Well, Air Canada has BlondeBomber as a member, otherwise Canadian is better all round.

Seriously, in part it would depend on where you live. Living in Vancouver, CP is the obvious choice for me, as my home is their major hub. This makes it easier for me to get where I'm going on CP, rather than AC. If you lived in Toronto, AC might be the better choice.

But all else being equal, I think CP is the better program. I'm not real familiar with the top tier of AC, but BlondeBomber will most likely jump in, and explain their program. Here are my reasons:

Executive Platinum easier to attain than Super Elite (85K vs 100K)

Executive Platinum much easier to requalify than Super Elite (75K vs 100K)

oneworld currently seems to have better world coverage, although it seems to be a never ending tit-for-tat game

CP/oneworld awards generally lower points cost than AC/Star (125,000 will get you anywhere in the world, as opposed to 185,000+ for some Star destinations)

CP relationship with Amex Membership rewards -- transfer 5000 MR points to CP, get 3000 to 10000 points off an award price; 1000 points for buying ticket on Amex; and 1.5 MR/CP points/dollar spent (Amex Platinum or Gold, with points accelarator)

Friendlier attitude with western oriented CP, as opposed to all business attitude of eastern oriented AC (not so much so at top tier, though)

Easier to upgrade, although that's a double edged sword -- if CP had more passengers, they would not be in their current financial situation, but upgrades would be harder to come by.

Black SWA (anywhere, any fare) upgrade stickers (AC situation has recently changed in this area -- Cliff?)

Seemless integration with AA (whose service in First class has improved dramatically, since oneworld) including lounge access, ticketing, and especially upgrades. (CP members can upgrade on AA as easily as on CP, and as easily as AAdvantage members can on AA.) Much tighter integration than any Star carriers, at least for now.

Much better food in business class on CP.

Individual air vents on most CP planes.

More award partners with CP, especially StarWood, which for me has been superb so far this year.

Those are the main differences that matter to me. Of course, your mileage may vary.

Regards,

Ken Hamer


[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 09-04-1999).]