Originally Posted by
iahphx
As a UA 1K, I can assure you that my willingness to fly AC transatlantic is diminished now that I know about their seat assignment policy. (Just like I booked away from BA biz class last year when I found out that they charge for seat assignments -- I took AA instead). Before, I would have been at least "neutral" to flying AC over the US airlines. Now I will avoid them if I have a good alternative. As others also learn of this policy, I do think there will be a cost to AC for shabbily treating Star Golds. It won't just be folks travelling on the cheapest fares.
As Air Canada's equivalent of a UA 1K, I frankly feel about the same when flying UA. It's a shame that Star has really lost most of the concept of "Alliance".
On the bright side, at least you get free drinks on AC and they don't charge for seat reservations in J or higher Y fares.