Nov 24, 2018, 10:33 pm
Last edit by: Adam Smith
New MM/2MM/3MM/*MM Members - Report your achievement in the roll call thread
Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime member Master Thread Wiki
*** For the time being, please post any wiki requests as a regular post and allow yyznomad to manage the wiki. Please and thank you.
JUMP TO THE FAQ
It is long overdue that this Million Miler master thread got a wiki. This thread was started by Catch, who first reported receiving his/her Million Miler kit from Air Canada.
Seeing how the same questions get asked repeatedly over the last eight years, I put together as much information as possible. Of course, the Million Miler program is a fluid beast and with newly minted Million Milers as we go along, this wiki will be updated to reflect such changes and program updates.
In the past, several former and extremely valuable contributors to the AC FT forum, as well as current contributors, have lobbied Air Canada for a Lifetime recognition program.
Beginning in 2010, this program came to fruition. As per Andrew Yiu, a former valued FT contributor (under a different handle) and now Air Canada Executive and a former FT AC lurker:
And without further adieu, the MM FAQ.
- yyznomad
======================================
Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q0: When did the Million Mile Lifetime program rollout?
Q1a: Where can I find my Million Miler Lifetime AQM total?
Q1b: Where can I find my historical Million Miler Lifetime AQM activity/flights?
Q2: Which types of AQM counts toward Million Miler Lifetime AQM?
Q3: What do I get when I reach Million Miler nirvana and when will I get my MM package?
Q4: What Privileges do I get as a Million Miler?
Q5: When I become a 2MMer, what is the process for gifting Lifetime status to another person?
Q6: How many Air Canada Million Mile members are there?
Q7: How do Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime members compare to other programs?
Q8: Does/can the front-line staff and crew have the ability to distinguish between a 1MM vs. 2MM vs. 3MM vs. etc?
Q9: What additional benefits does a Million Mile Lifetime member receive?
Q10: What are the PIL codes for MMers?
Q11: Which FTers are Million Mile Lifetime members?
Back to FAQ
Q0: When did the Million Mile Lifetime program rollout?
The program was quietly rolled out in 2010 at around the same time this thread was started. There was no press release. There was no blast to members. Only those who had achieved MM status based on the requirements were communicated with directly.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q1a: Where can I find my Million Miler Lifetime AQM total?
In your Altitude account (not Aeroplan), there is a special section labeled with a small "Million Mile Member" just underneath the "Priority Rewards Available" section.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q1b: Where can I find my Million Miler Lifetime AQM total?
When the program was launched in late 2010/early 2011, there was an email in which members could use to retrieve a list (Excel spreadsheet) of historical flights that went towards MM status.
This email is no longer in use by Air Canada. At this time, there is no officially known method in which an Altitude member can retrive a list of historical flights.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q2: Which types of AQM counts toward Million Miler Lifetime AQM?
From Air Canada:
In other words, you need to fly on Air Canada operated metal (Mainline, Rouge, regional affiliates, etc.) with fare classes that earn AQM including Class of Service Bonus (COS), where applicable, or purchase a UFP (Unlimited Flight Pass) which accrues monthly flat rate AQMs (varies depending on fare category of the UFP - typically 10,000 AQM/Flex/month, 15,000 AQM/Latitude/month, 20,000 AQM/Business/Month, etc.).
Anything else, including AQM promotional bonuses, other AQM bonuses, Benefit package AQMs as part of flight pass purchases, flying other airline metal on Air Canada 014 ticket stock, etc., do not qualify.
Those who had status with CP had their relevant miles grandfathered as Lifetime miles.
Please note that AQS/segments do not count towards Lifetime status. There is currently no AQD requirement for Lifetime status.
Having said that, this is no easy feat given the strict requirements.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q3: What do I get when I reach Million Miler nirvana and when will I get my MM package?
The Million Miler packages have changed over time.
Newly minted 1 Million Mile members typically get a scale model aircraft with the base engraved with your name along with the Million Miler designation. Prior to Dreamliners entering service with Air Canada, members received a model 777 aircraft. Since 2014/2015, new Million Mile members have received Air Canada Dreamliner models.
You will receive new luggage tags and a new member card reflecting the current status you are at (that is, no lower than E50K from that point onward) which include the Million Miles logo (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.).
