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, we’ve 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 Canada’s 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, we’ve 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 Canada’s 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
Nov 1, 2014, 9:08 pm
#2881
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 35
Totally agree. I have lifetime spg platinum. I don't always get upgraded but the standard service is exceptional. And I nearly always feel that employees are genuinely grateful for staying 75-100 nights a year with SPG.
AC on the other hand - they don't even let you speak to a live person. Their customer service is based on email through the web site!
Without a doubt, AC sucks. As I said before, I think it is entirely because they have outsourced Aeroplan. They have no long term incentives, simply short term profits.
I have been growing frustrated with AC over the years but this takes the cake. They have truly institutionalize disrespect and animosity towards their biggest customers. They view their customers as expenses not revenue sources! Well hopefully they will cut back on all the expenses associated with lots of our revenue!
Most of all, announcing this right at the end of the year when we are trapped with them next year is utter bs. At least they could've had the balls to announce them a year in advance.
I hope we will all band together and go elsewhere. Screw them at AC!
AC on the other hand - they don't even let you speak to a live person. Their customer service is based on email through the web site!
Without a doubt, AC sucks. As I said before, I think it is entirely because they have outsourced Aeroplan. They have no long term incentives, simply short term profits.
I have been growing frustrated with AC over the years but this takes the cake. They have truly institutionalize disrespect and animosity towards their biggest customers. They view their customers as expenses not revenue sources! Well hopefully they will cut back on all the expenses associated with lots of our revenue!
Most of all, announcing this right at the end of the year when we are trapped with them next year is utter bs. At least they could've had the balls to announce them a year in advance.
I hope we will all band together and go elsewhere. Screw them at AC!
Nov 1, 2014, 9:14 pm
#2882
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,655
That's the part I really don't understand in terms of their actions. I think many of us rationalized the "enhancements" when AC was going through financial crises - as a customer it is much tougher to swallow the bitter pill on the heals of record results. Guess it's a bit like the union members being upset when they are asked to take pay and benefit cuts while management is paid large bonuses.
Nov 1, 2014, 9:28 pm
#2883
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
I would have assumed when the "send" button was clicked, EVERYONE would receive the email at the same time.
What if they are starting with newly minted SEs or some sub-set of people who may have hit a status milestone and might not know all the benefits and regs?
What if they are starting with newly minted SEs or some sub-set of people who may have hit a status milestone and might not know all the benefits and regs?
Nov 1, 2014, 9:30 pm
#2884
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 32
There is a temptation to think - "well, they must know what they're doing" and "they have the data" and "what do I know? they know their business better than I do"
But there have been plenty of corporate disasters in which for some reason or another a CEO has got it badly wrong (e.g. Time Warner, new Coke, HP Canon etc). Even smart people make mistakes. In my opinion there's a really smart guy in AC who has just made a really bad mistake.
But there have been plenty of corporate disasters in which for some reason or another a CEO has got it badly wrong (e.g. Time Warner, new Coke, HP Canon etc). Even smart people make mistakes. In my opinion there's a really smart guy in AC who has just made a really bad mistake.
Nov 1, 2014, 9:31 pm
#2885
Join Date: May 2013
Location: YYT/YYC/TPE
Programs: AC SE, UA, National Exec Elite, Nexus, GE
Posts: 1,810
Re changes
the minimum on AC still seems very excessive compared to others and quite a jump from 10% to 50%. Although some here kept harping it was only non Canadian residents who would have a problem there are very much mistaken.
Many of us SE who travel transborder to places where there are none or limited AC options will have a challenge hitting the 50%. So if AC would rather us switch over to another carrier then fine - that is what they are saying. then might as well fly AC zero percent of the time.
the minimum on AC still seems very excessive compared to others and quite a jump from 10% to 50%. Although some here kept harping it was only non Canadian residents who would have a problem there are very much mistaken.
Many of us SE who travel transborder to places where there are none or limited AC options will have a challenge hitting the 50%. So if AC would rather us switch over to another carrier then fine - that is what they are saying. then might as well fly AC zero percent of the time.
Nov 1, 2014, 10:09 pm
#2886
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 32
Exactly! It's only two months before the new year begins. I have most of my flights for next year booked already. If I'd have known they were going to pull the rug out from under us I would have made different decisions.
Nov 1, 2014, 10:12 pm
#2887
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YYC
Posts: 23,804
There is a temptation to think - "well, they must know what they're doing" and "they have the data" and "what do I know? they know their business better than I do"
But there have been plenty of corporate disasters in which for some reason or another a CEO has got it badly wrong (e.g. Time Warner, new Coke, HP Canon etc). Even smart people make mistakes. In my opinion there's a really smart guy in AC who has just made a really bad mistake.
But there have been plenty of corporate disasters in which for some reason or another a CEO has got it badly wrong (e.g. Time Warner, new Coke, HP Canon etc). Even smart people make mistakes. In my opinion there's a really smart guy in AC who has just made a really bad mistake.
