Shareholder,

No you can't blame the travel agencies (which was not my intention), but since I got over 100,000K in membership rewards points, I will have to deal with AMEX travel agency according to the news release (unless I want 16 dinner for two's at the KEG!!:> ). The point is, it still will be coming from my pocket, so I am not fully impressed with the solution. Better than nothing I suppose, but still, I will have to pay for that service whereas with an award ticket, it was free. Since I will only be able to get up to 50% off, two tickets to Vancouver from YYZ would cost me on the lowest fare (probably around $450, IF LUCKY). So that would cost me $500 (assuming two tickets purchased), + $50.00 service charge, + 20,000 membership rewards points. And no changes will be permitted on the ticket. I would much have preferred to pay 50,000 points, and not have it cost me a penny, and be more flexible with my travel plans.

Oh well, live and learn... I guess I am more P.O.'ed because I was going to transfer all my points before the end of this months because of that 3,500 surcharge. CIBC Aerogold, here I come.

By the way, I talked with a customer service rep. and apparently they do not know whether the Companion Ticket will be honoured or not. Not looking good though because she told me it was in the same contract as the Membership Rewards points transfer, that was deemed null and void (even though signed until 2002). At least I already booked my companion ticket travel (but don't travel to May, so I hope they honour that ticket!)