Yes, but UA and AC are quite comparable, albeit on AC one gets less for discounted domestic travel [within Canada], so it takes even more flying on AC to get the same number of miles as one gets on UA, not to mention the 25% and 100% bonuses as Exec, PremEx or 1K, though if one does get into the upper reaches on AC, the threshold bonuses do make up for this latter disparity. Wonder if it has anything to do with the fact AC must purchase seats from STAR partners in US$s and sells miles in C$s, so must make up for the conversion of currencies? Still, the Asia and Africa -- from NAmerica -- levels are quite unjustifiable under any terms. Note also that AC changed the STAR Chart sent to us in the mail earlier this year, with another one that is on the web site. There are a few changes in that one which are significant from the original. So if you are planning any award redemption, don't forget to double check the new chart on the Aeroplan site.