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 24, 2014, 2:47 pm
#721
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 492
I'm not going to disagree with you, but see what I've bolded. The view we've decided to take is now more in line with our major European and Asian competitors.
Many are looking at BA or CX or even EK or LH or TK or SQ. Mileage upgrades aside, using instruments 'given' to you as a reward for your flying (vouchers, credits, what have you), how many free upgrades do you get on those guys? The majority of the people travelling in J (or F) on those carriers have paid for their seat with cash.
Many are looking at BA or CX or even EK or LH or TK or SQ. Mileage upgrades aside, using instruments 'given' to you as a reward for your flying (vouchers, credits, what have you), how many free upgrades do you get on those guys? The majority of the people travelling in J (or F) on those carriers have paid for their seat with cash.
Like I said, if I want to fly to Europe or Asia for two people for a personal holiday trip at the beginning of the year in March, I won't be able to upgrade both people for a return flight. Forget about the eupgrade nominee reductions. I simply wouldn't have enough eupgrade credits at that time of the year to upgrade for both of us - I wouldnt have flown 60K miles in one week to earn another 10 credits. I want the ability to do that.
Perhaps the way to help this scenario is to sell eupgrade credits or exchange aeroplan miles for eupgrade credits.
Please think about these scenarios... and remember that many of the benefits are used when we fly personally with family or significant other etc. When flying personally, we may not buy the highest fare prices as it's a personal flight... I usually stick to the lowest flex fare.
Oct 24, 2014, 2:47 pm
#722
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Across the pond
Programs: Aeroplan SE, Goldpassport Platinum, Avis Something, Hertz Gold
Posts: 750
. I think some of us, given a choice, would book on any of the other airlines that you are benchmarking against for paid J (maybe with the exception of LH for me).
Oct 24, 2014, 2:47 pm
#723
Formerly known as jsfrSuperElite
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Hong Kong, Montreal
Programs: Air Canada SE100K-1MM, Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 590
Oct 24, 2014, 2:47 pm
#724
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
No, that's my point - that is a Z ticket, so that's what we want. But you're asking why we would make it more difficult to upgrade Y tickets, so I think we're hoping to get more people paying for J (or Z).
Oct 24, 2014, 2:50 pm
#725
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
Oct 24, 2014, 2:50 pm
#726
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Programs: United M+: Platnum to 2016 AC E75K to 2015
Posts: 59
Originally Posted by LittleYHZ View Post
Okay. I know this will go against the grain. They've gone in this direction, I am sure because they've surveyed people/businesses/those who are buying the bulk of the tickets on here.
I do agree with your points... and from your persepective, they make sense.. but alas, I am the flier.. And I do have SOME input as to what flight/route/Airline I can book *even though it must be the cheapest). I was a gerat AC/AP citizen and consciously looked for AC fares.. until last year.. and now with this year's changes, I will now seek out other airlines...
Okay. I know this will go against the grain. They've gone in this direction, I am sure because they've surveyed people/businesses/those who are buying the bulk of the tickets on here.
I do agree with your points... and from your persepective, they make sense.. but alas, I am the flier.. And I do have SOME input as to what flight/route/Airline I can book *even though it must be the cheapest). I was a gerat AC/AP citizen and consciously looked for AC fares.. until last year.. and now with this year's changes, I will now seek out other airlines...
Last edited by NeoRichards; Oct 24, 2014 at 2:51 pm Reason: to QUOTE the message I was replying to
Oct 24, 2014, 2:50 pm
#727
Join Date: May 2012
Location: YOW
Programs: UA*1K, Marriott Titanium (LTP), Hilton Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,665
I think this is a salient point for many on here. I'm going to be blunt: we are not a charity. From what I'm hearing, it would appear a majority pays for Y and expects to sit in J. It's not a secret that we would prefer our customers sitting in the J cabin to have paid for it.
Maximizing paid J is understandable, as I once heard a full paid J cabin covers all of a flight's expenses.
I think the aspect of "free upgrades" is a bit of a misnomer; there is certainly a sense of entitlement to them for the loyalty we give to AC, but could you provide guidance to a question, that could clarify the AC perspective:
What is the scope of the cost of someone sitting in an empty J seat (I know, hard to generalize) on an upgrade, compared to their remaining in Y?
