Many of the big promoters of AE in the US on FT never step foot on AC metal unless it's an award. They run their miles up using a US AE-affinity credit card, or transfer through Amex MR. Status doesn't matter to them as they have it on their primary American FF program and they get a discounted rate on their RCC membership. But agree this is a long overdue development on the part of AC, and will somewhat reduce the number of foreign Es. Unlikely to affect Ps or SEs.
Originally Posted by
why fly
for anyone who is UA they can PAY $300 for RCC so they are not very likely to put 35k to an AC program, just for lounge access
If they just wanted lounge access like you say they would join other programs such as TG when you get 2 years of gold and I assume other programs have the same perk..
there are big changes in the program at AC, just a few days more to find out.
before all the negative people post, of my 35k AC miles 95% are AC
BTW language is exactly the same in the SE email:
New Top Tier 2012 qualification requirements
On top of existing qualification criteria, members will need to earn a minimum of 10,000 Air Canada Status Miles or five (5) eligible Air Canada Status Flight Segments on eligible flights operated by Air Canada and its regional affiliates to achieve 2012 Top Tier status. Remember, the qualification period runs from January 1 to December 31, 2011. Full details will be revealed when we launch the 2011 Top Tier program.