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Important updates to Air Canada Altitude in 2015

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Old Nov 1, 2014, 10:31 am
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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
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Important updates to Air Canada Altitude in 2015

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Old Oct 25, 2014, 12:59 pm
  #1216  
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 492
OK Air Canada, listen up

American Airlines have a far superior upgrade scheme than you.

Their SE members get 8 systemwide upgrades, for the flier and any passenger they designate:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/el...s/upgrades.jsp
http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/aadvantageupgrades.jsp

No limitation on distance, etc...

We now will only get 3 upgrades if we fly to Europe. We used to get 6 (and easily more if we flew lots).

What is up with that?
theseatbelt is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:02 pm
  #1217  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AC Elite 50K
Posts: 367
Just throwing it out there.

Is it possible things got mixed up? And we were comparing AC to AK/D7(Air Asia?) Because the J on the HD reminds me of Air Asia X J... So does the food most days... Though at Air Asia I feel I get value...
LittleYHZ is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:02 pm
  #1218  
Company Representative - Air Canada
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
Originally Posted by Lllahim
Then there is Andrew claiming that a major reason for buying Flex is accumulation of AP points. His reason: several Flex buyers do not ask for upgrades. What a cr**k. Andrew do you understand that Flex allows for advance seat selection, access to preferred seats including Exit Row ones, "free" checked luggage; reduced change fee, better standby place, access to an advertised promotion such a 2X/1.75 AQM.... If you run out of eUps points, are saving them for a trip with a companion, why can't you buy Flex for the other many purposes? And what is wrong with buying Flex to earn status, a condition you demand?
We were talking about International.

Advanced seat selection - Tango yes Flex yes
Super Elites get 3 pieces of checked baggage on Tango or Flex.
We have access to data on how many of these customers made a change, how many customers bought their tickets before promotions announced, how many customers stood by for a flight (and 'better standby place', how do you standby on Asia where there's 1 flight a day?) etc.

As stated here, not defending anything or trying to convince anyone to change their mind on what they think about the changes. Bottom line is - you don't like the answer doesn't mean what I've said is a 'crock'. All I said is majority of customers see biggest value in the 100% mileage accumulation (both top tiers and non top tiers)
Andrew Yiu is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:03 pm
  #1219  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AC Elite 50K
Posts: 367
Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
I disagree with you there... The 787 J product is superior to the normal J product. Y is also better for me as well on the 787. Premium Y = awesome too.
+1 I like both. PY is actually a really good deal.
LittleYHZ is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:04 pm
  #1220  
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: CEB - primary/YVR -secondary
Programs: AC*Super Elite (100K) / PR*Elite / AY*Platinum (OWE) / SPG*Bonvoy Titanium (LTT)
Posts: 2,279
Originally Posted by theseatbelt
OK Air Canada, listen up

American Airlines have a far superior upgrade scheme than you.

Their SE members get 8 systemwide upgrades, for the flier and any passenger they designate:
http://www.aa.com/i18n/AAdvantage/el...s/upgrades.jsp
http://www.aa.com/i18n/urls/aadvantageupgrades.jsp

No limitation on distance, etc...

We now will only get 3 upgrades if we fly to Europe.

What is up with that?
Because AA doesnt think their SE equivalent as charity cases nor feel that their top tier members being upgraded would "cheapen" their J product
supatight80 is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:05 pm
  #1221  
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 1,022
I have read the rationale for gutting the program in the Q&A section of the announcement. That rationale is that they benchmarked against the "competition". It did not identify the competition. By calling itself "the leading NA Airline" and a 4* carrier, AC implies that the competition in NOT North America where it is the only 4* legacy. By extension, the competition is Europe, the Middle East and Asia. You will expect them to then compare both the hard and soft product offered by their competition against what they have. They did not. However, they compared upgrade awards that showed that even with their gutting they will be in the middle of the pack.

I expected them to make a case for more money, they did not. That left me wondering why they are cutting at a time when they are making money. FF are stakeholders in the company who should be rewarded when times are good. Bet Executive bonuses will be sky high and shareholder dividends (I have a few AC stocks) will benefit. The FF who stuck with them through thick and thin, gave them glowing marks (some undeserved) at the polls that helped them climb to their new "lofty" heights, get creamed.

