montreal on fire

I stayed Marriott Downtown at the CF Eaton Center in Toronto Time to return home with family at Big Smoke in Easter in April 2022.

It’s always a treat to meet a loved one, and I’ve found the arrangements to stay here satisfactory, though quality-problems. Still, the rooms were comfortable, even if the exterior of the hotel was plagued by the same brutal architecture that merged most of the city center.

Marriott Downtown at Toronto CF Eaton Center – Booking

For my three nights stay, I booked using a combination of Marriott Free Night Awards and Marriott Forest Fear Points.

Fortunately, I made my stay before the advent of dynamic pricing. I booked my first two nights using the Free Night Awards, and the next night at a fixed cost 35,000 points.

This property tends to cost between হার 375 in cash ratesBetween -450 in peak season and $ 230-300 in low season. Meanwhile, The cost of the forest fear point will be around Rs 35,000– 40,000 points in most calendar years, though that could change when the Marriott Forest Fear becomes fully operational in 2023.

Although I didn’t necessarily get the spectacular value from my Free Night Awards and Forest Fear points, especially when compared to our points valuation, I’m happy to avoid paying cash for this trip over the weekend.

Marriott Downtown – Location at Toronto CF Eaton Center

Located on Jamjamat Bay Street in downtown Toronto, Marriott Downtown at the CF Eaton Center in Toronto lives up to its name. It is right next to the famous shopping mall, which surprisingly bears the name of Cadillac Fairview (CF) Eaton Center.

This proximity provides access to both New and Old City Halls as well as the iconic Nathan Phillips Square down the street.

The great advantage of this location is that the Eaton Center is just above the Toronto Transit Commission’s (TTC) Dandas subway station. You won’t be further away than a subway ride from an attractive restaurant, a show at the Mirvish Theater, or a shopping destination suitable for purses of any size.

I personally chose this hotel because I am the product of a divided family, and my parents live in different parts of downtown Toronto.

Since I wanted to make time to visit both halves of my ancestors, it was understandable to choose a hotel located at equal distances from both by any means of transportation: Uber, walking, and always uncertain TTC.

Marriott Downtown – Check-in at CF Eaton Center, Toronto

The hotel entrance I think is typical of mid-range Marriott: brightly lit, well staffed and crowded with guests arriving and departing.

The check-in process was smooth and fast, which was a pleasant surprise considering I visited a long weekend. I had been in this position before on Labor Day weekend, and the workers were positively condemned.

On this occasion, however, I was thanked for my loyalty as a Titanium Elite member, and at the same time my welcome convenience options were presented with a complimentary breakfast or point. After choosing breakfast, I was also informed about my access to the M Club, as well as being told that I had been upgraded to a one-bedroom King Suite on the 7th floor.

It was good that I didn’t have to work for “suit-talk” or otherwise my elite advantage.

There was also a seating area, where I often saw families waiting for their valet-parked cars, or later in the evening, who had gathered for their nights in town. I sat down and quickly collected drinks from the bar.

After check-in, I made my way to the elevator and to my room.

I later realized that there weren’t enough lifts. They were often full, or forced to stop on each floor, and sometimes had lineups or waits. Another pair of complementary elevators currently running four would be best.

Marriott Downtown at Toronto CF Eaton Center – One-Bedroom King Suite

I climbed into room 720, which was found next to the elevator on the 7th floor. The hallways themselves are a bit messy, a gray-on-gray color scheme that wasn’t as warm as the lobby wood panels.

The room was much larger than I expected, beautiful in a space-limited city like Toronto. The entrance hallway and common area alone seem to be enough for a suite-sized room.

The couch and coffee table themselves were quite spacious and the decor could not be called absolutely new, it was at least modern. Even better, it was in great repair and I didn’t notice any tired or beaten furniture.

The couches were also comfortable, and more than enough as a resting stop for a visiting friend.

There was also a large closet at the entrance, so their business clients could store a professional wardrobe. Inside was a bathrobe, which I refused to take with me.

The bedroom was also spacious and comfortable and came with more seating options in the form of an extra desk and extra table. Seriously, some parts of me wonder why this room type needs so much space to sit.

That being said, the bed was a plush king with ultra-soft linen. Dressers came with plenty of power outlets, always important in this electronic device-addicted era.

