Marriott and Air Canada started a partnership recently allowing members from either program receive reciprocal benefits. Specifically, Marriott Ambassador and Titanium members receive an instant upgrade to Air Canada’s 25K elite status (Star Alliance Silver), which has some practical perks if you fly with the airline.
What I didn’t know was, there are so-called Select Benefits that come with the 25K status, even though it’s a “free” matched status.
You can choose 2 out of the 3 options:
- 5 eUpgrade Credits (you should have received 20 already with the 25K upgrade)
- 25% bonus points when crediting Air Canada, United, Copa and the LH Group flights
- 2 Maple Leaf lounge passes
Air Canada’s eUpgrade system looks quite complicated (I found a guide here) but on paper 25 credits is enough to upgrade a long-haul flight, although it’s subject to standby clearance. The lounge passes can only be used in North America when you fly Air Canada.
The main practical option, for those of us who are not America-based, is probably 25% bonus points, as it applies to a few partner airlines as well. Their loyalty program – Aeroplan – is very powerful and has many sweet spots for burning points. If you fly Star Alliance occasionally and don’t have a particular strategy, it’s not a bad idea crediting to Aeroplan.
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