Additional eUpgrade credits are given.
Some members, at different MM levels, have reported receiving in-person celebrations courtesy of Air Canada at the airport after arriving from a flight that brought them over an MM threshold, in-flight recognition from the SD regardless of cabin, surprise recognition and gifts in the MLLs, etc.
Two Million and Three Million+ Milers have also anecdotally received various gifts, which have varied over the years.
Gifts may include additional eUpgrade credits, a selection from a list of gifts that have included items such as Bose products, jewellery, gift cards with significant value, etc.
It is certainly exciting to become a Million Mile member!
The most recent information is courtesy of 24left:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30121386-post3296.html
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q4: What Privileges do I get as a Million Miler?
One Million Miles
Two Million Miles
Three Million Miles
Four Million Miles+
Five Million Miles
???
As of this initial wiki entry, there is only one known Five Million Miler.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ion-miler.html
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q5: When I become a 2MMer, what is the process for gifting E50K Lifetime status to another person?
In your Altitude account, there will eventually be a link that allows you to nominate your E50K Lifetime status beneficiary.
Your beneficiary must have an Aeroplan account as their name and Aeroplan number is required, along with requisite contact/address information.
Once submitted, they will receive their package within several weeks.
Please note that this is the one and only beneficiary you will pick as they will receive this status for life. Pick wisely!
Furthermore, if you become a Four Million Mile member, then your beneficiary gets a boost from E50K Lifetime up to E75 Lifetime.
Your beneficiary will then be listed under the Million Mile member program details:
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q6: How many Air Canada Million Mile members are there?
Air Canada has not officially published numbers on this.
Anecdotally, there is only one (1) Five Million Miler, John Segatti (this information is public, so don't get all wound up about publishing the member's name). This was achieved in December 2016.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ion-miler.html
The number of Four Million Milers is not known, although there will be one FT contributor who will reach this milestone shortly. This cohort would be definitely miniscule.
There is most likely no more than 50 Three Million Milers.
The number of Two Million Milers is unknown, although it is generally accepted, anecdotally, that it is much more rare than the ubiquitous One Million Miler.
The number of One Million Milers is anecdotally "large", but in the context of all members, this cohort is relatively small.
Here is a quote from @diddy; who did a somewhat reasonable Fermi estimate as of September 2018:
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q7: How do Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime members compare to other programs?
There are several members in the 10MM+ Lifetime range with several American carriers, for example. There is someone in the 17MM range.
So in perspective, Air Canada Million Mile members have a lot of catching up to do!
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q8: Does/can the front-line staff and crew have the ability to distinguish between a 1MM vs. 2MM vs. 3MM vs. etc?
It is possible that an AC employee may notice your MM tier off of your luggage tag, as this does happen from time to time. You might even be engaged in conversation with an AC employee who might inquire about which MM tier you are in.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q9: What additional benefits does a Million Mile Lifetime member receive?
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q10: What are the PIL codes for MMers?
(note that only two letters can appear after the *, so AC*SE is NOT AC*SEM but instead is AC*SM)
Sources:
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q11: Which FTers are Million Mile Lifetime members?
The current roll call thread can be found here.
Back to FAQ|
Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime member Master Thread Wiki
*** For the time being, please post any wiki requests as a regular post and allow yyznomad to manage the wiki. Please and thank you.
JUMP TO THE FAQ
It is long overdue that this Million Miler master thread got a wiki. This thread was started by Catch, who first reported receiving his/her Million Miler kit from Air Canada.
Seeing how the same questions get asked repeatedly over the last eight years, I put together as much information as possible. Of course, the Million Miler program is a fluid beast and with newly minted Million Milers as we go along, this wiki will be updated to reflect such changes and program updates.
In the past, several former and extremely valuable contributors to the AC FT forum, as well as current contributors, have lobbied Air Canada for a Lifetime recognition program.
