Canadian Travel Hacking

Month: March 2017

  • AIR MILES Cash option temporarily stopped because of Fraud

    Another interesting twist in the Air Miles saga. I only use Cash miles so this heavily affects me.

    I received an email from Air Miles this morning:

    Dear Steven,

    This note is to make you aware that through our regular fraud monitoring processes, we have identified irregular activity occurring within a small number of in-store AIR MILES Cash transactions, where Cash Miles have been stolen. The personal information of all Collectors remains protected and has not been compromised. We are working diligently to resolve the situation and have already contacted our retail Partners, the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

    While this fraudulent activity impacts only Cash miles and not Dream miles, the security of Collector Miles is of utmost importance to us and therefore we are sending this update to all Collectors. In a desire to protect AIR MILES Cash Miles, we have temporarily removed the AIR MILES Cash option for in-store purchases. Collectors are still able to redeem Cash Miles for e-vouchers online at www.airmiles.ca. These reward options include brands such as Staples, Starbucks, Cineplex, the Bay, and more.

    As we work through this issue, we ask that you continue to protect the security of your AIR MILES Account by maintaining the confidentiality of your Collector and PIN number.

    To view your balance or update your Account information please visit www.airmiles.ca.

    I have no idea why Air Miles was changed from all Dream Miles to these cash miles. Previously you could redeem your miles online for e-vouchers. Isn’t this less complicated?

    If someone found my Air Miles card they could redeem without identification.

    These loyalty programs should keep redemptions simple.

  • Air Canada introduces Bid Upgrades

    The airline is rolling out an auction-style program where passengers can make a cash bid to upgrade their seat to premium economy or business class.

    It is funny that I have an upcoming Aeroplan flight and received an email to make an upgrade.

    Upgrades are available for select destinations and scheduled flights operated by Air Canada and Air Canada Rouge, and under the Air Canada Express banner.

    If you receive an upgrade to Premium Economy Class, you will experience a different class of comfort including a larger seat, extra legroom, priority airport services and more. See the full list of benefits associated with Premium Economy Class.

    With an upgrade to North America & Caribbean Premium Rouge or International Premium Rouge, you will experience an enhanced Air Canada Rouge travel experience including a larger seat, premium meals and complimentary beverages and more. See the full list of benefits associated with Premium Rouge Class.

    The Air Canada bidding system is run by the Montreal-based company, Plusgrade. Its clients include Lufthansa, Air China, Swiss Air Lines and Qantas Airways, which also offer the bid program.

    Would you bid for an upgrade? I like the way Alaska does this – last minute upgrades with great prices at the very end (although they are probably leaving some money on the table).

    Here is a link to the FAQs.

  • Scotiabank Gold American Express Card – First Year Free with a $250 sign-up bonus!

    I love these first year free and high sign-up bonus offers that we have found this month!

    The Scotiabank Gold American Express Card has a new offer with no annual fee for the first year and a bonus of 25,000 points (worth $250 towards travel).

    This card offers a high earn rate of 4% on gas, grocery, dining and entertainment spend and 1% everywhere else.

    It also lets you redeem your cash equivalent points for ANY travel expense!

    The best use of Scotia Rewards is as a statement credit against a travel purchase.

    Either purchase your own travel and redeem for a statement credit against that travel or use Scotiabank’s full travel agency to make the booking for you. Redeeming for any non-travel purchase will be poor value.

    Since many things qualify for travel, you will likely have some eligible purchases on your card that you didn’t realize qualify, (think ferry, car rental, hotel, etc).

    The minimum redemption, however, is 5,000 points (i.e. $50).

    This offer is valid until July 31, 2017!

    It also includes these incredible extras for Insurance:

    • Travel Emergency Medical Insurance –  As the primary cardmember, you, your spouse and accompanying dependent children are each automatically covered for up to $1 million in emergency medical coverage for up to 25 consecutive days out of province.
    • Trip Interruption & Cancellation Insurance
    • Flight Delay
    • Delayed & Lost Luggage Insurance
    • Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
    • Rental Car Collision / Loss Damage Insurance
    • Hotel / Motel Burglary Insurance
    • Purchase Security & Extended Warranty Insurance – personal items purchased on your credit card are insured against theft, loss or damage for their first 90 days after purchase!
    • Price Protection Service – Use your card to buy a new item that is offered for sale at a lower price within 60 days of purchase, the Price Protection Service, will pay you the difference up to $100.

    I would be most interested in this Price Protection Service as it helps you get the lowest price and purchase security is a nice feature I currently don’t have in my other cards.

    The travel medical insurance does stand out as it covers you for up to 25 days per trip which is somewhat higher than the majority of cards that offer the benefit.

    For more details or to apply for the card please click here.

  • New TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite offer: Up to 25,000 Aeroplan Miles & 50% off first year annual fee

    The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite has a new offer (no longer first year free but a 50% fee rebate so $60 out of pocket).

    • Receive a Welcome Bonus of 15,000 Aeroplan Miles with your first Purchase
    • 10,000 Aeroplan Miles when you keep your Account open, active and in good standing for 90 days after Account approval
    • 5,000 Aeroplan Miles when you add an Authorized User to your Account by June 14, 2017 (Authorized User must call and activate their Card by July 31, 2017)
    • 50% Annual Fee Rebate for the first year (Primary Cardholder only) – that’s $60 in savings!
    • Offer Valid until May 4, 2017
    • Earn 1.5 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, grocery, drugstore and aircanada.com Purchases made with your Card.
    • Earn 1 mile for every $1 you spend on all other Purchases on your Card.

    One way to get this card for no annual fee is to have a TD account, all inclusive.

    For those interested in the all-inclusive account, the account has a $30 monthly fee, but it’s waived if your balance is greater than $5k.