time to lobby AC on erosion of Aeroplan E/SE?
Dec 19, 2001, 7:34 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Toronto
Posts: 101
time to lobby AC on erosion of Aeroplan E/SE?
Just floating an idea here:
There are so many smart people on this board. The discussions -- not just limited to AC, but Canadian travel issues -- are intelligent and helpful, making it possibly the best board in FT. (Everyone take a bow.)
That said, is there a way we can organize an electronic/paper campaign to target AC and convice it to stop eroding E and SE benefits?
Surely, the group here represents an important customer for the airline.
As many have already said, you gotta wonder if it's worth it anymore.
Thoughts anyone?
There are so many smart people on this board. The discussions -- not just limited to AC, but Canadian travel issues -- are intelligent and helpful, making it possibly the best board in FT. (Everyone take a bow.)
That said, is there a way we can organize an electronic/paper campaign to target AC and convice it to stop eroding E and SE benefits?
Surely, the group here represents an important customer for the airline.
As many have already said, you gotta wonder if it's worth it anymore.
Thoughts anyone?
Dec 19, 2001, 7:37 am
#2
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, SPG; IC Pl/A; AA; DL
Posts: 14,332
Judging by the failure of 1000s on FT to rescind US carriers changes, I don't think we would have any success with an even more intransigent head office. I think the only solution is the bottom line one--vote with your feet.
If Aeroplan is seen more as a profit center than a loyalty center then AC will lose more on AC operations but may gain more on Aeroplan operations. If that's what they want, I think the overall effect for AC will be negative. They probably think otherwise and are feeling invincible now.
The only thing that will change that is flying/driving/training by alternate means. I started this already with a business charter for 8 people this week and I will be driving rather than flying to Edmonton tomorrow. It all adds up.
[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 12-19-2001).]
If Aeroplan is seen more as a profit center than a loyalty center then AC will lose more on AC operations but may gain more on Aeroplan operations. If that's what they want, I think the overall effect for AC will be negative. They probably think otherwise and are feeling invincible now.
The only thing that will change that is flying/driving/training by alternate means. I started this already with a business charter for 8 people this week and I will be driving rather than flying to Edmonton tomorrow. It all adds up.
[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 12-19-2001).]
Dec 19, 2001, 7:39 am
#3
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Mississauga Ontario
Posts: 4,106
Air Canada isn't going to do a **** thing if their customers scream and yell. You think they give a ****? They really don't care....c'mon, we all know that. Their arrogance is stunning. People can jump up and down all they want, but AC really doesn't give a ****, because *arrogance* is the defining attribute of their corporate culture.
Dec 19, 2001, 10:37 am
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,657
I have not been on a revenue AC flight since Nov 26th, and have none booked into the future yet.
Where I would have normally flown, I have or will travel by the following means:
Kingston-Toronto twice in Via Rail First Class
Toronto-Salt Lake City for Olympics with America West Airlines
I plan to continue such action for 2002
Where I would have normally flown, I have or will travel by the following means:
Kingston-Toronto twice in Via Rail First Class
Toronto-Salt Lake City for Olympics with America West Airlines
I plan to continue such action for 2002
Dec 19, 2001, 11:35 am
#8
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: AlFursan, AAdvantage, Aeroplan, Avios, Bonvoy, All
Posts: 1,486
Some publicity in the media showing former loyal frequent AC pax trying (and liking) Westjet might be an innovative way to get back at AC.
Headline: "Air Canada changes drive away frequent flyers".
Anyone know any travel reporters?
1D
Headline: "Air Canada changes drive away frequent flyers".
Anyone know any travel reporters?
1D
Dec 19, 2001, 11:41 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
Programs: AC 75K, Hertz President’s Circle, Accor Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 10,071
Anyone know any travel reporters?
1D[/B][/QUOTE]
I suspect our friend from the Globe lurks here frequently so such an article may get published. I also think we have to have the changes in writing first and not just in the form of rumour and speculation.
Dec 19, 2001, 12:00 pm
#10
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: FTFOE
Programs: TalkBoard: We discuss / ad nauseum things that mean / so very little
Posts: 10,225
Part of the reason I favoured the Onex proposal for the AC/CP merger was that it would have really shaken up the management in Air Canada.
Maybe there needs to be some shuffling done to introduce some fresh perspective to the company.
FewMiles..
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Maybe there needs to be some shuffling done to introduce some fresh perspective to the company.
FewMiles..
------------------
[ FlyerTalkers' Resources on the Web ]
[ Unofficial Guide to AAdvantage ] [ Unofficial oneworld Info Desk ]
Dec 19, 2001, 12:06 pm
#11
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2000
Posts: 13,344
For those of us stuck in a city with NO alternative... we have to fly AC. YHZ is down to one carrier between it and YYZ. If we don't like it, drive 2.5 hrs and catch Westjet to Hamilton. Sigh!
AC knows they have a monopoly and works it to their advantage.
AC knows they have a monopoly and works it to their advantage.
Dec 19, 2001, 12:09 pm
#13
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Toronto, Ontario Canada
Posts: 119
Air Canada is ruining it for themselves. I spent close to 80k for travel on AC in 2000 and am at approximately 40k for this year - another 20k going to other carriers. Like many others, I am exploring new ways and I hope that any lurking brass sits back and thinks about they could have done with this money. But, alas my FT friends, we can not all make a mass exodous from Air Canada. If we do, the taxpayers will get stuffed with the bill and I can not afford to pay any more taxes!
Dec 19, 2001, 2:15 pm
#15
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Southern Alberta
Posts: 20,550
You are right Empress. Energies are best invested finding options for next year. b****ing may make me feel good but getting even with an alternate solution makes me feel even better. 
[This message has been edited by airbus320 (edited 12-19-2001).]
[This message has been edited by airbus320 (edited 12-19-2001).]