As I leap from province to province this week I've spent a lot of time thinking about the Air Canada upgrades that either unlock access to the front end of the plane or keep you confined to the "business class adjacent" seats in economy. This week is actually my first week of Altitude Elite status and it's been great to have that extra level of service and perks added to my 6-flights-in-8-days adventure.
An added element is that I am traveling with a colleague who has never really tracked her miles and who, subsequently, hasn't gotten to Prestige status let alone Elite or higher. Such a shame because in our travel-heavy industry, it has become glaringly obvious why it's key to collect points by witnessing someone being shut out of the rewards.
Every check-in this week has presented the option to purchase upgrades, use eUpgrade credits to upgrade or play it plain and hang with the people in the back of the plane. I mean, I'd love to pretend that all of my business travel gets booked business class, but that is just not the case. I am a happy traveler if my tickets are bought at Flex fare so that I can earn the status miles for next year's status. This beggar is no chooser - I just care about logging the right miles.
Using eUpgrade credits is a no-brainer for me; if I can play the lottery and get a no-cost upgrade on a flight, I'll opt for that everytime, so long as the flight is long enough to have a meal and enjoy a movie. Typically, 2 hours minimum is my guideline for using the scant 20 eUpgrades offered with my Altitude status.
Paying for upgrades means a different formula. While I love tossing money at a more comfortable seat and open bar, I do actually have a limit on what I'll spend. Domestic flight upgrades are only worth buying if the cost is in the neighbourhood of 50$ per hour of flying time. International flights are worth about the same but I always play it by ear.
This week I flew economy from Toronto to Vancouver, as well as
Vancouver to Calgary. In both instances the eUpgrades weren't available and although I could have purchased an upgrade from Vancouver, the 800$ price tag was not worth it. Flying from Calgary to Winnipeg both myself and my colleague bought a 100$ business class upgrade for the 1hr 45min flight. Leaving Winnipeg I successfully used my eUpgrade to move up to seat 1A for the 2hr 3min flight. Not bad, but my pouting colleague wouldn't agree, although from all the way back in row 14, I can't quite hear her.
I only tease her so much because I've realized how ridiculous it is for her not to be collecting points and status this week while saddled with her non-traveler-ness at all of these airports. Since I booked us together (to maximize points according to Brad's Amex advice) she has gotten the benefit of enjoying my Maple Leaf Lounge access, which has provided us with a great business centre base all week, in addition to the obvious perks of pre-flight cocktails and snacks. As a NEXUS carrier I have been sailing through security lines, while she has had to wait in line at most airports. Though she has benefitted from priority check in and priority boarding on all of our flights. Time and again we've had that moment of "oh...you're so fancy with your travel status" and every time I think - to myself and out loud - we travel a similar amount but you just aren't taking advantage of the free perks that airlines are throwing at you.
I'm a believer. Bring on the travel perks. They've provided all the free gin that's fuelled this entry.
