Air Canada VIP Service
#227
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,321
should pop over 2MM in first half of 2018 and can't see 3MM (without a lot of advances in medicine) but one never knows. My mom was always trying to get me to sign up with Aeroplan back in the 1980s but I said I don't fly enough to bother. Glad I finally listened!
#228
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC*SE, Lifetime Bonvoy PP, Hilton D, National EE, Avis First
Posts: 673
I don't know about it being conferred to 'Senior Politicians', I've flown with PM Mulroney a few times, he doesn't have VIP, and he's 78... I think thats pretty Senior.
#230
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,401
Lets be accurate.
I have flown with Harper a couple times since he left office. I believe he gets VIP treatment but I think that was due to security arrangements not that he is AC VIP. He certainly didn’t have a luggage tag.
#231
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
Im going to assume that Harper along with the likes of Obama/Blair and any other precious heads of state, should they ever fly commercial with AC, would get preferential treatment even without a tag.
#232
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,426
I thought our SE4Life was being sarcastic about life vs status. Anyone with over 500k miles can check where they are at within Altitude.
Im going to assume that Harper along with the likes of Obama/Blair and any other precious heads of state, should they ever fly commercial with AC, would get preferential treatment even without a tag.
Im going to assume that Harper along with the likes of Obama/Blair and any other precious heads of state, should they ever fly commercial with AC, would get preferential treatment even without a tag.
I did attend a Clinton speech once at a company sponsored event. The company flew him on a private jet in addition to his fees. There was also a ton of secret service and other security folks incl RCMP/Peel police etc.
#233
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: YYZ
Programs: FOTSG Tangerine Ex E35k (AC)
Posts: 5,612
I do not think that Obama would be commercial, probably gets a charter plane of some sort.
I did attend a Clinton speech once at a company sponsored event. The company flew him on a private jet in addition to his fees. There was also a ton of secret service and other security folks incl RCMP/Peel police etc.
I did attend a Clinton speech once at a company sponsored event. The company flew him on a private jet in addition to his fees. There was also a ton of secret service and other security folks incl RCMP/Peel police etc.
Also been on a domestic flight with Kate Winslet before and she was clearly being afforded special privileges, last in first off etc.
#234
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Ice Cream Club, AC SE MM, Bonvoy Life Plat
Posts: 2,803
I tend to approach anyone (the pax) when it's clear they are AC VIP, just to have a friendly chat (6 so far). One VIP had a Tumi or Rowena (I forget now) hardshell carryon, with fabric pockets, and an AC roundel embroidered on it. I forget if it actually said VIP under it, but given he was willing to use it in travel, probably not. I did joke at one point that it was fancy, to which he quipped he couldn't find his regular bag so he quickly used this. I guess actual VIPs don't really want to advertise for their service providers or be confused for working for the taxi company?
What I remember distinctly, was the 2 hour conversation with the guy... one that started me in torn jeans and $2 white teeshirt asking "Do you work for Air Canada? You certainly are receiving a lot of attention..." as 2 concierges looked on... and later a business card handed to me end of flight while offloading...
I can confirm the VIPs I've chatted with do command some AC spend, but all 6 themselves do not fly enough (*A commercial flights) to be AC elite, possibly not even 25k (never really grilled them on this). I got the sense that "next flight out" is more important than "next flight that credits to some program". I imagine the other reason for VIP to exist is to provide some isolation between famous pax and plebes... Wouldn't want IRROPs owing to a herd harassing one pax for autographs and such. Boarding this pax last after the herd has boarded would minimize the disruption.
What I remember distinctly, was the 2 hour conversation with the guy... one that started me in torn jeans and $2 white teeshirt asking "Do you work for Air Canada? You certainly are receiving a lot of attention..." as 2 concierges looked on... and later a business card handed to me end of flight while offloading...
I can confirm the VIPs I've chatted with do command some AC spend, but all 6 themselves do not fly enough (*A commercial flights) to be AC elite, possibly not even 25k (never really grilled them on this). I got the sense that "next flight out" is more important than "next flight that credits to some program". I imagine the other reason for VIP to exist is to provide some isolation between famous pax and plebes... Wouldn't want IRROPs owing to a herd harassing one pax for autographs and such. Boarding this pax last after the herd has boarded would minimize the disruption.
#237
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: YVR
Programs: Ice Cream Club, AC SE MM, Bonvoy Life Plat
Posts: 2,803
Politicians are VIP on AC? Firstly, I don't recognize Canadian politicians, and secondly I didn't think they were actually "VIP", but rather just treated well by agents who recognize them. Isn't that just bribery? (I guess Canada ranks pretty low in fighting this, but still?)
#238
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: YYC
Posts: 4,035
Politicians are VIP on AC? Firstly, I don't recognize Canadian politicians, and secondly I didn't think they were actually "VIP", but rather just treated well by agents who recognize them. Isn't that just bribery? (I guess Canada ranks pretty low in fighting this, but still?)
#239
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: 44,331
Go buy a few last minute full J YYZ-SYD tickets.
You'll end up SE.
#240
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: AC MM E50 , Former SPG, now Marriott LT Plat
Posts: 6,263
I have seen politicians ( Olivia Chow, Jack Layton) and former Prime Minisiters ( Kim Campbell) in the back with no special attention at all.
I have been a seatmate to a sitting Ontario premier ( Mike Harris), no special treatment.
The only VIP I have flown with was Michael Sabia ( ex-BCE, current head of Caisse de Depot),
He got the concierge treatment on and off the plane.
I have been a seatmate to a sitting Ontario premier ( Mike Harris), no special treatment.
The only VIP I have flown with was Michael Sabia ( ex-BCE, current head of Caisse de Depot),
He got the concierge treatment on and off the plane.