Basic Aeroplan questions
Mar 31, 2005 | 10:03 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Programs: UA Prem Ex, NW Gold
Posts: 38
Basic Aeroplan questions
Hi. I've tried to figure this out on my own by reading various threads but they've only confused me further. I have some very basic questions about Aeroplan.
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
Sorry, I know these are very basic questions!
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
Sorry, I know these are very basic questions!
Mar 31, 2005 | 10:13 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2004
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Programs: AC SE 2MM; UA MP Premier Silver; Marriott Bonvoy LT Titanium Elite; Radisson; Avis PC
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Originally Posted by ralphshenkis
Hi. I've tried to figure this out on my own by reading various threads but they've only confused me further. I have some very basic questions about Aeroplan.
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
If you reach 35,000 by the end of this month you'll receive Elite status almost right away and it will last until Feb 28, 2007.
NOTE: The miles you receive for status MUST be miles earned from revenue flights that are not TANGO fares. You can't earn status just by merely buying things with your credit card and earning simple aeroplan miles. The key to getting status is to physically fly on the correct fares.
Mar 31, 2005 | 10:13 pm
#4
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Ontario
Posts: 2,394
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
You would get ELITE status
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
Yes - its Aerolotto
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
For Elite's the SSWU will upgrade you from a fun fare
The SWU would upgrade you from a Latitude fare
You would get ELITE status
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
Yes - its Aerolotto
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
For Elite's the SSWU will upgrade you from a fun fare
The SWU would upgrade you from a Latitude fare
Mar 31, 2005 | 10:17 pm
#6
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Join Date: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by ralphshenkis
Hi. I've tried to figure this out on my own by reading various threads but they've only confused me further. I have some very basic questions about Aeroplan.
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
Sorry, I know these are very basic questions!
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
Sorry, I know these are very basic questions!
Mar 31, 2005 | 10:20 pm
#7
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Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE 2MM
Posts: 18,475
Originally Posted by ralphshenkis
Hi. I've tried to figure this out on my own by reading various threads but they've only confused me further. I have some very basic questions about Aeroplan.
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
When you achieve 35,000 miles you will receive ELITE (not Super Elite = 100,000) status. You will not have to wait until year end although it may take a few weeks to get your package. While you wait for your Elite card, you should satill be able to get Maple Leaf Lounge access because your boarding pass will show you as Elite and you can explain you haven't got your card yet.
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
SSWU certificates can be used to upgrade from all but Tango (really cheap) fares. SWU are Latitude/YMBH upgradeable which are "reasonably" cheep (especially H international). Upgrade window opens 4 days prior to your departure. If you are on some of the higher fares e.g. M, you should be able to upgrade at time of booking and not wait for the window hence guranteeing your upgrade.
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
SSWU = Special System Wide Upgrade. These are invaluable if you travel a lot on "seat sale" (Q,V) fares especiually internationally. You get a max of 2 initially and then another 2 when you hit 45K miles.
SWU = System Wide Upgrade. Can only be used from the somewhat higher fares, but H class is typically not THAT expensive (~$1400 transatlantic) or M (~$2400 transatlantic). Definitely worth the extra dollars if you're not on a route where J fills up with revenue passengers and SE upgrades.
Both SSWU and SWU can be used on any AC operated flight(s) North American or International. If you are connecting flights, one certificate upgradews you on all the flights - again provided it's AC metal
North American Upgrades = Good on North American flgihts only. You use one on short haul flight, 2 for long haul. You can only upgrade from Latitude and Freedom (Latitude Plus) fares which tend to already be fairly epxensive. Personally I don't attach a lot of value to these because I don't care about upgrade on short haul and price tends to be too high on long haul (and J is not nearly as good as SJ). If you're flying internationally,gives these a pass and go for the SSWU and SWU. If all you're doing is North America, you might find these useful.
Sorry, I know these are very basic questions!
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive super elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
When you achieve 35,000 miles you will receive ELITE (not Super Elite = 100,000) status. You will not have to wait until year end although it may take a few weeks to get your package. While you wait for your Elite card, you should satill be able to get Maple Leaf Lounge access because your boarding pass will show you as Elite and you can explain you haven't got your card yet.
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
SSWU certificates can be used to upgrade from all but Tango (really cheap) fares. SWU are Latitude/YMBH upgradeable which are "reasonably" cheep (especially H international). Upgrade window opens 4 days prior to your departure. If you are on some of the higher fares e.g. M, you should be able to upgrade at time of booking and not wait for the window hence guranteeing your upgrade.
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
SSWU = Special System Wide Upgrade. These are invaluable if you travel a lot on "seat sale" (Q,V) fares especiually internationally. You get a max of 2 initially and then another 2 when you hit 45K miles.
SWU = System Wide Upgrade. Can only be used from the somewhat higher fares, but H class is typically not THAT expensive (~$1400 transatlantic) or M (~$2400 transatlantic). Definitely worth the extra dollars if you're not on a route where J fills up with revenue passengers and SE upgrades.
Both SSWU and SWU can be used on any AC operated flight(s) North American or International. If you are connecting flights, one certificate upgradews you on all the flights - again provided it's AC metal
North American Upgrades = Good on North American flgihts only. You use one on short haul flight, 2 for long haul. You can only upgrade from Latitude and Freedom (Latitude Plus) fares which tend to already be fairly epxensive. Personally I don't attach a lot of value to these because I don't care about upgrade on short haul and price tends to be too high on long haul (and J is not nearly as good as SJ). If you're flying internationally,gives these a pass and go for the SSWU and SWU. If all you're doing is North America, you might find these useful.