We are reminded that FF threaten to quit after every round of enhancements but stay on. I will not be one of them. If the changes stay, I am gone. I will take 2 others out. The last time I made a solemn promise was at age 12 (Adam and Eve era). I drank too much alcohol on Christmas day and proceeded to make a complete ... of myself including betraying a confidence. When I recovered the next morning, I promised never to touch that stuff again. I haven't. I don't knowingly eat vinegar today.
Lllahim is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:06 pm
  #1222  
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: YFC
Programs: AC*SE100K; Marriott Titanium; NEXUS
Posts: 1,523
Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
Source: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/061.nsf/eng/02713.html

Small business owners account for ~30% to Canada's GDP. I won't even begin to speculate what % of small businesses have people who travel. Let's be generous and say half. (keep in mind restaurants probably represent the majority of the 30% - a guess). Once you keep splitting the pie, all the way down to companies such as yours which have a travel component, and then split it to those who allow the ability to fly J (or has customers willing to pay it), that number becomes really small. But since we're all trying to be rational, I don't have the exact #'s. My gut tells me that you're the exception, rather than the norm for small businesses.
Not to split hairs on this point, and I know that the OP to this post said GDP, but it really isn't the relevant measure here. Approx. 98% of businesses in Canada are classified as small (have less than 100 employees), and these represent nearly 50% of all people employed in the country, i.e. would-be flying business people. (source is from the same link)
YQMer is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:07 pm
  #1223  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AC Elite 50K
Posts: 367
Originally Posted by Andrew Yiu
We were talking about International.

Advanced seat selection - Tango yes Flex yes
Super Elites get 3 pieces of checked baggage on Tango or Flex.
We have access to data on how many of these customers made a change, how many customers bought their tickets before promotions announced, how many customers stood by for a flight (and 'better standby place', how do you standby on Asia where there's 1 flight a day?) etc.

As stated here, not defending anything or trying to convince anyone to change their mind on what they think about the changes. Bottom line is - you don't like the answer doesn't mean what I've said is a 'crock'. All I said is majority of customers see biggest value in the 100% mileage accumulation (both top tiers and non top tiers)
Yeah but the delta is out of wack between tango accumulation and flex. Maybe some people are really irrational and buy flex internationally, but these days its so much more I could buy 2 tango tickets for the price of a flex. Such that I could take a business and a pleasure trip for the cost of a flex business trip... Just saying.

And Yes, Like I have said here - I suppose these changes probably do make sense. You've (AC) done the math and decided the company would be more profitable if certain customers just bothered Westjet/CX with their pesky demands instead.
LittleYHZ is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:07 pm
  #1224  
Company Representative - Air Canada
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
Originally Posted by The Lev
AC is touting their wonderful J product on the 787. Have you actually seen it? The true beneficiary of the new J is AC not the customer. Because the seats overlap they can get in far more seats than the current version in the same real estate.

They will be able to get far more than 24 of the new J seats in that front section. I'm thinking at least 32 and possibly 36 J between door 1 and 2 and that will be it for J with 3 or 4 rows of PY after door 2 (then ~350 sardines).
Nice try - not even close. Have a look at CX's 77G and you'll get an idea how many seats one can get in cabin 1 of the 77W as the set up is similar.

Here you go: http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Cat...77-300ER_C.php
Andrew Yiu is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:09 pm
  #1225  
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AC E50K, MM, BA, Delta, PriorityClub Platinum, Marriott Gold.
Posts: 470
Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
I disagree with you there... The 787 J product is superior to the normal J product. Y is also better for me as well on the 787. Premium Y = awesome too.
Just the technology part IMO, not comfort.

My biggest issue is Y, they're so incredibly uncomfortable. Embraer is more comfortable and HD Product is worse than Air Transat and 787 is only shiny and new, again, it's absolutely less comfortable than even the old 333 and 767 Y seats.

Haven't been on Premium Y to comment.
alexbc is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:11 pm
  #1226  
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,412
Originally Posted by LittleYHZ
Its not wrong. They're actively downsizing the J cabin on the plane that operates many of the flights on that very route... They're going to gain 12 seats for the 6 they give up... And they'll not sell them all to tango passengers. + at the price they charge the lounge buy up - which a lot of people do take is profitable. Even if one drinks several bottles of wine...
Keep going with that logic.

6 x $882 = $5,292

12 x $492 = $5,904

So on that one flight, they made an extra $612.

