I think many of us has seen this screen
Uploaded with
ImageShack.us
If you are going to ask your kid to point out what's the difference between "Tango" and "Tango Plus" beside the background color is different. They will tell you:
- up to 50% vs 100%
- Tango plus has the option to pay $55 to access MLL
- Tango plus has the option to pay $65 to access LHR arrival MLL
(of course we know better, such as eUpgrade etc etc..)
One thing it is the "same" is you can save $15 if you choose to not collect miles.
So let's look at the following example
Uploaded with
ImageShack.us
The delta between Tango and Tango Plus (base fare) is $557
(Tango plus fare is 265% of Tango fare)
How much does it cost to access MLL? $55? $65? IMHO is way over priced. You can sit down at a restaurant inside the terminal to have better food and service. Maybe you can take a nap if you dare to.
So the increase in base fare (i.e. Totally for Air Canada to pocket) doesn't justify for the "pay" option access MLL.
Next, Aeroplan miles. If one choose to pay Tango Plus fare and minus $15, that's in effect costing Air Canada less than someone who pay for Tango fare which collect up to 50% miles!
With this flawed logic, one can assume 100% status mile worth $15. (or one could even argue 50% status mile is worth $15 so 100% actually worth $30) Given the doubt on the cost of status mile, let say it really worth $30. How does Air Canada explain the additional $527 (557-30) to their customer?
Now, us as a knowledgeable FTer. We know we can play Aerolotto with Tango Plus, perhaps there is an 'aerolotto operation surcharge' build into it. No matter if you can play or not.
I still wasn't clear what's the low fares or why Tango Plus cost 165% more. Air Canada, care to explain?