Time to switch programs for me?
 

Hello All!

Although I haven't posted anything, this forum has been a great source of information for me regarding anything related to aeroplan/altitude. So thank you!

I've been a 35K, 50K, and 75K member for the last few years, but unfortunately won't have a status for 2017. However I should be able to get one for 2018, although I'm not sure if Altitude is still right for me.

I will have almost no domestic destinations this year, lots of US and a few International. This is work related economy travel mostly.

For US travel, its seems like Delta flights would be slightly more convenient for me, but my home base is YUL and I would like to keep the benefit of using the Maple leaf lounge (The only transborder lounge at YUL).

So right now I'm looking into switching over to United's Premier program. Majority of my flights have been on United metal anyways. Has anybody had the chance to use both (Aeroplan and Premier)? How do they compare?

The main benefit for me is lounge access, both transborder and international. Free class upgrades are also a big bonus and I think I would prefer United's system. I have like 50 credit on Air Canada expiring this month because so many of my US flights didn't have a business class (AC From YYZ). Also, its not worth it for me to pay 500$ and eupgrade for international flights. Does United have this charge?

Also, how does Aeroplan points compare to MileagePlus? It's easier to accumulate Aeroplan points because of credit cards in canada, but it seems to be getting less and less valuable so I'll just use a different rewards card.

I apologize for the long text, but any help is very appreciated!

if you dont fly in Canada you dont need to suffer AC poor program.
If you can get UA 1k program you are light years ahead.

Join the airline FF program that you fly the most. Remember, the big 3 US airlines have changed to programs on pax's that fly their lowest fares.

I doubt i would reach 1K, Gold most likely, Platinum possibly. Hmm it seems I don't need as much PQD if I'm not a US citizen citizen, that makes it very interesting.

Air Canada has a few International destinations that are interesting (and not having to connect through US), but the eupgrqade international fee kills it for me.

This is the best recommendation by far.

I agree completely.

However, I usually have a choice to the cities I fly to, Delta is only slightly better for me in US, so I've still been flying with United/Air Canada because of star alliance which is better international for me. Even AA, works sometimes for me. My US destinations are also changing quite often, so I have a good choice of airlines usually...

I guess I'm leaning more towards United

As Gold/Platinum, you will not be upgrading any international flights on UA at all.

Even domestic/TB might not be so easy. Although there are a bunch of UA-lovers who hang around the AC forum just to troll those of us who fly AC and claim to have virtually 100% upgrade success, having schedule flexibility to plan flights based on upgradability and having 1K status make that a lot easier. If you're flying for work (i.e. less flexible schedule) and don't have 1K/GS, I don't imagine you're going to clear many CPUs even on TB/US domestic.

mileage plus is far better than aeroplan, particularly if majority of your flying is to or within the usa. i find it easier to cpu on canadian flights although ordyyz and ordyvr are tough. i even cpu'd twice as a silver.

upgrades on domestic flights don't matter; it's a nice perk. free e+ and a much better app and wifi systemwide make ua worth it. and no yq. and wider availability for awards.

I fly YUL as mt primary airport to and also like the MLL.

So, I still fly all Air Canada flights - with YUL as your base - you almost have no choice most of the time. But, I post the miles to Aegean Airlines - so I have Star Alliance Gold status which provides me access to the lounge whenever I fly. It's easier to qualify for Gold on Aegean than either United or Aeroplan.

If you're willing to go to Greece. Making *G on A3 requires 4 flights on A3 metal to get the cheap qualification at 24K miles. For many people, that's not a practical option. If you don't want to fly A3, you need 48K miles, at which point you probably might as well just go for E50K on AC. I suspect that AC or UA is a better option for the OP.

if you could have got 1k you would have been light years ahead. Also looks like you are flying to Asia that's UA's strength. For international you would get E+ and most UA 777 have not gone to Rouge seating like AC. However UA is starting to get new international planes that will be 10 across.

tough call, UA is certainly much easier to upgrade international flights and NO FEES. (AC has very few business class seats compared to UA)
However you would have to trade for GPU's, so if you switch, get posting, you need 100 posts to trade.
Whatever program you switch to will be a welcome improvement to AC.

