Sep 15, 21, 4:27 pm
Last edit by: canopus27
A STATUS PASS DOES NOT CONFER YOUR STATUS TO THE RECIPIENT!
SO FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU ARE SUPER ELITE, YOUR BENEFICIARY DOES NOT GET OR HAVE SUPER ELITE PRIVILEGES! THEY DO NOT GET ANY KIND OF STAR ALLIANCE GOLD PRIVILEGES!
SEE WIKI BELOW!
What is a status pass?
A status pass (sometimes abbreviated as "STPA") grants passengers many of the benefits of elite status (detailed below). One status pass is applied to a booking and extends benefits to all passengers (up to 9), on all flights, on that booking.
The benefits of the STPA don't exactly correspond to any elite tier.
The status pass must be applied before travel commences. It cannot be applied after any flights have been taken. It is unclear whether there is a deadline to apply the pass. A pass can be removed from a booking up to 6 hours before travel commences.
What does a status pass get you?
What DOESN'T a status pass get you?
How does a status pass get added to a reservation?
The pass must be applied by the person with elite status (E50K, E75K, Super Elite). It can be done through the AC app or via the AC website.
In order to apply the pass, you will need the PNR (booking reference) and last name of any of the passengers on the PNR.
How do I know if the Status Pass actually was added? How can the PAX show to Airport staff that they have one?
The person granting the pass should see the pass applied in their Benefits section under Status Pass. Look at sent passes.
COWTOOL PNR lookup will indicate "A status pass has been applied" for reservations where it has been successfully applied.
The PAX should have "STPA" on their boarding pass.
Are status passes different depending on the status of the person giving the pass?
No. All status passes are the same. Whether the pass was given by an 50K or a Super Elite is irrelevant.
The AC website says "travel must occur within the current benefit year". What does that mean?
The recipient's trip must start before the end of the benefit year, which is also the calendar year, i.e. the first flight must be taken on or before December 31.
However, if there are additional flights on the PNR in the following year, the status pass will also be valid for those flights (not explained on the AC site, but verified in practice by FTers for bookings straddling 2021 and 2022).
Do they work for award and cash bookings?
They can be applied to both
SO FOR EXAMPLE IF YOU ARE SUPER ELITE, YOUR BENEFICIARY DOES NOT GET OR HAVE SUPER ELITE PRIVILEGES! THEY DO NOT GET ANY KIND OF STAR ALLIANCE GOLD PRIVILEGES!
SEE WIKI BELOW!
What is a status pass?
A status pass (sometimes abbreviated as "STPA") grants passengers many of the benefits of elite status (detailed below). One status pass is applied to a booking and extends benefits to all passengers (up to 9), on all flights, on that booking.
The benefits of the STPA don't exactly correspond to any elite tier.
The status pass must be applied before travel commences. It cannot be applied after any flights have been taken. It is unclear whether there is a deadline to apply the pass. A pass can be removed from a booking up to 6 hours before travel commences.
What does a status pass get you?
- Priority check-in
- Free checked bags (3 per passenger), with priority baggage handling
- Priority security
- Access to Maple Leaf Lounges ("MLL"), including international lounges, prior to your departing flight
- Priority boarding (Zone 2)
- Priority standby
What DOESN'T a status pass get you?
- Access to non-MLL AC lounges (i.e. Cafe and Signature Suites)
- Access to lounges not operated by AC
- Free seat selection
- MLL guesting privileges
- E50K status (some of the status pass benefits are similar, but are certainly not comprehensively equivalent to E50K)
- *G status
How does a status pass get added to a reservation?
The pass must be applied by the person with elite status (E50K, E75K, Super Elite). It can be done through the AC app or via the AC website.
In order to apply the pass, you will need the PNR (booking reference) and last name of any of the passengers on the PNR.
How do I know if the Status Pass actually was added? How can the PAX show to Airport staff that they have one?
The person granting the pass should see the pass applied in their Benefits section under Status Pass. Look at sent passes.
COWTOOL PNR lookup will indicate "A status pass has been applied" for reservations where it has been successfully applied.
The PAX should have "STPA" on their boarding pass.
Are status passes different depending on the status of the person giving the pass?
No. All status passes are the same. Whether the pass was given by an 50K or a Super Elite is irrelevant.
The AC website says "travel must occur within the current benefit year". What does that mean?
The recipient's trip must start before the end of the benefit year, which is also the calendar year, i.e. the first flight must be taken on or before December 31.
However, if there are additional flights on the PNR in the following year, the status pass will also be valid for those flights (not explained on the AC site, but verified in practice by FTers for bookings straddling 2021 and 2022).
Do they work for award and cash bookings?
They can be applied to both
Status Passes - what are they and how to use them?
Oct 25, 21, 7:51 am
#151
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,606
I gave status passes twice.
