It is starting to get interesting, as AC and Aeroplan erode the Elite benefits. In fact, it is surprising that the benefits distinguishing Elite from Prestige only come down to:

-better Aeroplan response time
-AC e-mail
-reward sale for N/A in J
-buy a ticket and claim a companion ticket (though only valid on Y/M fares)
-higher standby than *P
-upgrades (but those are about to go out the window)
-lounge passes
-baggage tags
-hotel lounge access (LHR)
-Worksite access (YYZ)
-arrivals lounge access (LHR/YVR)
-free delivery of reward tix (though there is now a fee for paper tix!)
-lounge access (*A)
-priority check-in (though *P get this on AC anyway) (*A)
-priority boarding (*A)
-priority baggage (*A)
-extra baggage allowance (*A)

It seems that, with the exception of the priority standby, lounge access, priority check-in, and priority baggage handling (when it works), there is little benefit of being Elite, especially if one is a *P w/a Diners MLL card! I remember the days of any-fare upgrades, instant KK in J, the ability to purchase upgrade certs w/miles, the free changes to reward tix� Those were the real benefits. Now what�s left?!

If you really think about it, they really haven't done much thinking. All they are doing is giving "SuperElite 2002" members the benefit of "Elite 2001" and "Elite 2002" members the benefit "Prestige 2001". Sounds right...

I wouldn't be surprised if $$$ for MLL access is next... (Actually i would be surprise if they don't start charging)

If you ask me the only Elite benefits are....

Lounge access

Priority boarding and check in

Better Aeroplan response time

Upgrades...looks like they're toast.

That's it.

Did I miss something? They're eliminating upgrades too??

They should come up with UltimateElite, a new status after SuperElite. This way, they can brag about the benefits while nobody can actually make to that level.

The worst part of the alleged Aeroplan "devaluation" is the way Air Canada is handling it.

We have not been officially told anything and yet the time period for collecting Q miles starts in 9 days!

To wait until February - 2 months into the program to let us know the direction of the program speaks volumes of the respect Air Canada has for the Frequent Flyer.

BUSH LEAGUE

After 3 years of CdnGold and 3 of AC*E, I see no future in Edmonton in AC for me for my 15-20 trips a year to the U.S. as with the steady elimination of non-stop or even for that matter, direct, flights and now few benefits, particularly capacity controls, I'll become Prestige and use DC for MLL access on my trips to YYZ. For YYC and YVR, it'll be WestJet.

After Burner...

I meant from reasonable fare levels...aka...the upgrade lottery.

[This message has been edited by Carioca Canuck (edited 12-22-2001).]

I figured that's what you meant, but you had me really worried for a second.

As for the upgrades to "reasonable" fares, I've only been able to use that benefit once in my life. I upgraded a V fare this year. Upgrading one of these fares does not alter the restrictions. For me, these restrictions make these fares completely useless.

Your perception about faster Aeroplan response time is more myth than reality these days. I am a mere "basic" member (EGADS!) and I phoned Aeroplan three different times during December, all around 8 PM (usually a busy time of day), and was answered by a live agent on the first ring after the voice prompts each time!

AC moved a whole bunch of agents from YVR to Aeroplan. That explains why phones are picked up faster and also the mess at YVR the last couple of days (short staffed).

I agree with Carioca Canuck that there are few Elite benefits that are truly meaningful. However, I'd add the ability to convert revenue seats to reward seats. It seems that every time I book reward travel they have to convert seats. Unfortunately, it looks like that benefit is going to be toast too.

Being SuperElite couldn't get me a confirmed seat on an award ticket either. I thought that one would get a revenue seat 'changed' to an award seat if available. I was told, rather rudely, by the UK award people that it's not guaranteed when 'the back' is oversold and we have to move people up!

OK....?

As AC*E, I have never (3 times, last two years) been able to get an award seat converted either. This being as far out as 6 months. It's a dubious benefit at best. Easy to put on paper, even easier to not execute.


[This message has been edited by I'llMissCP (edited 12-24-2001).]

Guy Betsy: Actually the agent was right, when the flight is overbooked, they can't convert a revenue seat into award seat for you. But most of the time, we should have no problem if you just move a date around by a day or two. Next time you should call the SE desk and you'll get served by some more friendly agent.

Oh get real I'llMissCP, you've only been a AC*E for ONE year so don't blow things out of proportion. CP*G never had th benefit of converting a revenue seat into an award seat. If you booked 6 months out, there's no way all the flights could be overbooked. Stop trashing AC in all aspects dude... you credibility is not high in my mind.