Depends on route, but for the UA domestic flights I take, with 1K I probably would never clear for CPUs because I book very close in... I just avoid the chance and buy F. UA F vs Y is like 5% premium in my experience, assuming it's not F0 with a bunch of cheapening CPUs. I do see plenty of check-marks on UA's upgrade list at T-24h so I'd assume 1Ks are filling those seats.

correct on the 10x but they will still have e+. this is a huge perk, i do not know of any *a that gives its elites virtually guaranteed 34" seating for them+1 (or for plats and 1k +8). and silver with ua over ac is a no brainer.

also ua does not have free booze on long haul (beyond tetra packed wine during meal service), you can buy expired or super old/no expiry drink chits on a certain undisclosed auction website for $1-2 a piece. all crews take them provided you don't have a pmua ord ratchet. a lot of the time if you build a rapport with the crew they'll just give you free unlimited booze and tell you to put them chits away.

very happy to have had my flying shifted to ua although in all fairness, in terms of hard & soft product ac is equally decent (and you don't have to build bridges to get free unlimited booze), ALTHOUGH i will argue that ua up front in domestic has gotten better than ac, ALTHOUGH ac does have a much better breakfast omelette. but no sundaes.

OP, have you considered a credit card that would get you access to the MLL? The Amex Aeroplan Platinum should get you into the MLL.

Did you read the OP? You're talking about flights to Asia for someone who is talking about flying to/from/within the US and upgrading international flights to someone who says lounge access is the most important part of the program.

Ya I looked at it, but I still need to be flying with AC or a partner airline to get access, so no access at YUL if I fly Delta to US. It's not worth the 500$ fee a year for me otherwise.

Why don't you credit to Aegean ? it seems to be easier for getting *A Gold status

I'm not too worried about getting *A Gold with either AC (50K) or United (Gold), and then I wouldn't be eligible for free upgrades with either airline.

Fly UA

The only thing that's better about Aeroplan is IKK if you're AC SE and the Mini RTWs. UA Miles have no scamcharges.

Based on your flying pattern, doesn't make sense to credit to AC Altitude. Mileage Plus will be better, even at the lower tiers. No PQD for Canadian based flyers.

​​​​​But if I were you... I'd get amex platinum for priority pass lounge access , Nexus/global entry for priority security and pre check, and just fly the most convenient/cheapest option. Buy discounted business fares(quite cheap on US carriers) and don't chase after status.

I'm an AC flyer that converted to UA and haven't been disappointed! Good luck.

I cleared 100% on int upgds last year and in Jan. My last flight on 1/31 upgraded as soon as I threw an expiring RPU at it. Would have cleared anyway, I was #1 on the upgd list and it went out with 2 empty seats in F. On domestic US flights I cleared 50% of the time. But the free drink and meal in an E+ seat worked out fine given how long the flights were.
That said, and in response to the OP, I would prob opt for DL if I were YUL based. I do find on board service is usually better on DL over UA. Most flights from YUL are on ER-145. Once you hit silver DL should start comping MCE. An amex plat card will get you into the delta clubs. The MLL is nice, but would not be a deal breaker for me. Upgrades on DL can be cheep to buy on a lot of routes. SLC to LAX cost me 100$ over coach. The FF program is not great, that's where UA has an advantage.

I've been trying to compare the rewards programs between delta, united and AC. Delta awards seem to be less worth it then United/Aeroplan for my preferred flights, but at least I can convert AMEX rewards to Delta. United points seem to be difficult to earn in Canada as they have no credit cards. I might just have to stick to Aeroplan for another year....

anything is better than staying with aeroplan. Get credit card points in something with value.

I've been using my capital one card with 2% back that i could redeem on any travel. Its much easier then aeroplan.

But I'm looking to switch to the AMEX gold which would give me 2 points for every $. Considering it's not that difficult to get an aeroplan point worth more then 2 cents, its about double the value of return of the Capital one card. But yes I need to make sure I book awards on the right airlines which is annoying.

Don't know any cards that would get me more then this?

Really? You have SE status?

If you indulge in wishful thinking, sure.

Maybe if you are willing to tailor your travelling around what options come up as good opportunities. But then pricing based upon revenue ticket prices is again a bit of wishful thinking.