Beginning in 2010, this program came to fruition. As per Andrew Yiu, a former valued FT contributor (under a different handle) and now Air Canada Executive and a former FT AC lurker:
As I had previously mentioned in the post on 2010 top tier benefits as well as during SE events, Air Canada will start recognizing customers who have demonstrated long term loyalty to Air Canada by flying significant amount of status miles on Air Canada operated flights including regional carriers such as Jazz since the inception of the Air Canada top tier program. Those who qualified for this program will be contacted directly by AC in the coming weeks as the mailing of the packages are not done in one batch; so if you didn't get anything yesterday, don't assume you didn't qualify. The number of members that qualified is extremely small relative to the overall membership base hence the details of the program are communicated directly with those who qualified and not communicated in a press release (as some of you have suggested). As for the core benefits of the program, the first post gave some pretty good description of it.
As to those who accused us of 'poor communication' 'embarassing communication day', members who qualified for this would have been contacted with a nicely presented package and again only very small group of customers qualified for this.
As to those who accused us of 'poor communication' 'embarassing communication day', members who qualified for this would have been contacted with a nicely presented package and again only very small group of customers qualified for this.
And without further adieu, the MM FAQ.
- yyznomad
======================================
Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q0: When did the Million Mile Lifetime program rollout?
Q1a: Where can I find my Million Miler Lifetime AQM total?
Q1b: Where can I find my historical Million Miler Lifetime AQM activity/flights?
Q2: Which types of AQM counts toward Million Miler Lifetime AQM?
Q3: What do I get when I reach Million Miler nirvana and when will I get my MM package?
Q4: What Privileges do I get as a Million Miler?
Q5: When I become a 2MMer, what is the process for gifting Lifetime status to another person?
Q6: How many Air Canada Million Mile members are there?
Q7: How do Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime members compare to other programs?
Q8: Does/can the front-line staff and crew have the ability to distinguish between a 1MM vs. 2MM vs. 3MM vs. etc?
Q9: What additional benefits does a Million Mile Lifetime member receive?
Q10: What are the PIL codes for MMers?
Q11: Which FTers are Million Mile Lifetime members?
Back to FAQ
Q0: When did the Million Mile Lifetime program rollout?
The program was quietly rolled out in 2010 at around the same time this thread was started. There was no press release. There was no blast to members. Only those who had achieved MM status based on the requirements were communicated with directly.
As I had previously mentioned in the post on 2010 top tier benefits as well as during SE events, Air Canada will start recognizing customers who have demonstrated long term loyalty to Air Canada by flying significant amount of status miles on Air Canada operated flights including regional carriers such as Jazz since the inception of the Air Canada top tier program. Those who qualified for this program will be contacted directly by AC in the coming weeks as the mailing of the packages are not done in one batch; so if you didn't get anything yesterday, don't assume you didn't qualify. The number of members that qualified is extremely small relative to the overall membership base hence the details of the program are communicated directly with those who qualified and not communicated in a press release (as some of you have suggested). As for the core benefits of the program, the first post gave some pretty good description of it.
As to those who accused us of 'poor communication' 'embarassing communication day', members who qualified for this would have been contacted with a nicely presented package and again only very small group of customers qualified for this.
As to those who accused us of 'poor communication' 'embarassing communication day', members who qualified for this would have been contacted with a nicely presented package and again only very small group of customers qualified for this.
Back to FAQ
Q1a: Where can I find my Million Miler Lifetime AQM total?
In your Altitude account (not Aeroplan), there is a special section labeled with a small "Million Mile Member" just underneath the "Priority Rewards Available" section.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q1b: Where can I find my Million Miler Lifetime AQM total?
When the program was launched in late 2010/early 2011, there was an email in which members could use to retrieve a list (Excel spreadsheet) of historical flights that went towards MM status.
This email is no longer in use by Air Canada. At this time, there is no officially known method in which an Altitude member can retrive a list of historical flights.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q2: Which types of AQM counts toward Million Miler Lifetime AQM?
From Air Canada:
Originally Posted by Air Canada Altitude
Fly more than one million Lifetime Altitude Qualifying Miles on eligible flights operated by Air Canada and you'll become part of this distinguished group. AQMs which are eligible for this program are those earned on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge and its regional affiliates (such as Air Canada Express) since 1988.
Additionally, AQMs earned as a bonus for purchasing Business Class fares, or in conjunction with the purchase of an Air Canada Unlimited Flight Pass, will count towards this program. Note that all other AQMs, including those earned for travel operated by the Star Alliance member airlines, do not qualify.
