Originally Posted by
Guava
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.
To the best of my recollection it has been a choice for a very long time (last 5 years or so at least?). And the choices includes opting for more upgrade certs or the miles. So the choice is the same as it has always been, miles or upgrades. I could be wrong (I am going from memory and assuming the E program has always been the same as the SE in terms of having to make those choices). But I dont think, in this one respect, the program is significantly different this year than last. You still have to make a choice. You have in the past. Nothing to see here. Move on.
