RBC Avion Redemption Q
 

I was wondering if anyone can shed some light on the RBC Avion flight redemption process... in particular, the 15k rewards, how restrictive are they on the adjacency requirements?

e.g. YYZ-NYC should be 15k since Ontario and NY share a border, but YYZ-BOS/DCA would not be since they don't (though AC would still allow them for 15k).

I've found they care more about the cost of the ticket. If your YYZ-BOS-YYZ ticket is under the 15k dollar amount ceiling ($350 I think?), they are as likely as not to book it for you.

I redeemed some Avion points to go to PHL last year thinking I'd have to cough up 30k, but they gave them to me for 15k.

Maybe it was just the agent. YMMV.

For Avion, transfer at the end of every year to BA for 1.5 : 1 !

The 15K award translates into any short haul revenue ticket/fare that comes in at or under $350. Very easy to book and you'll get miles for the ticket too. For AC flights, it can be booked in Tango or Tango+ depending what the fee threshold is, but you can request T+ even if Tango is cheaper as long as it is below the dollar threshold.

I wish... They didn't allow me a YYC-SEA flight. In general, I like RBC Avion, but in my opinion, they should have the same rules as AC in that respect.

I have had no problems booking with RBC Avion other than the long delays in getting to speak to a live human being.

However beaware of difference between Avion and RBC Gold Preferred. I hold both cards. RBC Gold Preferred provides insurance coverage which AVION does not so you are best to redeem on Avion, but charge the extras to your RBC Gold Pref card to get coverage.

Infinite Avion?

From what I read the Infinite Avion provides pretty good insurance coverage (even when pd by points)

thanks for the feedback!

Can you shed some light on this for me? Do they announce a special year-end deal for the 1.5:1 conversion, and if so when and where?

Thx much.

It does happen usually twice a year. The last offer ended on March 1st 2010. Check your email...or here!! ;)

AC Exec Class Flights?
 

Official T&C's of Avion says I can book a business class ticket - see below:
Redeem your points up to the allowable Maximum Ticket Price from the Avion Redemption Schedule and then redeem your points at 100 points = $1 CDN for the upgrade to business class value. As an example, Toronto - Vancouver, maximum ticket price is $750.00 any difference in the ticket price above this amount can be redeemed at a 1% value.

Does this mean that if the ticket is $1000 + $250 in taxes, that I can use 35k to get $750 max ticket value and then have to:

• a) Redeem 25000 for $250 remaining ticket price
• b) Redeem 50000 for $500 remaining ticket/taxes
• c) just pay the difference of $500 in cash

Appreciate your help on the interpretation

I've gone over for a non-business class ticket and just paid the difference in cash.

Great Avion redemption
 

I needed to fly to Vegas and have lots of points so decided to use Avion, was able to get the outbound on AC (my preferred carrier because of Elite status) but couldn't get return at a time that worked. I was able to get Alaska First class instead because it was under the price for the ticket - gets me lounge access, free luggage etc. Loving Avion today!

Interesting - I tried to do two one-ways to LV recently (AC/Westjet) but was told that is not possible. Were you able to do it for the 35k + taxes?

Yes, it was so easy. No wait on the call, and got the booking. The first class on Alaska makes the booking quite a deal (even though it's only 2 hours!).