I agree with you starting in 2017 when AC has cuts off all low revenue segment flyers with status.

It not Irrelevant because AC has a lot of tango flyers that segment fly that get SE status. This will all change next year. Yes, AC is upgrading J class on some aircraft, but they are also cutting J seats. I don't understand what/where you are getting at on your $10 J class seat. Are are talking J, I'm talking Y.

My point for AC is that it's not enough to provide a good product and make staff accessible unless they're willing to train their people properly to deliver the service.

Occasionally AC reads things here and concludes the ideas are reasonable.

Thanks for the work-arounds though. I'll add them to the endless list.

aaaaahahahahahaha omg I wish I come up with witty responses on the spot like you kwflyer :D :D :D :D ^ ^ ^ ^ work would be infinitely more fun

Let me try again:

-SEs who fly Tango will not switch to WS for a $10 fare savings because they wouldn't be able to get an SE-equivalent status at WS;
-SEs who fly internationally will not switch to WS for a $10 fare savings because they wouldn't be able to get an SE-equivalent status at WS;
-International paid J customers won't switch to WS for a $10 fare savings because WS has no international J product.

You brought up the notion that AC can't afford to pay their concierges more than $14/hr because customers are liable to jump ship for a $10 fare savings.

I'm telling you *no one* who is either SE or flies international J will jump ship for $10. There's no justification for placing such poorly paid employees in a role where they'll interact with the airline's best customers per the airline's own definition.

Again, a low-fares argument is irrelevant in the case of concierge service.

this.
This.
This.
This.
This.
This.


This.




This.

This is very interesting. IMO.

It is some of what an AC SE might get, some of what a VIP might get and a bit from On My Way.

Smart that they have 3 different options, which is great as some pax may only prefer or need one of these services.

https://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/fivestarservice.jsp

Far be it for me to suggest Air Canada change their current line up of services, but I think these ideas have merit if deployed correctly.

So I emailed the concierge around 8am in Tokyo.

I'm now in Houston and it's 9am.

I have yet to receive a response.

Not that it matters any more, but it mattered two hours ago.

Did they all take a freaking vacation? Like... Even if the answer to my question (and it was a question - I wasn't asking for some crazy service) was no, at least having that reply would have been appreciated.

Received incredibly helpful assistance from the central concierge line over the last couple of days. I recall that there is somewhere specific that I can write to to express my appreciation and ensure that the employee is recognized. Can someone remind me as to who/what that is please?

I think in 2017 for the required $20K spend (net of taxes) you will get a quicker response! :D

On the same "contact us" page on the website there is a heading that allows you to share positive experiences. This is where I usually send good news stories about AC staff and they do respond with a nice thank you. Some others have posted they had received discounts codes and bonus AP miles, but I never have! Some e-mail Ben directly, but I lost his e-mail address.

"I'd like to upgrade a friend on my flight."
"Is he nominated in your account?" *****
"No, and he doesn't need to be since he's on my flight."
"One moment please."
"Okay he's been added to the upgrade list."
"Thanks and have a good night."

And somehow his booking through AA got him an H fare on AC so it's only 4 credits.

Even when I try to give away my credits it doesn't work very well.

***** For the record, she had just processed a SDC for me, so she KNEW what flight I was on. So this was a pointless question unless she didn't know how upgrades work. Then it was just an ignorant question.

They don't do anything for me except begin the response with "unfortunately"

AC concierge is wonderful!
 

The AC concierge team have arranged alternate flights for me many times when cancellations or delays occur, often while airborne. They've met me at the gate and rushed me to the next flight (Beijing's notorious late departures...) They have, single handedly, saved me several extra nights away from home which is hugely appreciated.

They also routinely arranged upgrades for my wife and 2 kids when we are on 'family travel' (Y fare) without even being asked. Specifically the concierge team in Zurich are wonderful! They even know my kids names :)

But the thing to remember is they are often involved during difficult situations with sometimes very difficult people. A few please and thank you's and some basic respect is something they often don't get and goes a long ways.

They also like Sprungli chocolates :cool:

PS: The service has been consistent for me across S100K, SEMM, SE2MM, and now SE3MM. In fact for my 3MM segment they arranged a special little thank you which was very appreciated (and unwarranted as the fact I have that many miles on AC is because of the service they provide.)

I rarely need concierge assistance but 2 days ago SO and myself were travelling to Europe and our YYZ-FRA flight was delayed (by several hours) so that we would miss our intra-europe connection. I phoned the concierge office and a very helpful concierge (Julia) booked us on a completely different route to get us to our final destination with little delay. Although I had done my homework ahead of phoning and had an idea of the flight that would be best for us, she also came up with additional options confirming her willingness to assist in making sure we get there on schedule.

Concierge service is indeed very helpful. Big thank you Julia!