Originally Posted by
nexusCFX
Really don't understand how people have these problems. Used one of my certs on LHR-YYZ, direct on AC next July, 55,600 points total. You can book SEA-TYO on ANA for 55k points, further airports for 75k which is in-line or better than mileage cost other *A programs.
I just took a stab at a random date next year, and there was business class space on NH107, 75k points.
If you're into last minute trips there's F space on LH455 both days this weekend. Almost has me wanting to go now that I see it. Not sure if you're able to use both certificates for one booking, 100k points. There's a whole bunch of UA and LH business class space too. If you're trying to get to Europe, SFO-FRA/MUC have plentiful space close-in.
The card can also generate 25K status forever for a pittance by (over)paying taxes every other year.
I sure wish there was some way for me to trade people 70k points for two 50k certs.
Yes but in your examples you have one originating from YYZ. I'm not in Canada, so to go from SFO-LHR, would require at least one stop (usually two) and that stop might be 5+ hours. I can get the same route nonstop on UA (via UA or another *A carrier) for less miles in the same class
Same thing for your SEA-TYO example. I'd have to layover in SEA, and probably again in YVR when I could go SFO-TYO non stop on UA or JAL (Not *A of course) or ANA . however whenever I search via AC, I get the worst routings, or terrible mixed itinerary where only 10% is in business class and the rest in economy.
Anything that is all in Business usually has multiple/long layovers or is nearly 2x the amount of miles required compared to other *A carriers (for the same routing/dates). Perhaps I'm just having bad luck in my searches but I've been looking at many different itineraries on varying dates and it's pretty much the same garbage. I'm upset with myself that I (and P2) got this card and wasted a 5/24 slot. Anyway, lesson learned. Next time I'll just go for the points, even if less face value than dealing with these ridiculous certificates. And I'll be avoiding Aeroplan once I burn these certs (which unfortunately seems like I will just have to force some crappy itinerary just to use them up).
Here's a great example: Searching for 1 pax, business class on 5/27/22 from SFO-BKK.
On UA's website there is SFO-NRT-BKK for 180k points in business class on ANA and only a 2 hour layover in NRT. I know, not great value, but illustrates my point
Same search on AC shows only ONE all business class flight for 460k points AND 2 layovers of 5+ hours each: SFO-YYZ (7 hour layover) - NRT (8 hour layover) - BKK.
any other flight has 2+ stopovers AND have at least one if not 2 legs in economy with point costs of 162k-204k.
This is the typical results I get with any search from AC. multiple stops, long layovers and nearly double to cost of other carriers in terms of points.