New 2012 Benefits Announced
Dec 17, 2011, 5:18 am
#152
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Posts: 38,186
So flying YOW-YYZ would be equal to flying YYZ-PVG?! Doesn't seem very rational.
Dec 17, 2011, 5:23 am
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
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Of course there are exceptions to every generality but this comes from those who designed the AC elite program itself and was the rationale for the 35K threshold for Elite (which varied from most other FF programs). Only a small percentage of SEs are primarily domestic or NAmerican fliers, the number having increased somewhat with the introduction of the flight passes a few years ago.
You have often repeated that, but I'm not sure it is true. Any commuter with an unlimited flight pass gets at least 10,000 status miles/month, more if it is a Latitude pass. I've got a western commuter unlimited pass and travel to Alberta from BC weekly. There are always a few SE's on the flights and I see the same people regularly. The ones I've spoken to seem all to have unlimited passes. While I've made a couple overseas trips, most of my travel has been NA.
I'm with those people who have mentioned the ridiculous reduction from 25,000 to 15,000 threshold miles at 150,000. How stingy is that?
People seem pretty happy that there are few perceived reductions in the program in 2012, but there have been big reductions. They just came during the 2011 year gradually. The worst in my opinion has been the virtual elimination of IKK for SE in executive class, particularly on overseas flights. I was really hoping that they were going to fix that with the 2012 program.
I'm with those people who have mentioned the ridiculous reduction from 25,000 to 15,000 threshold miles at 150,000. How stingy is that?
People seem pretty happy that there are few perceived reductions in the program in 2012, but there have been big reductions. They just came during the 2011 year gradually. The worst in my opinion has been the virtual elimination of IKK for SE in executive class, particularly on overseas flights. I was really hoping that they were going to fix that with the 2012 program.
Dec 17, 2011, 5:33 am
#155
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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It could be conceivable that AC is moving to standardize its mileage structure. I would be OK with a 50k requirement if they changed things as follows:
50% EQM on NA Tango fares to match the current Int'l earning structure.
100% EQM on Tango Plus fares
125% EQM on Latitude fares (and maybe discounted business)
150% EQM on Business fares
50% EQM on NA Tango fares to match the current Int'l earning structure.
100% EQM on Tango Plus fares
125% EQM on Latitude fares (and maybe discounted business)
150% EQM on Business fares
Dec 17, 2011, 5:36 am
#156
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Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Of course, at the redemption end (aside from new charges) awards have been reduced for an unspecified period, by almost 50% for premium classes. Get business award for economy price, first for business price. Perhaps this will be a new Top Tier benefit.
Dec 17, 2011, 5:42 am
#157
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I suspect AC has been monitoring upgrade use through the first year of this new program to determine how accurate their design model was versus the reality. Once it knows the actual patterns of use, we may see some modifications that allow a 12-month rolling lifespan.
Dec 17, 2011, 6:04 am
#158
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan SE AND 1MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum , L'Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,580
Because AC's liability would increase and their mathematical cost/benefit model would be thrown out of kilter. Like AE miles, AC upgrade credits will rely on a certain percentage of credits that will never get used. However, I do agree that it is now easier to assign a full 12-month lifespan to credits and this is how they should be issued, just as such credits in other programs are handled. My UA CR1s are good for the full 12-months no matter when they are earned. The rolling expiry is the way to go and AC's IT appears to permit this modification.
I suspect AC has been monitoring upgrade use through the first year of this new program to determine how accurate their design model was versus the reality. Once it knows the actual patterns of use, we may see some modifications that allow a 12-month rolling lifespan.
I suspect AC has been monitoring upgrade use through the first year of this new program to determine how accurate their design model was versus the reality. Once it knows the actual patterns of use, we may see some modifications that allow a 12-month rolling lifespan.
I am not sure of the US airlines model - what is their lifespan of their upgrade credits (or equivalent?)? If it has the 12 month model, then perhaps AC should introduce that model, to be competitive in the North American model.
What about the overseas model - what is the time period of upgrade credits (or equivalent)?
Dec 17, 2011, 6:18 am
#160
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: London
Posts: 1,251
Actually, these days NZ gives status points on all revenue fares when credited to their own programme. Their cheapest domestic fares do not earn Airpoints dollars - but they do earn status points. All international fares earn both.
Dec 17, 2011, 6:39 am
#161
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: WS Platinum, former AC E35K
Posts: 6,335
People here have been saying Elite is going to be raised to 50K for years, especially when Prestige was moved up to 25K in 2005. I doubt it will happen now since my guess is that the number of E's out there is lower than before the recession. They may need better numbers before they have this luxury.
Also, I don't see Elites as being the issue with MLL's, perhaps AC should stop selling/giving away lounge access to non FFer via CC's etc.
I must say it's nice being on the sidelines and not feeling gouged more and more each year.
Also, I don't see Elites as being the issue with MLL's, perhaps AC should stop selling/giving away lounge access to non FFer via CC's etc.
I must say it's nice being on the sidelines and not feeling gouged more and more each year.
Dec 17, 2011, 7:10 am
#162
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: FRA
Programs: AC SE 1MM, UA 1K, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Gold Elite, Hertz PC
Posts: 2,943
Dec 17, 2011, 7:53 am
#164
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 20,550
Need info please
Just like the mafia movie line "just when you think you are out, they pull you back in" , I learned last night that I have to do some serious domestic flying in the next year. (I lose Elite Feb 29 12)
Here are my questions:
Does early requalifcation to Elite status still exist?
(By June, I should have flown 35K.)
Will requalification to Elite be valid 2012 and 2013?
Thanks
Here are my questions:
Does early requalifcation to Elite status still exist?
(By June, I should have flown 35K.)
Will requalification to Elite be valid 2012 and 2013?
Thanks
Dec 17, 2011, 8:38 am
#165
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YEG
Programs: AC*E75
Posts: 885
Just like the mafia movie line "just when you think you are out, they pull you back in" , I learned last night that I have to do some serious domestic flying in the next year. (I lose Elite Feb 29 12)
Here are my questions:
Does early requalifcation to Elite status still exist?
(By June, I should have flown 35K.)
Will requalification to Elite be valid 2012 and 2013?
Thanks
Here are my questions:
Does early requalifcation to Elite status still exist?
(By June, I should have flown 35K.)
Will requalification to Elite be valid 2012 and 2013?
Thanks
I guess we wait and see.