Additionally, AQMs earned as a bonus for purchasing Business Class fares, or in conjunction with the purchase of an Air Canada Unlimited Flight Pass, will count towards this program. Note that all other AQMs, including those earned for travel operated by the Star Alliance member airlines, do not qualify.
Anything else, including AQM promotional bonuses, other AQM bonuses, Benefit package AQMs as part of flight pass purchases, flying other airline metal on Air Canada 014 ticket stock, etc., do not qualify.
Those who had status with CP had their relevant miles grandfathered as Lifetime miles.
Please note that AQS/segments do not count towards Lifetime status. There is currently no AQD requirement for Lifetime status.
Having said that, this is no easy feat given the strict requirements.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q3: What do I get when I reach Million Miler nirvana and when will I get my MM package?
The Million Miler packages have changed over time.
- Once crossing over the 1MM threshold, you may receive an email acknowledging the achievement.
- Your Altitude page should reflect 1MM shortly thereafter (depends on sweeps but can be as fast as a week but YMMV)
- The MM package has been reported to be received approximately a few weeks following the MM threshold crossing, but again, YMMV.
Newly minted 1 Million Mile members typically get a scale model aircraft with the base engraved with your name along with the Million Miler designation. Prior to Dreamliners entering service with Air Canada, members received a model 777 aircraft. Since 2014/2015, new Million Mile members have received Air Canada Dreamliner models.
You will receive new luggage tags and a new member card reflecting the current status you are at (that is, no lower than E50K from that point onward) which include the Million Miles logo (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.).
Additional eUpgrade credits are given.
Some members, at different MM levels, have reported receiving in-person celebrations courtesy of Air Canada at the airport after arriving from a flight that brought them over an MM threshold, in-flight recognition from the SD regardless of cabin, surprise recognition and gifts in the MLLs, etc.
Two Million and Three Million+ Milers have also anecdotally received various gifts, which have varied over the years.
Gifts may include additional eUpgrade credits, a selection from a list of gifts that have included items such as Bose products, jewellery, gift cards with significant value, etc.
It is certainly exciting to become a Million Mile member!
The most recent information is courtesy of 24left:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30121386-post3296.html
Ooooooh, Fedex package arrived today........
Very exciting.
First thing you see inside the box
When you open the top, there is this
Then there is the multi-folded package. It has a very nice letter signed by Calin and Ben, along with these.
Yes, a huge thanks to my awesome friend @gabdusch who had the creative talents to make sure these cards had my "name"
Oooooooh
Ok, I'm excited now. It's Fin 801, the "first born". I flew her 4 years ago on my first ever flight to Tokyo HND.
Yes, I will take the time to assemble and let you all know how that worked out.
(sma)
.
Very exciting.
First thing you see inside the box
When you open the top, there is this
Then there is the multi-folded package. It has a very nice letter signed by Calin and Ben, along with these.
Yes, a huge thanks to my awesome friend @gabdusch who had the creative talents to make sure these cards had my "name"
Oooooooh
Ok, I'm excited now. It's Fin 801, the "first born". I flew her 4 years ago on my first ever flight to Tokyo HND.
Yes, I will take the time to assemble and let you all know how that worked out.
(sma)
.
Back to FAQ
Q4: What Privileges do I get as a Million Miler?
One Million Miles
Originally Posted by Air Canada Altitude
Your Altitude status will never fall below Elite 50K
Originally Posted by Air Canada Altitude
Your Altitude status will never fall below Elite75K, and that of a friend, will never fall below Elite 50K
Originally Posted by Air Canada Altitude
Your Altitude status will never fall below Super Elite 100K, and that of a friend will never fall below Elite 50K
Originally Posted by Air Canada Altitude
Once you reach Four Million Miles, your Altitude status will never fall below Super Elite100K. The status of your previously nominated friend will never fall below Elite 75K. Keep flying to receive greater, additional recognition.
???
As of this initial wiki entry, there is only one known Five Million Miler.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ion-miler.html
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q5: When I become a 2MMer, what is the process for gifting E50K Lifetime status to another person?
In your Altitude account, there will eventually be a link that allows you to nominate your E50K Lifetime status beneficiary.
Your beneficiary must have an Aeroplan account as their name and Aeroplan number is required, along with requisite contact/address information.
Once submitted, they will receive their package within several weeks.