But if you use your miles for specific destinations at specific dates, even with SE status (with IKK and no YQ on international destinations) I don't often find rewards at much more than 2 cents/mile.

The one case that might yield 2 cents/mile or better is relatively last minute domestic/NA short haul. Otherwise, forget it.

Not SE. My calculation was based on quite a few YUL to boston/new york/cleveland last minute flights and a flexible work schedule. Also some Market Fare flights with 35% aeroplan black bonus.

But you're right, I shouldn't have said easy for over 2 cpm

True that last minute short haul is one of the few bright spots left.

If you opt for AMEX Platinum for lounge access until you reach Premier Gold with UA, double check that the airports you are flying in will accept it besides the MLL in YUL. You'd be surprised how many airports have no lounge access with that card (YQB and DEN to name two I am flying from all the time).

YQB is really bizarre actually, their (non MLL) lounge accepts a couple of AMEX cards but NOT the AMEX Platinum.:rolleyes:

I did the switch from Aeroplan to United Mileage Plus last year and happy with the move. Quite often - on the flights I did with UA anyway - the business class is no more than a 20% cost increase over economy for a two or threefold increase in points earned and that gets you to Premier Gold status in no time (three months for me).

I'm on board United 217 SFO-SAN. Mechanical delay - 90+ minutes.

I paid for first class. Like 5 of the other people. Unlike 10 of them.

I was not offered a pre-departure beverage.

I was offered one beverage in-flight.

I finally managed to ask for a second one while we are at 30k feet and I was told there was not time.

I live in SFO, spend $25k USD per year on flights, and Air Canada gets the vast majority of my business.

I wonder why.

Horycr@p I knew you spend moar than I do on flights but omg didn't know you spend THAT much. I think I need to find a new employer :o

Because SFO-SAN is like 3 figures, and SFO-YYZ is 4 figures? :p

But agreed, AC is consistent with the PDB and drink delivery during flight.

Having a Rice-A-Roni induced moment are we? Allow me to draw your attention to the following;
San Francisco to San Diego is approx a 1.35 hour/minute flight. It retails for about C$630 in "First" on United.

YYZ-YUL is approx. 1.15 minutes and retails for C$950 - C$1200 for business on AC. For sake of comparison sake let's use C$950.

Yes, when I get onboard the AC flight I am usually offered water or OJ from a plastic cup while the march of the penguins occurs all the while having people coughing or sneezing on me. I forgo my libation now as I feel like one of those Victorian era folks who's idea of a family afternoon was to take in the afternoon's hangings as I drink while the horde of marching zone 3 & 4 stare at me as the trudge along.

Yes, AC offers me a drink during my flight. Often the FA will offer a quick fill up of a wine glass, but the drink is a rushed event. The wine flows freely on AC in large part because it is of plonk category on domestic flights and most people don't ask for a 2nd glass.

Honestly, I don't think the lack of a 2nd drink on the United flight is that unusual on a short flight. They were somewhat generous with me when I flew ORD to LAX and the wine served was pretty decent.

Keep in mind that I detest United and believe that Air Canada as an airline is superior to United. I feel for you, honestly I do, as I appreciate that flying in the USA is not a pleasant experience and the alcohol is of use.

Tell you what, next time I see you on a flight, I will order a rum and coke and hand it over to you (remembering that it must be coke zero) :p

UA may be slightly less consistent than AC in offering PDB's, but their offerings are better, as you can order anything you want. I've flown a roughly equal split of UA vs. AC over the past year, and I'd say AC is 90%+ in offering a PDB for domestic flights, but it's only water or OJ, and UA is 80%+ but with a wider selection. Sounds like your flight is in the minority.

Both have room to improve on pre-departure beverage consistency, but I'll still take an 80+% chance at any type of drink over a 90+% chance of water/OJ, as I do like being able to get a mimosa, coffee, glass of wine or G&T as a PDB on UA domestic/NA flights.

