Aeroplan (Air Canada) is now selling points

[MEL_Traveller]

But UA generally only have dynamic pricing on their own metal which means it doesn't get released to Aeroplan.

True!

Although close in, UA does seem to have reasonable availability between AU and the US?

 

[MG1]

I was looking at using some of my AC points for domestic LH flights: would 7-20k for Y and 15-29k for J be good value or not? The fees range 99-170 CAD.
The cash prices are all over the place, ranging 83-740 EUR.

One example is BER-MUC Y ticket for 7k (or 20k for flexible) + 99 CAD (~$111), where the cash price for this ticket ranges from 88 EUR (~$146) to 168 EUR (~$280). I would look at this as getting $35-$169 for 7k (or 20k) Aeroplan points, if I've done my sums correctly.

Is domestic LH business class proper business class (larger seat, more legroom) or is with the middle seat blocked out?

I've flown long-haul LH previously, but not short-haul yet.

Finally, do AC points have a soft expiry?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I was looking at using some of my AC points for domestic LH flights: would 7-20k for Y and 15-29k for J be good value or not? The fees range 99-170 CAD.
The cash prices are all over the place, ranging 83-740 EUR.

One example is BER-MUC Y ticket for 7k (or 20k for flexible) + 99 CAD (~$111), where the cash price for this ticket ranges from 88 EUR (~$146) to 168 EUR (~$280). I would look at this as getting $35-$169 for 7k (or 20k) Aeroplan points, if I've done my sums correctly.

Is domestic LH business class proper business class (larger seat, more legroom) or is with the middle seat blocked out?

I've flown long-haul LH previously, but not short-haul yet.

Finally, do AC points have a soft expiry?

LH’s eurobusiness is a blocked middle seat.

Basically aeroplan points on sale are 2 aussie cents each (very slightly less).

So however many miles, plus the fees has to be less than whatever the fare is being charged by lufthansa.

If the award is 7k, that’s AUD140, plus taxes.

The difference between the lowest and flex award pricing usually incorporates the fee if you were to cancel the lowest award and re deposit the miles. I don’t usually take that option.

 

[craven morehead]

Up to 100% for me too.

I'm looking at the AC website now and can only find 85% Bonus. Was yours a targeted email offer?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I'm looking at the AC website now and can only find 85% Bonus. Was yours a targeted email offer?

No… you have to click right the way through to the final ‘purchase’ page. The ‘buy points’ page will display 85% in red lettering, but the next page will show any additional bonuses.

 

[craven morehead]

No… you have to click right the way through to the final ‘purchase’ page. The ‘buy points’ page will display 85% in red lettering, but the next page will show any additional bonuses.

Many thanks for that

 

[am0985]

Was going to recommend a couple of friends sign up to Aeroplan for this deal. Is the 100% definitely showing up for everyone? It is for me, have bought my 160k.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Was going to recommend a couple of friends sign up to Aeroplan for this deal. Is the 100% definitely showing up for everyone? It is for me, have bought my 160k.

Depends. I’m not sure of the rules on buying miles for accounts that have just opened? There might be a 30 day waiting period? (i get confused between programs… some do, some don’t.)

It might also be for brand new members the limit is 85%. But it’s free to join, so no risk if they sign up now.

 

[ols]

Finally was able to sign up.
Was looking at flights.
A screen came up with would you like to log in.
Not sure why it logged me out in the first place.
Went to log back in.
Pressed the log in screen which had my details auto filled.
Tells me account is deactivated and to call an 1800 number.
I don't have O/S access on my phone plan so I don't know what to do.

 

[masco131]

Finally was able to sign up.
Was looking at flights.
A screen came up with would you like to log in.
Not sure why it logged me out in the first place.
Went to log back in.
Pressed the log in screen which had my details auto filled.
Tells me account is deactivated and to call an 1800 number.
I don't have O/S access on my phone plan so I don't know what to do.

They have a toll free number on their website. Someone posted the number and suggested you call at 9am earlier on this thread. I think it was on page 32, check this out.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Finally was able to sign up.
Was looking at flights.
A screen came up with would you like to log in.
Not sure why it logged me out in the first place.
Went to log back in.
Pressed the log in screen which had my details auto filled.
Tells me account is deactivated and to call an 1800 number.
I don't have O/S access on my phone plan so I don't know what to do.

skype is free for toll free numbers

 

[VPS]

Finally was able to sign up.
Was looking at flights.
A screen came up with would you like to log in.
Not sure why it logged me out in the first place.
Went to log back in.
Pressed the log in screen which had my details auto filled.
Tells me account is deactivated and to call an 1800 number.
I don't have O/S access on my phone plan so I don't know what to do.

be prepared to wait a long time on the call - maybe just send your DL and a utility bill to [email protected] with your Aeroplan number and explain that you can't call them from Australia and is this enough to get your account sorted. They responded within 24 hours for me

 

[ols]

be prepared to wait a long time on the call - maybe just send your DL and a utility bill to [email protected] with your Aeroplan number and explain that you can't call them from Australia and is this enough to get your account sorted. They responded within 24 hours for me

Thank you.

 

[MG1]

LH’s eurobusiness is a blocked middle seat.

Basically aeroplan points on sale are 2 aussie cents each (very slightly less).

So however many miles, plus the fees has to be less than whatever the fare is being charged by lufthansa.

If the award is 7k, that’s AUD140, plus taxes.

The difference between the lowest and flex award pricing usually incorporates the fee if you were to cancel the lowest award and re deposit the miles. I don’t usually take that option.

