Ah in other words, Aeroplan is price gauging its domestic customers using its monopoly position. So the OP's claim stands then. I remember not so long ago, Elites automatically get 50% bonus for travelling on any Star Alliance carriers. Fast forward a few years later, now you have to choose? Isn't this another point increase on the award through the backdooar as the OP claims? I think so. He is right that the 50% bonus has been part of Elite benefits for a very long time and all of sudden, it's now a choice, therefore, one has to conclude this is another way to increase the points of the award when the same amount of flying will net less miles than before.