If the cost is substantial, then I can understand the concern of AC, with it being a substantial expense when there are a substantial number of upgrades.
If not, then doesn't capacity control to minimize R/P/Z availability ensure that paid customers would have priority? That action, with waitlisted at-gate upgrades, would also leave room for LMU revenue as well.
Edit, based on recent reply: Or, is the thought that without the hope for an upgrade, customers would pay for business instead of taking chances with Aerolotto?
Oct 24, 2014, 2:50 pm
#728
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
Lounge access for Silver is CX/KA-operated flights only. E35k gets AC domestic and transborder on AC/Star. I'd call it a wash.
Oct 24, 2014, 2:51 pm
#729
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,611
Ben - it looks like there has been a focus on reducing MLL international lounge access for its FF the last couple years (Altitude MLL passes no longer permit entry, E35K no longer gets access) etc.
Yet, the Aeroplan Visa cards give away 1 MLL pass to every cardholder, which they can use on reward travel. How does this line up with this, and asking us to pay for paid J, where even the domestic and transborder lounges are quite crowded.
Yet, the Aeroplan Visa cards give away 1 MLL pass to every cardholder, which they can use on reward travel. How does this line up with this, and asking us to pay for paid J, where even the domestic and transborder lounges are quite crowded.
Oct 24, 2014, 2:52 pm
#730
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,153
Unbelievable arrogance toward your customers. It's basically f... You guys. Get lost. Well it works in reverse too. I am sorry to say, but as social media rep this type of line should get you fired in the spot.
Now the question; is this gutting considered a schedule change which allows us to refund the booked itineraries without penalty? If you tell us to get lost at least do it like a gentleman and not steal our wallets in the way out!
Oct 24, 2014, 2:53 pm
#731
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: YVR
Programs: AC S100K
Posts: 978
My Latitude business is going nowhere...it's a very good product when I use the features. Having said that, I don't need to be an SE to use those features. P25 will do fine (although AC's going to get somewhat more than that next year).
The Flex business is a different incentive structure now. The premium gives me miles and the opportunity to burn 32 credits to upgrade a transcon. No thanks. I don't need the AQM to enhance my experience.
Even a fraction of my current flex business going to WJ will get me Gold. I'll earn 5% (or 7% if using the RBC card) on their lowest fares in addition to their companion tickets. I'd earn nothing on AC. I'll get comparable priority services.
I get that the SE experience is pretty sweet (and I'll get SE next year). IKK coupled with the surcharge waivers may be a difference maker.
So for mid-tier elites travelling within Canada, it's a real serious comparison.
Oct 24, 2014, 2:53 pm
#732
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC - SE100K
Posts: 727
I fly a lot of international paid-J, but my business is going elsewhere for the remainder of 2014. Flying beyond 100k has become useless. I will also fly Flex FP tickets and appreciate the upgradeability. Hence the reason I have often paid for J with AC in spite of other carriers offering superior pricing and/or quality.
This is not a matter of whether or not I pay to sit up front, this is a matter of demonstrating the value proposition to your highest volume fliers once they reach 100k. Right now it isn't there
Oct 24, 2014, 2:54 pm
#733
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Across the pond
Programs: Aeroplan SE, Goldpassport Platinum, Avis Something, Hertz Gold
Posts: 750
Oh the irony
Oct 24, 2014, 2:55 pm
#734
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
Now that you are so blunt about it. You WON'T get it from me. Just for this remarkable comment I will do my damnedest to avoid AC paid business at all cost.
Unbelievable arrogance toward your customers. It's basically f... You guys. Get lost. Well it works in reverse too. I am sorry to say, but as social media rep this type of line should get you fired in the spot.
Now the question; is this gutting considered a schedule change which allows us to refund the booked itineraries without penalty? If you tell us to get lost at least do it like a gentleman and not steal our wallets in the way out!
Unbelievable arrogance toward your customers. It's basically f... You guys. Get lost. Well it works in reverse too. I am sorry to say, but as social media rep this type of line should get you fired in the spot.
Now the question; is this gutting considered a schedule change which allows us to refund the booked itineraries without penalty? If you tell us to get lost at least do it like a gentleman and not steal our wallets in the way out!
Oct 24, 2014, 2:55 pm
#735
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,611