ridefar

I am surprised nobody has brought up SPG. They (and a few hotel chains) offer a lifetime benefit program. Just like AC's, it only costs them something (and then it is usually nothing anyway) when you use it. So it ensures loyalty after a horrendous lifetime spend. In my case, I would bet that spend is around $300k. Seems pretty analogous to me.

superangrypenguin

I agree with you. But the poster's comment said that outside of airline AND hotel programs, so sadly that point becomes moot. I love the SPG program, and I'm only a few more years from lifetime plat. (nights isn't an issue, but 10 years plat I'm working on)

FlyerTalker683455

Marriott makes lifetime platinum too easy. They obviously do that to keep people in their chain once they drop their regular status.

I am 3x Platinum lifetime and unfortunately they have nothing else to look forward to...

As for AC MM isn't much of a cost to them unless one flies.

superangrypenguin

Isn't it the same with hotels though? It only costs them if you stay with them...once you're lifetime X

But, I dunno about you Allvest, but my experiences with Marriott Plat are significantly worse than SPG Plat with upgrades...although I concede that for my travels, SPG hotels are usually worse. Their LOYALTY program makes me stay there instead...note how I capitalized loyalty? (that's a hit on you AC...) Grr.

GJS - yow

... ahhh, my misguided youth. All those years spent on Canadian Airlines - now there is an example of loyalty that led to nothing. However, in amidst all this talk of entitlement, I expected nothing from CA, and got what I expected when they were swallowed up by AC.

I anticipate hitting 1 MM later this year, and am one of the grey beards that is over 50. I can honestly say that when AC announced its MM program, it piqued my interest. Further, as they have continued to reduce benefits, the one thing that has focused my choice of carrier is the MM status. So while there may be a cost to AC for the MM program, there would also be a cost in not having it.

What will being a 1 MM mean in terms of my travel habits? Likely that I will continue to buy tickets and fly on AC long after I stop earning status. Whether that is profitable or costly for AC in the distant future (15+ years from now) would require a crystal ball to predict. I can say that it won't cost them anything for the next 15 years, while I continue to earn Elite status.

yyznomad

Remind me again - does it have to be 014 stock in addition to AC metal, or does it also count for, say, 016 revenue stock with AC metal as a codeshare?

2MMKid

Has to be on 014 stock is what I was told.

IluvSQ

Can be on any stock, as long as you are on AC metal.
All my RTW tickets are now issued by LH, and they definitely count.

Dorian

Who told you this? I believe it is incorrect.

2MMKid

Was told by Aeroplan.

ACflyerDE

They were wrong. Can be booked on any ticket stock under any codeshare flight number, it will count towards MM status as long as you end up flying with an AC / AC Rouge / AC Express aircraft.

2MMKid

Good to know.

jaysona

That's pretty much what my point is, everything offered as gifts for the various MM levels as well as the Altitiude threshold levels are things I already have - most of which are far superior in quality compared to what's offered by AC. So, all I'm left with are more useless AP miles.

I've resigned myself to the fact that I just don't fall within the demographic criteria that AC is looking to reward. *sigh*

jaysona

Almost in those same track, 1MM at 42, should hit 2MM by 45, I don't plan on pursuing 3MM. I hope to be doing most of my own flying by 46 and not having to rely on commercial operators for all that much anymore.

PLeblond

Any suggestions as to what they could offer that could be universally accepted? As in gender neutral, non-age discriminate that appeals to a very wide range of peoples' tastes.