Announcing Air Canada Altitude
Sep 22, 2012, 11:19 am
#286
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 648
If you have a "foreign" Star Gold - ie. Air Canada, Aegean, Thai, etc., you can access any UA/US lounge - regardless of what class you are in.
If you have a US/UA Star Gold - you cannot access lounges in the USA if you have a purely domestic itinerary - regardless what class you are in. You need to have a same-day international connection (including Canada, and it doesnt have to be to/from the airport you are trying to gain access)
Can you imagine how crowded American lounges would be if every domestic Joe Consultant 50k+elite was allowed in?
And they wouldnt sell any memberships to those people either
Bottom line, if you fly from Canada to the USA - you have nothing to worry about when it comes to lounge access, and if you are a 50k-75k transborder flyer - Aeroplan is probably not for you.
If you have a US/UA Star Gold - you cannot access lounges in the USA if you have a purely domestic itinerary - regardless what class you are in. You need to have a same-day international connection (including Canada, and it doesnt have to be to/from the airport you are trying to gain access)
Can you imagine how crowded American lounges would be if every domestic Joe Consultant 50k+elite was allowed in?
And they wouldnt sell any memberships to those people either
Bottom line, if you fly from Canada to the USA - you have nothing to worry about when it comes to lounge access, and if you are a 50k-75k transborder flyer - Aeroplan is probably not for you.
Last edited by bizorbetter; Sep 22, 2012 at 11:43 am Reason: add comment
Sep 22, 2012, 11:23 am
#287
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,309
Sep 22, 2012, 11:52 am
#288
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
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Furthermore in the US some econo fares earn a 50% CoS bonus, and J/F fares within the US are often a tiny fraction of those in Canada. As well many US carriers offer additional status miles via bonuses and other means.
Saying it was easier to get *G status on AC for 35K instead of other carriers at 50K is like saying €35 is cheaper than $50.
Furthermore in the US some econo fares earn a 50% CoS bonus, and J/F fares within the US are often a tiny fraction of those in Canada. As well many US carriers offer additional status miles via bonuses and other means.
Saying it was easier to get *G status on AC for 35K instead of other carriers at 50K is like saying €35 is cheaper than $50.
Sep 22, 2012, 12:00 pm
#289
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: UA1K2MM ACMME50 SQPPS HHDiamond Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,391
One can get around that is have *Gold status in Non -US *A Airlines.
I have *A Gold in 2 non-US airlines as well as United. Thus if I am stricly on US Domestic Itinerary, I just present one of my other *A Gold card & I get access to the Clubs. Done it with USAir Clubs & United Club.
Thus there is way around.
Sep 22, 2012, 12:01 pm
#290
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
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Email on full program was sent to all Aeroplan members this week,( same day they posted it here) the on site information has been public for > 9 months
This is not a surprise,
Did they send an e-mail 9 months ago announcing the new info on their website? (Just a question, as clearly some *were* surprised.)
Originally Posted by xLuther
This is not a surprise,
Sep 22, 2012, 12:16 pm
#291
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
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Did they send an e-mail 9 months ago announcing the new info on their website? (Just a question, as clearly some *were* surprised.)
Did they send an e-mail 9 months ago announcing the new info on their website? (Just a question, as clearly some *were* surprised.)
While the specifics benefits were not announced then, it was made clear that 35k dropped to *S and *G was for 50k and above.
While AC has not been the best in communicating things, I think in this instance they were upfront with key changes to the programme.
Sep 22, 2012, 12:55 pm
#292
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: YQR
Programs: Aeroplan - E75, Delta Sky Miles - Silver, HHonors - Gold, Club Carlson Silver
Posts: 561
WOW! Is Air Canada for real?!? First they take on their employees in disastrous labour relations...making them even angrier than before. Now they're taking on their frequent fliers! Does Air Canada not know about the saying, DON'T BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS YOU!! I've been an Elite member for almost a decade and these changes have ensured that I've gone from choosing Air Canada to avoiding Air Canada.
It's pretty simple, there are many more options now for domestic Canadian travel...Porter = awesome! WestJet = fun! Air Canada = last resort...only if other options aren't available! And there are a multitude of options for international travel.
And changing the program in the middle of the benefit year is dishonest. It's akin to breach of contract...I've chosen Air Canada for flights this year on the promise of Elite benefits for 2013. Changing the program = breaking their promise...it's that simple!
It's pretty simple, there are many more options now for domestic Canadian travel...Porter = awesome! WestJet = fun! Air Canada = last resort...only if other options aren't available! And there are a multitude of options for international travel.
