Originally Posted by
lycidas
And they did it, the final nail to the coffin. The last remaining economy value (Finnair, Lantam) culled 75% and with two weeks notice. I'm out.
Yes, economy value with AY has been diminished, but from a quick glance, there seems to be value with AY business, where J/D/C fares earn a 100% RDM cabin bonus and earn EQDs at a rate of 40% of miles flown. And I fares still earn a 25% RDM bonus and EQDs at 25%.
AY has consistently had great fares to Asia from Canada that are via the Atlantic. For example, fares on YYZ-PEK in D class are about US$3200 r/t next Feb. Miles flown are 17,250 approximately (YYZ-LHR-HEL-PEK-HEL-LHR-YYZ). This means (if my understanding and calculations are correct):
17,250 x 1.5 = 25,875 EQMs
17,250 x 2 = 34,500 RDMs (not including any elite bonuses, if there are any)
17,250 x 40% = 6,900 EQDs.
I class is a few hundred dollars cheaper (~US$2600):
17,250 x 1.5 = 25,875 EQMs
17,250 x 1.25 = 21,563 RDMs (not including elite bonuses, if any)
17,250 x 25% = 4,313 EQDs.
In short, AY J may be a good way to reach the EQD thresholds without sacrificing much in terms of EQMs and RDMs. And in this case, earning EXP for about 10cpm. Not too shabby considering all in business class.