UA MileagePlus vs. AC Aeroplan - Switch?
Nov 8, 2002 | 11:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ, ON
Programs: UA 1K (2MM)
Posts: 394
UA MileagePlus vs. AC Aeroplan - Switch?
This is somewhat of a makeover question.
I am looking to switch from MP (1K soon) to Aeroplan. I have spoken to Aeroplan about getting comp equiv status but they nixxed that, probably since it is same alliance.
I am thinking of starting to use my aeroplan to collect ff on AC while using my 1P/1K to get benefits on UA flights and using my upgrades and such but not collect any new ones until I status in AC.
This is also based in a small part on the uncertainty around UA. AC will never bust as it is doing ok and the Cdn government has a propensity to prop it up in bad years.
Also it seems that Aeroplan has really spruced up it awarding and such.
I am based in YYZ and will fly about 90% YYZ-U.S. and 10% YYZ-LHR or HKG or SIN for 2003. Right now I spend a lot of trips passing thru ORD (which is ok) so that I can fly UA metal to get my bonus+upgrades.
What do you all think?
I am looking to switch from MP (1K soon) to Aeroplan. I have spoken to Aeroplan about getting comp equiv status but they nixxed that, probably since it is same alliance.
I am thinking of starting to use my aeroplan to collect ff on AC while using my 1P/1K to get benefits on UA flights and using my upgrades and such but not collect any new ones until I status in AC.
This is also based in a small part on the uncertainty around UA. AC will never bust as it is doing ok and the Cdn government has a propensity to prop it up in bad years.
Also it seems that Aeroplan has really spruced up it awarding and such.
I am based in YYZ and will fly about 90% YYZ-U.S. and 10% YYZ-LHR or HKG or SIN for 2003. Right now I spend a lot of trips passing thru ORD (which is ok) so that I can fly UA metal to get my bonus+upgrades.
What do you all think?
Nov 8, 2002 | 1:18 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: DCA
Programs: AMC MovieWatcher, Giant BonusCard, Petco PALS Card, Silver Diner Blue Plate Club
Posts: 22,314
I think that if you're considering a switch to Aeoplan, you ought to test the waters over in the Air Canada forum. The superelites will tell you about their benefits and their happiness. Possibly best person to make the comparison would be Empress.
My sense just from what the Air Canada Super Elites have had to say is that they're unhappy with the direction the airline has gone, taking away benefits and making it difficult to obtain awards, etc.
Several Air Canada folks were crediting mileage in Mileage Plus. The grass is always greener...
You could certainly use your 1K benefits for upgrades on United metal and have them switch to your Air Canada number at the gate. Then, once you've made SuperElite, switch your flying to Air Canada metal...
My sense just from what the Air Canada Super Elites have had to say is that they're unhappy with the direction the airline has gone, taking away benefits and making it difficult to obtain awards, etc.
Several Air Canada folks were crediting mileage in Mileage Plus. The grass is always greener...
You could certainly use your 1K benefits for upgrades on United metal and have them switch to your Air Canada number at the gate. Then, once you've made SuperElite, switch your flying to Air Canada metal...
Nov 8, 2002 | 1:44 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ, ON
Programs: UA 1K (2MM)
Posts: 394
Thanks for the feed gleff. I dropped a thread in the Air Canada area too.
Grass is always greener but I like the high end threshold bonuses that they do at AC. Also I am just tired of working to get on UA metal. Sometimes it is just easier to take the direct flight from the U.S. (esp SFO, LAX) and many of the hops to the East Coast and Mid-west are just as easy on direct AC flights.
Thanks.
Grass is always greener but I like the high end threshold bonuses that they do at AC. Also I am just tired of working to get on UA metal. Sometimes it is just easier to take the direct flight from the U.S. (esp SFO, LAX) and many of the hops to the East Coast and Mid-west are just as easy on direct AC flights.
Thanks.