See, they are smart. They know better.
I suspect however that in AC's case this is not so much applicable to the top but to the culture. Obviously, in his mind, the kid's most outrageous statements seemed innocuous precisely because they reflected what everyone at AC believes. Corporate culture.
We are the enemy. Getting something for free, god forbid, has to end.
Nov 1, 2014, 10:12 pm
#2888
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
OP - yes, we know you've been SE 'forever' as all your posts seem to start out reminding us of this.
I ran into this last year when I got dropped from the AC Altitude mailing list I think when I changed e-mail addresses.
Do two things:
1) See if you're subscribe via your e-mail address:
https://email.preferences.aircanada....ite&src=footer
2) After you've updated your preferences, you can also send @ACAltitude a DM to make sure you're subscribed to the Altitude mailing list (for the Altitude Report etc.)
I ran into this last year when I got dropped from the AC Altitude mailing list I think when I changed e-mail addresses.
Do two things:
1) See if you're subscribe via your e-mail address:
https://email.preferences.aircanada....ite&src=footer
2) After you've updated your preferences, you can also send @ACAltitude a DM to make sure you're subscribed to the Altitude mailing list (for the Altitude Report etc.)
Nov 1, 2014, 10:19 pm
#2889
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
Nov 1, 2014, 11:00 pm
#2891
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Vancouver, Canada
Posts: 6,222
There is a temptation to think - "well, they must know what they're doing" and "they have the data" and "what do I know? they know their business better than I do"
But there have been plenty of corporate disasters in which for some reason or another a CEO has got it badly wrong (e.g. Time Warner, new Coke, HP Canon etc). Even smart people make mistakes. In my opinion there's a really smart guy in AC who has just made a really bad mistake.
But there have been plenty of corporate disasters in which for some reason or another a CEO has got it badly wrong (e.g. Time Warner, new Coke, HP Canon etc). Even smart people make mistakes. In my opinion there's a really smart guy in AC who has just made a really bad mistake.
Health care policy related, but informative if you are interested:
Ten impressions of big data: Claims, aspirations, hardly any causal inference
Five more big data quotes: The ambitions and challenges
Nov 1, 2014, 11:10 pm
#2892
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: YVR
Programs: Altitude SE 100K Million Mile
Posts: 11
I received the email yesterday and the benefit to me of these latest changes is NIL.
On another note, WestJet gave me Gold status match for my 100K in just over 24 hours. Quite impressive that they already show more appreciation and give a speedier response than AC seems to.
On another note, WestJet gave me Gold status match for my 100K in just over 24 hours. Quite impressive that they already show more appreciation and give a speedier response than AC seems to.
Nov 1, 2014, 11:17 pm
#2893
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
There's a growing body of evidence and opinion that "big data" is not nearly as reliable or powerful as its proponents would have you believe.
Health care policy related, but informative if you are interested:
Ten impressions of big data: Claims, aspirations, hardly any causal inference
Five more big data quotes: The ambitions and challenges
Health care policy related, but informative if you are interested:
Ten impressions of big data: Claims, aspirations, hardly any causal inference
Five more big data quotes: The ambitions and challenges
Ken,
Fascinating. Thank you.
Big Data, or just plain data, will only get an organization or company so far.
Consumer/customer insight will also only get a company so far.
In isolation, neither will work well (or at all).
Combining consumer data with insight will only work if the group doing the work analyzing the data and then determining the strategy, know what they are doing.
Last edited by 24left; Nov 1, 2014 at 11:31 pm
Nov 1, 2014, 11:27 pm
#2894
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: AC SE100K-1MM, NH, DL, AA, BA, Global Entry/Nexus, APEC..
Posts: 18,877
I received the email yesterday and the benefit to me of these latest changes is NIL.
On another note, WestJet gave me Gold status match for my 100K in just over 24 hours. Quite impressive that they already show more appreciation and give a speedier response than AC seems to.
On another note, WestJet gave me Gold status match for my 100K in just over 24 hours. Quite impressive that they already show more appreciation and give a speedier response than AC seems to.
Agreed.
AC may have been blindsided by WS's status match offer and double-page ad in the G&M. Clearly based on your post here and that of others, there will be quite a few who switch away for some or all of their flying depending on where they need to be.
Perhaps AC believes that those who have chosen to fly with other carriers and join their programs, are only doing so temporarily and possibly out of spite. AC may think this group of fliers will return once they see what's on the other side.
Even if that happens, a great deal of damage has been done by the communications' failures noted by some eloquent FT members in this forum.
See post 21
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-c...-thread-2.html
Nov 2, 2014, 12:14 am
#2895
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: MLL / AC Cafe
Programs: It's hard to get status when the website won't let me book flights.
Posts: 5,706
It is easier to keep a client than to get a client, and getting back a client is damn near impossible.