The first time was June YUL, the status passes were very new and the gate agent had no clue it existed, she treated my girlfriend like a peasant and got her to cry at the counter with my 3 young kids. She was so rude, I had to call the concierge to get things done, we're talking June 2020 transborder flight where there was like 10 people on the flight and no one at check-in. ohhh the blasphemy to check-in at the SE counter! Also the gate agent refused the 3 check-in bags, luckily we didn't need them but that was the main reason for gifting passes in case she needed more bags.
I think today the status passes are better understood by the gate agents, but it's still new/rare it seems. Last August at LAS I was with them for check-in so it went way better, it is still not clear to gate agents how it works, she did see boarding zone 2 so she knew there was something "special", but it doesn't say status pass or a status so the agents are very confused (she said in her system she could not see any status or anything, but it did show the different boarding zone).
The first time was June YUL, the status passes were very new and the gate agent had no clue it existed, she treated my girlfriend like a peasant and got her to cry at the counter with my 3 young kids. She was so rude, I had to call the concierge to get things done, we're talking June 2020 transborder flight where there was like 10 people on the flight and no one at check-in. ohhh the blasphemy to check-in at the SE counter! Also the gate agent refused the 3 check-in bags, luckily we didn't need them but that was the main reason for gifting passes in case she needed more bags.
I think today the status passes are better understood by the gate agents, but it's still new/rare it seems. Last August at LAS I was with them for check-in so it went way better, it is still not clear to gate agents how it works, she did see boarding zone 2 so she knew there was something "special", but it doesn't say status pass or a status so the agents are very confused (she said in her system she could not see any status or anything, but it did show the different boarding zone).
Hearing about your first experience actually makes me angry. That's some disgusting behavior by that agent. I know there are bugs and kinks in the AC system and front line staff obviously aren't paid well/kept in the loop but being rude like that is unacceptable.
Oct 25, 21, 9:14 am
#152
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, UA Gold, Bonvoy Tit LT Sil, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Accor Silver
Posts: 42,070
I gave status passes twice.
The first time was June YUL, the status passes were very new and the gate agent had no clue it existed, she treated my girlfriend like a peasant and got her to cry at the counter with my 3 young kids. She was so rude, I had to call the concierge to get things done, we're talking June 2020 transborder flight where there was like 10 people on the flight and no one at check-in. ohhh the blasphemy to check-in at the SE counter! Also the gate agent refused the 3 check-in bags, luckily we didn't need them but that was the main reason for gifting passes in case she needed more bags.
I think today the status passes are better understood by the gate agents, but it's still new/rare it seems. Last August at LAS I was with them for check-in so it went way better, it is still not clear to gate agents how it works, she did see boarding zone 2 so she knew there was something "special", but it doesn't say status pass or a status so the agents are very confused (she said in her system she could not see any status or anything, but it did show the different boarding zone).
The first time was June YUL, the status passes were very new and the gate agent had no clue it existed, she treated my girlfriend like a peasant and got her to cry at the counter with my 3 young kids. She was so rude, I had to call the concierge to get things done, we're talking June 2020 transborder flight where there was like 10 people on the flight and no one at check-in. ohhh the blasphemy to check-in at the SE counter! Also the gate agent refused the 3 check-in bags, luckily we didn't need them but that was the main reason for gifting passes in case she needed more bags.
I think today the status passes are better understood by the gate agents, but it's still new/rare it seems. Last August at LAS I was with them for check-in so it went way better, it is still not clear to gate agents how it works, she did see boarding zone 2 so she knew there was something "special", but it doesn't say status pass or a status so the agents are very confused (she said in her system she could not see any status or anything, but it did show the different boarding zone).
Oct 25, 21, 10:56 am
#153
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 2
Thanks! For what it's worth, was able to get Air Canada to answer my question in the meantime - their response was "as long as the pass is redeemed by the end of 2021, it doesn't matter when the travel occurs". That said, their terminology also defines "redeeming" as when the first leg is flown, and people seem to be having issues getting any of the benefits at all, so results may vary...
Oct 25, 21, 12:27 pm
#154
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 1,142
I gave status passes twice.
The first time was June YUL, the status passes were very new and the gate agent had no clue it existed, she treated my girlfriend like a peasant and got her to cry at the counter with my 3 young kids. She was so rude, I had to call the concierge to get things done, we're talking June 2020 transborder flight where there was like 10 people on the flight and no one at check-in. ohhh the blasphemy to check-in at the SE counter! Also the gate agent refused the 3 check-in bags, luckily we didn't need them but that was the main reason for gifting passes in case she needed more bags.
I think today the status passes are better understood by the gate agents, but it's still new/rare it seems. Last August at LAS I was with them for check-in so it went way better, it is still not clear to gate agents how it works, she did see boarding zone 2 so she knew there was something "special", but it doesn't say status pass or a status so the agents are very confused (she said in her system she could not see any status or anything, but it did show the different boarding zone).