After wandering around for a while and seeing how spacious the room was, I realized that my suite had the dual function of being an accessibility-based room for people with disabilities. It’s nice to know that Marriott is making sure that they have premium room options for all their customers

The bathroom was similarly spacious and was full of accessibility-positive features in both the bathroom and the toilet.

As a “premium” hotel in the Marriott portfolio, I was somewhat surprised to see that the bathroom kits were delivered in squart bottles instead of travel-friendly individual units.

For me, it wasn’t really a deal-breaker, but certainly indicates the post-Covid cost-cutting that the industry has become accustomed to.

Marriott Downtown – M Club at CF Eaton Center, Toronto

The M Club The lounge at this hotel is small, and I mean Tiny.

It’s located downstairs right next to the main restaurant, and it’s very easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there. It had some lazy business hours, only open until 8am–On weekdays it is 8pm, completely closed on Saturdays and open from 10am on Sundays–6 pm

Inside, I was similarly a bit overwhelmed, and even though the hotel was close to capacity, the M Club was dead when I nodded.

There was a traditional spread of snacks and chips, which was at least admirable. Any alcohol, such as North American custom, had an additional charge.

Conversely, non-alcoholic beverages, including San Pellegrino’s commonly-expensive individual bottles, were entirely commendable.

There was also a series of plush seating areas with stuffed chairs or hardwood tables, but the whole lounge still felt a bit sterile. Also, and it’s a small nitpick, the carpet from the rest of the hotel decor seems to be about 15 years old.

Marriott Downtown at Toronto CF Eaton Center – Breakfast

Hotel restaurants, Trios Bistro, M was located just across the club, and was similarly sufficient for nutritional purposes.

I don’t think anyone would choose food there as a first choice, within walking distance of Toronto’s plethora of high-quality culinary options, or when compared to choices covered via Uber Eats or similar platforms.

Although I went to my admired Titanium Elite breakfast buffet here, and I must say that it hit the spot, especially after an evening of heartfelt carousing.

The buffet had all the classics you would expect – Sausage, eggs, bacon, hash browns and toast. There were even a handful of fresh pastries that morning, though I didn’t indulge.

The options were delicious, and the coffee was hot, so I thought I got decent prices from the elite breakfast. However, the usual rate for the buffet was around $ 32 plus 13% HST and gratuity, and I guess it was much higher due to the simplicity of the rent.

For that price, either order According to the diet The menu, which looked recognizably delicious, or the hooves at the local brunch joint.

Marriott Downtown at Toronto CF Eaton Center – Other facilities

In addition to the breakfast and buffet, the hotel has a decently beautiful fitness center on the second-highest floor, which I would have stopped off the previous evening.

Finally, the hotel has a small, one-desk business center on the ground floor, but at the rate they charge, I can advise you to simply ask the front desk to print your light.

The staff at the front desk was nice to accommodate my requests and did not charge me a penny for paper, ink or effort.

Conclusion

I’ll be back in downtown Marriott at the CF Eaton Center in Toronto because of its location, which isn’t really second. Above all, it arranged for a comfortable stay and had a friendly and professional staff who welcomed guests with elite dignity.

However, I can’t say that this hotel made me “feel good”. Although the Marriott Eaton Center was quite a comfortable experience, it is somewhat old and its price surpasses its usefulness as a decent full-service hotel.

In fact, unlike other limited-service Marriott properties available in Toronto for a charge of $ 250 or less, given the choice in price at this location, which can reach up to $ 400, I think I’ll hang my hat next time.

Food and drink are an integral part of many cultures around the world, and one of the greatest pleasures of travel is to experience things that are unique to each country.

When the cocktail hour arrives, don’t reach for your old standby – choose the signature cocktail of the country you’re going to to experience something new, and you’ll probably find a new favorite to enjoy going forward.

Here are 23 different cocktails to order when you are out of town, relaxing in your hotel bar or waiting for your flight in the airport lounge.

1. My So – California, USA

Mai is therefore a cocktail that gives Hawaiian vibes. This is why it surprises many that it originated all over the place in Oakland, California.

Vic was a bartender in the 1950s making this tasty-sweet tropical libation. “Out of this world” is said to be Tahitian after making it for two friends from Tahiti who announced it this way, the name stuck.

Although in the original version 17-year-old J. With Ray and Nephew rum and orgyate, lime, orange curacao and plain syrup, you’ll see some bartenders and their own twists to shake up this classic cocktail concoction.