I usually travel with my own water bottle. :)

OP, the best way to get UA miles via credit card is with the Cdn SPG Amex. It always was a great card, but their conversion to UA miles was dismal (2:1). However, with the Marriott merger, SPG points convert to Marriott at 1:3. Marriott can then be converted to UA at 112K Marriott points = 50K UA miles so 2.24:1. I believe that means that 1 SPG point = 1.3 UA miles. I'm sure someone will correct me if my math is off. (There's even better conversion options with the Travel Packages if you have Marriott status.) If you don't have the SPG Amex, please contact myself or someone you know with the card for a referral.

i was booked on AC plane yyz-SFO and plane and it was delayed 8 hours?
I live most of the time in YYZ spend $25k USD per year on flights and UA gets the vast majority of my business.
I wonder why.

And yet you seem to do a great deal of posting in the AC thread. I wonder why.

Hey look, another AC vs UA thread!

I switched programs last year. The biggest reason is I am flying mostly international and US now and not much domestic. The second biggest reason is that without changing how much I fly (70-80k BIS miles per year on *A) I went from barely making E35 on AC to Platinum on UA because it's so much easier to earn elite qualifying miles on UA.

I'll start with the good stuff. Keep in mind this is from the perspective of someone who flies almost entirely economy.

1. E+ at booking on all UA flights is nice and makes everything a lot more comfortable. I have a knee injury and it's important to able to fully extend my right leg, which I can't do in non-preferred/E+ seats. As anything but SE on AC, I'd be paying thousands of dollars per year for preferred seats. This is my #1 favourite perk.

2. Free SDC on any fare, over the phone or in the app at T-24 is great. I use this all the time. My #2 favourite perk. This applies to Gold and higher.

3. CPUs happen when they happen. UA has a lot of elites, a lot of RPUs floating around and paid J is much more affordable than AC so they also probably sell a higher proportion of seats. Anyone who thinks they are going to upgrade more than a handful of flights per year as Gold/Platinum is dreaming. I did score three YVR<>IAH upgrades last year though which was nice for the 4+ hr flight. I also laughed at being #56 on the upgrade list as Platinum w/RPU on DEN-IAH on a 787. There's lots of 1Ks and GS's out there. :p

4. UA has a dedicated phone desk for elites, I never waited on hold and they always did what I needed during IRROPs (within the limits of what was physically possible).

5. If you get hit by mechanical delays UA will compensate you with a travel credit pre-emptively, usually within 24 hours. No writing in for a 10% off code. Had a 12-hour mx two weeks ago, was given $400 credit. Didn't give me my 12 hours back but it helps.

6. Wifi on every flight. Love it, always buy it on long-hauls.

Now the not good stuff:

1. UA has a lot of old crappy planes. Some of the 767s and 772s they have flying make AC's dingy Airbuses seem relatively new by comparison.

2. International economy catering is pretty bleak, perhaps even worse than AC. Pack your own snacks.

3. United Clubs within the US are universally awful except the refurbished ones at ORD and LAX. The HKG and LHR clubs are great.

4. J cabins are always full with upgrades, which is a bummer if you actually pay for J.

5. Cabin cleanliness leaves much to be desired although it is not any worse than AC.

Thank you for the balanced point of view.

Another negative I would like to add is that R space is getting harder and harder to find on UA. That being said, I'm on my way to HKG today in biz class which was upgraded at booking last August.

What I wonder is why fly UA when UA pulled its 1:30p nonstop SFO-YYZ (its only flight on that route) to give you AC as the only nonstop alternative?

This is not strictly true. It requires the same fare class be available. It's often the case that they make it available, but just the other day I was helping out a friend booked in a very low fare class, and a few hours out, the flight was Y2B2M2 and everything else was 0. No SDC possible without paying fare difference.

Also, if you're booked in I or X, good luck. That's almost never going to be open day of departure.

Absolutely not my experience. I've always had to write in (I don't think I've ever been proactively offered anything on any airline), and I've even had some claims rejected by UA for issues they created.

I recall a year ago, flying SFO-OGG, I paid an extra $100 for a United flight because it had wifi advertised.

It cut out as soon as we were over the pacific. If you don't see the irony here, look at a map.

For the record, wifi worked fine on the return flight, so it's not even as simple as "it never works on this route". It depends heavily on the aircraft type and which wifi system is installed.

AC failed to offer PDB in PY at Christmas.
UA F has never failed. I think I've flown UA F twice though so others may have more experience :P