Nov 8, 2002 | 8:26 pm
#5
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: YYZ
Programs: Recovering long-time AC SE100K (currently E50K), Accor Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 1,033
As someone who spent a lot of time flying in and out of YYZ last year, enough to qualify for AC elite, I might have some useful comments for you.
First, Aeroplan refusing to comp you has nothing to do with any Star Alliance restrictions. I am elite on AC, but their Star Alliance partner UA comped me this year.
AC Upgrades are simply not possible on low-cost economy fares. I have a briefcase full of AC upgrade certificates that I'll gladly sell to the highest bidder ... or would *I* have to pay *you*?
I can't tell you how many flights I've been on as an elite passenger where I was stuck in the back of the bus with an EMPTY business class cabin hidden behind the curtain. AC pretty much refuses to upgrade unless you paid the right fare.
As elite on AC you don't get mileage bonuses like you do on UA. For instance, on UA 2Ps get 25% mileage bonuses, regardless of fare paid, on all flights. 1Ps get 100%, etc. On AC, you just get the miles flown IF YOU ARE LUCKY. On domestic routes within Canada, you often get 50% of miles flown. Now that just plain sucks.
Now qualifying is easier on AC, elite is at 35K (versus 50K for 1P) as someone else pointed out. And elite/super-elite memberships come with free Maple Leaf Lounge membership (which can be used to get into RCC and other Star Alliance lounges when travelling outside Canada on a *A partner).
One last thought, just to create the impression of impartiality. I spoke to an AC rep a couple of days ago who claimed elite would be getting better by 2003. (There were draconian cuts to elite after 9/11.) We'll see.
Good luck with your decision, and feel free to drop me a line (email address is in my profile) if I can answer any more questions.
[This message has been edited by CanuckFlyer (edited 11-08-2002).]
First, Aeroplan refusing to comp you has nothing to do with any Star Alliance restrictions. I am elite on AC, but their Star Alliance partner UA comped me this year.
AC Upgrades are simply not possible on low-cost economy fares. I have a briefcase full of AC upgrade certificates that I'll gladly sell to the highest bidder ... or would *I* have to pay *you*?
I can't tell you how many flights I've been on as an elite passenger where I was stuck in the back of the bus with an EMPTY business class cabin hidden behind the curtain. AC pretty much refuses to upgrade unless you paid the right fare.As elite on AC you don't get mileage bonuses like you do on UA. For instance, on UA 2Ps get 25% mileage bonuses, regardless of fare paid, on all flights. 1Ps get 100%, etc. On AC, you just get the miles flown IF YOU ARE LUCKY. On domestic routes within Canada, you often get 50% of miles flown. Now that just plain sucks.
Now qualifying is easier on AC, elite is at 35K (versus 50K for 1P) as someone else pointed out. And elite/super-elite memberships come with free Maple Leaf Lounge membership (which can be used to get into RCC and other Star Alliance lounges when travelling outside Canada on a *A partner).
One last thought, just to create the impression of impartiality.
I spoke to an AC rep a couple of days ago who claimed elite would be getting better by 2003. (There were draconian cuts to elite after 9/11.) We'll see.Good luck with your decision, and feel free to drop me a line (email address is in my profile) if I can answer any more questions.
[This message has been edited by CanuckFlyer (edited 11-08-2002).]
Nov 8, 2002 | 8:51 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: YYZ, ON
Programs: UA 1K (2MM)
Posts: 394
Thank you for the info. I sort of knew about the upgrades but didn't know they were so strict (I went thru that scenario with Delta at the beginning of the year). I usually run out of UA upgrades which is a pain but definitely a positive problem.
I also thought to switch given the nice threshhold bonusing they do but my tier bonus pretty much equals it out.
But then I saw the errorplan newsletter and found out that the award redemption levels are higher on AC even for StarAlliance awards.
More and more do I think I am staying on UA (scary thing)
Cheers.
btw, your email is not on your profile.
I also thought to switch given the nice threshhold bonusing they do but my tier bonus pretty much equals it out.