2. Sajerak – New Orleans, USA

Let the cocktail-flavored journey around the world take you to New Orleans. In 2008, Sajerak was called a signature drink even though it was from the 19th century.

In the 1830s, a man named Antoine Amadey Peachwood ran an apothecary where he served toddy to his customers using a secret family recipe of cognac and beetroot.

Gaining much popularity, Sazerac bought the rights to its bitterness at a bar called Coffee House and replaced cognac for Sazerac rye whiskey. This is a great to order for old fashion lovers, a dry yet punchy taste that will make your trip even smoother.

3. Bloody Mary – New York City, USA

Before you leave the state, stop for a little brunch in NYC, something you shouldn’t miss. Bloody Mary was born for branching, although it was first made in 1934.

A French bartender working at St. Regis New York’s famous King Cole Bar is worried that calling it “Bloody Mary” will deter guests. Calling it the “Red Snapper,” he saw it as something to keep the elite happy while they were there.

4. Pina Colada – Puerto Rico

If you like Pina Coladas, you have to go to Puerto Rico. This drink has been an icon since 1954.

This coconut-cream and rum-based delight was created by a bartender named Ramon “Monchito” Marro in the Carib Hilton of San Juan. It just screams “tropical vacation” in every refreshing sip.

5. Mojito – Cuba

With the exception of cigars, people always think of Mojito when it comes to Cuba. Ironically though, it is said that Sir Francis Drake, commander of the English navy, was sent there to conquer the Spanish colonies in the late 1500s, and he was responsible.

This compound seems to have been used to prevent scurvy and to relieve nausea, although today, it is used to soothe nerves after a busy work week.

This drink is made with cane sugar, fresh mint and plenty of rum, which will definitely give the beach enough freshness.

6. Kaiperinha – Brazil

With Capirinha, the origins are often the subject of great controversy. But why waste time arguing if you can taste the famous Brazilian drink?

It contains a spirit mixed with sugar and lime which is similar to rum known as chachaka.

It’s a little lime and a little grassy, ​​and a stunning way to supplement all this juicy meat if you find yourself in a Brazilian steakhouse.

7. Ram Punch – Jamaica

Punch began in the 17th century when sailors wanted an alternative drink to beer. These British sailors brought the drink back and then on further voyages it was introduced to the Caribbean.

Not surprisingly, it was a hit, which is why you’ll get Ram Punch across this island. However, Jamaica is the place where you feel the best, a perfect sip to enjoy with that quiet and friendly environment.

8. Guaro Tire – Costa Rica

Costa Ricans are proud of their consciousness, both in race and in liberation.

The country’s signature spirit is called Guaro, and Guaro Talk is a simple mix of two shots, as well as a mixture of bitter lime and sugar on plenty of ice. This is definitely the ideal way for you to explore this tropical paradise as well as cool down.

9. Paloma – Mexico

Yes, margaritas are a staple as far as Mexican cocktails go. But if you want to drink like the locals when you go to Mexico, choose Paloma.

It also contains tequila although it has a different blend with grape juice, agave and lime juice. Often, margarita can taste a little more sweet and it tends to quench your thirst while giving you a more authentic taste of this country.

10. Pisco Talk – Peru

The Chilean and Peruvian debate over Pisco Talk has been a drama for ages. A permanent war since the 1900s, you can probably order one in Chile as well because both countries claim it as a national cocktail.

However, in Peru, it has become a major thing among the locals. When visiting, try this drink that is made with egg white, pisco, sugar and lime, making an earthy but fresh cocktail that is perfect for hot days.

11. Dark N ‘Stormy – Bermuda

Some say the drink from Bermuda got its name from a sailor who compared the color to the way dark storm clouds hovered over the island.

It’s interesting, Bermuda usually has pleasant weather, making it an ideal place to book for your next trip. While you’re there, have a dark and chilly drink made with black seal rum, ginger beer and lime.

12. Pim’s Cup – London, England

Many think New Orleans is where the Pim’s Cup was first created. It was originally invented in London in the 1940s, although New Orleans certainly made it popular.

James Pim, who owned an oyster bar in London, made this cocktail with pim, mint, lemonade and chopped fruit.

13. Barraquito – Tenerife, Canary Islands

Start your day in the Canary Islands with Barraquito. This layered coffee concoction contains Licor 43, coffee and condensed milk.