Sorry, I know these are very basic questions!
Mar 31, 2005 | 10:52 pm
#10
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Join Date: Feb 2004
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Originally Posted by FewMiles
Easy on the newcomers! 
FewMiles..
FewMiles..
I was the first one to even answer one of the OP's questions! The rest about "too much to type" was true because the questions were very high level, and any type of answer anyone would give would not be comprehensive enough and could further confuse the OP!
Apr 1, 2005 | 1:38 am
#11
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: AC E75, SPG Plat, HH peon-by-choice (ex Gold)
Posts: 8,090
Originally Posted by back seat
2) As an SE member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
Yes - its Aerolotto
Yes - its Aerolotto
If you book a Freedom fare for a domestic or transborder trip or a fare booked in Y or M class for international trips, the upgrade can be confirmed immediately.
Apr 1, 2005 | 7:41 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Programs: UA Prem Ex, NW Gold
Posts: 38
Thanks to those who answered my questions. I really appreciate it. Originally I was going to ask about achieving super elite status (100,000+) but then realized my real question was whether I would get elite status recognition immediately. If not, there'd be no reason to press on to SE. So I simply had SE in my mind and slipped when I wrote SE=35,000. Sorry for the confusion.
As far as looking at the stickies, as one suggested, there are only three. One says "What's the best seat?", the second says "Where did your FT name come from?" and the third says "FAQ-Booking classes." So, none of those seemed at all related to my questions and unfortunately the google search is just horrible. And yes, I am aware that one attains elite status through flying not buying groceries.
As far as looking at the stickies, as one suggested, there are only three. One says "What's the best seat?", the second says "Where did your FT name come from?" and the third says "FAQ-Booking classes." So, none of those seemed at all related to my questions and unfortunately the google search is just horrible. And yes, I am aware that one attains elite status through flying not buying groceries.
Apr 1, 2005 | 9:27 am
#13
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Posts: 10,225
Originally Posted by yyznomad
Quoi?
I was the first one to even answer one of the OP's questions! The rest about "too much to type" was true because the questions were very high level, and any type of answer anyone would give would not be comprehensive enough and could further confuse the OP!
I was the first one to even answer one of the OP's questions! The rest about "too much to type" was true because the questions were very high level, and any type of answer anyone would give would not be comprehensive enough and could further confuse the OP!
FewMiles..
Apr 1, 2005 | 10:34 am
#14
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, Bonvoy G; IC S; AA; DL
Posts: 14,496
First -- welcome to the AC forum.
Some questions already answered
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
- you will get it right away (within a month anyway it seems)
2) As an Elite member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
you can get special system wide upgrades which are eligible on most non-Tango fares. The system wides are useable on H and higher fares. As Elite you are lower down the pecking order for getting upgrades but the more limited ability to upgrade (less certificates in circulation and no use of miles) means Elites have a pretty good shot on some routes. If you buy M or Y fares, you can upgrade at time of purchase for international routes (excl. US for M) and 4 days out for US M fares and other cheaper fares on all routes. This puts you behind SEs who upgrade 7 days out (as well as at time of booking for M Y as described above.
See BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Comparison Chart for details/comparisons of all Star ff programs and descriptions of the upgrades.
You get 2 new SWUs (regular ones) every 15k status miles except at 45 and 75 and 120 where you get 2 new SSWUs. The number of certs in your pack depends on your original package. The one drawback of being a newbie is no choice of package although I would recommend pleading your case so you get the package you really want. It makes a huge difference depending what your goals are (miles, upgrades etc.)
Some questions already answered
1) If I achieve 35,000 miles by the end of this month will I receive elite status or do I not get that until next year? Some threads seemed to suggest a new policy was in place that the status would not kick in until the following year.
- you will get it right away (within a month anyway it seems)
2) As an Elite member there are no opportunities to upgrade using miles but you do receive certificates. These certificates can be used on certain, higher fares but cannot be guarenteed at the time of purchasing that fare. So one buys the higher fare and hopes the upgrade clears. Is that correct?
3) What is the difference between the various upgrade certificates and the pros/cons to each.
you can get special system wide upgrades which are eligible on most non-Tango fares. The system wides are useable on H and higher fares. As Elite you are lower down the pecking order for getting upgrades but the more limited ability to upgrade (less certificates in circulation and no use of miles) means Elites have a pretty good shot on some routes. If you buy M or Y fares, you can upgrade at time of purchase for international routes (excl. US for M) and 4 days out for US M fares and other cheaper fares on all routes. This puts you behind SEs who upgrade 7 days out (as well as at time of booking for M Y as described above.
See BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Comparison Chart for details/comparisons of all Star ff programs and descriptions of the upgrades.
You get 2 new SWUs (regular ones) every 15k status miles except at 45 and 75 and 120 where you get 2 new SSWUs. The number of certs in your pack depends on your original package. The one drawback of being a newbie is no choice of package although I would recommend pleading your case so you get the package you really want. It makes a huge difference depending what your goals are (miles, upgrades etc.)
Apr 1, 2005 | 11:37 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2004
Programs: UA Prem Ex, NW Gold
Posts: 38
Thanks BlondeBomber. One question about your chart and then I'll be more or less clear on how Aeroplan works. What does 0-50% bonus for elite members on AC mean? Is it tied to fare class so the higher up you go the closer to 50% you get? Or is it just 0 on the lowest fares and 50% on the cheapest fares. I tried to find an answer on the Aeroplan website but it doesn't seem to have very clear information about elite bonus miles (or at least I couldn't find it). Thanks