Points when using Companion Certs
Jan 24, 2005 | 8:44 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC *E
Posts: 532
Points when using Companion Certs
Here's one that was a surprise to me.
I recently used the Companion Certs issued by Amex and CIBC Aerogold. As I am sure most of you know, you have to pay full fare Y or J in order to get the "free" ticket. What I didn't know is that the full fare ticket does not get the Y or J class of service bonus as both the full fare ticket and the companion ticket are booked in B (if you paid Y fare) or C (if you paid J fare).
When I called to ask about it, the agent said that it was very clear that both tickets were to be booked in the lower class. Does anyone have a cert handy to see if this is printed on the cert?
I recently used the Companion Certs issued by Amex and CIBC Aerogold. As I am sure most of you know, you have to pay full fare Y or J in order to get the "free" ticket. What I didn't know is that the full fare ticket does not get the Y or J class of service bonus as both the full fare ticket and the companion ticket are booked in B (if you paid Y fare) or C (if you paid J fare).
When I called to ask about it, the agent said that it was very clear that both tickets were to be booked in the lower class. Does anyone have a cert handy to see if this is printed on the cert?
Jan 24, 2005 | 8:47 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB
Posts: 14,219
I think this has been discussed in another forum here. I use the coupons for travel to HAV and my companion did not get any miles at all, while I did, I cannot recall if I got the COS. 
YYZ-HAV = 1437 miles(deposited to my account,each way) , I believe that does not include the COS.
YYZ-HAV = 1437 miles(deposited to my account,each way) , I believe that does not include the COS.
Last edited by djjaguar64; Jan 24, 2005 at 8:59 pm
Jan 25, 2005 | 10:56 am
#3
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YUL
Programs: AC-E75K, IHG-P, Bonvoy-G
Posts: 1,280
From the fine print of the CIBC cert:
CIC*160/121
Under "1. Reservation":
For both the revenue and companion ticket; for J fare types, book in C class, for Y fare types, book in B class.
CIC*160/121
Under "1. Reservation":
For both the revenue and companion ticket; for J fare types, book in C class, for Y fare types, book in B class.
Jan 25, 2005 | 11:41 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC *E
Posts: 532
Thanks for the wording Prestige. Looks open and shut.
So much for a "free" ticket - between paying J fare, the various taxes and charges on the companion ticket and not getting COS bonus, it's probably better just to buy 2 C tickets.
I think I'll cancel my Aerogold card since the companion ticket was really the only thing making me keep it.
So much for a "free" ticket - between paying J fare, the various taxes and charges on the companion ticket and not getting COS bonus, it's probably better just to buy 2 C tickets.
I think I'll cancel my Aerogold card since the companion ticket was really the only thing making me keep it.
Jan 25, 2005 | 12:42 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: AC SE, SPG Lifetime Plat, ACMM
Posts: 3,535
Originally Posted by ohcanada
Thanks for the wording Prestige. Looks open and shut.
So much for a "free" ticket - between paying J fare, the various taxes and charges on the companion ticket and not getting COS bonus, it's probably better just to buy 2 C tickets. I think I'll cancel my Aerogold card since the companion ticket was really the only thing making me keep it.
So much for a "free" ticket - between paying J fare, the various taxes and charges on the companion ticket and not getting COS bonus, it's probably better just to buy 2 C tickets.
I think I'll cancel my Aerogold card since the companion ticket was really the only thing making me keep it.
Jan 25, 2005 | 12:58 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,190
Nothing surprising. The certificates clearly note that the tickets will be issued in C for business, not J, and therefore only get basic mileage on non-NAmerican routes. In fact, C is discounted business, so when you use these certificates, AC is selling Amex or CIBC [or Diners in the past] two discounted tickets for the price of the full fare one. And of course, the "free" ticket earns no mileage. As noted, this has been discussed at length on several previous threads about these sorts of tickets.
Jan 25, 2005 | 12:59 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Whitby ON Canada
Posts: 641
Same with AMEX
FYI, the AMEX fine print is very similar. Different CIC (*160/131) but same wording as it applies to booking classes in C (for J) and B (for Y) for both tickets.
Also a note that the cert cannot be used for web bookings, so be prepared to pay the $5.00 service gouge when using the cert.
Also a note that the cert cannot be used for web bookings, so be prepared to pay the $5.00 service gouge when using the cert.
Jan 25, 2005 | 1:58 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: YUL
Programs: AC-E75K, IHG-P, Bonvoy-G
Posts: 1,280
Originally Posted by ohcanada
I think I'll cancel my Aerogold card since the companion ticket was really the only thing making me keep it.
As of now, you need the Amex Platinum or the CIBC with Club Privileges (for an extra $199/year) if you want to receive a companion cert.