Originally Posted by
migali
Emptied my AP account for flights for myself+wife YVR-NRT-KBV BKK-YVR in biz for 125K each and ~$750 each in taxes. There was no way I could get around flying one damn segment on AC, which resulted in the high fee... at least that AC segment has the pods. Now that my AP account is empty, will bank MR points for a while (and possibly switch to BA).
If you think AC YQ is high, then BA is not the program for you. Their YQ is even higher somehow. You should bank with a US program (AA or UA) or with LANPASS or AviancaTaca (if you trust them heh).
For a Canadian based card the RBC Avion will allow you to transfer to American, often with a transfer bonus. That's probably your best bet. Also the SPG Amex transfers 1:1.25 to AA, among many other programs.
No YQ for any flights other than BA. Redemptions on Cathay, Quantas, LAN, JAL, Malaysian, Alaska, Qatar and Etihad etc. 1-ways at 1/2 round trip. Free date and routing changes <21 days prior to departure, $150 redeposit fee.
Cool program perk: free stopover at your North American gateway city allowing you to book 2 one-ways for the price of a single one-way on int'l itineraries. Example: HKG-YVR -/arbitrary-stopover\- YVR-JFK all on Cathay Pacific
Same price as HKG-YVR (67.5k + $50 in First). Double up for even more fun!