You can find it everywhere across the Canary Islands, it is believed that Tenerife is the place where this spectacular alcoholic coffee was made.

14. Sangria – Spain

Perhaps Spain took its influence from the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations who were known to mix wine with sugar and spices.

Although when we think of Sangria, we think of Spain because it was the answer to the water that was unsafe to drink, and what the answer!

This drink is made with red wine, brandy, fruit and spices. Versions made with white wine are also called White sangria And called bubble style cava sangriaWhich features the precious kava, the sparkling wine of Spain.

15. Aperol Spritz – Italy

This light and airy cocktail is ideal for sipping while watching from the coast of Italy. Aperol spritz is a summer drink to enjoy while visiting a significant coastal area of ​​Italy, a drink that has survived since 1919.

Made with prosecco, Aperol, soda, and a slice of fresh orange, it is sure to become a new favorite of yours too.

16. Black Russian – Belgium

Everyone knows all about white Russian, although black Russian was first created. A bartender named Gustav Tops created this at the Hotel Metropol in Brussels.

This 1949 cocktail is made with Russian vodka and kahlu. White Russian later added cream to give it a hint of that signature.

17. Kir Royale – France

Of course, you don’t want to miss all those French wines. But a good cocktail is important when traveling through France.

Based on Kierkegaard, which was a drink made by a French priest of the same name who was once mayor of Dijon, featuring real white wine and black currant liqueur. However, Kir Royal uses champagne instead of white wine, making it even more fabulous.

18. Medicine – Kenya

Kenya’s signature cocktails, dawa, are perfect for hot weather so close to the equator.

It contains vodka with sugar and lime juice, which may not seem like a big deal without an original addition – to finish it it has a large stick dipped in fresh honey, making it something you must try.

19. Chapman – Nigeria

The national cocktail of Nigeria is called Chapman. Although it is usually served without alcohol, it can easily add rum or vodka to the mixture.

It has a beautiful color and a bright fruit flavor Black Currant Friendly, Fanta, Spite, Bitter, Lemon, Lime and Cucumber. Some compare it to the Sangria of Spain with a unique fruit and festive twist.

20. Siam Sunrise – Thailand

Try not to sunbathe too much before you visit all those temples and historical landmarks. They make a great refresher after completing your sights for the day.

It has a dash of vodka, coconut liqueur, soda water, sugar, lime, lemongrass, ginger and pepper for a drink that embodies all these Thai flavors.

21. Macha Hai – Japan

If you get tired while in Japan, ask for a match. This herbal drink is made with shochu, an alcoholic beverage distilled from rice, with macha tea and soda water.

And since the match is a healthy ingredient, you have to balance the aspect of your celebration with responsibility.

22. Singapore Sling – Singapore

The iconic Singapore Sling was first made in 1915 at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. It is beautiful and pink, but even men will drink it with the most masculine pleasure.

Made with gin, cherry liqueur and pineapple juice, there’s nothing like tasting it in the real bar – or perhaps in Singapore suites, where it’s a staple on the drink list.

23. Pavlova – Australia

The truth is that Australians love their beer, Pavlova is a gorgeous cocktail given to Brisbane bartender Rini Kato, who made this creamy, sour drink with Belved’s vodka and apricot brandy.

If you’re looking for a sweet finish while you’re down in the land, pavlova it.

Conclusion

In any bar in the world, you will usually find major items like beer, wine and all kinds of spirits. But from the Cupirinhas in Brazil to the Fruity Spritz in Italy, there is always something more special about sipping a drink that is true to your surroundings.

The next time you order a drink during your trip, make it a point to try the national drink wherever you are going and see if you find yourself a new love for each happy hour.

Crypto.com has just announced a massive reduction in reward rates on Crypto Earn. The new rates are effective immediately.

This comes hot on the heels of a significant overhaul of Crypto.com Visa cards, where they have reduced the reward rate on credit card spending and imposed a monthly cap on the prize earned.

For the baptized, Crypto income A product that earns rewards for term deposits (similar to interest) in multiple digital currencies, including stablecoins pegged to Fiat. It has become more valuable than their prepaid cards. While this change will not affect you if you only use Crypto.com’s Visa card, it is noticeable as part of the larger picture of the change in the financial landscape.

Revised rates for selection Stablecoins

Effective immediately, Crypto Earn has reduced the new deposit earnings rate for many popular stablecoins: TGBP, TAUD, TCAD, TUSD, and USDP.