The first time was June YUL, the status passes were very new and the gate agent had no clue it existed, she treated my girlfriend like a peasant and got her to cry at the counter with my 3 young kids. She was so rude, I had to call the concierge to get things done, we're talking June 2020 transborder flight where there was like 10 people on the flight and no one at check-in. ohhh the blasphemy to check-in at the SE counter! Also the gate agent refused the 3 check-in bags, luckily we didn't need them but that was the main reason for gifting passes in case she needed more bags.
I think today the status passes are better understood by the gate agents, but it's still new/rare it seems. Last August at LAS I was with them for check-in so it went way better, it is still not clear to gate agents how it works, she did see boarding zone 2 so she knew there was something "special", but it doesn't say status pass or a status so the agents are very confused (she said in her system she could not see any status or anything, but it did show the different boarding zone).
Oct 27, 21, 5:19 am
#155
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: YYT | YYZ & the scattered HAM | PRG | FLR
Programs: BA Staff Standby, AC Aeroplan, AMEX, AVIS Preferred, (sadly former) TAP Miles&Go Gold
Posts: 2
AC Status Pass on Aeroplan Standard Bookings
Hello flyertalk!
Just a quick question - am I able to use a friends Status Pass on Standard Bookings made with Aeroplan Points? Not sure if there are any restrictions on this booking class.
The routing would be through MIA/FLL-YYZ-YYT
Thanks in advance
P
Just a quick question - am I able to use a friends Status Pass on Standard Bookings made with Aeroplan Points? Not sure if there are any restrictions on this booking class.
The routing would be through MIA/FLL-YYZ-YYT
Thanks in advance
P
Oct 27, 21, 6:00 am
#156
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SE MM, Hyatt Globalist, SPG Platinum, hhonors Gold
Posts: 3,353
Yes it can be applied. You will likely need to call in as in my past experience it doesn’t work online.
Oct 27, 21, 6:48 am
#157
Join Date: Feb 2018
Location: YYT
Programs: AC 35K, WS Rewards, DL SkyMiles, UA MP, Priority Pass, AMEX MR, NEXUS, H-Honors Silver, M-Bonvoy
Posts: 1,681
Welcome to AC FT!
Yes, I believe yyzgigi is correct on this one. I will defer to the experts on this stuff though, so wait and see if they reply.
Yes, I believe yyzgigi is correct on this one. I will defer to the experts on this stuff though, so wait and see if they reply.
Oct 27, 21, 8:36 am
#159
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson
Posts: 34,894
Oct 27, 21, 2:50 pm
#160
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: PHX
Programs: AAexp, AC75k, HertzPC, NationalEE, Accor/MariottP, Hilton/HyattG
Posts: 3,606
Report : FTer was able to check in, get free bags etc at the airport priority check in agent with status pass(didn't work when applying and OLCI, my bookings etc).
Everything worked out really great, hope you enjoy your trip to Europe sir!
Everything worked out really great, hope you enjoy your trip to Europe sir!
Oct 27, 21, 9:53 pm
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson
Posts: 34,894
I have a feeling it matters for the anecdotal notes.
Oct 28, 21, 8:00 am
#163
Join Date: Oct 2021
Location: YYT | YYZ & the scattered HAM | PRG | FLR
Programs: BA Staff Standby, AC Aeroplan, AMEX, AVIS Preferred, (sadly former) TAP Miles&Go Gold
Posts: 2
Thanks for the warm welcome. Although I'm new to posting, codfather has been keeping me in the loop on what happens here. I booked my flight yesterday from MIA-YYZ (ROU A319.... ew) and then YYZ-YYT (A223). Anyone know if I would have access to the Turkish Airlines lounge at MIA seeing as it is contracted by AC for business class passengers (not just *G)? Booked this routing as it was much less points flying from MIA-YYT than YYZ-YYT during Christmas. BA Staff Priority Standby (even though I'm not staff!) also helps in getting me from BLQ to MIA!
Oct 28, 21, 11:19 am
#165
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE MM, UA Gold, Bonvoy Tit LT Sil, Hyatt Glob, HH Diamond, Accor Silver
Posts: 42,070
Thanks for the warm welcome. Although I'm new to posting, codfather has been keeping me in the loop on what happens here. I booked my flight yesterday from MIA-YYZ (ROU A319.... ew) and then YYZ-YYT (A223). Anyone know if I would have access to the Turkish Airlines lounge at MIA seeing as it is contracted by AC for business class passengers (not just *G)? Booked this routing as it was much less points flying from MIA-YYT than YYZ-YYT during Christmas. BA Staff Priority Standby (even though I'm not staff!) also helps in getting me from BLQ to MIA!
