Aeroplan vs. MileagePlus
 

I remember someone having this discussion awhile ago...

Is AC's Aeroplan better than UA's MileagePlus? It seems that you only need 18,000 and 35,000 miles to qualify for its AC's first two elite levels which translates to Star Alliance Silver and Gold vs UA's 25,000 and 50,000 threshold. I'm also under the impression that class of service bonus on AC qualify as base miles.

Any thoughts on this?

this has extensively been discussed and is now located under the StarAlliance-title. BlondeBomber made an excellent comparison-sheet of different StarAlliance-ff-programs:

BlondeBopmber's comparison sheet:
members.home.net/deercroft/starall.html

the discussion:
http://talk.flyertalk.com/forumcgi/Ultimate.cgi?action=int ro&BypassCookie=true

[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 06-16-1999).]

The biggest main difference between the two programmes is that on AC's aeroplan, your points never expire.

Once you reach elite status, you will also get guaranteed award seats as long as revenue seats are available to the AC destination of your choice. That's also why you never hear of any AC Elite or SuperElite members cursing when they can't their award seats!

The biggest main difference between the two programmes is that on AC's aeroplan, your points never expire.

Once you reach elite status, you will also get guaranteed award seats as long as revenue seats are available to the AC destination of your choice. That's also why you never hear of any AC Elite or SuperElite members cursing when they can't their award seats!

Well, the big difference is that if you're elite on one you can't upgrade on the other. So if you fly UA a lot, putting your miles on AC won't get you the ability to upgrade domestic UA flights.

QL

On the other hand, if you joined Canadian Plus or American AAdvantage, then you could upgrade on each others flights, and use each others lounges, as well.

Regards,

Ken Hamer

Try for some more background: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum5/HTML/000084.html

You really have to analyze your travel patterns. As Celestar as found out, if you don't live in Canada, AC doesn't give you a lot of great promos (at least this year) that they give their Canadian members. There may still be advantages to AC over UA but check the Star Alliance comparison chart carefully. If you fly a lot of full fare or busines or first class tickets then Lufthansa's Miles and More is a very attractive program. Some of the benefits of going with a non UA program may include free worldwide Red Carpet lounge access with AC's Aeroplan (when you become Star Alliance Gold and providing you are flying Star Alliance).

[This message has been edited by BlondeBomber (edited 06-01-2000).]

Celestar's mailing address will be moving to YYZ after October.

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