Automatic Upgrades on certain M class fares to certain locations?
Jun 16, 2003, 4:22 pm
#31
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan SE AND 1MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum , L'Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,602
I have found on various web sites, and also by calling AC, and also by communicating with Empress - that the fare basis CMA33UPS - as Empress has indicated - can be obtained with an economy booking code (in my case, M), or with a business class booking code (in that case, C). The fares are identical - why would anyone (passenger, travel agent) want to book the M booking code (except through ignorance - if one did not know that AC has this special transborder promotion - whereby the M booking code requires upgrade certs, if applicable (depending on one's tier status), and the C booking code automatically has you booked in business class).
I have just left a voice mail message with the corporate travel agent (of the pharmaceutical company, which is sponsoring the meeting in MIA) - let us see what the travel agent state.
[This message has been edited by FlyerGoldII (edited 06-16-2003).]
I have just left a voice mail message with the corporate travel agent (of the pharmaceutical company, which is sponsoring the meeting in MIA) - let us see what the travel agent state.
[This message has been edited by FlyerGoldII (edited 06-16-2003).]
Jun 17, 2003, 7:54 am
#32
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 31
I just booked my next trip to MIA yesterday, and was told my travel agent that CMA3UP fare is no longer exist on this route. I have been using this fare for many times starting from the beginning of this year. Although the C class is wide open, now I have to use my upgrade coupon to get a J seat.
Jun 19, 2003, 9:15 pm
#33
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan SE AND 1MM, HHonors Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Platinum , L'Accor Platinum
Posts: 9,602
Two days ago, I spoke to my travel agent, that the MIA to YOW route, one can purchase (even via the AC web site, as of 24 hrs ago) a M or a C booking code ticket, either of which can be bought at CMA3UPS fare basis - and the same fare! The agent did not believe the computer - so she called AC - they confirmed it.
Therefore, she cancelled the M booking code/CMA3UPS fare basis, and rebooked as a C booking code/CMA3UPS fare basis - no difference in fares - no penalty to switch.
Thank you, Empress - your advice really helped! Although I could have obtained an upgrade (using my Elite NA upgrade certificates) on the M booking class; I did not have to do that as the agent switched directly into C booking class/code.
The problem is that the computer reservations system, AC web sites, other web sites, do not forewarn a TA or a passenger that there are 2 booking codes, for this fare basis, and this fare. Unless one knows that fact, they will not look for this fare (basis) in conjunction with a C booking code. I am sure that many passengers can short-changed this way - esp those without upgrade certificates - they miss their chance to be booked in the business class cabin.
I wonder if there is any way that AC can make it obvious on its web sites, and on the various computer reservations systems - that these 2 booking codes appear with the same fare basis, and the same fare. What is the point of offering this promotional fare, if nobody knows about it.
Therefore, she cancelled the M booking code/CMA3UPS fare basis, and rebooked as a C booking code/CMA3UPS fare basis - no difference in fares - no penalty to switch.
Thank you, Empress - your advice really helped! Although I could have obtained an upgrade (using my Elite NA upgrade certificates) on the M booking class; I did not have to do that as the agent switched directly into C booking class/code.
The problem is that the computer reservations system, AC web sites, other web sites, do not forewarn a TA or a passenger that there are 2 booking codes, for this fare basis, and this fare. Unless one knows that fact, they will not look for this fare (basis) in conjunction with a C booking code. I am sure that many passengers can short-changed this way - esp those without upgrade certificates - they miss their chance to be booked in the business class cabin.
I wonder if there is any way that AC can make it obvious on its web sites, and on the various computer reservations systems - that these 2 booking codes appear with the same fare basis, and the same fare. What is the point of offering this promotional fare, if nobody knows about it.
Jun 23, 2003, 12:28 am
#34
Company Representative - Air Canada
Join Date: May 1999
Location: Canada
Posts: 24,215
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BTlover:
I just booked my next trip to MIA yesterday, and was told my travel agent that CMA3UP fare is no longer exist on this route. I have been using this fare for many times starting from the beginning of this year. Although the C class is wide open, now I have to use my upgrade coupon to get a J seat. </font>
I just booked my next trip to MIA yesterday, and was told my travel agent that CMA3UP fare is no longer exist on this route. I have been using this fare for many times starting from the beginning of this year. Although the C class is wide open, now I have to use my upgrade coupon to get a J seat. </font>
FlyerGold, glad you got it sorted out. AC sales department regularly let the TAs know about these fares, so they really should have known about it.
Jun 23, 2003, 2:16 pm
#35
Join Date: Apr 2002
Posts: 31
Empress, you are right. I called my travel agent again last Friday, and found out that M class and CMA3UP class have a price difference of $1.64. My first agent helped me to save this $1.64. Anyway, I have the ticket re-issued, and now booked in C.