$pend based FF program
Jun 16, 2014 | 9:03 pm
#61
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: NYC
Programs: AC SE, Bonvoy Plat, Natl Exec
Posts: 2,344
Lol my bad. Didn't define it literally enough.
I guess the definition of "status purely based on spend" sort of defies the definition of frequent flier program. What's the point of status if you get it without putting your bum in a seat.
I guess the definition of "status purely based on spend" sort of defies the definition of frequent flier program. What's the point of status if you get it without putting your bum in a seat.
Jun 17, 2014 | 1:11 am
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: UA Silver, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 16,183
I think you may have missed the previous posts on this: el cheapo's (or any fare) flown after March, booked through UA (016 stock) on partner carriers still will earn based on revenue, not distance flown (assuming they're eligible for mileage) when credited to MP. Even when earning based on distance, there are very few el cheapo's on partners, even booked through them, that give 100% anymore. But feel free to name some, if you can. AC, TK, LH, LX, LO, SA, SQ, TG, ET, etc. all have at least some, if not many, low fare classes that earn either 50% or zero mileage on el cheapo's to UA.
Jun 17, 2014 | 3:55 am
#63
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 252
So what? The more you (spend advocates) say it, the more times I remind you that there are non-status and FF below 50K who spend more than everybody else. The simple question you have refused to answer is why with all your spend you can't follow the rules and attain SE. Currently,there are two pathways to status - miles and segments. Why you don't use them baffles me. Maybe you want to purchase with money what others achieve by sitting extra multiple hours on the plane and/or passing through countless airports and security barriers annually.There is no Airline (to my knowledge) that gives status exclusively on spend.
AC is not an airline I fly a lot but I stand by my view that AC and Altitude treat J rev passengers such as myself terribly - pathetic 150% FF points (even though often paying 500% of Flex fare), not the first choice of meal, ignored by some concierges etc etc . Not the way to treat someone paying $8K a ticket IMO - but I don't think international rev J pax are the target market for AC management.
I'll still fly AC when their timing makes sense and there are no better options(for example I fly 868) but the treatment they provide to rev J pax is very poor. If I have a choice of 2 flights at the same time I obviously rarely choose AC.
In terms of airlines that award status based on spend - it is possible with your beloved AC I believe through purchase of a flight pass - you don't even have to set foot on a plane and can buy SE if required.
Jun 17, 2014 | 7:39 am
#64
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
In your view then, what other North American airline treats their J passengers better than AC and gives a million miles if you fly J AND treats their elite passengers exactly the same as non elite J. IIRC all n. American airlines have an equivalent elite status designation as well as some form of super duper elite. (MM)
Last edited by superangrypenguin; Jun 17, 2014 at 8:04 am
Jun 17, 2014 | 12:53 pm
#65
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 1,022
You assume that I love AC and have status at AC. Hope you read my mostly critical posts. Like you I buy J because it "guarantees" a minimum level of comfort. (Not bought Tango or Flex all year). Meal choice, concierge service, priority boarding and COS bonus are not issues with me. Leg room, space, "privacy" and a little quiet, are. I will be traveling BA and SQ over the next four weeks. AC services those routes so like you, I select a best option( for me) when available.