Nov 1, 2014, 10:31 am
Last edit by: mendy7511
Important updates to Air Canada Altitude in 2015 23 October
This afternoon, we will be announcing changes to certain elements of Air Canada Altitude in 2015, as well as new features to the program.
Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement
The Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement to reach Altitude status for 2016 is increasing. To qualify for Altitude status in 2016, the following Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement will need to be met:
Prestige 25K: 12,500 AQM /12 AQS
Elite 35K: 17,500 AQM /17 AQS
Elite 50K: 25,000 AQM /25 AQS
Elite 75K: 37,500 AQM / 37 AQS
Super Elite 100K: 50,000 AQM / 47 AQS
The new MFR will not impact qualification for Altitude 2015.
500 Mile Minimum
For travel as of March 1, 2015, mileage accrual will no longer be rounded up to a 500 Mile minimum. Miles earned will be based on the distance flown and the fare option purchased for flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada rouge and Star Alliance member airlines.
eUpgrades to Business Class
For eUpgrade requests made on or after March 1, 2015, the number of eUpgrade Credits required to upgrade is increasing. The number of eUpgrade Credits you can earn through the Threshold eUpgrades program is also changing. These changes were made following a thorough benchmarking of the upgrades practices of other major international airlines who often limit international upgrades solely to their highest membership tier, and often severely limit the number of upgrades a member may request over the course of a year.
We will also be expanding the high Flex eligibility category to include the U and H booking classes on the Domestic, Transborder and Sun markets, as well as the U booking class on International markets. The inclusion of these booking classes within the higher Flex eligibility category actually decreases the number of credits required to upgrade flights on certain markets when compared to 2014.
For eUpgrade credit requirements as of March 1, 2015, visit: http://www.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan...e/updates.html
eUpgrades to Premium Economy
In early 2015, you will be able to access the comfort of Premium Economy using eUpgrade Credits, when upgrading from an eligible fare. eUpgrade Add-ons will not apply for these upgrades.
eUpgrade Nominees
Beginning March 1, 2015, Altitude Super Elite 100K members will be entitled to share their eUpgrade privileges with one eUpgrade Nominee. Members will maintain their ability to share their eUpgrade privileges with Travel Companions.
Priority Boarding
In early 2015, a new streamlined boarding process will be introduced to ensure that you get even more out of the Priority Boarding privilege.
Complimentary access to International Maple Leaf Lounges and Star Alliance Business Lounges
As lounge occupancy grows, many of our lounges are at capacity levels. And while we continue to invest in many lounge expansion projects, the reality is that in many locations, additional space is simply not available. At the same time, benchmarking shows us that our eligibility polices are still over-indexed as compared to many of our competitors. In particular, access to lounges is not a privilege offered by most international airlines at the 35,000 qualifying miles level. We have therefore modified our policy whereby Elite 35K members will continue to have access to Maple Leaf Lounges located in the domestic and trans-border departure zones, as well as those in Los Angeles and New York (LaGuardia). However access to International Maple Leaf Lounges or Star Alliance Business lounges will no longer be available as a Select Privilege. Instead, an option to purchase a Maple Leaf Club membership will be introduced with a 50% discount.
Priority Rewards
In order to maintain the integrity of the Priority Reward privilege for eligible Altitude members, Priority Rewards will be limited to ten (10) reservations (with up to 9 passengers each) per member per benefit period, beginning March 1, 2015. While a thorough analysis has indicated that this change will not impact the vast majority of members (over 95%), it will allow us to maintain a benefit which we know is widely appreciated.
Flight Rewards for Premium Economy
In early 2015, you will be able to redeem Aeroplan miles for seats in the Premium Economy cabin on Air Canada. Details will be coming soon.
Fuel Surcharge on Flight Rewards & Flight Reward change fee waivers
For reservations made as of March 1, 2015, the fuel surcharges on ClassicFlight rewards for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. will be waived for all Altitude members (ie. 25K and higher) . This is applicable on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge.
At the same time, Aeroplan Flight Reward change fee waivers for Super Elite 100K members will no longer be available for changes made on or after March 1, 2015. However, the fuel surcharges on ClassicFlight Rewards for travel between Canada and international destinations will be waived for Super Elite 100K members on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge.
For a complete list of details regarding these changes, visit http://www.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan...e/updates.html
New REVISED REVISIONS to the Altitude Program (Oct 31 email)
=============
Last week, changes to Air Canada Altitude for 2015 were announced. As always, weve been listening to your feedback and will be adjusting certain elements of the program accordingly.
