Originally Posted by
Ben Lipsey
I think it should be noted DL handles their Economy Comfort access in much the same way as we've decided to launch this, and to a similar extent so do AA, AF, and KL. Mid- and top-tier members get free access domestically, and top-tier members get free access internationally while providing for a discount for mid-tier status members. I understand why some of you may feel frustrated we're limiting complimentary access to E50k members and above, but keep in mind this is for a product that didn't exist fleetwide prior to today. We're introducing something new and trying to find a way to monetise it - this isn't exactly a secret, nor do I personally (i.e. not wearing my company hat) think it's unilaterally unfair. We very much appreciate the business of all our passengers, SE or otherwise, but we choose to recognise the patronage of our top-tier customers by giving them complimentary systemwide access to this enhanced product.
For what it's worth this should also increase the likelihood of having a empty seat next to you if you are sitting in a Preferred Seat.
With regards to the competition, UA offers something different, granted, and that may work for them. They also offer unlimited domestic upgrades to practically anybody and have a 2-2-2 J cabin. They are a different airline, and have their own merits and their own shortfalls. I've said it before, but it seems to me that AC is held to a different standard. People decry the quality of certain airlines who may be more generous in giving away their product, and yet gush over the product of airlines who make it practically unattainable unless one pays for it. We are expected to have the product quality of the latter with the access policies of the former - not exactly an easy thing to do. It's indeed a delicate balancing act, and not to say it can't or won't change in the future, but in this instance and at this moment this is how we've chosen to proceed.
This post is pure gold! AA provides free access to "Main Cabin Extra" seats on all flights to all 50K-level elite members in addition to those with equivalent oneworld alliance and Alaska Airlines status. Meanwhile AC is charging 50K levels for access to exit row/bulkhead on international flights. I'm not sure why you're comparing to DL/AF/KL/AA to justify this new 'enhancement' as there's no equivalent cabin being offered by AC on international flights. Also, AC is the only airline in North America that's charging 50K elites for better seats when flying on the lowest fares and award tickets.
AC should seriously reconsider this downgrade in benefits to E50K. Earning this status is a lot more expensive than earning equivalent status on a U.S. carrier (higher fares in Canada, only 50% AQM on lowest fares), so it's not like an E50K is a bottom-feeder customer. This is just yet another example of a Canadian business ripping off the consumer and another reason why I have no sympathy when a foreign competitor uses their deep pocket advantage to crush them.
You then go on with an off-topic comparison about another carrier's business class cabin seating arrangement on some of their fleet in an attempt to make your E50K's feel good about this new money grab! I get that AC put you here to defend their endless 'enhancements', but you must realize that the average FTer is savvy enough to see through this. You should be embarrassed to write such nonsense on behalf of your company.