Except that math is wrong. Because lets just use Ben's argument. Say you get upgraded 50% of the time. And say there are 10 flyers in economy hoping to get upgraded to those 6 seats. They still have to pay the higher Flex fare even on the 50% of the flights they don't get upgraded (to have enough miles/credits to get upgraded next time). So on every flight they now buy Tango, AC loses $390 x 10 = $3,900. Which means that net AC loses $3,288 in revenue. Not counting loss of good will, loss of loyalty, etc. Suddenly this whole thing looks a lot like a big fat mistake on AC's part, doesn't it?
ridefar is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:11 pm
  #1227  
Company Representative - Air Canada
 
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
Originally Posted by nave888
I wonder why AC hasn't announced the new boarding structure with the rest of the changes? The current process is a real mess, and something we all constantly complain about. We all want this fixed, so why wouldn't AC add this in as a good change, at the same time as all the negative changes?

Makes me think that perhaps they're just getting rid of priority boarding for E35K and know that we're some of the worst hit with the current changes, so they're saving the next slap in the face for another time??
The details weren't included as we're just working on the final details as we speak and targeting to launch this (zonal boarding) in December. Shouldn't be any surprises with this as it's very similar to what most US carriers are doing in terms of how we divide the zones up. Zone 1 and 2 are Priority and should help address the fact those flights when half the plane qualifies for Priority Boarding.
Andrew Yiu is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:12 pm
  #1228  
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 466
Originally Posted by superangrypenguin
I'm trying to dig up on FT the threads like this when they announce a devaluation. Any one recall how many pages it went on for? I'm wondering if this thread is the longest due to the decimation of the program.
Non-AC frequent flier here. Could someone briefly explain in a few sentences why everyone finds these changes so frustrating?

From what I've read, it looks like the "50% on AC-metal" requirement and the difficulty of upgrading using vouchers seem to be causing most of the controversy. It also looks like some people are upset over lounge access, though IIRC Priority Pass membership gives you access to most if not all AC lounges.

But to an outsider who's only really flown on Delta, these changes hardly seem revolutionary or a complete "decimation" to anything.

So either I'm not understanding the changes correctly - or AC's frequent flier program used to be a magically generous wonderland that I, being based in the U.S., never really had a chance to participate in.

Which is it?
SansSerif is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:13 pm
  #1229  
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Toronto
Programs: United M+: Platnum to 2016 AC E75K to 2015
Posts: 59
Originally Posted by LittleYHZ
Just throwing it out there.

Is it possible things got mixed up? And we were comparing AC to AK/D7(Air Asia?) Because the J on the HD reminds me of Air Asia X J... So does the food most days... Though at Air Asia I feel I get value...
I am certainly not the international travel like most.. and when I talk to my "civilian" firends who complain about air travel on SUNWING or AIRTRAN for their only trip in years, it bores me...
that said, I have had the pleasure of LOT (First Class) and Asiana (to ICN) and Air China (to DLN) (Standard Economy).. and I can honestly say that the overall experience was WAY better than a YYZ <> LHR on AC.. dare I say even in EXE on AC. AirChina and Asiana had FULL MEALs with Alcohol so I guess all I was missing was the bed and real dishware. HECK, Asiana even had Foot Rests. I hate that UA, LAX <> SYD doesn't have free booze.. but then again I only drink water so I don't 'really' care.. its more of a principle thing.
Now, I do have some experience WITHIN Australia and when you compare the service on Qantas (who provides a meal on a 1-hour Flight SYD <> BRI)... and wow.. you really don't know HOW bad AC (and most NA Airlines) are until you get off our home continent.
NeoRichards is offline  
Old Oct 25, 2014, 1:13 pm
  #1230  
 
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: AC Elite 50K
Posts: 367
Originally Posted by YQMer
Not to split hairs on this point, and I know that the OP to this post said GDP, but it really isn't the relevant measure here. Approx. 98% of businesses in Canada are classified as small (have less than 100 employees), and these represent nearly 50% of all people employed in the country, i.e. would-be flying business people. (source is from the same link)
And many many of those small businesses wouldn't be flying on business much. IE Tim Hortons Owners, hair dressers, makeup artists, real estate agents etc. Though maybe 1-2 times a year for conferences. None of them would ever make altitude. The better off ones might buy paid J, and other such things. Probably also have a preference for directs. (read don't fly much) But probably also try and get points tickets bc they have the bloody aerotin/TD Infinite Aluminum/Tin card.

ACs biggest customers list probably looks something like this;
Aeroplan (we actually know they occupy first place)
Federal Government
KPMG/Deloitte/EY/Accenture (their consultants fly around like crazies...)
Banks
Certain provincial governments
Other large CDN businesses
SMES
Holliday Goers.
LittleYHZ is offline  


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