Super Elite vs. Elite
Jan 16, 2001, 1:27 pm
#2
Company Representative - Air Canada
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
As of this minute... (Not sure of what the benefits are yet for benefit year 2001):
- Upgrades confirmable at time of booking from Y,M,B,H,V,T fares for both domestic and international.
- Blackout dates waived for award travel for you and a travel companion.
- 24/7 Exclusive SE desk
- Concierge service
- Gurantee seat if booked 6 hrs prior to departure even if flight is overbooked.
- 4 bags checkin allowance
- Free upgrade to next category room at Fairmount hotels.
Those are the major ones off my head and I think they are the major benefits of being a SE.
- Upgrades confirmable at time of booking from Y,M,B,H,V,T fares for both domestic and international.
- Blackout dates waived for award travel for you and a travel companion.
- 24/7 Exclusive SE desk
- Concierge service
- Gurantee seat if booked 6 hrs prior to departure even if flight is overbooked.
- 4 bags checkin allowance
- Free upgrade to next category room at Fairmount hotels.
Those are the major ones off my head and I think they are the major benefits of being a SE.
Jan 16, 2001, 1:37 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 20,550
Luch: You have just made a quantum leap. The generous upgrade opportunities, both domestically and internationally, are the envy of us Elites. 
You have earned it; enjoy it ! Welcome to the board !
[This message has been edited by airbus320 (edited 01-16-2001).]
You have earned it; enjoy it ! Welcome to the board ![This message has been edited by airbus320 (edited 01-16-2001).]
Jan 16, 2001, 2:21 pm
#4
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,331
Go to http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum5/HTML/000435.html for a full description of the benefits in 2000 (we have to wait a few weeks for 2001.
Also check out the STar Alliance Comparison Chart to see comparisons across the other Star carriers.
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BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart 2000: http://members.home.net/deercroft/starall00.html
Dorian's Star Alliance RTW Price Chart: http://www.informationlab.com/rtw.htm
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel recommendations: http://www.flyersplaces.com
Also check out the STar Alliance Comparison Chart to see comparisons across the other Star carriers.
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------------------
BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart 2000: http://members.home.net/deercroft/starall00.html
Dorian's Star Alliance RTW Price Chart: http://www.informationlab.com/rtw.htm
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel recommendations: http://www.flyersplaces.com
Jan 16, 2001, 8:57 pm
#5
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: YYZ, YYJ, ZRH
Programs: AC MM
Posts: 430
Based on experience (being SE for the last 2 years), I would say the benefits are as follows:
1) Phone gets answered on the first ring when you call to make reservations.
2) Phone gets answered on the first ring whe you call to claim Aeroplan awards.
3) You are able to get exactly the flights/dates/times you want when you are claiming Aeroplan rewards (there is probably some fine print somewhere, but I have always been given exactly what I want).
4) You may use the MLL whenever you wish, regardless of what fare you are travelling on (heck, you can even use it if you are not travelling).
5) The airline gives you lots of upgrade certificates, and lots of additional bonus aeroplan points.
To me, these are the main advantages.
1) Phone gets answered on the first ring when you call to make reservations.
2) Phone gets answered on the first ring whe you call to claim Aeroplan awards.
3) You are able to get exactly the flights/dates/times you want when you are claiming Aeroplan rewards (there is probably some fine print somewhere, but I have always been given exactly what I want).
4) You may use the MLL whenever you wish, regardless of what fare you are travelling on (heck, you can even use it if you are not travelling).
5) The airline gives you lots of upgrade certificates, and lots of additional bonus aeroplan points.
To me, these are the main advantages.
Jan 16, 2001, 9:11 pm
#6
Company Representative - Air Canada
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
3) You are able to get exactly the flights/dates/times you want when you are claiming Aeroplan rewards (there is probably some fine print somewhere, but I have always been given exactly what I want).
As a SE, as long as there are seats in the class that you want, they will give it to you, in another words, not controlled by D and W inventory. Even if the SE is not the one travelling, they will usually do the best (which mean you'll get the dates and time you want...!) to get your request! This is a real benefit to me, second on my list after upgrades!
As a SE, as long as there are seats in the class that you want, they will give it to you, in another words, not controlled by D and W inventory. Even if the SE is not the one travelling, they will usually do the best (which mean you'll get the dates and time you want...!) to get your request! This is a real benefit to me, second on my list after upgrades!
Jan 17, 2001, 6:23 pm
#7
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: AC*SE; AC 2MM; Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 621
Just a few observations as one who flip-flops between SE and Elite status from year to year. (2001 = Super Elite)
The 'hard' differences are pretty much as itemized above.
I just have one comment about the SE desk. It's true that the call does get answered on the first ring and you can pretty much get what you need in terms of flights, upgrades & freeing up inventory etc.
However, in terms of grace, and a demonstrating a real desire to deliver outstanding customer service, I find the desk lacking. While of course I'm generalizing (I have spoken to a few great folks at the desk) I get the feeling that most are going thru the motions only. The service is provided but not cheerfully so.