Threshold eUpgrades
The amount of eUpgrade Credits offered through the Threshold eUpgrade program will increase. As of 100,000 Altitude Qualifying Miles or 100 Altitude Qualifying Segments, 20 eUpgrade Credits will be awarded for every 40,000 AQM or 40 AQS flown.
eUpgrade Validity Date
eUpgrade Credits earned on or after November 7, 2014 will be valid until February 29, 2016.
Additionally, eUpgrade Credits earned on or after November 1, 2015 will be valid until February 28, 2017.
Mile Minimum
For travel from March 1, 2015 onwards, all Altitude members will earn a minimum of 250 miles on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge as well as Star Alliance member airlines.
Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement
For non-Canadian residents, the Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement needed to reach Altitude status in 2016 will be 50% lower than the recently published Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement.
These changes are representative of Air Canadas focus on recognizing our most valued and important members. We remain committed to offering you one of the best frequent flyer programs in the industry.
Air Canada
This afternoon, we will be announcing changes to certain elements of Air Canada Altitude in 2015, as well as new features to the program.
Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement
The Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement to reach Altitude status for 2016 is increasing. To qualify for Altitude status in 2016, the following Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement will need to be met:
Prestige 25K: 12,500 AQM /12 AQS
Elite 35K: 17,500 AQM /17 AQS
Elite 50K: 25,000 AQM /25 AQS
Elite 75K: 37,500 AQM / 37 AQS
Super Elite 100K: 50,000 AQM / 47 AQS
The new MFR will not impact qualification for Altitude 2015.
500 Mile Minimum
For travel as of March 1, 2015, mileage accrual will no longer be rounded up to a 500 Mile minimum. Miles earned will be based on the distance flown and the fare option purchased for flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada rouge and Star Alliance member airlines.
eUpgrades to Business Class
For eUpgrade requests made on or after March 1, 2015, the number of eUpgrade Credits required to upgrade is increasing. The number of eUpgrade Credits you can earn through the Threshold eUpgrades program is also changing. These changes were made following a thorough benchmarking of the upgrades practices of other major international airlines who often limit international upgrades solely to their highest membership tier, and often severely limit the number of upgrades a member may request over the course of a year.
We will also be expanding the high Flex eligibility category to include the U and H booking classes on the Domestic, Transborder and Sun markets, as well as the U booking class on International markets. The inclusion of these booking classes within the higher Flex eligibility category actually decreases the number of credits required to upgrade flights on certain markets when compared to 2014.
For eUpgrade credit requirements as of March 1, 2015, visit: http://www.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan...e/updates.html
eUpgrades to Premium Economy
In early 2015, you will be able to access the comfort of Premium Economy using eUpgrade Credits, when upgrading from an eligible fare. eUpgrade Add-ons will not apply for these upgrades.
eUpgrade Nominees
Beginning March 1, 2015, Altitude Super Elite 100K members will be entitled to share their eUpgrade privileges with one eUpgrade Nominee. Members will maintain their ability to share their eUpgrade privileges with Travel Companions.
Priority Boarding
In early 2015, a new streamlined boarding process will be introduced to ensure that you get even more out of the Priority Boarding privilege.
Complimentary access to International Maple Leaf Lounges and Star Alliance Business Lounges
As lounge occupancy grows, many of our lounges are at capacity levels. And while we continue to invest in many lounge expansion projects, the reality is that in many locations, additional space is simply not available. At the same time, benchmarking shows us that our eligibility polices are still over-indexed as compared to many of our competitors. In particular, access to lounges is not a privilege offered by most international airlines at the 35,000 qualifying miles level. We have therefore modified our policy whereby Elite 35K members will continue to have access to Maple Leaf Lounges located in the domestic and trans-border departure zones, as well as those in Los Angeles and New York (LaGuardia). However access to International Maple Leaf Lounges or Star Alliance Business lounges will no longer be available as a Select Privilege. Instead, an option to purchase a Maple Leaf Club membership will be introduced with a 50% discount.
Priority Rewards
In order to maintain the integrity of the Priority Reward privilege for eligible Altitude members, Priority Rewards will be limited to ten (10) reservations (with up to 9 passengers each) per member per benefit period, beginning March 1, 2015. While a thorough analysis has indicated that this change will not impact the vast majority of members (over 95%), it will allow us to maintain a benefit which we know is widely appreciated.