And changing the program in the middle of the benefit year is dishonest. It's akin to breach of contract...I've chosen Air Canada for flights this year on the promise of Elite benefits for 2013. Changing the program = breaking their promise...it's that simple!
Sep 22, 2012, 1:01 pm
#293
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC-SE MM
Posts: 1,251
It sure was.. AC Announced it Dec.22,2011. So all who don't like the 35K the writing was on the wall 9 months ago and if you thought about it softly for 5 or 6 years ago. So Wake Up and stop complaining you didn't know anything about it. 
If you don't want to fly AC then don't!
Sep 22, 2012, 2:09 pm
#294
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: YQR
Programs: AC*E35 and decreasing
Posts: 664
Dear Tinchote,
As a valued Air Canada customer, we'd like to share changes planned for the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program. As the program includes the introduction of new tier levels and the realignment of some benefits, we are announcing the key benefit changes a year in advance.
Note that these changes apply to the 2013 Top Tier benefit year beginning March 1, 2013, and therefore do not affect the 2012 Air Canada Top Tier Program.
The 2013 Top Tier Program, which will feature two new tier levels, has been redesigned to better recognize and reward our customers. It also aligns our program with industry leaders and ensures that the Air Canada Top Tier Program remains highly competitive internationally.
Here are some of the highlights of the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program for each of the five tier levels:
° Members earning 25,000 Status Miles or 25 Status Flight Segments will enjoy 2013 Top Tier benefits similar to those offered with the 2012 Top Tier Program
° Members earning 35,000 Status Miles or 35 Status Flight Segments will notice changes to their 2013 Top Tier benefit program as compared to the 2012 Top Tier Program:
° Star Alliance™ Gold recognition will be replaced by Star Alliance Silver. Members, however, will be able to choose Star Alliance Lounge access as a Select Privilege
° Upgrades with eUpgrade Credits will apply on Tango Plus and Latitude fares for travel in North America, and Latitude fares for travel to international destinations
° Members will continue to enjoy many Air Canada Priority Airport and Reservation services, complimentary access to Maple Leaf™ Lounges, three complimentary checked bags on Air Canada flights, Bonus Aeroplan® Miles for eligible flights as a Select Privilege, and more
° Members will be able to achieve new levels of recognition with the introduction of two additional tiers:
° Members earning 50,000 Status Miles or 50 Status Flight Segments will enjoy the 2013 Top Tier benefits earned at 35,000 Status Miles, as well as:
° A higher upgrade priority
° Upgrades with eUpgrade Credits which apply on Tango Plus and Latitude fares system-wide
° Additional eUpgrade Credits
° Star Alliance Gold recognition
° Members earning 75,000 Status Miles or 75 Status Flight Segments will enjoy the 2013 Top Tier benefits earned at 50,000 Status Miles, along with:
° A higher upgrade priority
° An accelerated earning of Bonus Aeroplan Miles for eligible flights as a Select Privilege
° Additional eUpgrade Credits
° An exclusive Threshold Program
° Members earning 100,000 Status Miles or 95 Status Flight Segments will enjoy 2013 Top Tier benefits similar to those offered with the 2012 Top Tier Program
To view more details with the qualification levels and associated benefits for the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program, click here.
Over the course of 2012, we will continue to introduce improvements to the program, as some new and exciting benefits are currently in the works. Also, we will be unveiling the names of the new tiers.
To keep you updated on the latest news, we will be communicating with you regularly throughout 2012. We also encourage you to bookmark aircanada.com/toptier2013 and to follow us on Twitter @ACTopTier.
Sep 22, 2012, 2:28 pm
#295
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: YLW
Programs: AC- SE100 1MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, National Executive, Nexus/GE
Posts: 4,313
This is the text of the email I received on Dec 22, 2011 (bold is mine) :
Dear Tinchote,
As a valued Air Canada customer, we'd like to share changes planned for the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program. As the program includes the introduction of new tier levels and the realignment of some benefits, we are announcing the key benefit changes a year in advance.
Note that these changes apply to the 2013 Top Tier benefit year beginning March 1, 2013, and therefore do not affect the 2012 Air Canada Top Tier Program.
The 2013 Top Tier Program, which will feature two new tier levels, has been redesigned to better recognize and reward our customers. It also aligns our program with industry leaders and ensures that the Air Canada Top Tier Program remains highly competitive internationally.
