Originally Posted by Transpacificflyer

WS doesn't have to compete with its FF program. WS competes based upon service and cost. There was a time when AP/Altitude might have had value for most customers. That is not the case anymore. Read the other threads for a more detailed explanation.

Let's pretend you work in the YYZ-YUL corridor. You have to go to a meeting in YUL, and will come back the same day .I picked October 7 at random (actually, I have a tentative meeting in the corridor on that day , so I was checking costs.)

West Jet offers an Econo fare;
Depart: 07:00 AM Arrive:08:13 AM Wednesday, 07 October WS 578
Return: 06:00 PM Arrive:07:20 PM Wednesday, 07 October WS 595
Base Cost $295.05

Air Canada Offers a Tango fare;
Same dates, Same hour, AC flights AC420 and AC423
Base Cost: $462.94

If you are an employee of a company subject to standard travel policies, please explain why your employer would encourage you to spend 57% more for an equivalent product.

If you are a member of AP why would you pay $168 more to accrue 25% mileage, or approx. 250 points?

For those people not subject to cost constraints or who fly on a weekly basis, yes your point has relevance. However, for the vast majority of non leisure flyers, people like me, it is not applicable.