Please note that this is the one and only beneficiary you will pick as they will receive this status for life. Pick wisely!
Furthermore, if you become a Four Million Mile member, then your beneficiary gets a boost from E50K Lifetime up to E75 Lifetime.
Your beneficiary will then be listed under the Million Mile member program details:
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q6: How many Air Canada Million Mile members are there?
Air Canada has not officially published numbers on this.
Anecdotally, there is only one (1) Five Million Miler, John Segatti (this information is public, so don't get all wound up about publishing the member's name). This was achieved in December 2016.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ion-miler.html
The number of Four Million Milers is not known, although there will be one FT contributor who will reach this milestone shortly. This cohort would be definitely miniscule.
There is most likely no more than 50 Three Million Milers.
The number of Two Million Milers is unknown, although it is generally accepted, anecdotally, that it is much more rare than the ubiquitous One Million Miler.
The number of One Million Milers is anecdotally "large", but in the context of all members, this cohort is relatively small.
Here is a quote from @diddy; who did a somewhat reasonable Fermi estimate as of September 2018:
These are always fun exercises. There has not been so far any way to know for sure. We can make a reasoned guesstimate, and I know this has been done on FT in the past. Including some who flame. Whatever. United forum did a MM roll-call thread in 2007 and came up with 300+ MM after 5 years of the thread (!) to 2012. It looks now like closer to double that in the posts since. I did not count. Based on this thread there are about 600+ 1MM. About 80 2MM and 20+3MM. Including one poor chap at 17MM. That is in a country with three major international carriers.
Assumptions:
1. A minority of these people would be on FT.
2. Those that are on don't always post. I am super guilty of this.
3. The AC and UA ratios are even remotely similar, given Canada's lower population but longer travel distances and only one major international carrier.
4. Other threads here have estimated / had apparent information from Andrew Yiu that there are about 10,000 SE's and 35,000 people with status below SE annually.
5. Based on my frequent AC travel and bag tag gazing. Full disclosure : I am a newly minted AC2MM.
Based on this I will put forth the following:
1MM ~ 1250
2MM ~ 150
3MM ~ 20
Consider pot re-stirred.
diddy
Assumptions:
1. A minority of these people would be on FT.
2. Those that are on don't always post. I am super guilty of this.
3. The AC and UA ratios are even remotely similar, given Canada's lower population but longer travel distances and only one major international carrier.
4. Other threads here have estimated / had apparent information from Andrew Yiu that there are about 10,000 SE's and 35,000 people with status below SE annually.
5. Based on my frequent AC travel and bag tag gazing. Full disclosure : I am a newly minted AC2MM.
Based on this I will put forth the following:
1MM ~ 1250
2MM ~ 150
3MM ~ 20
Consider pot re-stirred.
diddy
Back to FAQ
Q7: How do Air Canada Million Mile Lifetime members compare to other programs?
There are several members in the 10MM+ Lifetime range with several American carriers, for example. There is someone in the 17MM range.
So in perspective, Air Canada Million Mile members have a lot of catching up to do!
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q8: Does/can the front-line staff and crew have the ability to distinguish between a 1MM vs. 2MM vs. 3MM vs. etc?
- In short, no. The PIL only identifies a passenger as a "Million Miler", it does not distinguish between different MM tiers.
- When scanning your BP at the gate prior to boarding your flight, the screen will only identify to the agent that you are a Million Mile member, regardless of MM tier.
- The remarks section of your boarding pass simply shows "ACMM" regardless of MM tier.
- For eUpgrade priority, the system does not distinguish between MM tiers. A 1MM is a 2MM is a 3MM, etc. They are all "MM".
It is possible that an AC employee may notice your MM tier off of your luggage tag, as this does happen from time to time. You might even be engaged in conversation with an AC employee who might inquire about which MM tier you are in.
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q9: What additional benefits does a Million Mile Lifetime member receive?
- The "ACMM" designation under the Remarks section of your boarding pass (small) stub. Anecdotally, this will start appearing on your boarding pass approximately a few weeks after reaching the milestone.
Image courtesy of 24left
- Higher status priority for eUpgrades than non-MM counterparts (i.e. SE MM trumps SE, E50K MM trumps E50K, etc.)
- Higher onload list priority than non-MM counterparts as per above.
- Your MM status will be on the PIL. See Q10.
