I should add the reasons I'm steamed about this:

1) The email from Ben Smith (i.e. the email from Air Canada) was disgracefully insulting.

2) I am more than self-loading cargo. Things have really improved at AC but there are still many times when I know that in AC's eyes, I am in fact self-loading cargo.

3) I'm really trying hard to spend my money on the Canadian corporation. But often it feels like AC doesn't care about my business. They're making it very easy for me to switch my spending to other carriers and that's exactly what I've started to do.

Hahaha.. Self Loading Cargo.. I love it!

Have a drink to forget, you'll feel better...:(

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Why is it the benefit's are alway compared to the US and other airlines?

Look at the state of those US airlines.

Just because another airline drops benefits why do AC fell they should follow?
Arr United dropped this benefit so we feel we can too booh hoo; hears a though AC how about you stand on your own and don't compare you benefits to other a create your own and make them BENIFITS the reason why customers stay or move over to AC!!!!

If your .....in AC E's are taking too much then raise the level so those that customers that actually bum in seat time of more than 50K miles a year with AC actually get a benefit.

As I said, most benifits now can be obtained for $499 with Amex and a couple of upgrade certs that will become harder or non cost effective to use once business picks us as I see the LMU's stealling all upgrade opportunity n the future.

Give bulkhead rows back to AC E's


Ohh hang on one of my three options for benefits this year as an elite will include a 2 voucher option for free bulkhead of T+ fares.

Great cant wait to use that on my business pass package, you spend 15K and don't even get a bulk head.

We are reading all the feedback in the thread and rest assured that we are currently looking at various options based on all the comments/emails we've received and will make adjustments to this program if necessary. All the comments are valued and much appreciated.

^ Willingness to take a second look based on our feedback is much appreciated,

+1

thanks ^

^ I'm glad AC is listening....

I hope you guys were monitoring the previously sticky thread as well.

Suggestions for Calin and his team

Much appreciated, Andrew. Thanks.

Most of my miles come from long haul flights. Some years I pay good money to sit up front, other years I bottom-feed and use SSWU.

I am happy to see that exit row seats are available for assignment. Of course I'd love to have them for free and to have others not be able to get them at all. But these seats do have value and I understand the desire of AC to maximize that value. The new SE benefit won't apply to me, but I like to see any increase in FF benefits. I am unlikely to be booking Latitude with any intention of actually sitting in Y, so the new E benefit is really no benefit.

I am not happy to see the availability of bulkhead seats being made to the general public, as that is a clear reduction in existing FF benefits. This reduction took place in the middle of a benefit year, which is very poor form.

I understand that some benefits are increased in the middle of a benefit year, which is always a nice bonus, but it is no argument for a reduction in any other area. If I felt calling you up and paying more for a ticket over and above the cheapest available price, you may like that, but it wouldn't justify my then taking 50 bags of chips outside the MLL and selling them to passersby.

None of this is not likely to cause me to boycott the airline, but I will continue as usual to check all airline options for every trip I make and compare the total costs and the total benefits. In many cases the decision really is a close one, and this reduction in benefits will not make me choose AC any more than I already do.

Do unto others as you would have done unto you..
 

Air Canada has been a fantastic airline to me both in the air and in the back-office. I will use them whenever I can because I love to bring out the best in people. They respond very well to people who like them. Westjet on the other hand is so busy trying to be cordial even to the biggest axxhole, they don't have time to treat me any differently than the rabble.

A former boss once told me "No matter why you are traveling, always wear nice trousers and a decent blazer". Why? "Every airline treats you so much better than the guys wearing jeans and a t-shirt". This also works with your mannerisms, personality, language and attitude. Always show up with your best game.

That's such a load of crap IMO.. I'm paying good money, everyone should be treated fairly.

To add on to what Andrew said, I received a second reply from AC on an e-mail that I sent them on this matter.

I am so very pleased to inform you that as a result of emails like yours, along with those of other Elite customers, our Marketing Team is looking at re-evaluating the policy. We thank you for your patience and I assure you that I will let you know the final outcome, as soon as we hear back from them.

I look forward to contacting you again soon.

^ to AC for listening!