The subtlety of what I'm trying to describe is difficult but I think you probably get the general idea.
I'm curious to see if other SE members get a similar 'vibe'.
The 'hard' differences are pretty much as itemized above.
I just have one comment about the SE desk. It's true that the call does get answered on the first ring and you can pretty much get what you need in terms of flights, upgrades & freeing up inventory etc.
However, in terms of grace, and a demonstrating a real desire to deliver outstanding customer service, I find the desk lacking. While of course I'm generalizing (I have spoken to a few great folks at the desk) I get the feeling that most are going thru the motions only. The service is provided but not cheerfully so.
The subtlety of what I'm trying to describe is difficult but I think you probably get the general idea.
I'm curious to see if other SE members get a similar 'vibe'.
Jan 17, 2001, 6:56 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 99
Vasbyte:
I gotta agree with you re the general impression of SE desk "attitude": my experiences over the past 2 weeks has only reinforced my initial impression that I wasn't getting much more than a perfunctory response. When I would attempt to further explain my situation, I would more often than not receive an clipped repeat of the previous reply. This hardly contributed to a meaningful dialogue, or achieving a solution. I have also received blatant mis-information by at least 3 agents. I would therefore recommend speaking directly with a Supervisor to ensure any unresolved issues are attended to promptly.
I really don't enjoy voicing my opinion on this, as I would much prefer to not have to feel the need to comment...
I gotta agree with you re the general impression of SE desk "attitude": my experiences over the past 2 weeks has only reinforced my initial impression that I wasn't getting much more than a perfunctory response. When I would attempt to further explain my situation, I would more often than not receive an clipped repeat of the previous reply. This hardly contributed to a meaningful dialogue, or achieving a solution. I have also received blatant mis-information by at least 3 agents. I would therefore recommend speaking directly with a Supervisor to ensure any unresolved issues are attended to promptly.
I really don't enjoy voicing my opinion on this, as I would much prefer to not have to feel the need to comment...
Jan 17, 2001, 6:58 pm
#9
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: YYT
Programs: AC SE 3MM, Bonvoy LTE, Accor Diamond, Amex Centurion
Posts: 365
I get similar 'vibes' from the SE desk - the level of service varies from person to person. In comparison, I always received a consistent level of "if it is possible consider it done" service from the EP desk.
Jan 17, 2001, 7:22 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: AC*SE; AC 2MM; Marriott Platinum Elite
Posts: 621
Wow ... this is very interesting and perhaps worthy of its own thread. I thought it was only 'me' picking up this vibe but perhaps others feel it too?
Your thoughts??
Your thoughts??
Jan 17, 2001, 9:18 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
What you are experiencing with the SE desk may come from the fact that I believe it is now being handled by former CP res and Cdn+ agents who have only recently become familiar with AC and Aeroplan. The original Montreal Centre may by now have been closed down and fun ctions transferred to Vancouver. There is also grievance from the union about the reassignment of former CP staff who are unhappy with these new jobs at the Aeroplan Centre. [Aeroplan is a subsidiary of AC now, not a branch of the marketing department as it has been. This has also affected some conditions of employment which brought about this dissent.]
Not sure how smart a move this was. Although there were many very good Cdn+ ExecPlat reps in Vancouver, it is unclear if they are now staffing the SE desk.
Not sure how smart a move this was. Although there were many very good Cdn+ ExecPlat reps in Vancouver, it is unclear if they are now staffing the SE desk.
Jan 18, 2001, 4:15 am
#12
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: YVR
Programs: AE
Posts: 863
SE is not being handled by ex-EP agents in YVR. YVR is is taking only Basic, Prestige and Elite phone calls. They also have a credit department in YVR which is handling some of the English customer mail.
The S/E desk is still in YUL, and as far as I have heard, will remain in YUL. I am not currently aware of any ex-CP agents at that desk at this time, but that is not a confirmation that none are there.
The S/E desk is still in YUL, and as far as I have heard, will remain in YUL. I am not currently aware of any ex-CP agents at that desk at this time, but that is not a confirmation that none are there.
Jan 18, 2001, 1:52 pm
#15
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat HyattD AMEXCenturion SerenaPlat TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,963
I was also told CP is now handling the SE desk.
Also, keep in mind...during heavy call volumes to the SE desk...SE calls get shuffled to the regular desk.
Dorian
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flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel recommendations: http://www.flyersplaces.com
Dorian's Star Alliance RTW Price Chart: http://www.informationlab.com/rtw.htm
Blondebomber's Star Alliance Comparison Chart: http://members.home.net/deercroft/starall00.html
Also, keep in mind...during heavy call volumes to the SE desk...SE calls get shuffled to the regular desk.
Dorian
------------------
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel recommendations: http://www.flyersplaces.com
Dorian's Star Alliance RTW Price Chart: http://www.informationlab.com/rtw.htm
Blondebomber's Star Alliance Comparison Chart: http://members.home.net/deercroft/starall00.html