The Beginning of a New Aeroplan; Aimia CEO steps down
#121
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton G,Nexus, Amex MR Plat,IHG Plat
Posts: 4,417
Globe says investors still unclear about Aimia's plans
2018-07-23 07:40 ET - In the NewsThe Globe and Mail reports in its Saturday edition that facing an existential threat posed by its closest partner, Aimia is reimagining Aeroplan, its once wildly popular loyalty rewards program. The Globe's Tim Kiladze writes that two months into a revamp led by a new chief executive officer, the company has announced changes to the program it dubs "a new Aeroplan." Notably, this week it took steps to reassure members who worried their points would be worth far less in the future. Coupled with the previous revelation that members will be able to redeem points on any airline, Aeroplan 2.0 is starting to sound enticing to members. The problem for investors, though, is that few financial details have been provided. Those specifics are what will make or break any rebound. Since its inception in 1984, Aeroplan has had a significant relationship with Air Canada. In May, 2017, Air Canada filed for divorce. Come 2020, when the current contract ends, Aeroplan would have to pay market prices for the same seats. Worse, the airline plans to launch its own loyalty program. The other major concern has been whether existing points would be worth less post-2020. As of this week, the answer appears to be no. © 2018 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.
The question I have is which airlines are they signing up with for redemptions.
#122
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
But if the transfer rates suck then it will be largely useless.
#123
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 336
Further details on the future Aeroplan program
The new Aeroplan is designed with you in mind and focuses on three key aspectsIncreased Flexibility As of July 2020, you'll be able to choose any seat on any airline*, anywhere, any time.
Also, a unique points transfer program will allow you to convert miles into points with nearly 20 frequent flyer programs covering all major airlines and many hotel loyalty programs.
Lastly, our redemption options will include new experiences such as concerts, spas, private jets and more!
* International Air Transport Association accredited airlinesGreat ValueCome July 2020, we’re committed to offering you great value on flight rewards. The following round-trip flights will be offered beginning at the same mileage levels that we provide today:
- North American short-haul: 15,000 miles
- North American long-haul: 25,000 miles
- Mexico and Caribbean: 40,000 miles
- Europe: 60,000 miles
- Asia: 75,000 milesImproved Member ExperienceIn September, we'll introduce a new online travel booking tool where you'll be able to rent a car and book a stay at one of 250,000 hotels worldwide using cash directly on aeroplan.com. Each time, you’ll earn miles, creating a whole new way to accumulate faster. Booking flights with a cash or miles option will follow, evolving Aeroplan into a broader online travel booking service.
Sounds like same old same old to me. Same old bupkis availability we enjoy today....
Also, a unique points transfer program will allow you to convert miles into points with nearly 20 frequent flyer programs covering all major airlines and many hotel loyalty programs.
Lastly, our redemption options will include new experiences such as concerts, spas, private jets and more!
* International Air Transport Association accredited airlinesGreat ValueCome July 2020, we’re committed to offering you great value on flight rewards. The following round-trip flights will be offered beginning at the same mileage levels that we provide today:
- North American short-haul: 15,000 miles
- North American long-haul: 25,000 miles
- Mexico and Caribbean: 40,000 miles
- Europe: 60,000 miles
- Asia: 75,000 milesImproved Member ExperienceIn September, we'll introduce a new online travel booking tool where you'll be able to rent a car and book a stay at one of 250,000 hotels worldwide using cash directly on aeroplan.com. Each time, you’ll earn miles, creating a whole new way to accumulate faster. Booking flights with a cash or miles option will follow, evolving Aeroplan into a broader online travel booking service.
Sounds like same old same old to me. Same old bupkis availability we enjoy today....
#124
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
That's somewhat positive news. I suppose the real question here is:
-James
- Will the free-stopovers still be present in the new program?
- Will business class or first class cost exactly 2-3x more than the rates stated above (as before)?
- Will there extortionist taxes & fees when booking flights like in the current program with AC?
- What will the availability look like? Hopefully we still got *A partners to choose from!
- What hotels can be booked using Aeropesos? Will it be the same hotels you can book using points?
-James
#130
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,293
Not to worry market redemptions at 0.8cpm will surely be available for any class.
Last edited by tcook052; Jul 24, 2018 at 6:51 am Reason: off topic
#131
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Canada
Programs: Aeroplan E50/MM, HH gold, Nat Exec Elite, Kimpton Karma
Posts: 2,350
Another possible strategy is start out with a reward chart similar to now and fairly quickly increase the # of points needed for a flight.
I also noticed to mention of J or F redemption. Worrisome.
On the upside, at least they’ve said something publically. AC is noticeably silent on details.
I also noticed to mention of J or F redemption. Worrisome.
On the upside, at least they’ve said something publically. AC is noticeably silent on details.
#132
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: YUL
Programs: AC SE (*A Gold), Bonvoy Platinum Elite, Hilton Gold, Amex Platinum / AP Reserve, NEXUS, Global Entry
Posts: 5,691
This will be the lynchpin of the program. If, and this is a big if, Aeroplan can offer decent points transfer, it will be very valuable. AMEX has a limited list of program transfer partners, but if we get 20 airline programs at decent transfer levels, Aeroplan could be a good thing to keep around. Even within *A, airlines often reserve classes of seats or redemptions for their own members and this would open that up beyond what AMEX does today. That is actually unique in the marketplace.
But if the transfer rates suck then it will be largely useless.
But if the transfer rates suck then it will be largely useless.
I don't see why Amex can have acceptable-to-decent transfer rates to airline programs and Aeroplan can't. I could be totally wrong, but I suspect there are more people in Canada earning Aeroplan miles than Amex Membership Rewards. No doubt it'll be difficult for Aeroplan to maximize the potential this "strategic partnerships" with Kaligo, but their sheer volume should make it interesting.
This is the same reason car manufacturers advertise their "starting at" prices while using their top-trim models in commercials
#133
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,359
Safe Travels,
James
#134
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: YVR - MILLS Waypoint (It's the third house on the left)
Programs: AC*SE100K, wood level status in various other programs
Posts: 6,211
Yeah, the one thing I really appreciate about Aeroplan are the J rewards for overseas are actually a pretty good deal. Not to mention the mini-RTW possibilities. That's really what keeps me earning with Aeroplan versus some other Star Alliance program.
Come 2020 it will be interesting to compare / contrast between Aeroplan and Altitude (or whatever AC ends up calling it). I suspect one will suit the AirMiles / Aventura, etc. crowd better and the other one will be more like other airline-run programs. Speculation I know, but that's how we roll on FT.
Come 2020 it will be interesting to compare / contrast between Aeroplan and Altitude (or whatever AC ends up calling it). I suspect one will suit the AirMiles / Aventura, etc. crowd better and the other one will be more like other airline-run programs. Speculation I know, but that's how we roll on FT.
#135
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Toronto, Ont., Canada
Programs: Aeroplan; Marriott Platinum; IHG Platinum; Best Western Diamond
Posts: 2,148
There was no mention of point transfer to non-Star Alliance airlines. If they even get one such airline, it's a big plus they can boast about, if it's at decent transfer ratio.
If it's a decent transfer ratio to UA, so that you book through same flights with UA and avoid the scamcharges, that'll also be a big plus.
But this is probably wishful thinking.
If it's a decent transfer ratio to UA, so that you book through same flights with UA and avoid the scamcharges, that'll also be a big plus.
But this is probably wishful thinking.