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
#616
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: I'm From Here
Programs: AC*SE & 2MM/Bonvoy Gold/HHonors Diamond
Posts: 4,586
I agree...I remember the paper days...I spent more time in the back, except my int'l. However they did offer the summer promos (not just for M fares) which helps balance it all out.
#617
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
ok, seriously, feelings?
Its an airline. A corporation out to make money to pad executive bonuses and pay dividends to shareholders.
Did you (not picking on you personally) ever think you had a 'relationship' other than them sucking money out of your wallet? No, seriously?
Or are you just mad at yourself for believing that a faceless corporation actually cared about you, and your loyalty?
This part I don't get, people are taking this whole thing personally, and have invested feelings in this.![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
This happens every year:
*AC announces enhancements
*Some People vent, say they are leaving, huff and puff.
*Other people say - at least it doesn't affect me, they care about me!!! YAY!
*Multiple threads are started on how people are leaving, blah blah
*Almost everyone goes back to booking AC, and accepts it.
*Some reevaluate, and choose other options, and realize how silly they were for blind brand loyalty all these years.
Its an airline. A corporation out to make money to pad executive bonuses and pay dividends to shareholders.
Did you (not picking on you personally) ever think you had a 'relationship' other than them sucking money out of your wallet? No, seriously?
Or are you just mad at yourself for believing that a faceless corporation actually cared about you, and your loyalty?
This part I don't get, people are taking this whole thing personally, and have invested feelings in this.
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
![Confused](https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/images/smilies/confused.gif)
This happens every year:
*AC announces enhancements
*Some People vent, say they are leaving, huff and puff.
*Other people say - at least it doesn't affect me, they care about me!!! YAY!
*Multiple threads are started on how people are leaving, blah blah
*Almost everyone goes back to booking AC, and accepts it.
*Some reevaluate, and choose other options, and realize how silly they were for blind brand loyalty all these years.
Recent comments made (in poor judgement) by Ben and Andrew regarding ''AC employees travel more often than Altitude members'' just reinforces this dim view of those who bring money to the table and pay the salaries of AC employees (who will also benefit from having less Altitude members in the J cabin for employee op ups).
#618
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
Actually, the most effective marketing programs drive emotional loyalty NOT behavioural/transactional loyalty. This is something loyalty marketers many (including AC) have struggled with.
Recent comments made (in poor judgement) by Ben and Andrew regarding ''AC employees travel more often than Altitude members'' just reinforces this dim view of those who bring money to the table and pay the salaries of AC employees (who will also benefit from having less Altitude members in the J cabin).
Recent comments made (in poor judgement) by Ben and Andrew regarding ''AC employees travel more often than Altitude members'' just reinforces this dim view of those who bring money to the table and pay the salaries of AC employees (who will also benefit from having less Altitude members in the J cabin).
#619
Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AC.SE
Posts: 2,579
This would make sense. They're already forcing us to commit to 50,000 miles of mediocre soft product and mostly indifferent cabin crew, so why not downgrade domestic service completely? Maybe YVR-YYZ will be preserved.
#620
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
#621
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat HyattD AMEXCenturion SerenaPlat TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,963
I still have $25-35k in paid J travel this year. This is what AC has said they don't want with these changes.
How can this make any rational business sense?
How can this make any rational business sense?
#622
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,281
I don't believe removing of domestic J is possible considering there a whole whackload of repositioning flights between eastern and western triangles to/from TPAC/TATL destinations. This is in particular to widebodies but does not necessarily preclude narrowbodies as well... Just my thoughts...
#623
Formerly known as jsfrSuperElite
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Montreal
Programs: Air Canada SE100K-1MM, Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 590
Altitude Privileges
To those who might have forgotten what Altitude is all about, perhaps you should read again how Air Canada is positioning and describing their frequent flyer program:
All Air Canada Altitude members fly in a world of privilege. Core Privileges are the benefits a world traveller can't live without and Select Privileges are the ones you won't want to live without. The privileges outlined below are valid through February 28, 2015.
https://altitude.aircanada.com/statu...ram-privileges
Air Canada Altitude is designed to enhance the travel experiences of our most frequent flyers. Open to world travellers, businesspeople, adventurers, dreamers, doers and curious people like you, Altitude is your ticket to an ever-growing world of experiences.
https://altitude.aircanada.com/status/overview?lang=en
One can only be dumbfounded after reading this and comparing it to reality...
