Will Rupert be on FT this year?
 

Its about time for Rupert's annual meet the flyers session. Is it scheduled yet? And about time for AP to announce next years reductions in Aeroplan status too. It is an annual tradition.

probably telling more lies. I wish they could just say for once, this it the way it is deal with it, isntead of proffering more "enhancements"

I still have not changed my mind....

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ghlight=rupert

The answer is yes. In fact, he called me yesterday to chat about a few things and asked about when he might get in line for another appearance on FT. Say what you will, but i know of no other program in the world that has been as eager to come in front of their members than this guy. He rates a big thumbs up for that effort.

Actually we're in 'negotiations' right now to have Air Canada come on FT Live! for a chat about their delivery, product and other airline related things. We may do back-to-back chats (one night after the other) of Air Canada and then Aeroplan. Again, this airline has been extremely cooperative in doing this.

Randy,

Agreed, and thanks for your effort on getting them on here. ^

Although I think the concern has been that many of the answers are wishy-washy or marketing spin... and some like "show some compassion for people who couldn't fly as much as you did so we requalified them anyway, yet we won't give you guys any extra credit for actually making SE" left many with a sour taste.

Allowing tough follow-up questions in the tradition of the rough and tumble AC forum would be great :D

Simon

Rupert who?

Rupert the Bear ???

I can only agree with Randy. To have the opportunity of open forum certainly counts as a positive in my view. If we get AC then AP then all the better. ^

I welcome this opportunity to dialogue with Aeroplan.

I am not hopeful that much will be accomplished but dialogue is always positive.... and so Rupert ^ for the initiative.

BUT I have to agree with SIMON, we need a real conversation with follow-up opportunities as last yr the chat was all marketing spin, little substance.

I am glad that Rupert has been so eager to come on board, but please remind him this is Flyer Talk, not Blender Talk. Our primary concern is the frequent flier loyalty program, not the Esso Loyalty program.

Randy -

Allow me to pipe in and agree with the forum that Air Canada top management has done a great job of participating in the FT community, whether its through FT! Live, or a couple of AC Executives posting on the board (Lise, Ben)...

With that said, I think we are all disappointed with our perception of a lack of straight answers on questions we ask. I don't think there's anything we can do about that, sadly, but, I for one appreciate the ability to ask the question in the first place.

Thanks again for providing the forum from which to do so!

Any news on when these events may happen ?

Randy,

I endorse the general view on this thread. It is good that they come on and good that you get them on the board to talk to members.

But it is really frustrating when it just becomes and exercise in spin and real question avoidance. Last year one of the big issues was the lower threshold for SE qualification. All of the reasons they gave for making the decision in November occurred six months earlier in April. The reasons were phony or the timing was manipulated to disadvantage those who were loyal to them to acquire SE status at the original levels. Either of those reasons questions the integrity of their communication with members.

When they refuse to acknowledge the issue and respond with avoidance doubts about the integrity of their communication are only heightened and members, who are their most loyal customers, are left even more frustrated.

The medium of a live internet chat is very poor for penetrating follow-ups when initial questions are spun or avoided. I encourage you to review the board before the date of their appearance and try to structrure and order the questions so they are pushed as much as possible to really answer the questions.

Thanks

So any news on when Rupert will be on line? And we are waiting for the news on 2005 program details. Those of us that are SEs want to hear some good news for a change. Not blender news.

I agree with the other Ft'ers, without a opportunity to actually ask and get a real answer. not spin is valuable, to not allow members that opportunity is just free marketing for AC.

Why not allow an honest chat to occur, a chat with AC on FT should not resemble an election in Kiev ...

I am surprised that some many people are interested in RD's FT appearances. Frankly, I have found them to be pretty much a waste of time. He offers very little new information or worthwhile comment and his modus operendi appears to be ignore the customer's view and give them spin. The fact that he makes himself accessible has not changed my view of him or of what he has done to Aeroplan.