Originally Posted by
BlondeBomber
congrats on the breakup.
I think most of us have mixed (or hostile) feelings about AC. Not many of us love AC. It is the separation of AC and Aeroplan that gives us most grief and not knowing where to seeking "counselling"
There are benefits to flying AC though. My SO and I just flew paid first class on US Air Canada-US and it was a bit of an eyeopener--no entertainment, no real food, just free crappy booze and a bigger seat. The price was reasonable but the value was mixed. On AC in Executive I get everything I want (bigger seat, hot food, newspaper, ok personal entertainment, ok booze, clean plane-I know I could substitute these as Ken H has done by buying food, entertainment etc for cheaper than First Class costs).
I find I am seeking out better value on whatever airline (although I do try to stay in Star Alliance), I don't care so much about points (have too many that I can't use effectively with AC's punitive Aeroplan non instant KK for SEs and high fuel surcharges), upgrades (always have more than I can use, even though I get them almost 100% of the time, it is angst when there should be none). I will fly paid first or business (have been doing so for some time within China but more recently in North America too).
All in all, I will look for value proposition which might be on AC at times and not at others. AC should be concerned but apparently they aren't as there are always more fools like we were lining up to sign up and fly with them for benefits that are sometimes but not always delivered. All airlines are the same in this regard though--so choose your flights based on what you understand and want, not what they try to get you to do.
YMMV but my experience is different than you suggest. Since separating from my SO airline:
I am flying in a better Business class (LAN) with much better food, wines and better pods.
I am flying in a better business class for the same as it costs in economy on AC.
I have unlimited upgrades (from the second lowest fare upwards).
I have unlimited upgrades on award tickets.
I get free changes to reward tickets.
I do not get scam fuel charges on reward tickets.
I have coupons for companions flying with me (and getting the same priority as me).
I can buy a lowest fare economy ticket and immediately upgrade to Business using kilometres (miles), on the spot.
I can never drop more than one status level a year, no matter my flying habits that year.
I get free preferred seats and automatic seat blocking beside me.
I get a personal welcome from the FD before the flight, insisting if there is anything at all...
I get clean planes, young energetic helpful FAs, great reliable IFE.
I get preferred check in, preferred boarding (enforced), extra luggage, priority luggage etc.
I get 100% kilometre bonus for elite status and additional 25% for class of service.
I get worldwide lounge access, including Flagship Lounge when available.
I get some wonderful “special” fares (i.e. Lima-Sao Paulo-Santigo de Chile-Easter Island rtn in Business for $850, while acquiring $500 worth of kilometres) and incredible “compete with the bus” sales, for example, a domestic 1.5 hour flight for $58 rtn all in.
I get new status recognition, and full benefits, within 12 days of achieving the new status, anytime during the year.
All from an airline making a profit and is now one of the largest airlines in the world.
I could continue (did I mention free premium beer in economy on domestic flights :-), but just to reiterate the grass can be greener depending on your flying habits.
Maybe one day AC will learn that it is not good business practice to encourage your customers to try your competitor's product – they may well like it more.