Pros & Cons of Switching to UA/CO MP??
With potentially significant changes to the 2013 Top Tier qualification requirements, I have been looking at my anticipated travel plans for next year. More specifically I am looking at the likelihood of achieving 50K if this should become the new E qualification level.
One thing I immediately noticed when searching fares into 2012 was the presence of Tango fares on almost all routes along with increases to the cost of T+ fares. A quick check today now shows Tango fares ex-USA to Asia where before there was only T+. I am also seeing a few Tango fares to Europe ex-Canada. I suspect this will become standard in 2012 and beyond. The UA/CO MP program currently shows 100% earning on AC Tango Int'l fares. Switching to MP looks interesting when I consider the following: - 100% earning on AC Int'l Tango fares; - 100% earning on all UA/CO fare classes; and - 140K miles required for *A F redemption Asia. What does AP offer that UA/CO MP does not? Are mini-RTW redemptions on *A possible through MP in the same fashion as through AP? What are the chances MP and other *A FFPs will knock AC Tango fares down to 50% earning or less as we move into the new year?? The case to switch away from AP is building... Any advice?? |
Originally Posted by YOW_RTW
(Post 17646389)
One thing I immediately noticed when searching fares into 2012 was the presence of Tango fares on almost all routes along with increases to the cost of T+ fares. A quick check today now shows Tango fares ex-USA to Asia where before there was only T+. I am also seeing a few Tango fares to Europe ex-Canada. I suspect this will become standard in 2012 and beyond.
As long as the above remains true, the introduction of Tango fare simply gives you an option of spending less (and get fewer status miles - and no upgrades). |
Originally Posted by YOW_RTW
(Post 17646389)
What does AP offer that UA/CO MP does not?
I was E in 2010 and 2011, and I had successfully upgraded 4 YVR-PVG segments (from non-M T+), and 9 YVR-LHR segments (mostly from lat/B) during those two years. I think I'm doing pretty well with AC's program. |
From a mileage redemption perspective, the Mini-RTW offered by Aeroplan looks more appealing. Also you can search availability on AP, which is not fully ready on UA/CO's online system. Nonetheless, you can book through the phone.
From mileage accrual perspective, I cannot find any other Canadian credit cards other than AMEX that can accumulate UA/CO points. |
Originally Posted by global_happy_traveller
(Post 17647236)
From a mileage redemption perspective, the Mini-RTW offered by Aeroplan looks more appealing. Also you can search availability on AP, which is not fully ready on UA/CO's online system. Nonetheless, you can book through the phone.
From mileage accrual perspective, I cannot find any other Canadian credit cards other than AMEX that can accumulate UA/CO points. I agree on your latter point - that is the biggest pain in the .... If there was a credit card in Canada for MP - I wouldnt bother with Aeroplan at all. On your first point - really? mini-rtws are more appealing? They now cost hundreds of dollars.. you can get a mini-rtw (albeit with only 2 stops, one in Asia) on CO for 120k in J - but there are no routing restrictions. The only airlines missing online are now CA and LX. No change fees on awards is a big one as well - unlike Aeroplan and their $100+ change fee for even moving a flight half an hour earlier or later. One-way awards for half price - what a concept! |
now u got my ears opened with CO..... They got SQ online now?
Originally Posted by rankourabu
(Post 17647298)
I agree on your latter point - that is the biggest pain in the .... If there was a credit card in Canada for MP - I wouldnt bother with Aeroplan at all.
On your first point - really? mini-rtws are more appealing? They now cost hundreds of dollars.. you can get a mini-rtw (albeit with only 2 stops, one in Asia) on CO for 120k in J - but there are no routing restrictions. The only airlines missing online are now CA and LX. No change fees on awards is a big one as well - unlike Aeroplan and their $100+ change fee for even moving a flight half an hour earlier or later. One-way awards for half price - what a concept! |
Originally Posted by global_happy_traveller
(Post 17647310)
now u got my ears opened with CO..... They got SQ online now?
