Bloody Hell!
AMEX better improve their package to keep loyal card-members. I am not about to "drop" into an AMEX travel agency in Canada to book a ticket at 50% off with points redemption (at an outragous rate as well). I have 100K of AMEX points, I use this card everywhere in China and elsewhere. Although my card is registered as a "Canadian Card" it is essentially a global card as my statements are sent to China directly but billed in Canadian Dollars rather than US or RMB. This "package" does not help me at all.

I think my only use now is to transfer the miles to Continental and take a few flights to Guam, Palau and Micronesia on Air Mike.

AMEX has affiliated programs with airlines all over the world, I don't understand why they cannot extend those flexibilities to us. Check out below to see what other members around the world get and you can only come to the conclusion that either Canadians are indeed a passive lot or Canadian cardmembers are getting screwed!(maybe both??)

In Australia, the Aussies can redeem on Air New Zealand (Star Alliance), Qantas (OneWorld) and Malaysian (WorldPerks).

The Brits, Germans get Alitalia, Air France, Co, Delta, Iberia, Qualifer and Virgin. http://home3.americanexpress.com/uk/...lines_body.asp

The Argentinians get Swissair,Air France, Varig and Australian Airlines (I think the latter is a typo and should read Austrian Airlines but you never know anymore)http://home3.americanexpress.com/argentina/Personal/Cards/rewards/rewards_travel.asp

The Yanks get a beautiful selection: Aeromexico, Co, Delta, El Al, Hawaiian, Korean, Mexicana, Southwest, TWA, US Air, Virgin and even LATINPASS.Plus Hiltonhonors, priority club,best western, marriott and starwood. http://home3.americanexpress.com/Rew...ch_partner.asp

I can't get access to Singaporean, Taiwanese or Hong Konger sites while I am physically in China but I am sure their selection has got to be better than Canada.

I have fired off my email to AMEX Canada. I am hoping for some sort of reply. It will take an increase in Airline partners and the elimination of redemption mile charges to keep me in this program. Otherwise it will be time to re-activate my CIBC Visa card.