Elite or Super Elite

Myself, wife, one child

When I have traveled before as Elite, I found it useful checking in at executive, allowed heavier bags, the priority bag tags, althought of the times we used them I think it worked only once.

I haven't flown on points yet, been saving them for a big trip in 2011

I just don't see much more advantage to SE over E, I would think for 100K miles that SE should get something really special that makes it worth while to achive it, but for a few more certs and 7 days upgrade instead of 4 days, I don't think is enough to justify the 55K miles needed.

I don't know anything about IKK, Is there a sticky or somehting that explains what IKK is and what its benfits are?


Duane

If IKK and concierge are not valuable to you, I think you have your answer on whether to stretch to SE.

IKK - See the must-read threads at the top of the forum. If you are a business traveller, and you would like your spouse to travel with you in business class, this lets you immediately purchase the J fare using miles, without having to book 11 months in advance. A HUGE benefit for road warriors who travel to desirable destinations.

Concierge - Everything from schedule changes to seat assignments, these people make things happen (or so I've heard...)

7 day window vs 4 days (and day of departure priority) - Try using a SSWU as an SE versus an E on SYD/EZE routes, and see what difference it makes

Black card vs Brownish/Gold card - The deciding factor!

So if I was looking to make a reward booking in June 2011, if I had SE I could do it now? and wouldn't have to wait until 330 days?

No..the implication was that you could book it in May 2011 when regular award availability would be long gone.

Yes, that's what I meant...

Today, Random_SE_Roadwarrior finds out that there is a conference in Paris that he must attend during the first week of June. Since his hotel and J class ticket are paid for by his company, he figures that it would be a great idea to have his partner with him that week. Only catch is that if he tried to call Aeroplan for a J class reward ticket (using the 100% bonus miles he earned for his 100K+ miles of travel), there would be no chance of finding availability given the 2 J tickets per flight quota.

Hence, the value of this benefit to SE flyers...

But if its gone, how can you book it? I thought there were only a preset number of reward seats available on flights? Or are they giving you a paid seat as a reward seat?

Yes, for I class, subject to "capacity control", they will "create" a seat for you even if there is no classic award seat available. For X class, there is no capacity control but the flight must not be oversold. You have similar benefit for X class as an E but you must pay double the required points. No premium for SE.

It is very difficult to find 3 I seats on most flights. IKK is very handy if you're planning a vacation with your spouse and child, all on points.

Mindful IKK is available on AC operated flights only.

You really need to read this FAQ thread to understand this.@:-)

You could always add your GF as a designated "spousal equivalent". My wife has a different last name than mine and when I added her there wasn't any effort made to verify our status. You can only change her once a year though.

The SE benefits were increased for 2010, compared to 2009 (see link: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...r-program.html).

It is possible that the SE benefits for 2011 may further be increased, compared to 2010 benefits - esp with Westjet introducing a nascent frequent flyer plan. With competition, as was the case in the CP days, or as is the case in USA with many carriers, a frequent flyer benefits for all tier members, tend to be greater, than if there is no competition (as has been the case with Aeroplan for the last several years). So the question of whether to do a MR this year, for the benefits of SE next year; that question can not be fully answered, until perhaps Dec of this year, when we know such benefits. You should decide that if the SE benefits do not change from 2010 to 2011, is it worth flying sufficiently to obtain 45,000 status Aeroplan miles.

Can we please have one thread without a UA plug or an AC put down? I don't recall anyone asking for a UA comparison.

To the OP,

IMO, a 45K mileage run isn't worth it. Reason being is that you didn't mention you'd be within spitting range of SE next year.

So, if we assume you'd hit about 50K miles next year, a 100% AC bonus (assuming ALL flights on AC metal) is only worth about 25K points.

Even if you have 600K points to blow, you'd pretty much have to force yourself to spend that much within 2 years. (Assuming you book an IKK flight the 1st year of SE and another IKK flight at the end of your SE year.)

With a wife and kid, that much bum-in-metal time would probably be better spent with your family and the cash in your wallet (IMHO). ^

In 2011, it would most likely be a challenge to just get Elite as I am planning some trips in 2011 to use reward miles.

This year will be the closest I have been to SE, that is why I am trying to figure out if its worth it to do a couple MR's and hit SE.

If you have no intention of flying transcon at least once every month, or crossing an ocean every other month, or shuttling between YVR and YYC or YUL and YYZ every week, then forget trying to get to SE even though it could be quite valuable to any AE member. As the old adage goes: "If you have to ask, you probably can't afford it, and wouldn't appreciate it."

+1 ^