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.
If Shareholder only got 75% of upgrades as Gold, he needs to fly different routes or a different airline. As AC Elite I managed almost 100% upgrades (only missed on last minute standby, always got my upgrades as 48 hr in advance on AC). As SE I have done 100% on domestic and international upgrades at time of booking and showing up at the gate.
Black SWA (anywhere, any fare) upgrade stickers (AC situation has recently changed in this area -- Cliff?)
SuperElites are the clear winners here as we get 8 anywhere any fare stickers on renewal (we hope again in 2000) and 2 more for every 10000 qualifying miles, CP only gives 4 of these and no more through the year. If you do lots of international flying, AC has the edge--As you earn over 10K miles for each international flight, I will have more upgrades than I can use. Overall CP gives more upgrade certificates (but most are domestic) so would be better if you only fly domestically. However, those are 100 hr. booking whereas the SE upgrades that you use domestically are at time of booking. That is a big AC plus. No wondering whether you will get your upgrade, you know right at booking.
Sounds like this should be split into 2 areas -- More domestic upgrades for CP, more int'l upgrades for AC, and better upgrade opportunities on AC (i.e. confirmed at booking for domestic.)
Surprised you didn't mention CP's bonuses for Platinum -100% from ground zero, compared to 100% on AC only after 35K each year. This is somewhat offset by the free companion tickets, any fare anywhere in AC's world that are given at 60, 100 and 150K and the fact that (until now) AC gives status and air miles based on cabin seated in not based on fare paid--that is a big plus and has more than offset any CP bonuses for me. If you pay business or first class fares all the time, then CP may be the one for you. If you fly a lot of discount and upgrade, then AC is a winner!
Again, may require multiple areas -- AC much better with class of service bonuses on sticker upgrades, and AC better with companion tickets. They may also be better with the 100% loyalty bonuses. I'm not sure what you mean by "ground zero" but the bonuses lapse each March 1, and only become effective once you requalify for Gold or Platinum. This means that I need to fly 35,000 miles after March 1, before I start getting the 50% bonus again, and 85,000 for the 100%. If AC gives the 100% bonus after flying only 35,000, then they are the clear winner. On the other hand, if you have to acheive SE, then fly an additional 35,000 to start receiving the bonus, then CP wins.
Other bonuses as SuperElite:
? seasonal discounts on Econo, Executive/Exec. First rewards
? hotel & car upgrades
? guaranteed AC seat--book 6 hrs in advance, full fare compared to 24 hr. advance on CP
? automatic Crowne Plaza Passport to Privilege membership
? automatic Delta Hotels Privilege Gold membership
? automatic HHonors Gold VIP membership
? 4 Maple Leaf lounge passes
? Marriott Upgrade to Concierge-Canada
? next to empty seat on UA economy
CP equivalents:
? Seasonal discounts on awards, but not nearly as frequent as AC
? lots of car upgrades, a few hotel upgrades
? Automatic Starwood Gold membership
? 4 Empress Lounge passes
? next to empty seat on all oneworld carriers , in economy (allegedly, but I can confirm BA and AA)
We have gotten other good deals as well. There have been regional double miles promotions that I have gotten as SuperElite that I know were not done on CP. Overall I think there have been more promos on AC which were not always matched by CP.
Last year I would have said CP had more/better bonuses (i.e. almost 30,000 points for a Web Special on YVR-BOS, $299, upgraded to business class.) But this year, they have been few and far between.
CP has an online booking advantage with 500 points per booking. (see I am being fair KenH)
More than fair -- this bonus is scheduled to end soon.
The first year of SuperElite we also got 4 free 3 day weekend car rentals with Budget. They were totally free except for taxes. That was unbelievable!
But no longer, so I'm not sure this should be included in a comparison. Might be a good lobbying point, though.
Regards,
Ken Hamer
[This message has been edited by KenHamer (edited 09-04-1999).]