Flight Rewards for Premium Economy
In early 2015, you will be able to redeem Aeroplan miles for seats in the Premium Economy cabin on Air Canada. Details will be coming soon.
Fuel Surcharge on Flight Rewards & Flight Reward change fee waivers
For reservations made as of March 1, 2015, the fuel surcharges on ClassicFlight rewards for travel within Canada and between Canada and the U.S. will be waived for all Altitude members (ie. 25K and higher) . This is applicable on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge.
At the same time, Aeroplan Flight Reward change fee waivers for Super Elite 100K members will no longer be available for changes made on or after March 1, 2015. However, the fuel surcharges on ClassicFlight Rewards for travel between Canada and international destinations will be waived for Super Elite 100K members on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge.
For a complete list of details regarding these changes, visit http://www.aircanada.com/en/aeroplan...e/updates.html
New REVISED REVISIONS to the Altitude Program (Oct 31 email)
=============
Last week, changes to Air Canada Altitude for 2015 were announced. As always, weve been listening to your feedback and will be adjusting certain elements of the program accordingly.
Threshold eUpgrades
The amount of eUpgrade Credits offered through the Threshold eUpgrade program will increase. As of 100,000 Altitude Qualifying Miles or 100 Altitude Qualifying Segments, 20 eUpgrade Credits will be awarded for every 40,000 AQM or 40 AQS flown.
eUpgrade Validity Date
eUpgrade Credits earned on or after November 7, 2014 will be valid until February 29, 2016.
Additionally, eUpgrade Credits earned on or after November 1, 2015 will be valid until February 28, 2017.
Mile Minimum
For travel from March 1, 2015 onwards, all Altitude members will earn a minimum of 250 miles on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Air Canada rouge as well as Star Alliance member airlines.
Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement
For non-Canadian residents, the Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement needed to reach Altitude status in 2016 will be 50% lower than the recently published Minimum Air Canada Flight Requirement.
These changes are representative of Air Canadas focus on recognizing our most valued and important members. We remain committed to offering you one of the best frequent flyer programs in the industry.
Air Canada
Important updates to Air Canada Altitude in 2015
Oct 27, 2014, 3:04 pm
#1981
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,412
They just can't call it rouge due to their contracts with the unions, but I think the writing is on the wall. I would so love to be wrong on this, but I just don't think so.
Oct 27, 2014, 3:09 pm
#1983
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,389
ridefar and rankourabu I appreciate both your points of view. For me all that matters really is international J travel. To be fair to front of cabin crew I had a good experience in August flying AC to Hong Kong and back from Shanghai
AC could learn from Shengzen Airlines domestic J on the new 737, impressive!
AC could learn from Shengzen Airlines domestic J on the new 737, impressive!
However, the fact that they are comparing themselves to the likes of EK,SQ,CX is simply laughable. One would have to drink a lot of ACool-aid.
Oct 27, 2014, 3:22 pm
#1984
Join Date: May 2013
Location: YYT/YYC/TPE
Programs: AC SE, UA, National Exec Elite, Nexus, GE
Posts: 1,810
Thanks for the information. Half of my AQM this year actually came from UA, and all of my UA flights since June have actually been paid discounted J, so even if there is a debate I am sure I can convince them that I am worth their status match to win my business. I have been a very loyal AC flyer for over 10 years, and have only flown WestJet a few times to get rid of my Airmiles. The latest AC privilege erosion pushed me over the edge.
Oct 27, 2014, 3:25 pm
#1985
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
Seriously tho, if (big IF) clean and functional its ok. But it ain't international five star and can't be. Do you know the hiring criteria for Asiana or Sq?
Oct 27, 2014, 3:35 pm
#1986
Join Date: Feb 2012
Programs: AC*75K
Posts: 97
Oct 27, 2014, 3:41 pm
#1987
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE100K, HH G
Posts: 2,454
I'm not saying they are the best on this planet, but far better than my experience with the US competitors (who admittedly do rank only three stars on SkyTrax, not four).
Oct 27, 2014, 4:05 pm
#1988
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM SK EBG LATAM BL
Posts: 23,389
Personally, I have been pleased by the J cabin crews on YYZ-NRT, where I have sat a rather large number of times over the last few years (less so in the future, sadly). I can't recall a "rude" experience, but then I'm not rude to them, either.
I'm not saying they are the best on this planet, but far better than my experience with the US competitors (who admittedly do rank only three stars on SkyTrax, not four).
