Airlines (Reward Programs)

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Earn Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K from Home

ByMatt

Air Canada continued to operate two loyalty programs, but the integration is coming together. Basically, there is Air Canada Altitude, which is the elite status program, while Aeroplan is the miles collection. They used to be the same company, but then Air Canada sold off Aeroplan, and then bought it back.

Just setting up the context so that there is less confusion when I explain the promotion. So right now, Aeroplan has an offer starting today (April 20, 2020) that runs until May 31, 2020. Aeroplan members who earn 50,000 miles will receive an Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K status valid through 2021.

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Air Canada Altitude Members Can Gift Their Status

ByMatt

You have probably read about different airlines and hotel chains extending their elite statuses. Now it is Air Canada’s turn. They are not only offering an elite status extension, but also the ability to gift your status to a family or friend. Below are the details of the initiatives.

Elite Status Extension

The 2020 Altitude status will automatically be extended through to the end of 2021.

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Canadian Airlines Layoff Across the Board

ByMatt

I was hoping that it would be not come to this. But airline layoffs are real. Personally, I really thought that there would be more “leave without pay”, so that they can retain their employees and slowly bring them back. But maybe there is more to the story if they want to cut their ties. I guess they can always hire them back later? 

Anyway, here’s the current count to date. May airlines are careful to say that these are temporary layoffs, so the door is open for people to come back. 

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[REVIEW] Air Canada Vancouver Signature Suite

ByMatt

A good friend of Pointshogger, Kathy Ye, went to the YVR Signature Suite unveiled on our behalf and shared her experience with us. Thank you so much Kathy for representing Pointshogger!

On March 14th, 2020, Air Canada unveiled its second Signature Suite at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Pointshogger had the opportunity to get a sneak peak of the lounge and enjoy the premium amenities before it is opened to the public.

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Loyalty Program COVID-19 Updates

ByMatt

Loyalty programs across the board have implemented temporary solutions to deal with any COVID-19 related matters. Below is a list of hyperlinks to useful information. I also included a small blurb for each company that may be more commonly relevant.

I tried to include companies more relevant to Canadians, but please let us know in the comment section below if you see any other links that we can add to the list (in alphabetical order).

WestJet Status Match Challenge

ByMatt

WestJet Rewards is currently allowing Air Canada (Altitude) and Porter Airlines (VIPorter) members to status match with its rewards program. 

Looks like WestJet is aggressively trying to challenge Air Canada ahead of their full integration with Aeroplan in June 2020. 

WestJet members can now achieve either Silver or Gold with WestJet Rewards that runs will March 31, 2020. You can extend the benefit period by completing additional challenges. Below are the details of the challenges.

Rundown of Delta Air Lines’ SkyMiles for Canadians (updated January 8, 2020)

ByMatt

It has been almost 2 years since I last wrote about Delta Air Lines (Delta). The main reason is because there are no major updates that would affect the Canadian members of its frequent flyer program, SkyMiles. There are some minor changes (especially to its hotel partners) though, so I thought I’d give this post a proper update. 

Expiry Policy

SkyMiles does not have an expiry policy, so once you earn miles, they stay in a member’s account for as long as they want without worrying about activity.