Air Canada Altitude Status (and how to make the most of if)

[GP_Matt]

Any chance a seasoned Air Canada Altitude flyer can help me to maximize my benefits.

I received 35K status last year so I have been enjoying access to the Maple Leaf lounge and skipping the line at security/boarding the plane.

As part of the deal I also received 30 e-upgrade credits and want to take full advantage of them.

My wife and I are talking about taking a vacation in the fall and have never flown business class before so I would like to try to make sure that I can use these upgrades to do that.

Am I correct to understand that the way to use them is to book a flight that is available for upgrade then apply for the upgrade with your credits and hope that someone doesn't pay full price and take the seat you wanted?

Are there some destinations or times that have better odds than others or perhaps routes that have better planes to really enjoy it.

We haven't planned anything for the vacation yet so we are quite open but considering Central America, a Caribbean sun destination or possibly Europe.

Anything else I should know? I flew a lot last year but it may be years before I fly this much again so I want to cram it all in before going back to the regular grind at airports.

Thanks for the help

[Tron_fdc]

I use my eups every chance I get. I usually end up with a bunch I can't get rid of by the end of the year. 30 is a lot, so use them everywhere you can and don't try to save them. They also only work on AC flights, not *A codeshares. (ie you can't use them on a United flight, even if you book through AC booking system that code shared the flight).

You book a flight on an eligible fare for upgrade. Once booked, go into your account and apply for the upgrade. Depending on the fare you can either upgrade right there, or be waitlisted for a gate upgrade. Pretty sure they only work on a Flex or Latitude fare only, although AC seems to change the rules every few months.

I get upgraded a lot for Van/Halifax/Kelowna flights, but almost never for Toronto or Mtl. Seems like a lot of super elite flyers are on those flights and they get upgraded before us 35/50k peons do.

I knew a guy that was buying flight passes and using the upgrades on them, so he was getting a discounted flight rate and then upgrading. Basically flying business class for cheap. That only works if you are flying a lot to the same destinations though.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

^^ I used to get latitude east west flight passes which were a dream for upgrades and points.

Anyway, you used to be able to see how many business class seats were available on a flight and could time it be more likely to get an upgrade. Dunno if that matter anymore.

Stay away from times/legs where business people might fly. Obviously there's a trade off there. Check the same flights say 2 weeks out and 1 week out and see if some fill up more than others.

[Northendzone]

Can you use these things to upgrade to the "mile high club"?

[cracher]

Would also like to know some tips on how to maximize this. Most features (I'm consistently 35k) are useless to me. Can't bring the kid into the lounge (and not all lounges let you in anyways), I almost always travel with someone so it's rude to leave your golf/bike/concert buddy in the back of the plane. The only benefit I see are free checked bags, they take your clubs/bike at the main counter, and you don't have to wait in line.

To me, the normal aeroplan points are worth more. You can actually buy flights with them.

[JD]

e-upgrades are best used on overseas flights. The business cabin on the bigger planes is actually pretty awesome with the pods for privacy and sleeping, bigger TV screen and better meals and such. Still get free booze like the peasants in the back but the level of service is much much higher. For domestic or flights to the US, upgrading doesn't have that same increase in awesomeness. Maybe a slightly bigger seat and free drinks and food.

But now that I have status on Emirates, I can only chuckle at the relative uselessness of Air Canada's status program.