Air Canada Gift Card - Last Minute gift that keeps on Giving
Nov 22, 2018, 5:03 pm
#18
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Nov 23, 2018, 6:24 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2016
Programs: AC SE
Posts: 1,505
Are there any compelling reasons not to buy some gift cards to cover flights I'll need to book anyway?
I understand that most insurance perks that come with credit cards won't apply to flights booked partially or entirely on gift cards. Are there any other concerns to be aware of before sinking a few grand into this? I'm an avid Aeroplan collector so it seems like a good way to pick up some extra points.
I understand that most insurance perks that come with credit cards won't apply to flights booked partially or entirely on gift cards. Are there any other concerns to be aware of before sinking a few grand into this? I'm an avid Aeroplan collector so it seems like a good way to pick up some extra points.
Nov 23, 2018, 7:07 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Are there any compelling reasons not to buy some gift cards to cover flights I'll need to book anyway?
I understand that most insurance perks that come with credit cards won't apply to flights booked partially or entirely on gift cards. Are there any other concerns to be aware of before sinking a few grand into this? I'm an avid Aeroplan collector so it seems like a good way to pick up some extra points.
I understand that most insurance perks that come with credit cards won't apply to flights booked partially or entirely on gift cards. Are there any other concerns to be aware of before sinking a few grand into this? I'm an avid Aeroplan collector so it seems like a good way to pick up some extra points.
Below are just a random sample.
Need help resolving a gift card / CA codeshare mess
Can't use air canada gift card when upfaring?
AC Gift Card, do NOT over scratch PIN
Gift Card -- earn up to 1000 AQM for 2019 status
Air Canada cancelled my flight & will not refund my $1000 Gift card
Couple's travel plans grounded after Air Canada gift card emptied before activation
Help using Air Canada e-gift card on Air Canada Vacations
Kinda urgent : How long before refund goes back on gift card?
use gift card for eupgrade add-on free?
Air canada issues gift card due to flight issues; gift card is invalid...
Planning on using an AC Gift Card??? Warning!
Need AC Gift Card Corporate contact
Air Canada Gift Card, Useless?
I've booked a handful of flights with gift cards this year, but it was for simple, straight forward bookings and the entire cost of a flight was covered by a single card each time (with small balances remaining). As a start, my suggestion would be to read the fine print and at least understand that part of it.
Other than that, YMMV, IMHO.
Nov 23, 2018, 10:24 am
#21
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, BA Gold, SQ Silver, Bonvoy Tit LTG, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond
Posts: 44,321
Are there any compelling reasons not to buy some gift cards to cover flights I'll need to book anyway?
I understand that most insurance perks that come with credit cards won't apply to flights booked partially or entirely on gift cards. Are there any other concerns to be aware of before sinking a few grand into this? I'm an avid Aeroplan collector so it seems like a good way to pick up some extra points.
I understand that most insurance perks that come with credit cards won't apply to flights booked partially or entirely on gift cards. Are there any other concerns to be aware of before sinking a few grand into this? I'm an avid Aeroplan collector so it seems like a good way to pick up some extra points.
So it depends on how you value the CC points compared to Aeroplan points.
For me, it's 5 US MR points or 3 Chase UR points per USD on airfare, or 1 MR/UR point per USD on gift cards and 4 Aeroplan miles per CAD. I'd probably go with MR/UR. They're worth more than the Aeroplan miles to me.
And that doesn't even factor in the insurance, or the fact that I'm now loaning AC money.
Nov 23, 2018, 12:06 pm
#22
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: YVR/YEG/YYZ depending on day
Programs: E35K, FPC Platinum
Posts: 392
From 2015 to this year, there have been several reported issues/problems of different varieties. I have friends and colleagues that have had issues with AC GCs as well.
Below are just a random sample.
Need help resolving a gift card / CA codeshare mess
Can't use air canada gift card when upfaring?
AC Gift Card, do NOT over scratch PIN
Gift Card -- earn up to 1000 AQM for 2019 status
Air Canada cancelled my flight & will not refund my $1000 Gift card
Couple's travel plans grounded after Air Canada gift card emptied before activation
Help using Air Canada e-gift card on Air Canada Vacations
Kinda urgent : How long before refund goes back on gift card?
use gift card for eupgrade add-on free?
