I had to move from CP to AC around 2000 and that was about when I moved up to SE. Those were the halcyon days. It was so easy to generate points and to redeem (at fixed rates). And the 70K free ticket was very nice. I don't think I flew in Y for years. AC management were also responsive to concerns from frequent flyers.

Impressive recap.

For me, it would be early 2000s, around the time the XM cabins came out. Most of my travel was within NA.

- It was so cool to get PTVs on regional jets and on flights like YEG-YVR.
- A320s still had 20J seats (I used to fly these constantly - loved the op ups).
- PLH service in J was a thing - made those transcon flights home at the end of the week just that much better.
- E90s were brand new and had 34" pitch in Y.
- 777s at 3x3x3 in Y (didn't realize at the time what a luxury that was).
- Elite/*G at 35K miles. Full MLL access.
- Every fare accumulated decent miles - the 500 mile minimum was great for me.
- Carry ons weren't out of control - didn't have to be first on board to actually get space, could actually "board at your leisure." I distinctly remember waiting to be the last to board when waiting for an upgrade, and never having to worry about carry on space in Y.
- Lounges and priority services were actually exclusive - not available to every credit card holder. No lines for the MLL, and priority boarding lines for narrowbodies didn't have 50+ people in them.
- Points redemptions were easy - family in J for vacation, done. Fixed mileage awards, always.
- AC had a large Alberta operation, and I could easily get where I needed to go.

Thanks for starting such an interesting thread! First, let me say that what I value most about the program are TATL upgrades from Y fares (because that's what my employer will pay for). Given that, I guess the best days for me were the XM days (in other words, before PY). Don't get me wrong, I do think the current J pods are superior to the big blue ones. But back then my upgrade success rate as 50K was around 75-80%, which is much higher than nowadays where my success rate as SE is less than half that. The food was better in those days too.

As others have noted upthread, there are so many personal factors to consider. Back in the XM days, flying J was still a novelty for me. Now, it's lost its luster a bit as I can afford to pay for J on non-work trips, and as AC continues to devalue the product.

This! And on *A too. I spend a fair bit of time flying around the States on UA and in those days most (all?) fares earned 100% SQM. For instance, EWR-SFO would net 2,555 miles (in Y). I flew this route last week in paid J and earned a grand total of 767 SQC!

One thing that was great at the time of original E-upgrade scheme, was having a larger number of e-upgrade nominees. From E35k up:



I wish that they gave at least 2 nominee slots for SE right now.

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Pretty much the same for me. ProjectXM was a game changer. I actually like those pods better than the current ones. They didn�t have the non-removable tray that pinches you if you�re a side sleeper.

Also, back then, we got the e phone numbers for all the concierge stations, and they could truly work miracles.

it was a great time to be b SE.

I believed you. I meant to add an emoji so you would know that.

I have a vivid recollection of a morning flight in F to LAX (from YYZ). Very few people in the large cabin. Huge leather seats. Mimosas were offered to everyone. There was no 7 course meal out there was trolley service for everything and the food was platted at your seat. Manny passes thru the cabin for top ups, water, etc.

F on Air France, though, had the SD come round with cashmere blankets and he wanted to tuck me in. All that was missing was a bedtime story. Those were indeed the days.

Ah yes, the jump seat
Had that seat landing Osaka ( Also went below cockpit while in flight) A340
landing Las Vegas B747
take off Barbados B767'
landing San Francisco A320

plus numerous inflight visits to cockpit, especially to Europe

Those are special memories that were jogged by reading this thread , thanks

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100%. I don't really sleep of flights and I often find myself in the rear galley in the middle of the night chatting with crew (being careful not to impose or imede their work). I've gotten a lot of really cool information on places to visit and a lot of off the books perks.

I've also spent time sitting next to off dutly pilots, one of which explained to me how to perfectly flare a 787 by 'putting the hat on the little guy' in the HUD.

A lot of crew are also plane nerds and it's fun to interact with them.

Yes but not sure it had anything to do with SE status -- my sister in law was working the flight and invited me up. I never asked how they made that decision.

I've never been SE, but got to sit in the jump seat YYZ-LHR back in the 80s in a 747 if memory serves me correctly. I was waiting to board last since I didn't see any reason to get on early. There was an older lady who I guess was on Standby and she was told she'd have to sit in the jump seat. I had no idea what it meant at the time, but being the young gentleman that I was I said I'd be happy to sit there instead. They moved me back to J for the meal, but other than that I sat in the cockpit for most of the flight. It was awesome!

This is not a knock against the current staff...but for me, was the 2010s.

It was senior staff heavy (Wardair, CP) upgrades felt easier. There was more variety of food (other than breakfast). Hell, back then 33/34 was staffed by the same 5 or 6 crews for YEARS. If you were a frequent SYD'er you would end up knowing everyone who worked those flights because, it was just a case of who you knew was working.

I feel the 'package' that many people took during COVID changed the AC culture a little bit. It is different staff, less flexibility, no RESIII shenanigans.

I mean...my first TATL flight was on a 747 in the top and it was awesome but that was before I was flying regularly. Myself and the 772 seem linked. We go way back and enjoy each others company.

I remember the excitement when you got on a A32X and they had the new green interior. No XM yet, just green and fresh. Simpler days.

Does that answer any questions or am I just being nostalgic