- Occasional recognition by the SD in J and sometimes in Y (typically this means that during J meal orders, they may acknowledge your MM status, and in Y, the SD may occsionally approach you mid-flight and thank you for your loyalty as a MMer)
- As a Super Elite MM, your are at the top of the meal order taking protocol ahead of non-MM SEs (notwithstanding VIPs)
Back to FAQ
Back to FAQ
Q10: What are the PIL codes for MMers?
- P25K shows as AC*P
- E35K shows as AC*F
- E50K shows as AC*E; E50K MM shows as AC*EM
- E75K shows as AC*D; E75K MM shows as AC*DM
- S100K shows as AC*SE; S100K MM shows as AC*SM
- VIP shows as AC*X; VIP MM shows as AC*XM
(note that only two letters can appear after the *, so AC*SE is NOT AC*SEM but instead is AC*SM)
Sources:
Back to FAQ
Q11: Which FTers are Million Mile Lifetime members?
The current roll call thread can be found here.
Back to FAQ|
Million Miles Recognition from AC
Apr 17, 2021, 12:52 pm
#3781
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: YWG
Programs: AC SE, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 188
Thanks for replying!
Apr 26, 2021, 1:12 pm
#3782
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,257
Jul 26, 2021, 5:52 pm
#3783
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 2
Cheapest way to 1 million miles?
Has anyone looked into the cheapest way to obtain 1 million miles? (Assuming a pre-COVID schedule)
I'm wondering what the minimum spend would be to 1 million miles. Maybe an Eastern Canada-Europe flight pass? Just go as far east as you can in Europe.
Any thoughts?
I'm wondering what the minimum spend would be to 1 million miles. Maybe an Eastern Canada-Europe flight pass? Just go as far east as you can in Europe.
Any thoughts?
Jul 26, 2021, 6:01 pm
#3784
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,437
I can't possibly imagine a flight pass would be the cheapest way.
It was pretty easy to book USA-Europe for $1500 USD round-trip in business a week ago, and sales like that would likely be best. I don't think Y would be very cost effective most of the time, because cheap Y only earns 50%, and 100% earning Y tends to be in the same ballpark as PY.
When there was an $800 MUC-SFO J round-trip mistake fare, I literally sat there booking weekend immediate turns until they pulled the fare, but those types of deals are pretty rare.
Realistically, I doubt you could do it for under $100k these days.
It was pretty easy to book USA-Europe for $1500 USD round-trip in business a week ago, and sales like that would likely be best. I don't think Y would be very cost effective most of the time, because cheap Y only earns 50%, and 100% earning Y tends to be in the same ballpark as PY.
When there was an $800 MUC-SFO J round-trip mistake fare, I literally sat there booking weekend immediate turns until they pulled the fare, but those types of deals are pretty rare.
Realistically, I doubt you could do it for under $100k these days.
Jul 26, 2021, 6:13 pm
#3785
Join Date: Jul 2021
Posts: 2
I can't possibly imagine a flight pass would be the cheapest way.
It was pretty easy to book USA-Europe for $1500 USD round-trip in business a week ago, and sales like that would likely be best. I don't think Y would be very cost effective most of the time, because cheap Y only earns 50%, and 100% earning Y tends to be in the same ballpark as PY.
When there was an $800 MUC-SFO J round-trip mistake fare, I literally sat there booking weekend immediate turns until they pulled the fare, but those types of deals are pretty rare.
Realistically, I doubt you could do it for under $100k these days.
It was pretty easy to book USA-Europe for $1500 USD round-trip in business a week ago, and sales like that would likely be best. I don't think Y would be very cost effective most of the time, because cheap Y only earns 50%, and 100% earning Y tends to be in the same ballpark as PY.
When there was an $800 MUC-SFO J round-trip mistake fare, I literally sat there booking weekend immediate turns until they pulled the fare, but those types of deals are pretty rare.
Realistically, I doubt you could do it for under $100k these days.
Jul 26, 2021, 7:00 pm
#3786
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2009
Location: FRA / YEG
Programs: AC Super Elite, Radisson Platinum, Accor Platinum
Posts: 11,874
Leaving aside error fares, it's quite hard to earn AC metal SQM at a cost lower than $0.07CAD/mile these days, which would translate to $70k to earn MM status.