Although the good flights in J are blocked again - same as Aeroplan. Also, Air China is now online. Missing are Swiss, Croatia and Adria. For me, its a matter of I can do so much more with my CO miles than I can do with Aeroplan, its a no brainer. But my flying patterns avoid AC most of the time - and when they dont, I still get a nice 'prefered' seat on AC with UA status. |
Originally Posted by g46r
(Post 17647008)
This is true. However the T+ fare of the ex-USA are similar to AC's fare during same time period last year (SEA-PVG for example, which I fly about 4 times a year), while the Tango fare is about $200 less than T+. Last year all they had was T+.
As long as the above remains true, the introduction of Tango fare simply gives you an option of spending less (and get fewer status miles - and no upgrades). |
Originally Posted by rankourabu
(Post 17647333)
oui monsieur.
Although the good flights in J are blocked again - same as Aeroplan. Also, Air China is now online. Missing are Swiss, Croatia and Adria. For me, its a matter of I can do so much more with my CO miles than I can do with Aeroplan, its a no brainer. But my flying patterns avoid AC most of the time - and when they dont, I still get a nice 'prefered' seat on AC with UA status. |
I'm certainly not an expert on MP, but it is my understanding that the changes being introduced for 2012 have made Premier Gold (50K requirement) rather unattractive. Also, I think it is conceivable that they change the 100% earning on ex-North America Tango fares rule soon to match the 0% earning currently applicable to North American Tango fares.
Overall, I think all programs will continue to be devalued as more and more people join the ranks of status members. |
Originally Posted by g46r
(Post 17647008)
This is true. However the T+ fare of the ex-USA are similar to AC's fare during same time period last year (SEA-PVG for example, which I fly about 4 times a year), while the Tango fare is about $200 less than T+. Last year all they had was T+.
As long as the above remains true, the introduction of Tango fare simply gives you an option of spending less (and get fewer status miles - and no upgrades). |
Originally Posted by global_happy_traveller
(Post 17647236)
From mileage accrual perspective, I cannot find any other Canadian credit cards other than AMEX that can accumulate UA/CO points. I remember there was once an excellent chart someone had developed online comparing the *A programs. This is now pretty out of date; perhaps it's time to make a new chart to ensure myself that AP is the best option... |
Originally Posted by YOW_RTW
(Post 17648921)
I think this might be the biggest hindrance to switching. However, a quick look at Amex SPG shows that one can get a 1:1 conversion to LH M&M or SQ Kris, or slightly better than 1:1 when one includes the SPG 20K transfer bonus. Unfortunately UA/CO is 2:1 which is definitely of less value.
I remember there was once an excellent chart someone had developed online comparing the *A programs. This is now pretty out of date; perhaps it's time to make a new chart to ensure myself that AP is the best option... The only cons of switching to MP as I can see: Losing eupgrades on Air Canada - so if you fly lots of AC - that may be a problem No lounge on purely US domestic itineraries (Canada you still get it) Lack of credit card accumulation Bonus has been reduced to 50% for Gold, 75% for Platinum 50,000 Star Gold as opposed to the easier 35k in Aeroplan For me, its good to diversify, I let Aeroplan accumulate on CCs and credit all my flights go to MP. |
Since you have 6 months to submit a missing miles claim, why don't you sign up for MP if you don't need the miles right away, wait until AC announces the changes and then send the request for mileage credit to the program that works better for you (assuming AC provides the 2013 details before July 2012)?
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Originally Posted by AC888
I'm certainly not an expert on MP, but it is my understanding that the changes being introduced for 2012 have made Premier Gold (50K requirement) rather unattractive. Also, I think it is conceivable that they change the 100% earning on ex-North America Tango fares rule soon to match the 0% earning currently applicable to North American Tango fares.
Overall, I think all programs will continue to be devalued as more and more people join the ranks of status members. |
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