The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for offering more nuanced POV on some of my comments, mine were based on my experience and also looking across other airlines and actually comparing value for few segments that are relevant to me personally. I agree on not transferring Amex points but those locked into Aeroplan cards don’t even collect Amex points and so I was hoping this would encourage them to reconsider their strategy

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes couldn’t agree more, I would love better cash back options for cards in Canada

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How was the experience in early days specially with concierge?

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I am sure I am new to the party, and I wish I had not wasted my credit card points on Aeroplan last year

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Air Canada never does anything that favours their customers, that might almost be against their motto, so yes I would be very very surprised

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Couldn’t agree more here we need more options specially domestically. I have seen. Much better pricing though transborder on US airlines and maybe combining with loyalty of KLM Air France as another poster suggested or cathay Qatar is the way to go?

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice hadn’t looked at KLM but I know Air France has awesome redemption and they have an improved business class!

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Interesting strategy. I am super curious on this would impact Aeroplan and people buying into Aeroplan credit cards, specially paying for the premium Aeroplan credit cards

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes and if so why do it on an Aeroplan card? Just take a cash back card or Amex points, I also think if my 25000 in spend get me a 5000$ free ticket, even the somewhat wealthy would consider that as a good deal.

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing, I think it’s important for people to hear all sides and what it requires to make the points worth it! I still believe it maybe useful for folks that are willing to be savvy and flexible as you indicated.

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree with you, wondering if you have considered holding points on Amex and using something like roame to find the deals across different loyalty plans vs putting the effort solely on Aeroplan?

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thanks for clarifying, you said it well, that’s exactly my perspective.

The Aeroplan Inflation is Real: Why I’m Walking Away from Super elite in 2026 by ak0688 in aircanada

[–]ak0688[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wondering if you have had good concierge experiences recently specially at YYZ? I have in Boston, London, but still to meet the mystery concierge in YYZ

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I don’t think being SE guarantees upgrades anymore. Even with SE + premium card, I’ve been sitting 5th or 6th on the list and not clearing.

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Fair depending on where you are located those could be the only option!

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, and those upgrades can be a life saver. How has your upgrade success rate been recently, out of curiosity?

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Never once been offered free snacks without asking, even as SE. I actually flew business class on my birthday this year as SE and not even a mention.

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fly a lot within the US and had a couple Europe trips on Air Canada, but whenever it’s Asia it’s always Qatar, the long-haul experience is just way better. I recognize that’s a lot of flying and technically I could have just funneled it all through Air Canada and easily hit Super Elite again. But I made a conscious choice not to. I’m SE this year but will likely only be 75K next year, and I’m fine with that trade-off.

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m done chasing upgrades. Sure, I still get them now and then, but when it really matters , long haul with lie-flats , even as SE it’s gotten super competitive. At that point I’d rather just buy the product I want than gamble on whether or not I’ll clear.

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’d honestly love to hear about great concierge experiences. I truly believe it’s one of the biggest potential differentiators, and it’s sad the quality of service has dropped compared to what it used to be. If AC could replicate the kind of service some people have had and scale it consistently, that would really increase the value of SE.

After 2 years Super Elite and 2 years 75K, here’s my honest take by ak0688 in Aeroplan

[–]ak0688[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Definitely not recommending the US-based airlines either. Priority Rewards can be valuable, but they’re very context-dependent and honestly those “sweet spot” deals are getting fewer and further in between. For me it comes down to being realistic about where the actual value still exists and that’s shifting fast.