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, 3:28 pm
#766
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
Here is a radical idea:
Instead of reducing the eupgrade credits, increase them! And reduce the number required. Give flyers more than they could possible use! But still restrict it to Flex fares. This entices your flyer to buy flex fares = more profit. Now how do you keep the J cabin for paid flyers? You don't clear the lower flex fare upgrades until boarding. Then it's either going out an empty seat or an upgraded seat.
Ben said (again, just citing) that they would rather have Paid J, well yes! of course! But on international routes where Flex is about $1,000 more than tango, you are still going to end up ahead if people buy flex rather than have those seats go empty. Because there is no way on a o/w trip that an upgrade from Y to an empty J seat costs AC $1,000. Plus if you have more flyers requesting upgrades than seats then you get that wonderful extra $1,000 without having to upgrade. ding ding ding! I hear profits!
If you want to focus on filling the J cabin with paid J, awesome! that's a good thing to focus on, but don't do so at the cost of killing your Y profits. Instead change how upgrades are done, don't do them until at the gate on lower fares, then you can still focus on paid J and make the profits from Flex.
Anyway, in talking to a lot of people I think this is going to kill the revenue that AC makes right now on Flex.
Instead of reducing the eupgrade credits, increase them! And reduce the number required. Give flyers more than they could possible use! But still restrict it to Flex fares. This entices your flyer to buy flex fares = more profit. Now how do you keep the J cabin for paid flyers? You don't clear the lower flex fare upgrades until boarding. Then it's either going out an empty seat or an upgraded seat.
Ben said (again, just citing) that they would rather have Paid J, well yes! of course! But on international routes where Flex is about $1,000 more than tango, you are still going to end up ahead if people buy flex rather than have those seats go empty. Because there is no way on a o/w trip that an upgrade from Y to an empty J seat costs AC $1,000. Plus if you have more flyers requesting upgrades than seats then you get that wonderful extra $1,000 without having to upgrade. ding ding ding! I hear profits!
If you want to focus on filling the J cabin with paid J, awesome! that's a good thing to focus on, but don't do so at the cost of killing your Y profits. Instead change how upgrades are done, don't do them until at the gate on lower fares, then you can still focus on paid J and make the profits from Flex.
Anyway, in talking to a lot of people I think this is going to kill the revenue that AC makes right now on Flex.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:28 pm
#767
Flying Blue Director
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: CDG/AMS
Posts: 1,864
Oct 24, 2014, 3:29 pm
#768
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: YYZ most of the time
Programs: AC SE100K MM, Princess Elite
Posts: 3,921
Can we now (I honestly don't know) or will we be able to in the future, use AE points to upgrade AC tickets on AC metal? I know with UA I can use GPU/RPU or miles to upgrade. To the best of my knowledge (as limited as it is) we cannot use miles to upgrade on AC... can we?
Oct 24, 2014, 3:29 pm
#769
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
Already confirmed for the 77L/77W (2 cabin). The 767s will move to rouge and the 333s will eventually leave the fleet. What I'm wondering about - especially with this latest round of changes if, is if they'll update the 5 x 77Ps to the new J spec. If they're expecting us to pay for J, then give us a premium J product.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:31 pm
#770
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
Here is a radical idea:
Instead of reducing the eupgrade credits, increase them! And reduce the number required. Give flyers more than they could possible use! But still restrict it to Flex fares. This entices your flyer to buy flex fares = more profit. Now how do you keep the J cabin for paid flyers? You don't clear the lower flex fare upgrades until boarding. Then it's either going out an empty seat or an upgraded seat.
Instead of reducing the eupgrade credits, increase them! And reduce the number required. Give flyers more than they could possible use! But still restrict it to Flex fares. This entices your flyer to buy flex fares = more profit. Now how do you keep the J cabin for paid flyers? You don't clear the lower flex fare upgrades until boarding. Then it's either going out an empty seat or an upgraded seat.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:34 pm
#772
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,701
They are counting on the "addicts"
The risk as has been pointed out is that the small number of those addicts are overwhelmed from a revenue perspective by people who stop chasing the upgrade and settle for lowest logical fare irrespective of carrier, buy Tango fare on AC or that we go for lowest J fare - and risk that once we sample other airlines realize they aren't so bad (or God forbid are better).
Ballsy move - For their sake I hope they have their big data analytics right.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:35 pm
#773
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
But from an AC profit perspective, they still win if they don't upgrade until the gate because the cost of a flex fare > cost of upgrading a pax from Y to an empty J seat.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:37 pm
#774
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,701
Oct 24, 2014, 3:38 pm
#775
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: YKF
Programs: AC Elite 50K, Amex AP Plat, Choice Privileges, National Exec Elite, Via Prefrence
Posts: 2,996
I'm always amazed when I see this type of attitude with some of my clients that view their customers as masochists that will easily come back after getting whacked or being subject to death by a thousand cuts.
Human psychology has always shown whether it be in our personal or professional lives, it is always, always (did I mention always) more difficult/resource intensive to attract new attention/people than it is to retain existing attention/people.
I too would like Mr Ian Ditullo and Ben Smith make themselves known on this board for a Q&A as I believe those are the key decision makers in this massive devaluation. If they truly believe we are a stakeholder in the company, then they should be not be afraid to answer a few educated, blunt questions.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:41 pm
#776
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 16,701
I too would like Mr Ian Ditullo and Ben Smith make themselves known on this board for a Q&A as I believe those are the key decision makers in this massive devaluation. If they truly believe we are a stakeholder in the company, then they should be not be afraid to answer a few educated, blunt questions.
Oct 24, 2014, 3:44 pm
#777
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Oct 24, 2014, 3:48 pm
#778
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Oct 24, 2014, 3:50 pm
#779
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YYJ
Programs: 50K
Posts: 307
They are betting that enough of us will have gotten so used to sitting in J - even if upgraded, that when the "free" upgrade drug is removed, we will remain addicted and be willing to pay for Z or at least pay up to and even higher Flex or Latitude fares to preserve more of our precious upgrade opportunities.
The risk as has been pointed out is that the small number of those addicts are overwhelmed from a revenue perspective by people who stop chasing the upgrade and settle for lowest logical fare irrespective of carrier, buy Tango fare on AC or that we go for lowest J fare - and risk that once we sample other airlines realize they aren't so bad (or God forbid are better).
Ballsy move - For their sake I hope they have their big data analytics right.
The risk as has been pointed out is that the small number of those addicts are overwhelmed from a revenue perspective by people who stop chasing the upgrade and settle for lowest logical fare irrespective of carrier, buy Tango fare on AC or that we go for lowest J fare - and risk that once we sample other airlines realize they aren't so bad (or God forbid are better).
Ballsy move - For their sake I hope they have their big data analytics right.
