I recently was not credited with frequent flyer points for flights on both Air Canada and Alaska Airlines. The difference in claiming those missing credits I think is representative of the difference in customer service offered by Air Canada and many other airlines.

To claim my missing Aeroplan miles, the Aeroplan agent told me that I must mail in my original boarding card as well as a photocopy of my electronic ticket. I was told that I could not fax copies in. I was also told that the points should be credited to my account within 6 weeks. I waited on hold for 15 minutes to speak to the agent. Could they have made it any more time consuming and difficult a process?

I next called Alaska to ask about being credited for my missing Mileage Plan points. I waited on hold for less than two minutes. The Mileage Plan agent asked for my flight number and said "Okay, it's done." I couldn't believe it and asked if she needed me to send anything in. She answered that she had already credited my account and that I need do nothing. Incidently, I received no special treatment from the Alaska agent. I am a lowly regular Mileage Plan member.