Originally Posted by
Tangsta
Posting my experience with the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege card to help anyone decide whether it's worth it in the future.
I signed up during the 25,000 Aeroplan points, 2-for-1 short or long haul, $400 hotel credit (Visa Luxury Collection) promo.
I used the points and the 2-for-1 to book a 2 week trip for myself and my wife from YYC to YUL to ORD and back to YYC. I paid roughly $500 in fees for the two of us. I'm sure this is a terrible return on points, but oh well.
With the card comes enrolment into the Fairmont President's Club at the premier level, which comes with a 3rd night free certificate and a free upgrade certificate annually. I used these in conjunction with the $400 hotel credit to book 3 nights at the Fairmont Le Reine Elizabeth in an upgraded room and with free breakfast.
Additional perks include an Airport Angel membership with 6 complimentary visits, 4 MLL passes for Aeroplan Reward trips, 1 free checked bag on AC metal, and priority (zone 2) boarding on AC metal.
The free checked bag and priority boarding were nice perks.
The lame part was trying to use lounges.
- The MLL passes are for the primary cardholder only -- companions can get in for $15 before 11am or $25 after 11am. Rejected.
- Departing from YYC, the Servisair lounges only available for International and US destinations. Rejected.
- Departing YUL, the National Bank lounge services only Domestic and International (and not transborder) flights. Rejected.
- Lastly, departing ORD and stopover in IAH, discovered that Airport Angel has significantly less US coverage than Priority Pass (no lounges in either of those cities). Rejected. But they do have comparable coverage internationally.
Finally, the standard of service is faster for the Privilege concierge vs the regular Visa Infinite concierge. Their replies state they'll get back within 1 hour (which they do) for most requests vs 4 hours for the regular.
Will I keep this card beyond the first year (at full annual fee)? No.
Would I do it all over again if I had the chance (same promo)? Yes!
Would I sign up with the current promo (25,000 AP, nothing else)? No.
What card(s) am I considering next?
- BMO World Elite (have had this and cancelled, didn't like that travel had to be booked through their overpriced site)
- American Express Platinum (still seems expensive to me, even after the MR points and annual travel credit)
- Scotiabank Platinum AMEX (seems to get very little attention, but it has some nice perks)
Thanks for sharing.
I booked a room through the Visa web site during my recent visit to the U.S. through the Visa Luxury Hotel programme. Room rate was neither better nor worse than other booking web sites but I received all the "additional perks" as stated in the offer at check-in. The room "upgrade" meant a same room type on the higher floor, daily breakfast credit for food only, one US$25 meal credit for food only, "VIP status" meant I could use the "Invited Guest" counter to check out if the main counter is busy. Late check-out was offered but I did not need due to the departure time of my flight. Booking was quite easy on the Privilege web site.
I agree that it is irritating that the MLL passes are restricted to the primary cardholder only.
The one piece free checked bag on Air Canada is good as well as the use of the business class check in. However, the checked bag is NOT priority handled. Zone 2 boarding is also good.
The coupon to buy 1 get 2nd for 50% off business class fare is useless as it is restricted to J or C fare only.
If one travels moderately and mainly on Air Canada within Canada, this is a better card to have than the Amex Plat.