The Value of Upgrade Coupons Lessens
 

On the positive side of things this seems to be turning into a really great year for discounted airfares in Canada (e.g. just over $400 return, YVR-YYZ advertised by AC in the G&M today). Similar airfares by non-AC's.

On the other hand AC's minimum upgradable fare class seems to be going in the other direction making it difficult to justify another $400 or so just to sit up front on a four and a half hour flight.

Or has AC made some concessions in that regard for 2003?

I have been combining low fares (N,L,Q) with one H fare. This keeps the fare cost around a total V return fare which earns 75% Q-miles. Upgrading (100%) + low fare (50%) still works out to the same but I can fly in J now (one way).

I guess it depends on how you view it. It looks like I'll be traveling to the East up to 2 times per month this year plus regular Western trips as well. If I upgrade the Eastern return portions I get home rested and possibly having done some work on the flight as well so less time in the office and more productive time with my wife and when at work. Win-Win in my eyes.

I'm lucky, I don't have a boss breathing down my neck about costs, but that could be because I keep hotels and meals in line. I seem to live on around $30 to $35 (happily) for food/day and stay in hotels around or under $100 most of the time.

Being able to use SWU with H fares also means that I have 4 extra flights per year that I can use these on.