Bad.
All Air Canada Altitude members fly in a world of privilege. Core Privileges are the benefits a world traveller can't live without and Select Privileges are the ones you won't want to live without. The privileges outlined below are valid through February 28, 2015.
https://altitude.aircanada.com/statu...ram-privileges
Air Canada Altitude is designed to enhance the travel experiences of our most frequent flyers. Open to world travellers, businesspeople, adventurers, dreamers, doers and curious people like you, Altitude is your ticket to an ever-growing world of experiences.
https://altitude.aircanada.com/status/overview?lang=en
One can only be dumbfounded after reading this and comparing it to reality...
Bad.
#624
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,611
I believe I've posted about this in replies about 3 times, but without any AC response, so I'm glad it keeps coming up.
I agree entirely - and I really hope this year won't see another December 1st rollover for threshold expiries. Once again AC IT has missed crediting me flights... but as those will push me past the 120K threshold, I'm not planning on claiming them until I can leverage them in 2015.
I agree entirely - and I really hope this year won't see another December 1st rollover for threshold expiries. Once again AC IT has missed crediting me flights... but as those will push me past the 120K threshold, I'm not planning on claiming them until I can leverage them in 2015.
#625
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,412
I don't believe removing of domestic J is possible considering there a whole whackload of repositioning flights between eastern and western triangles to/from TPAC/TATL destinations. This is in particular to widebodies but does not necessarily preclude narrowbodies as well... Just my thoughts...
#626
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: YVR
Programs: AC S100K
Posts: 978
#627
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Toronto
Programs: AC35K, Ritz Carlton Gold, Hertz Gold
Posts: 22
#628
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,412
I can put this another way too, for SEMM, why fly more than 8 segments? Because I have to get all the way to 100k for another 2 upgrades on a Flex FP domestically? I can spend $4400 and get 8 upgrades, or spend $26k and get 10 upgrades. This so doesn't make any sense. You are actually encouraging me to spend less. I can upgrade all those, then go fly WestJet in Plus with better seating, priority boarding, no charge food and drink, etc.
Or just as bad for AC, I can just fly Tango. I could save about $12000 annually. The only thing substantive I would lose at this point is 10 upgrades. Are those 10 upgrades worth $1200 each!!??!
Or just as bad for AC, I can just fly Tango. I could save about $12000 annually. The only thing substantive I would lose at this point is 10 upgrades. Are those 10 upgrades worth $1200 each!!??!
For those that say "but you get Priority Seating on AC" this is virtually worthless. I just looked 5 weeks out on a YYZ-YYC flight on a 763. There are just 6 priority seats left, 5 if you exclude a middle seat. In a sense, priority seating has become the new Aerolotto. So not only will you not get upgrades, but you wont event get a priority seat in all likelihood either. Good luck with that strategy AC.
You are going to lose twice. Once to people that go to other airlines. And once to people that say "screw it" and stay home.
#629
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat HyattD AMEXCenturion SerenaPlat TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,963
Now that I've given it further thought AC will have to reverse much of the e-upgrade changes or truly enhance them somehow.
No heavy flier will put miles in to AC past 100k now, as there was just enough incentive previously.
I'd have to sit down and calculate it but I figure AC will lose out on $50k+ of my J tickets to Europe and Africa with their new strategy.
No heavy flier will put miles in to AC past 100k now, as there was just enough incentive previously.
I'd have to sit down and calculate it but I figure AC will lose out on $50k+ of my J tickets to Europe and Africa with their new strategy.
#630
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,542
+1. I've gone through five transcontinental passes this year and I don't really see the value for next year since yyz-yvr will cost me 8 credits instead of 4. Also no longer see the value in buying flex for the short hops that I sometimes do. Will be buying tango for those from now on.