Canadian Travel Hacking

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  • 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.

  • CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Business – First Year Free, 25K Aventura Points

    First year annual fee rebate on your primary and up to 3 secondary cards for the CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Business.

    Plus, earn a Welcome Bonus of up to 25,000 Aventura®Points.

    • Save $120 on your primary card and $50 on each additional card (up to 3 cards)
    • Your welcome bonus is enough for a short flight worth up to $400
    • Earn 1.5 Aventura Points for every $1 spent on gas and travel purchases
    • No blackout periods or restrictions, and points that don’t expire
    • Find out the status of your application in as little as 60 seconds

    Includes some nice free insurances:

    • Flight Delay and Baggage Insurance for lost, stolen, damaged or delayed checked baggage
    • Purchase Security & Extended Warranty Insurance
    • Auto Rental Collision/Loss Damage Insurance
    • $500,000 Common Carrier Accident Insurance

    This first year free promo ends March 31, 2017.

  • Cheap Hotel Stays in Vancouver Through April 2017 -BeVancouver Promotion

    Between now and April 30, 2017, you can receive an American Express gift card worth 50 to 125 Canadian dollars for your first night at participating hotels through the beVancouver American Express promotion.

    It is a good idea to make separate bookings if possible!

    Here are the details:

    • You must book through the beVancouver website and check-in by April 30, 2017
    • You must pay with a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express
    • Bookings are pre-paid and can NOT be cancelled
    • Gift cards do NOT have to be used towards the hotel booking.  You can use them anywhere AMEX gift cards are accepted
    • Only 3 bookings per person for this offer
    • Booking separate consecutive nights at the same hotel will NOT earn you more than one 50, 75, 100 or 125 Canadian dollar AMEX gift card

    Note:  While the promotion says the bookings are pre-paid, folks report certain hotels don’t charge you until you check-out.

    Thanks to Million Mile Secrets for this tip!

  • Aeroplan brings more moments to savour with new food & drink sponsorships

    Aeroplan is pleased to announce that it has partnered with some of Canada’s favourite culinary celebrations including Tourism Vancouver’s Dine Out™ Vancouver Festival, the City of Toronto’s Winterlicious and Summerlicious programs and Tourisme Montréal’s MTLàTABLE, in a move that will bring exciting dining opportunities for Aeroplan Members.

    “Great food is an integral part of the travel experience. At Aeroplan, our goal is to bring our members’ journeys to life. We’re here to connect people with their friends and family, to help our members share in meaningful moments,” said John Boynton, Chief Marketing Officer, Aeroplan. “Through these partnerships, we will help bring more people together with food and drink and inspire them on a journey with their taste buds.”

    Through some of these sponsorships and other food and drink initiatives throughout the year, Aeroplan Members will have exclusive opportunities including:

    • Extraordinary experiences such as chef collaborations from around the world and unique dining experiences;
    • Priority access to culinary events and reservations.

    Stay tuned for opportunities for members to earn and redeem miles for adventures as they taste the world at home with friends and family.

    Don’t forget, members can use their Aeroplan-affiliated credit card at each of these events to earn miles towards their next travel plans.

    Partnership information

    Aeroplan is the Premier Partner of Dine Out™ Vancouver, Canada’s largest annual food and drink festival (January 20 – February 5, 2017) and Presenting Partner of the Vancouver World Chef Exchange, Dine Out Vancouver’s most anticipated culinary event, featuring a series of collaborative dinners starring award-winning chefs from global culinary hubs, including London, New York, San Francisco, Mexico City and Galway.

    Aeroplan is the Official Premier Sponsor of Toronto’s Winterlicious (January) and Summerlicious (July) presented by YP Dine.  Now in their 15th year, Winterlicious and Summerlicious continue to be among the most prestigious and popular culinary events in Toronto. More than 200 of Toronto’s top restaurants participate per program, offering exclusive prix fixe menus. Winterlicious includes one-of-a-kind culinary events, featuring some of Toronto’s best cuisine and notable chefs.

    As Presenting Partner of Montréal’s restaurant week MTLàTABLE (November), Aeroplan will continue the cross-country culinary adventures through member access opportunities and unique Aeroplan-member experiences. MTLàTABLE provides an opportunity to explore the flavours of Montréal’s dynamic food scene, to discover new places to eat and to take advantage of table d’hôte menus in more than 150 restaurants and to participate in special events.

    Aeroplan will invite members to the table in 2017 – stay tuned for more details.

  • Excellent Changes to Alaska Airlines program for Canadians!

    I have always been a fan of the Alaska Airlines program.

    With Alaska Airlines’ new distance based award chart, the shortest award flights will cost just 5,000 Alaska Airlines miles one-way, and the longest only 12,500 miles one-way.

    Here is an example of a redemption to Seattle from Victoria, BC for just 10,000 miles return for just $44 for taxes!

    While many other airlines are heading in a different direction and simply looking at how much people spend, we’re focused on rewarding people across the board for how much they fly. That means:

    • They’ve lowered our lowest award tier so Mileage Plan members can now book award travel on Alaska Airlines flights using as few as 5,000 miles.
    • They’ve bumped up mileage earnings on flights in business or first class on 10 global partners by up to 80 percent.
    • Also, elite members now are eligible for complimentary upgrades on award travel on Alaska-operated flights when they book main cabin tickets.

    Here is a link to the blog post.

    This is a great reminder to get the Alaska Airlines Mastercard for the $75 annual fee – $60 Cash back from Great Canadian Rebates!

  • Traveling To Vegas

    If you are going to be traveling to Vegas in the near future, then a bit of forward planning may be required to ensure that you are able to make the most of your trip. This can actually add to the whole experience because making plans builds up anticipation for your trip. There are certain things that can make your trip much less stressful if they are planned in advance.

    A good place to start when planning your trip is to familiarize yourself with the Strip. This is probably going to the place where you spend most of your time so if you have a vague idea of where everything is it can save you quite a lot of time while you are there. If you have already have an idea of which hotels you want to visit you can start breaking this down into what you are going to do on each day.

    One of the main reasons that people travel to Vegas is for the casinos. If this is something that you want to do when you get there, then it is a good idea to decide beforehand when you will visit the casino and how much money you want to spend. If you have never visited a casino before you may want to practice some of the games that you could play at Red Flush Online Casino so that you have some idea of what to expect.

    There are many free visitor guides that can be found which are full of useful information. These guides have comprehensive listings of all restaurants, shops and hotels in the city so you get a real idea of exactly what you can expect to find. These guides will give you more information about places that you have already decided you want to visit and you may also find attractions that you may not have thought of before but are now definitely on your list of things to do before you leave.

    It can also be useful for you to find out what the weather is likely to be like at the time you are visiting. As Las Vegas is in the Nevada desert it does not get much rainfall throughout the year and so this is not really something that you have to worry about. The summer months are the warmest and it can get quite cold during the months of January and February. There are many resources online that give statistics about the weather at different times of the year so you can see what sort of weather you can expect.

    Depending on where you are traveling from, the journey to Vegas can be a long one. If you know you are going to be on the road or in the air for a while, then it may be a good idea to plan to take some entertainment along for the journey. Why not go mobile at Red Flush Online Casino to get in the mood for when you arrive in the city itself.

  • Earn 250 Aeroplan Miles – easy (Complete Travel Goals)

    Did you use your Aeroplan Miles towards a trip this year? Tell Aeroplan all about it and you’ll earn 250 Aeroplan Miles, just for sharing your travel story with them.