I'm not saying they are the best on this planet, but far better than my experience with the US competitors (who admittedly do rank only three stars on SkyTrax, not four).
The SkyTrax issues has been debated on numerous occasions. The way to get a 4* rating is questionable.
But if we are going to bring up SkyTrax, have you seen the ratings on Rouge?
At 2.0/10 - its literally is the worst airline in the world. Even below Ryanair and Spirit.
Oct 27, 2014, 4:40 pm
#1989
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AC.SE
Posts: 2,579
Oct 27, 2014, 4:45 pm
#1990
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 492
I have to disagree with you a bit here, because you're looking at top line, but in a business like AC with very thin margins, it's the Profit line that matters more.
And I think they are putting their profit at risk with this move. Before they made this announcement they did a pretty good job of getting regular fliers to buy Flex tickets. The profit to AC for a flex ticket vs tango is clearly higher (I don't think I need to explain in detail why).
With these changes, and with so many people either considering, or as some have already, buying tango now instead of flex the profit line for AC will take a hit, and if enough FF do this, it will take a heavy hit.
Let's assume that there are just 9 other SE like myself, domestically over 100 segments and are considering flipping their fares from flex to tango (read my earlier post if you want to see the details) but basically, sitting in J the same number of times, flying the same number of times, sitting in Y the same number of times, etc. Taking up exactly the same amount of space and flights as we used to but spending $13,200 a year less each.
If there are just 10 of us, that's $132,000 less in profit for Air Canada next year. If there are 100 of us, that's $1,320,000 less in profit next year from just 100 flyers. And trust me, in a low margin business you notice that.
And I think they are putting their profit at risk with this move. Before they made this announcement they did a pretty good job of getting regular fliers to buy Flex tickets. The profit to AC for a flex ticket vs tango is clearly higher (I don't think I need to explain in detail why).
With these changes, and with so many people either considering, or as some have already, buying tango now instead of flex the profit line for AC will take a hit, and if enough FF do this, it will take a heavy hit.
Let's assume that there are just 9 other SE like myself, domestically over 100 segments and are considering flipping their fares from flex to tango (read my earlier post if you want to see the details) but basically, sitting in J the same number of times, flying the same number of times, sitting in Y the same number of times, etc. Taking up exactly the same amount of space and flights as we used to but spending $13,200 a year less each.
If there are just 10 of us, that's $132,000 less in profit for Air Canada next year. If there are 100 of us, that's $1,320,000 less in profit next year from just 100 flyers. And trust me, in a low margin business you notice that.
I would speculate that losing 1 latitude buyer is like losing 20 tango buyers because of margins.
Oct 27, 2014, 4:49 pm
#1991
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: YYT
Programs: AC SE 3MM, Bonvoy LTE, Accor Diamond, Amex Centurion
Posts: 371
95% of my travel is International, several trips this year in Z, the balance using Latitude FP.
I will be at 206k ASM for the year when I return from LHR tomorrow.
Quite simply, I have paid for the privilege to upgrade on all segments which I have done this year.
If I had an 'Air Canada is not a Charity' t-shirt I would wear it with pride tomorrow and would look forward to the SD asking me about it on my LHR-YYZ flight.
I wonder if Calin has been briefed on the changes, I was speaking with an agent in YYZ domestic lounge several months ago and she commented Calin was in several days before and commented that 'his' SE members should have their own area in the lounge away from the masses - seems to be quit a change now!
I will be at 206k ASM for the year when I return from LHR tomorrow.
Quite simply, I have paid for the privilege to upgrade on all segments which I have done this year.
If I had an 'Air Canada is not a Charity' t-shirt I would wear it with pride tomorrow and would look forward to the SD asking me about it on my LHR-YYZ flight.
I wonder if Calin has been briefed on the changes, I was speaking with an agent in YYZ domestic lounge several months ago and she commented Calin was in several days before and commented that 'his' SE members should have their own area in the lounge away from the masses - seems to be quit a change now!
Oct 27, 2014, 4:51 pm
#1992
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
95% of my travel is International, several trips this year in Z, the balance using Latitude FP.
I will be at 206k ASM for the year when I return from LHR tomorrow.
Quite simply, I have paid for the privilege to upgrade on all segments which I have done this year.
If I had an 'Air Canada is not a Charity' t-shirt I would wear it with pride tomorrow and would look forward to the SD asking me about it on my LHR-YYZ flight.
