Toronto Escorts

Air Canada & Aeroplan - Saga

Air Canada & Aeroplan - Saga
"We are always here to help you" but how?
Air Canada no longer a bargain from Phoenix
Aeroplan far worse than American AAdvantage

First the story of frustration

I log into my Aeroplan account and tells me no longer valid (last trip on Air Canada was June 2018 to Toronto). and links to contact customer support.

Call customer support which prompts say:
1) Enter Aeroplan number (does - says invalid)
2) Visit Aeroplan.com - which tells me my acct number is no longer valid and to contact support - with the numbers that don't let me contact support .

Finally called the Air Canada reservation line - which is not related to Aeroplan, Air Canada will take over directly Aeroplan in 2020.

Get nice lady who realizes my endless loop and is able to connect me with Aeroplan customer service. Turns out they changed my number. I use lastpass that remembers it - probably signed up for it 10-15 years ago when first started traveling to Canada (Montreal, Vancouver, Victoria and then Toronto).

OK get into account - now have to decide if worthwhile transferring some award points from a credit card to Air Canada.

First I compared roundtrip airfares to Toronto
Wow prices have increased. For lower fare days for six days in early April, Air Canada was $US553-$660! American was $324 on decent timed flights with 1 stop (Charlotte or Dallas). Arrive in Toronto about 8PM not the overnight flights.

Delta fares were similar to American, but I use American- for business travel within the U.S. so easier to accumulate miles. I used to use American West based in Phoenix before was first bought out by U.S. Airlines, which was then bought by American. So American has large presence in Phoenix.

Air Canada has a non-stop at good times Phoenix to Toronto that I have used for many years. But not worth that much extra at current rates.

On a long flight might be an advantage to have a stop to get out and stretch especially since fairly tall 6-1 and cramped up in economy seating. Sometimes I pay more to select a seat with more legroom but that is far more expensive on Air Canada than on American.

Next I compare frequent flier programs
Air Canada points expire in 1 year from last event vs. 18 months for American. I only have 5622 mile points with Air Canada so may be not worth trying to save them. Even transferring to a friend costs 2 cents a mile! Maybe donate to charity. I probably had lots of earlier ones expire from long ago.

To fly Phx-Toronto with least seat options takes 25K points vs 12.500 or American on any flight within U.S./Canada. The upgraded more available etc is 43,500 on Air Canada and 25,000 on American.

I booked my upcoming trip to Frankfurt Germany on American/British Air for 50,000 points which I had accumulated.

I have concluded forget Air Canada. It once was very competitive when it first had its non-stop Phoenix to Toronto, but seems clear now that I should stick with American - which I also use for business travel in the U.S. so easier to accumulate points.

For those flying within Canada or other cities they may have better fares.

I am on Air Canada's mailing list and see specials for US $332 roundtrip. But they are for overnight flights when they need to fill seats for plane to return to Toronto. It arrives in Toronto at 6:37AM. What am I doing to do since will be tired, unable to check into a hotel till noon or so. Have a special now that says $110 base fare one-way but that is before taxes and fees. Its $332 roundtrip with fees on the overnight direct flight. I can get much better flight time choices for the same price on American with one stop.
 

koreanjames

Active member
Oct 4, 2011
832
65
28
Aeroplan / ac is garbage now since 2013/2014 compared to what it once was. They revamped it to make it comparatively impossible to acquire elite status , and even once there - it was another 800$ plus eTransfer credits to upgrade flights to first class. It used to be an excellent plan for all my international work travels.

It’s been half a decade since AC has been competitive re pricing / rewards .
 

yomero5

Well-known member
Jan 12, 2017
1,982
487
83
Now, AC have economy flights at a slightly reduced price that don't even qualify for Aeroplan points.
 

einar

Well-known member
May 4, 2002
2,421
115
63
Greater Toronto Area
Dave, welcome to the sad party. Air Canada is no longer what it once was. I finally just tossed my Aeroplan card in the garbage a couple of years back, and I don't have the airline loyalty I once did. I wouldn't avoid flying with them, depending on fares, but to me they are just another airline nowadays.
 
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Varmitt

Active member
Jan 2, 2004
967
163
43
I love Aeroplan, I do everything I can for points...Visa, Amex...what ever...been to Europe 8-9 time in the last 10 years plus Asia twice...all up front...looking to book Australia soon
 

harryass

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2010
3,206
870
113
all my aeroplan points are going to expire again cuz of no activity. Have not looked to see what crap I can even get if anything at all. What a scam. Aeroplan sucks! Also airmiles suck too.
 

FloridaGuy

New member
Aug 12, 2008
6
0
1
I love Aeroplan, I do everything I can for points...Visa, Amex...what ever...been to Europe 8-9 time in the last 10 years plus Asia twice...all up front...looking to book Australia soon
I read a study (some years ago) that said this was the exact best use for Aeroplan points. They specified business class flights to Europe as the best bang for the buck. Like you, I have had multiple business class trips to Europe (and business class for one of my Asian trips) thanks to Aeroplan. Totally worthwhile if you are militant about using your Aeroplan Visa for all purchases.

If you're flying economy, then it is worthwhile to shop for whichever airline has the lowest fare, as Aeroplan may not give you the best deal.

By the way, the same study said the best use of Air Miles (from a pure economic perspective) was....... free groceries, lol.
 

icespot

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2005
1,692
84
48
Aeroplan was Awsome at one time. It was easy to book flights and the fees were next to nothing. Niw you pay almost the same in fees as the actual price of the airfare.

Airmiles used to be ok to book hotel rooms. But now again no longer worth it once you add the fees.

I collect hotel points instead, for the free room upgrades.
 
Ashley Madison
Toronto Escorts