following up with the Super Elite desk and the Super Elite Concierge, I was told the policy changed last year or very recently. Great way to treat your best customers Air Canada! AC will presumably take care of their Super Elite members, but not their spouses or children - nice policy!