Here are some of the highlights of the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program for each of the five tier levels:
° Members earning 25,000 Status Miles or 25 Status Flight Segments will enjoy 2013 Top Tier benefits similar to those offered with the 2012 Top Tier Program
° Members earning 35,000 Status Miles or 35 Status Flight Segments will notice changes to their 2013 Top Tier benefit program as compared to the 2012 Top Tier Program:
° Star Alliance™ Gold recognition will be replaced by Star Alliance Silver. Members, however, will be able to choose Star Alliance Lounge access as a Select Privilege
° Upgrades with eUpgrade Credits will apply on Tango Plus and Latitude fares for travel in North America, and Latitude fares for travel to international destinations
° Members will continue to enjoy many Air Canada Priority Airport and Reservation services, complimentary access to Maple Leaf™ Lounges, three complimentary checked bags on Air Canada flights, Bonus Aeroplan® Miles for eligible flights as a Select Privilege, and more
° Members will be able to achieve new levels of recognition with the introduction of two additional tiers:
° Members earning 50,000 Status Miles or 50 Status Flight Segments will enjoy the 2013 Top Tier benefits earned at 35,000 Status Miles, as well as:
° A higher upgrade priority
° Upgrades with eUpgrade Credits which apply on Tango Plus and Latitude fares system-wide
° Additional eUpgrade Credits
° Star Alliance Gold recognition
° Members earning 75,000 Status Miles or 75 Status Flight Segments will enjoy the 2013 Top Tier benefits earned at 50,000 Status Miles, along with:
° A higher upgrade priority
° An accelerated earning of Bonus Aeroplan Miles for eligible flights as a Select Privilege
° Additional eUpgrade Credits
° An exclusive Threshold Program
° Members earning 100,000 Status Miles or 95 Status Flight Segments will enjoy 2013 Top Tier benefits similar to those offered with the 2012 Top Tier Program
To view more details with the qualification levels and associated benefits for the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program, click here.
Over the course of 2012, we will continue to introduce improvements to the program, as some new and exciting benefits are currently in the works. Also, we will be unveiling the names of the new tiers.
To keep you updated on the latest news, we will be communicating with you regularly throughout 2012. We also encourage you to bookmark aircanada.com/toptier2013 and to follow us on Twitter @ACTopTier.
Dear Tinchote,
As a valued Air Canada customer, we'd like to share changes planned for the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program. As the program includes the introduction of new tier levels and the realignment of some benefits, we are announcing the key benefit changes a year in advance.
Note that these changes apply to the 2013 Top Tier benefit year beginning March 1, 2013, and therefore do not affect the 2012 Air Canada Top Tier Program.
The 2013 Top Tier Program, which will feature two new tier levels, has been redesigned to better recognize and reward our customers. It also aligns our program with industry leaders and ensures that the Air Canada Top Tier Program remains highly competitive internationally.
Here are some of the highlights of the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program for each of the five tier levels:
° Members earning 25,000 Status Miles or 25 Status Flight Segments will enjoy 2013 Top Tier benefits similar to those offered with the 2012 Top Tier Program
° Members earning 35,000 Status Miles or 35 Status Flight Segments will notice changes to their 2013 Top Tier benefit program as compared to the 2012 Top Tier Program:
° Star Alliance™ Gold recognition will be replaced by Star Alliance Silver. Members, however, will be able to choose Star Alliance Lounge access as a Select Privilege
° Upgrades with eUpgrade Credits will apply on Tango Plus and Latitude fares for travel in North America, and Latitude fares for travel to international destinations
° Members will continue to enjoy many Air Canada Priority Airport and Reservation services, complimentary access to Maple Leaf™ Lounges, three complimentary checked bags on Air Canada flights, Bonus Aeroplan® Miles for eligible flights as a Select Privilege, and more
° Members will be able to achieve new levels of recognition with the introduction of two additional tiers:
° Members earning 50,000 Status Miles or 50 Status Flight Segments will enjoy the 2013 Top Tier benefits earned at 35,000 Status Miles, as well as:
° A higher upgrade priority
° Upgrades with eUpgrade Credits which apply on Tango Plus and Latitude fares system-wide
° Additional eUpgrade Credits
° Star Alliance Gold recognition
° Members earning 75,000 Status Miles or 75 Status Flight Segments will enjoy the 2013 Top Tier benefits earned at 50,000 Status Miles, along with:
° A higher upgrade priority
° An accelerated earning of Bonus Aeroplan Miles for eligible flights as a Select Privilege
° Additional eUpgrade Credits
° An exclusive Threshold Program
° Members earning 100,000 Status Miles or 95 Status Flight Segments will enjoy 2013 Top Tier benefits similar to those offered with the 2012 Top Tier Program
To view more details with the qualification levels and associated benefits for the 2013 Air Canada Top Tier Program, click here.
