After lurking for a long time, I now find
something I can usefully contribute.

I was a CP Club (OW-ruby) member until last
week (now Gold at last). Here are a list of
the benefits for inclusion in the comparison
table. Refer to http://members.home.net/deercroft/oneworld-ruby.htm
for comparisons:

Canadian Airlines (CP) Canadian Plus

Status Club

ow-status Ruby

FC-bonus 50%

BC-bonus 25%

Bonus counts for status Yes

Lounge access? No (see Footnote)

ow miles for status 20000 (4 CP segments)

ow segments 15 (4 CP segments)

%bonus for elite None

special bonus miles 5000 if qualified by
May 31

upgrades (N. America) 2 one-way upgrades &
4 500-mile upgrades
on qualification
4 more 500-mile for
each 10000 Q-miles
Upgrade 24hrs in
advance for Y,B fare
else standby upgrade.
May purchase extra
upgrades for points
or cash.
Upgrades may be used
on American Airlines

upgrades (intl) No

Minimum miles 500 (250 reduced fare
within Canada)

All fares eligible Basically yes, except
industry fares.
Reduced economy fares
within Canada earn
50% miles

Other bonuses OW -Advance seat
assignment
OW -Priority waitlist
OW -Bus.class checkin
CP -Priority boarding


Footnote: for $195 Cdn Empress Lounge
membership can be purchased, giving access
to CP and AA lounges in N. America, and
CP and various other lounges elsewhere.