Air canada issues gift card due to flight issues; gift card is invalid...
Planning on using an AC Gift Card??? Warning!
Need AC Gift Card Corporate contact
Air Canada Gift Card, Useless?
I've booked a handful of flights with gift cards this year, but it was for simple, straight forward bookings and the entire cost of a flight was covered by a single card each time (with small balances remaining). As a start, my suggestion would be to read the fine print and at least understand that part of it.
Other than that, YMMV, IMHO.
Below are just a random sample.
Need help resolving a gift card / CA codeshare mess
Can't use air canada gift card when upfaring?
AC Gift Card, do NOT over scratch PIN
Gift Card -- earn up to 1000 AQM for 2019 status
Air Canada cancelled my flight & will not refund my $1000 Gift card
Couple's travel plans grounded after Air Canada gift card emptied before activation
Help using Air Canada e-gift card on Air Canada Vacations
Kinda urgent : How long before refund goes back on gift card?
use gift card for eupgrade add-on free?
Air canada issues gift card due to flight issues; gift card is invalid...
Planning on using an AC Gift Card??? Warning!
Need AC Gift Card Corporate contact
Air Canada Gift Card, Useless?
I've booked a handful of flights with gift cards this year, but it was for simple, straight forward bookings and the entire cost of a flight was covered by a single card each time (with small balances remaining). As a start, my suggestion would be to read the fine print and at least understand that part of it.
Other than that, YMMV, IMHO.
I wish AC would process the payment themselves, I also couldn't successfully purchase due to verified by visa, will try again tonight.
Nov 23, 2018, 12:10 pm
#23
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
I just clicked on every thread link in my original post and in my quote of your post, and they all work.
Nov 23, 2018, 12:13 pm
#24
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: YVR/YEG/YYZ depending on day
Programs: E35K, FPC Platinum
Posts: 392
Nov 23, 2018, 12:20 pm
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Nov 23, 2018, 12:25 pm
#26
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: YVR/YEG/YYZ depending on day
Programs: E35K, FPC Platinum
Posts: 392
Its great you managed to put those altogether.
I assume the full cost of the flight (including taxes, surcharges, seats) can all be paid for from the gift card and vice versa? i.e. to claim amex credit for airline cost, I would save seat selection to bill directly to amex and use the giftcard only for the flight itself
I assume the full cost of the flight (including taxes, surcharges, seats) can all be paid for from the gift card and vice versa? i.e. to claim amex credit for airline cost, I would save seat selection to bill directly to amex and use the giftcard only for the flight itself
Nov 23, 2018, 12:37 pm
#27
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
Posts: 35,255
Its great you managed to put those altogether.
I assume the full cost of the flight (including taxes, surcharges, seats) can all be paid for from the gift card and vice versa? i.e. to claim amex credit for airline cost, I would save seat selection to bill directly to amex and use the giftcard only for the flight itself
I assume the full cost of the flight (including taxes, surcharges, seats) can all be paid for from the gift card and vice versa? i.e. to claim amex credit for airline cost, I would save seat selection to bill directly to amex and use the giftcard only for the flight itself
The seat selection can be done after booking with the GC, and then at that point you can use another payment method.
Nov 23, 2018, 12:57 pm
#28
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2014
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Posts: 18,877
Nov 23, 2018, 8:29 pm
#29
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
Good luck getting the transaction to actually go through with their provider (Buyatab ?). I tried 4 times today (using 2 different CC's) - no luck.
If they has Verified by Visa or Masterpass the process would be much easier for those of us considering buying one.
As it is, I gave up - not worth the frustration the process entails.
CC
If they has Verified by Visa or Masterpass the process would be much easier for those of us considering buying one.
As it is, I gave up - not worth the frustration the process entails.
CC
Nov 23, 2018, 9:30 pm
#30
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 29
I don't normally buy gift cards, but thinking of this one. The gift card would be for my own use (some gift, eh?). I have read the Faq and don't see anything there I would find alarming. I would be using it for standard on line AC tickets, etc. Any downside risk that I should worry about?
I know I will be spending $$ on AC next year. I assume these are non-status miles though.
I know I will be spending $$ on AC next year. I assume these are non-status miles though.