Over the course of 2012, we will continue to introduce improvements to the program, as some new and exciting benefits are currently in the works. Also, we will be unveiling the names of the new tiers.
To keep you updated on the latest news, we will be communicating with you regularly throughout 2012. We also encourage you to bookmark aircanada.com/toptier2013 and to follow us on Twitter @ACTopTier.
No surprise, I think many have already planned accordingly, with A3, UA or getting out all togther or simply amending their flying. Those who are in the 1% (Oh no not again
) this wont change as they fly all the time, usually in J so little change, more benefits for SE.
Sep 22, 2012, 3:20 pm
#296
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 2,237
The program change has been very clear since the end of Dec 2011. What was not clear was the options you could select at each level, eupgrade credits you would get when hitting threshold levels. AC was also a little vague on how they would handle the options ( lounge/upgrades) as far as new 35k level, but it was clear it would not be as per current 35k level.
If you wanted the same as you had in 2012 in 2013 you would need 50k status miles or 50 segments.
The full program ( now public ) explains the details. I think the shock for some is due to not reading their emails from AC and assuming nothing will change year to year.
Me I'm going to look at the whole package and decide what to do during 2013, pick another program or stay with AC. Same thing I did Dec 2011 for this years travels, I knew I would easily hit 50 K, the benefits were in line, so I stayed with the program.
If you wanted the same as you had in 2012 in 2013 you would need 50k status miles or 50 segments.
The full program ( now public ) explains the details. I think the shock for some is due to not reading their emails from AC and assuming nothing will change year to year.
Me I'm going to look at the whole package and decide what to do during 2013, pick another program or stay with AC. Same thing I did Dec 2011 for this years travels, I knew I would easily hit 50 K, the benefits were in line, so I stayed with the program.
Sep 22, 2012, 5:28 pm
#297
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: YYZ/YKZ
Posts: 3,668
Thanks Jasper, I appreciate you providing the crib for that post, now I can go back and read it and try and make some sense of it.
As for the Aeroplan program changes - I'm SuperElite, and qualify for SuperElite every year because I constantly travel intercontinental in paid J for work purposes. To me, given my circumstances, the only benefits of Aeroplan SE membership are:
As for the Aeroplan program changes - I'm SuperElite, and qualify for SuperElite every year because I constantly travel intercontinental in paid J for work purposes. To me, given my circumstances, the only benefits of Aeroplan SE membership are:
Sep 22, 2012, 7:38 pm
#298
Join Date: Dec 2008
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 43
I just checked and i received the same e-mail Dec 22 2011 12:08 PM
No surprise, I think many have already planned accordingly, with A3, UA or getting out all togther or simply amending their flying. Those who are in the 1% (Oh no not again) this wont change as they fly all the time, usually in J so little change, more benefits for SE.
No surprise, I think many have already planned accordingly, with A3, UA or getting out all togther or simply amending their flying. Those who are in the 1% (Oh no not again
) this wont change as they fly all the time, usually in J so little change, more benefits for SE.For myself, I think I would have structured my flying differently over the last year if I'd known all this was coming. Only because I sporadically have Aeroplan questions that I look on Flyertalk for answers to do I know anything about this, and only as of a few days ago.
Sep 22, 2012, 9:32 pm
#299
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: YQR
Programs: AC*E35 and decreasing
Posts: 664
Received: from mta01.aircanada.thindata.net (mta01.aircanada.thindata.net [64.34.54.197])
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Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2011 12:09:49 -0500
To: *******@*****.****.**
From: "Air Canada"<[email protected]>
Subject: A preview of the 2013 Top Tier Program
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Sep 23, 2012, 5:42 am
#300
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Ok i get that, although surprised (pleasantly) that they consider Canada international (i know it obviously is but it seems in the past it was treated as domestic when trying for lounge access with RCC)
I also know that F(J) on UA/US does not get lounge....which is weird.....but having *G earned with UA and or US at 50k EQM does not even get you in the lounge domestically?
Where i am confused is i thought *G got you into ANY * lounge...... and i am sure i have entered RCC and UA lounge with my *G status on US domestic flights???? I recall because i was in F/J but had to produce a *G card?
Just Lucky?
I also know that F(J) on UA/US does not get lounge....which is weird.....but having *G earned with UA and or US at 50k EQM does not even get you in the lounge domestically?
Where i am confused is i thought *G got you into ANY * lounge...... and i am sure i have entered RCC and UA lounge with my *G status on US domestic flights???? I recall because i was in F/J but had to produce a *G card?
Just Lucky?