But then I saw the errorplan newsletter and found out that the award redemption levels are higher on AC even for StarAlliance awards.
More and more do I think I am staying on UA (scary thing)
Cheers.
btw, your email is not on your profile.
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by CanuckFlyer:
As someone who spent a lot of time flying in and out of YYZ last year, enough to qualify for AC elite, I might have some useful comments for you.
First, Aeroplan refusing to comp you has nothing to do with any Star Alliance restrictions. I am elite on AC, but their Star Alliance partner UA comped me this year.
AC Upgrades are simply not possible on low-cost economy fares. I have a briefcase full of AC upgrade certificates that I'll gladly sell to the highest bidder ... or would *I* have to pay *you*? I can't tell you how many flights I've been on as an elite passenger where I was stuck in the back of the bus with an EMPTY business class cabin hidden behind the curtain. AC pretty much refuses to upgrade unless you paid the right fare.
As elite on AC you don't get mileage bonuses like you do on UA. For instance, on UA 2Ps get 25% mileage bonuses, regardless of fare paid, on all flights. 1Ps get 100%, etc. On AC, you just get the miles flown IF YOU ARE LUCKY. On domestic routes within Canada, you often get 50% of miles flown. Now that just plain sucks.
Now qualifying is easier on AC, elite is at 35K (versus 50K for 1P) as someone else pointed out. And elite/super-elite memberships come with free Maple Leaf Lounge membership (which can be used to get into RCC and other Star Alliance lounges when travelling outside Canada on a *A partner).
One last thought, just to create the impression of impartiality. I spoke to an AC rep a couple of days ago who claimed elite would be getting better by 2003. (There were draconian cuts to elite after 9/11.) We'll see.
Good luck with your decision, and feel free to drop me a line (email address is in my profile) if I can answer any more questions.
[This message has been edited by CanuckFlyer (edited 11-08-2002).]</font>
As someone who spent a lot of time flying in and out of YYZ last year, enough to qualify for AC elite, I might have some useful comments for you.
First, Aeroplan refusing to comp you has nothing to do with any Star Alliance restrictions. I am elite on AC, but their Star Alliance partner UA comped me this year.
AC Upgrades are simply not possible on low-cost economy fares. I have a briefcase full of AC upgrade certificates that I'll gladly sell to the highest bidder ... or would *I* have to pay *you*?
I can't tell you how many flights I've been on as an elite passenger where I was stuck in the back of the bus with an EMPTY business class cabin hidden behind the curtain. AC pretty much refuses to upgrade unless you paid the right fare.As elite on AC you don't get mileage bonuses like you do on UA. For instance, on UA 2Ps get 25% mileage bonuses, regardless of fare paid, on all flights. 1Ps get 100%, etc. On AC, you just get the miles flown IF YOU ARE LUCKY. On domestic routes within Canada, you often get 50% of miles flown. Now that just plain sucks.
Now qualifying is easier on AC, elite is at 35K (versus 50K for 1P) as someone else pointed out. And elite/super-elite memberships come with free Maple Leaf Lounge membership (which can be used to get into RCC and other Star Alliance lounges when travelling outside Canada on a *A partner).
One last thought, just to create the impression of impartiality.
I spoke to an AC rep a couple of days ago who claimed elite would be getting better by 2003. (There were draconian cuts to elite after 9/11.) We'll see.Good luck with your decision, and feel free to drop me a line (email address is in my profile) if I can answer any more questions.
[This message has been edited by CanuckFlyer (edited 11-08-2002).]</font>
Nov 8, 2002 | 9:30 pm
#7
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Canada
Programs: AC SE 2MM, HH Dd, Bonvoy G; IC S; AA; DL
Posts: 14,496
You can buy upgrades on the transborder (ie US Canada routes):
http://www.aircanada.ca/planning/us-.../upgrades.html
Upgrades: U.S.A to Canada
Purchase upgrade certificates and treat yourself
to the comfort of Executive Class!
