Originally Posted by yyznomad

Which fare basis are you talking about?

M high flex earns 100%. AFAIK, that hasn't changed even since Branded Fares were introduced.

Originally Posted by sram

I don't think so, unless they changed it again... https://www.aeroplan.com/static/pdf/...rt_en_v11b.pdf

Originally Posted by yyznomad

The chart shows M flex at 100% for all destinations. It's been like this since day one of M flex.

Originally Posted by gcashin

Pretty sure OP is referring to the fact that with branded fares, you can now buy a very expensive M Tango fare, which would not get you full mileage or other benefits (thus the comment about 50% mileage on a $2600 M fare). AC's position is that they want you to consciously book Flex and pay the extra $ for the Flex fare above Tango even on higher fare buckets, but most people would expect that if they are buying a very expensive M fare, it would come with some basic benefits like 100% mileage and seat selection.

Originally Posted by yyznomad

And that's why I clearly stated "M high flex" and mentioned Branded Fares, acknowledging the existence of M branded fares with different basis.
Yes, other M fare basis under other fare categories don't earn 100%, but my point was that there exists M that do indeed earn 100% and M high flex has always been that way.

Which really now with Branded Fares, generalizing everything under one fare class letter is moot, hence my distinction.

To say "M" is expensive is like saying all Nissan car models are expensive.


Added: and really, I was being too restrictive in my explanation as well... it's actually ALL M FLEX is 100% for all destinations (not just M high flex), and it has always been this way.

Originally Posted by gcashin

Yes, agreed, your post is 100% correct that M Flex earns full mileage; however all M fares used to earn 100%, so one cannot simply book an M fare anymore and expect to get full benefits, but that may be more of a discussion for the Branded fares thread.

M is the 3rd most expensive economy fare bucket out of 15 economy fare classes, so by definition, is one of the most expensive AC economy fare buckets. Everything is relative, but I have yet to see an M fare that I would consider inexpensive. Perhaps a more appropriate analogy is if Nissan had 15 models with varying price levels, their 3rd most expensive model could be considered "expensive" within Nissan models, but certainly could still be cheap compared to luxury brands.

On the M fare item for SE vs. 1K, one of the benefits for 1K's of buying a higher fare like M on UA is instant upgrades on domestic flights on UA. I've had some UA flights where I've had a more expensive M fare, and it's been upgraded at the time of booking by nature of booking an M fare (often several weeks in advance, no need to use an instrument or wait for an upgrade window).

Originally Posted by sram

There is no "M High Flex" or "M Low Flex", there is just M Flex, and M Standard, and M Basic (unless I misunderstand the structure?) and M is expensive in terms of discounted fares. As far as I know it is the most expensive discounted fare available, so yes, M is expensive, regardless of Flex, Standard or Basic.

M has traditionally been a high category fare class, the expectations around flexibility and "refund-ability" go beyond how AC has manipulated their branding of the fares. Just like if I purchase a B fare, similarly, if I purchase a M fare I expect certain things; that's all I'm trying to point out here. Going back to my original point, the ability to earn AQM's is not equivalent to PQM's, for a 1K, or even as a SE flying on UA. Some people on this forum don't get to choose their fares for business, they are chosen for them. If you are in the unfortunate situation of having to purchase the lowest available fare, your earnings potential on AC is likely 50% less than UA in the North American market.