Originally Posted by BigDaddyTL

As an SE, as you said, this doesn't really impact you. For me, every single flight matters for status. I've already booked 2 flights on AC Metal in January that I could have just as easily used on another airline for status with *them*.

So they did *not* give enough advance notice. Period. I've basically been screwed out of >10k precious status miles towards another program of my choosing.

Originally Posted by AskTravis

love these changes - I've been complaining for years that my flying above 35k (last four years - 74k, 102k, 58k, 85k) has been a waste of time, but now it will be rewarded - good move by AC.

I do truly feel there should be a difference between the 75k and the 35k flyer, and this accurately reflects that.... 35k has always been too low in my mind

Originally Posted by Mauricio23

I am a 40,000 miler, and most of those miles are earned flying internationally. People like me are those who lose the most. No more *G priority boarding, no more *G priority baggage, no more *G lounge access (unless you give up your firstborn, probably -that's what Air Canada typically means by a "select privilege"), no more upgrades. This, combined with the recent devaluations in redemption levels and scamcharges on redemptions most likely spells the end of my relationship with Air Canada/Aeroplan. A combination of crediting to Aegean and switching rewards credit cards looks increasingly like the way forward.

At least I appreciate the honesty - Air Canada is not even pretending it wants my business any more.

Originally Posted by global_happy_traveller

Interesting observation, so far majority of the people commented 'happy' with the program are SEs

The fun part will be the E reaction coming forward

Here is my question to this:

"Members who have earned Million Mile recognition will continue to enjoy benefits similar to those awarded upon their initial qualification: If your status is to never fall below Elite, in 2013 you will be entitled to the same recognition as those members who earn 50,000 Status Miles or 50 Status Flight Segments. Of course, you will still be entitled to qualify for a higher level of recognition based on your annual flight activities."

What if your a MM member and fell below Elite? Do you get the 35,000 mile level? The answer above only address "if you never fall below"

Any for yvr76...... the new 35K Elite = *S, *S will not permit you to other carrier's lounges.

Originally Posted by The Lev

My quick analysis:

• If you are P, yawn, no change
• If you are SE, not much will change other than there will likely be fewer SE's in future as those who had to stretch to reach SE might be satisfied with the "75" benefits and not do the extra flights needed to reach SE.
• If you are an E who typically flies 35-55K miles or segments you are not happy campers (those just over 50 will still stress about whether they hit next year)
• If you are an E who regularly does 50K+, then you should be pleased with these changes, since the E herd will likely be thinned by at least 50%, which will increase your chances of being upgraded and you have the opportunity to shoot for the next level at 75.
• If you are MM E, then you will be happier since you will be competing against fewer felow E's.

I expect the E herd to be culled in two ways - many will fall into the 35 category and another batch will switch to other programs that provide better benefits for their flying pattern - in many cases those will be non-Canadian residents.