Enjoy Executive Class with a Hospitality Service ticket! Move up from Hospitality Service (Y or M booking class) to Executive Class simply by taking advantage of Air Canada's upgrade certificates when you travel on designated routes* between the U.S. and Canada.
U.S.A. to Canada Upgrades
To purchase your upgrade booklet:
Each upgrade certificate is valid for a one-way upgrade and is conveniently available in booklets of two. Certificates are valid one year from date of purchase and each booklet costs only US$70, plus applicable taxes.
To use an upgrade certificate, simply:
Ensure you have a confirmed Hospitality Service ticket in Y or M booking class for travel between Canada and the U.S.A. aboard any qualifying Air Canada or Air Canada Regional Inc. flight.
Call your travel agent or the Air Canada Reservations number at 1-888-247-2262 within 48 hours of departure to request your upgrade, subject to availability.
Finally, present your U.S.-Canada upgrade certificate when you check in.
So simply sit back and enjoy all the comfort of Executive Class!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* ROUTES:
Designated routes between the USA and Canada are:
La Guardia - Toronto, Montreal
Denver - Toronto
Chicago - Toronto, Montreal, Calgary
Los Angeles - Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver
Dallas - Toronto
Philadelphia - Toronto
Note: Upgrades can only be applied to a previously-purchased ticket with confirmed reservations. Upgrade reservations can only be made within 48 hours of departure. For upgrades to be honoured, the certificate must be presented at check-in. Upgrades are subject to availability and number of allowable upgrades per flight. Upgrade certificates are not valid on Air Canada marketed flights operated by other airlines, or on charter flights, for Aeroplan reward travel, or with promotional passes. Certificates are non-refundable and do not permit access to Maple Leaf lounges. Other restrictions may apply.
If you are travelling midweek, you may be buying the outrageously high Y fares anyway so, even though you can't use points to upgrade, these allow you to "buy" your upgrade.
http://www.aircanada.ca/planning/us-.../upgrades.html
Upgrades: U.S.A to Canada
Purchase upgrade certificates and treat yourself
to the comfort of Executive Class!
Enjoy Executive Class with a Hospitality Service ticket! Move up from Hospitality Service (Y or M booking class) to Executive Class simply by taking advantage of Air Canada's upgrade certificates when you travel on designated routes* between the U.S. and Canada.
U.S.A. to Canada Upgrades
To purchase your upgrade booklet:
Each upgrade certificate is valid for a one-way upgrade and is conveniently available in booklets of two. Certificates are valid one year from date of purchase and each booklet costs only US$70, plus applicable taxes.
To use an upgrade certificate, simply:
Ensure you have a confirmed Hospitality Service ticket in Y or M booking class for travel between Canada and the U.S.A. aboard any qualifying Air Canada or Air Canada Regional Inc. flight.
Call your travel agent or the Air Canada Reservations number at 1-888-247-2262 within 48 hours of departure to request your upgrade, subject to availability.
Finally, present your U.S.-Canada upgrade certificate when you check in.
So simply sit back and enjoy all the comfort of Executive Class!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* ROUTES:
Designated routes between the USA and Canada are:
La Guardia - Toronto, Montreal
Denver - Toronto
Chicago - Toronto, Montreal, Calgary
Los Angeles - Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver
Dallas - Toronto
Philadelphia - Toronto
Note: Upgrades can only be applied to a previously-purchased ticket with confirmed reservations. Upgrade reservations can only be made within 48 hours of departure. For upgrades to be honoured, the certificate must be presented at check-in. Upgrades are subject to availability and number of allowable upgrades per flight. Upgrade certificates are not valid on Air Canada marketed flights operated by other airlines, or on charter flights, for Aeroplan reward travel, or with promotional passes. Certificates are non-refundable and do not permit access to Maple Leaf lounges. Other restrictions may apply.
If you are travelling midweek, you may be buying the outrageously high Y fares anyway so, even though you can't use points to upgrade, these allow you to "buy" your upgrade.