Elite or Super Elite

[QUOTE=Clipper801...........

Mindful IKK is available on AC operated flights only.[/QUOTE]


Most important reminder^

Irrespective of all the posts I do have very blunt suggestions since you don't fly much:

Get SE this year. Use up your points for the big trip next year. Enjoy the ancillary benefits and don't push yourself to requalify every year

Beware. That's how I started. Therein lies the path to dromomania.

That is what I am leaning towards, just not 100% sure, as it still seems to me there is very little difference between E and SE, its almost as if AC is missing a level, maybe they should have SSE (super super elite) or something at 150K miles for example, and then if you maintain that status for example 5 years you get lifetime status

And at the SSE level that you actually get some benfits like being able to use certs on any fare, maybe a free trip with AC Vacations on your 1st year aniversity or something like that.

Just seems like there is not really any incentive to get SE as there is hardly any difference, I wish they had something to challenge myself to achive.

For me, there are two very big differences. The concierges and (pseudo-)IKK. The concierges have helped me out on several occasions, but if you don't travel a lot they won't be very useful. But then, if you don't travel a lot you won't be SE anyways. Even in its new restricted incarnation the IKK is a great benefit. Just yesterday I booked a YYZ-OGG for my son and myself for next week with a stopover in YYC on the return. I was able to get all the flights in business class although availability on the YYZ-YVR leg was restricted due to the new IKK capacity controls so I've got an extra couple of hours in Vancouver on the way out. Other than that, I was able to get exactly the flights I wanted. 120,000 points in total + approx $400 including the booking fee. Try that as an Elite. I've also booked flights for my wife to YYT and my other son to LHR this month both on fairly short notice and on specific flights to coincide with my revenue bookings. IKK is the single biggest benefit to me of being SE.

So with IKK, is it still best idea to book as far away as possible? IE if I want to goto Bali in June 2011, I should book 330 days before? Or with IKK I can do it in Feb 2011 and its the same number of miles?

Duane

It's the same number of miles. But IKK only benefits you for Air Canada flights (and as far as I know they don't fly to Bali) so you'll be limited by the availability on the *A partner flights. I'd book as soon as you're sure of your dates.

Definitely, since IKK (as mentioned above) is only valid on Air Canada metal. Air Canada doesn't fly all the way to Bali. You will need to fly to HKG or another Air Canada gateway city in Asia, and then take 1 or 2 more flights on another Star Alliance airline like Singapore Airlines. Even if you are SE, IKK will not help you get seats on those other airline flights.

To earn 150K a year you'd have no time for a free trip with AC Vacations, and you'd be on the company dime likely flying fares that are either in Exec or upgradeable without a cert (on a Latitude pass domestically), or confirmable at time of booking. You'd certainly not be flying T+ fares... Plus you'd be earning 300K redeemable miles and never have time to use them for flights. (There are already a number of SuperSuperElite awards at the 200K and 250K mark, and the top FFer each year got a year's lease on a Merc or BMW, after having received a shopping spree at Harry Rosen's.)

As another poster mentioned, you really, REALLY, REALLY need to read the IKK thread. You are completely missing the point of the IKK benefit. But here's an example that might clear it up...

If you were Super Elite, and decided that you wanted to fly from Vancouver to Sydney, AU tonight (as in the flight departs in less than 6 hours) you could book a business class (i.e. sleeper) seat right now, for no extra points.

The point is not booking as early as possible, but being able to book at the very last minute.

Thanks, I did read the thread and I think I understand IKK, is there anything higher then SE? Some secret invite only club, that you need to make so many miles to get in? Something to shoot for?

Like Clooney got the card from captian in upintheair, I think they said it was the 8th card in the world

I enjoy flying and traveling, but wish there were more to SE then IKK and some more certs.

The difference between E and SE is more than just more certs and IKK (although both are great on their own). 50% more tier bonus miles, concierge, SE line, selection of preferred seats on T+ fares, use of SE check-in line at airports such as YVR and unofficial perks such as more frequent up-ops, etc.

Last year I did not fly enough to requalify for SE, and this year I'll be lucky to get E again. I've already noticed a difference calling in (and not using the SE line, notwithstanding recent phone line problems). The big thing I miss is IKK as I've already tried booking reward flights and had very limited (or in some cases no) options.

SE is great, and IMHO much better than Elite. That being said, it is only worth it if you'll use the perks. It is highly unlikely that I'd go for 45k worth of mileage runs simply to reach that status level again.

If you did pure MR at $.035/point (on the high side probably), your spending $1575 on SE. That would also probably be around 90 hours of flight time give or take in Y.

Only you can answer if 90hours in Y on a MR is worth the benefits you get...

ehhhhhhh I didn't notice SE could be obtained that inexpensively. Perhaps I'm failing my race, but I'm not seeing how 3.5cpm implies $1575 for SE, may I ask you to show me how you did that calculation? (3.5cpm x 100,000mi looks more like $3500 to me?)

edit: FML i fail at reading comprehension

The OP needs 45K more miles to become SE. So 3.5cpm x 45000mi is $1575.@:-)