Originally Posted by
fitzy7
2013 brings with it the sad prospect of dropping from SE down to... virtually nothing. Due to a new, more local job, I've totalled a grand sum of 31,500 Status Miles in 2012 to date. Now I'm stuck with a dilemma... I need to fly YYZ-YVR in November, and Air Canada seems to want about $900 these days for a Tango+ flight. That would take me to over 35,000 points and give me this new watered down Elite class. Alternatively, I could just fly on points (which I have lots of) and purchase the $500 "American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card" which I keep seeing advertised. That is a lot of money to fork over for a credit card, but I get 50,000 points and what seems to be a few good benefits? In fact it almost looks better than this new Elite class in some ways. Thoughts?
AMEX AE Plat is pretty good deal for MLL or AMEX lounge access, if you like Fairmonts, can tolerate their idiotic companion award and want to continue to collect AE points. Otherwise, if you go to the US and want more lounge choices, I'd get the regular Plat, but that is $699 now.