I wonder if Calin has been briefed on the changes, I was speaking with an agent in YYZ domestic lounge several months ago and she commented Calin was in several days before and commented that 'his' SE members should have their own area in the lounge away from the masses - seems to be quit a change now!
I will be at 206k ASM for the year when I return from LHR tomorrow.
Quite simply, I have paid for the privilege to upgrade on all segments which I have done this year.
If I had an 'Air Canada is not a Charity' t-shirt I would wear it with pride tomorrow and would look forward to the SD asking me about it on my LHR-YYZ flight.
I wonder if Calin has been briefed on the changes, I was speaking with an agent in YYZ domestic lounge several months ago and she commented Calin was in several days before and commented that 'his' SE members should have their own area in the lounge away from the masses - seems to be quit a change now!
We know what happens when royalty tells their little people to go eat cake. It can end badly. Maybe Ben S has lost his head somewhere (Ken found his boot already).
Wow. 2000 posts. 70,000 views. Quite the teapot.
Oct 27, 2014, 4:51 pm
#1993
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: YYC, YVR & NYC
Programs: *A 50K, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 74
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BB10; Kbd) AppleWebKit/537.35+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/10.2.1.3247 Mobile Safari/537.35+)
Personally, I have been pleased by the J cabin crews on YYZ-NRT, where I have sat a rather large number of times over the last few years (less so in the future, sadly). I can't recall a "rude" experience, but then I'm not rude to them, either.
I'm not saying they are the best on this planet, but far better than my experience with the US competitors (who admittedly do rank only three stars on SkyTrax, not four).
I also have no issues with AC J. And I have not run into rude AC flight staff.
I'm not happy with all the changes but for the most part I earn status on AC metal and will do so next year. The eupgrade situation isn't pretty at all. That's the one thing that is definitely upsetting. The fuel surcharge doesn't help me as I only redeem flights with Aeroplan for F and J to Europe and Asia.
But each announcement AC makes, they always takes something away and give back marginally.
Originally Posted by tomh009
I'm not saying they are the best on this planet, but far better than my experience with the US competitors (who admittedly do rank only three stars on SkyTrax, not four).
I'm not happy with all the changes but for the most part I earn status on AC metal and will do so next year. The eupgrade situation isn't pretty at all. That's the one thing that is definitely upsetting. The fuel surcharge doesn't help me as I only redeem flights with Aeroplan for F and J to Europe and Asia.
But each announcement AC makes, they always takes something away and give back marginally.
Oct 27, 2014, 4:55 pm
#1994
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat HyattD AMEXCenturion SerenaPlat TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,963
It's nice in a homey sort of way. You know grandmas worn sofa, auntie serving coffee sludge and moms lava cake. Washed down with exotic wines from chile and premium spirits over $12.76 per bottle. After dinner a trip to the bathroom wth dads drool and of course he never can aim properly.
Seriously tho, if (big IF) clean and functional its ok. But it ain't international five star and can't be. Do you know the hiring criteria for Asiana or Sq?
Seriously tho, if (big IF) clean and functional its ok. But it ain't international five star and can't be. Do you know the hiring criteria for Asiana or Sq?
Oct 27, 2014, 4:56 pm
#1995
Formerly known as jsfrSuperElite
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Montreal
Programs: Air Canada SE100K-1MM, Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 590
95% of my travel is International, several trips this year in Z, the balance using Latitude FP.
I will be at 206k ASM for the year when I return from LHR tomorrow.
Quite simply, I have paid for the privilege to upgrade on all segments which I have done this year.
If I had an 'Air Canada is not a Charity' t-shirt I would wear it with pride tomorrow and would look forward to the SD asking me about it on my LHR-YYZ flight.
I wonder if Calin has been briefed on the changes, I was speaking with an agent in YYZ domestic lounge several months ago and she commented Calin was in several days before and commented that 'his' SE members should have their own area in the lounge away from the masses - seems to be quit a change now!
I will be at 206k ASM for the year when I return from LHR tomorrow.
Quite simply, I have paid for the privilege to upgrade on all segments which I have done this year.
If I had an 'Air Canada is not a Charity' t-shirt I would wear it with pride tomorrow and would look forward to the SD asking me about it on my LHR-YYZ flight.
I wonder if Calin has been briefed on the changes, I was speaking with an agent in YYZ domestic lounge several months ago and she commented Calin was in several days before and commented that 'his' SE members should have their own area in the lounge away from the masses - seems to be quit a change now!