Originally Posted by
megphi
To a certain extent, you make a valid point.
But United does the same thing. I fly J on UA to South America a lot and they often recognize their Premier 1K pax's for meals (at least the old Continental crews do).
I also book many AC code fares on UA metal and I don't get those miles credited towards AC's million miles program.
At IHG and Hilton hotels, I get upgraded because of my status when I book the same room as the next guy.
It doesn't really bother me much when I'm skipped over for a meal choice at United or when somebody else get a room upgrade at a hotel I don't have status with. That's what loyalty programs do, they provide benefits to their loyal customers.
I agree AC should still take SE orders first, but it's the way they do that is bothersome. I've flown on other airlines in J where they've taken the pax order next to me first (assume they have status), then they let me know they will be right back to take my order. AC tends to act as if non-SE don't even exist.