Thanks for the prompt response, @MEL_Traveller: much appreciated.
So, basically, the difference has to be >140 AUD to be of positive value for me.

I went looking at the different AC partners to see how to get home from DOH and I was provided with a convoluted, but intriguing, route of four flights over 40 hours to get home. This includes transiting through BAH and SIN, combined with a VA domestic flight for 110k (or 129k for flexible) Aeroplan points + <200 CAD.

(I can't find any availability with Velocity points or Avios (via QR), hence looking at alternatives.)

Has anyone else used Aeroplan points like this before? Any issues with transiting or ticketing?
It's something that I'd be interested in trying out (but would like to know others' experience with it, if possible).

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the prompt response, @MEL_Traveller: much appreciated.
So, basically, the difference has to be >140 AUD to be of positive value for me.

I went looking at the different AC partners to see how to get home from DOH and I was provided with a convoluted, but intriguing, route of four flights over 40 hours to get home. This includes transiting through BAH and SIN, combined with a VA domestic flight for 110k (or 129k for flexible) Aeroplan points + <200 CAD.

(I can't find any availability with Velocity points or Avios (via QR), hence looking at alternatives.)

Has anyone else used Aeroplan points like this before? Any issues with transiting or ticketing?
It's something that I'd be interested in trying out (but would like to know others' experience with it, if possible).

Yes, i’ve used itineraries like that before. No issues whatsoever. I have an upcoming return ticket with 9 segments and 5 airlines, using stopovers twice and a couple of 23 hour connections in other places for an unofficial stopover (long enough to see friends, have dinner, and a relaxing morning before the next flight).

Re $ value of awards…. the one thing i forgot about was things like baggage. LH group (swiss, lufthansa etc) now charge for bags on some tickets, adding a considerable amount to the lowest advertised fares. Award seats come with bags included. It can be worth using awards sometimes.

 

[jgm]

YVR-DEL-SYD is available for 115k, all in business on Air India. Which by then should actually be a good carrier to fly given SQ’s investment. First is also available for 150k.

I had MEL-DEL-YVR-YYC and return booked with AI. I made the initial booking over 10 months ago. There are a few gotchas however - a 13 hour layover in DEL outgoing, and almost 24 hours on the return; DEL-YVR use the old AI 777 with 2 2 2 seating in J and lots of broken seats (was due to be refurbished in 2024, but that has been postponed - maybe in 2025).

I did grab these mainly as placeholders looking for something better. MEL-SFO-YVR-YYC opened up last week (MEL-SFO with UA) so I grabbed that. In the interim, DEL-MEL was changed to DEL-BKK-MEL with TG by AC with layover reduced to 7 hours. It's still 14 hours in a clapped out 777 but I can just about manage this as it's a daytime flight. However I'm still looking for a better return to open up in the next 3 weeks.

 

[MG1]

Yes, i’ve used itineraries like that before. No issues whatsoever. I have an upcoming return ticket with 9 segments and 5 airlines, using stopovers twice and a couple of 23 hour connections in other places for an unofficial stopover (long enough to see friends, have dinner, and a relaxing morning before the next flight).

Re $ value of awards…. the one thing i forgot about was things like baggage. LH group (swiss, lufthansa etc) now charge for bags on some tickets, adding a considerable amount to the lowest advertised fares. Award seats come with bags included. It can be worth using awards sometimes.

Thank you once again for your very prompt reply, @MEL_Traveller: very much appreciated.

WOW! That's some itinerary that you booked: good job with the 9 segments.

I'm very happy to read that it worked out well; this gives me confidence that it'll run smoothly.

Is it worth booking the flexible award for refundability or is the fee on the lower side (from your experience)?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thank you once again for your very prompt reply, @MEL_Traveller: very much appreciated.

WOW! That's some itinerary that you booked: good job with the 9 segments.

I'm very happy to read that it worked out well; this gives me confidence that it'll run smoothly.

Is it worth booking the flexible award for refundability or is the fee on the lower side (from your experience)?

The difference between the flex and non-flex is generally the price of the cancellation fee. I just pay for the lowest, and if i need to change it’s $100, or $150 for cancel.

If you were putting in placeholders, not intending to fly, and change for something else later, more than once, the flex might be an option.

Oh, I paid for the full flex once, as full flex got you access to the AC Signature Lounge with private dining. Unfortunately, i also cancelled - free of charge! - to take a last trip AA first across the atlantic and their flagship dining.

 

[I love to travel]

Something I have been meaning to ask. If you cancel or change a flight, is the fee by sector or for the whole itinerary. Ie BNE-SIN-LHR would be 200 to change, whereas cancellation would be 150

A few months ago, the agent worked out that it would be cheaper to cancel the ticket because by sector it would be more expensive, I could have misheard her though.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Something I have been meaning to ask. If you cancel or change a flight, is the fee by sector or for the whole itinerary. Ie BNE-SIN-LHR would be 200 to change, whereas cancellation would be 150

A few months ago, the agent worked out that it would be cheaper to cancel the ticket because by sector it would be more expensive, I could have misheard her though.

Applies to the ticket as a whole AFAIK! If you change any part of the routing, the fee is $100 in total. Cancellation is $150.

actually…. just checking the rules it seems to be ‘per direction’ per ticket. So if you made a change to the outbound and inbound it would be $200. Which makes sense I guess since awards are priced that way.

The problem with cancelling is that there’s no guarantee the awards will come back.