I must commend AC for offering more for Elites to try to bridge he gap between 35k and 100k by offering more incentives.

As a SE, for the 7th year next year, I am disappointed with 2004's program. And in some respect, feel lucky that when I called AC to give around US$700k worth of travel that no one from AC marketing has returned my call (63 days, and counting, since leaving the message -- details on another thread).

Although SE's have instant KK which is a great benefit, for all the E -s these changes do not enhance your ability to redeem miles.

It is a reason why Mrs sing-along gave up on Aerogold Visa. Couple this with the "management" of C class domestically, it means you have the upgrades certificates but still will not be able to use them and will be playing Aerolotto with it. Granted with the specials you won't be playing Aerolotto on all the flights.

In the end, I do understand the current europhia for Elites. However, when Elites try to redeem miles for when you want to fly...it's still going to be the same problem. And if you can't redeem miles when you want to travel, or with relatively short notices (i.e less than 6 months and not via 3 cities), has the overall program really improved that much?

Cheers



[This message has been edited by sing-along (edited Dec 11, 2003).]