PE (N) fares YYZ/YUL-TPE/HKG are probably among the fares with the best cpm, earning ~20000 SQM and costing $1300-$1700CAD a.i. r/t.
Occasionally, there are some reasonably priced PE fares ex-Europe that would also offer a <10cpm earning. (E.g. ATH-YYZ-YVR-LAX r/t in N for <$1500CAD a.i.)
PE (N) fares YYZ/YUL-TPE/HKG are probably among the fares with the best cpm, earning ~20000 SQM and costing $1300-$1700CAD a.i. r/t.
Occasionally, there are some reasonably priced PE fares ex-Europe that would also offer a <10cpm earning. (E.g. ATH-YYZ-YVR-LAX r/t in N for <$1500CAD a.i.)
Aug 12, 2021, 11:45 am
#3787
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,257
For a regular FP, you'd have to purchase and actually use up each credit. This is time and money.
For a UFP, it's at best zero time but money.
For carefully planned a la carte bookings, this is time (for researching/booking/jumping onto sales/etc., and the actual flying) and less money if planned out.
Aug 14, 2021, 7:20 pm
#3788
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, BW Diamond Select
Posts: 708
I think it would be fun if several AC FTers can hit an MM milestone on the same flight. Im about 5-7 years away realistically, so early days yet for me (610k by years end, hopefully). I have only really started flying frequently since 2013.
My other question for all the MMers is: did you book a special flight to hit a particular milestone, or did you simply make a booking you would flown otherwise?
My other question for all the MMers is: did you book a special flight to hit a particular milestone, or did you simply make a booking you would flown otherwise?
Aug 14, 2021, 7:41 pm
#3789
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,437
I think it would be fun if several AC FTers can hit an MM milestone on the same flight. Im about 5-7 years away realistically, so early days yet for me (610k by years end, hopefully). I have only really started flying frequently since 2013.
My other question for all the MMers is: did you book a special flight to hit a particular milestone, or did you simply make a booking you would flown otherwise?
My other question for all the MMers is: did you book a special flight to hit a particular milestone, or did you simply make a booking you would flown otherwise?
I was trying to do something with @D582 since we were within a couple thousand of each other but it didn't work out.
Aug 14, 2021, 8:27 pm
#3790
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: Aeroplan E50/MM, HH gold, Nat Exec Elite, Kimpton Karma
Posts: 2,359
Crossed the threshold on a flight I was doing anyway. The person in front of me also crossed. Business flight for him. I didn’t know him prior to the flight but the SD “connected”us and we had a pleasant chat.
Aug 14, 2021, 9:23 pm
#3791
Moderator, Air Canada; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE MM, FB Plat, WS Plat, BA Silver, DL GM, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Accor Silver
Posts: 16,827
I have only really started flying frequently since 2013.
Aug 14, 2021, 10:47 pm
#3792
Join Date: Feb 2020
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, BW Diamond Select
Posts: 708
Okay, @Adam Smith and @canadiancow, I'll stop flying these domestic Flex city pairings and fry bigger fish once things settle down overseas.
Aug 15, 2021, 12:04 am
#3793
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,437
Okay, @Adam Smith and @canadiancow, I'll stop flying these domestic Flex city pairings and fry bigger fish once things settle down overseas.
Aug 16, 2021, 10:23 am
#3794
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,257
I think it would be fun if several AC FTers can hit an MM milestone on the same flight. Im about 5-7 years away realistically, so early days yet for me (610k by years end, hopefully). I have only really started flying frequently since 2013.
My other question for all the MMers is: did you book a special flight to hit a particular milestone, or did you simply make a booking you would flown otherwise?
My other question for all the MMers is: did you book a special flight to hit a particular milestone, or did you simply make a booking you would flown otherwise?
I passed 2MM on a regularly flown TATL flight that I used to do.
Aug 16, 2021, 11:08 am
#3795
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,687
A reasonably cheap (and comfortable) way was to fly from an eastern Canadian gateway via YVR to TPE booking in PE . You could often get fares in $1,200 to $1,500 range and earn roughly 20,000 SQM per round trip. So one round trip a week for a year would get you to MM for under $75,000. Sadly AC is not currently flying to TPE. PEK and PVG were also often very reasonable.