Going forward, these stablecoins have had the highest rates Decreased to 3% annually.

My graduate Huge Decreased from just a few months ago, when the 3-month TCAD deposit for Royal Indigo / Z Green members had an annual rate of 12%. This was followed by a decline of 8%, a rather calm change that was overshadowed by changes in card rewards and CRO stacking.

(I will only focus on 3-month deposit rates, the longest-term and highest rates available.)

Instead of different rates for each card level, the new rates are based on your 6-month locked CRO share price with a simplified structure. If your lockup value is US $ 400 or less (equivalent to the purchase price of Ruby Steel) you will earn 2% on stablecoin deposits, or if your lockup value is US $ 4,000 or more (equivalent to Royal Indigo / Jade) green purchase price).

However, Crypto Earn has complicated interest rates by throttling rewards in a larger balance:

• Tier 1: At your first US $ 3,000 cryptocurrency (across all digital currencies), you will earn the full rate (3% for stablecoin)
• Tier 2: On your next US $ 27,000 Crypto Earn, you will earn 0.5x of the Tier 1 rate (1.5% on stablecoins)
• Tier 3: Earn over US $ 30,000 on any other asset in Crypto, you will earn 0.3x of Tier 2 rate or 0.15x of Tier 1 rate (0.45% in stablecoins).

If you ask me, these layers based on your balance is a huge discouragement from using Crypto Earn. When they were first introduced, the Tier 1 quota stood at US $ 30,000, exceeding 0.5x.

Now, however, the same rate reduction starts at 10% of that balance size, a dramatically lower level that anyone using the platform would easily cross. Anyone who deposits US $ 30,000 in CryptoArne Stablecoin, you will earn one Annual effective rate of 1.65% On the total balance.

Existing deposits will continue to earn at the old rate until they expire. In addition, Crypto.com Private Members (IC White / Frosted Rose Gold and Obsidian Tier) will continue to earn an additional 2% on the Crypto Earn balance in any size and in any currency (excluding CRO) provided in the CRO.

For other cryptocurrency tokens, including Bitcoin and Etherium, Crypto Earn will continue to pay the same interest rate on your stacked balance. These vary by currency, with some altcoins still in double digits.

In the meantime, many Flash-in-the-Pan Altcoins have been delisted from CryptoEarn for new deposits, and active flexible-term deposits will be returned to your wallet tomorrow.

Greater economic impact

This rapid sequence of spontaneous changes comes in the wake of industry-wide crypto sales in the wake of the global economic downturn.

Usually, when inflation is high, the government To raise To encourage savings on interest rate borrowing and to tighten money supply. But Crypto.com is Reduce Rate them instead.

Remember that Crypto.com does not act like a central bank – they act like a profit-oriented corporation, which they are. They have no control over the tokenmix (i.e. money supply) of any currency they support (except their own proprietary CRO). Instead, these custodial assets represent liability for the company, including the balances and rewards that must be paid to their customers.

At the peak of economic uncertainty, it is not surprising to see defense agencies. Even crypto is not immune, as the industry has become embroiled in traditional financial markets and investment practices during the recent bull race.

It’s a profound reminder that cryptocurrency has an exciting place in our future, it works fundamentally differently from our long-term financial instruments and institutions – for better or for worse.

Therefore, I would like to see these shockwaves as signs of broader market power beyond crypto. I don’t see it as a complaint of blockchain technology; Rather, it is a verification of the fact that financial opportunities in space are not always aligned with its technological fundamentals.

Will I continue to use Crypto.com?

I still see Crypto.com in a turbulent place among the more stable, enduring major players, with an appetite for legitimacy and mass-market acceptance. Although I think there is wisdom in diversifying across different platforms, I would say that the risk of an opponent going under or exiting Crypto.com scamming is lower than that of its competitors.

In addition, TrueCAD (TCAD) is a supporter of TrustToken and its sibling token supporter, one of the more reliable stablecoin issuers. As they fully parallel their stable coins, Fiat eliminates the risk of TCAD depreciation from the Canadian dollar – in contrast to the disruptive Tether token, whose algorithms have inflated its supply beyond sustainability, causing it to depreciate against the US dollar over time.

However, as Crypto.com’s rewards decrease and traditional banking institutions increase their rates, you actually Get higher guaranteed rates with Fiat, Even in the most conservative investment vehicles. For example, EQ Bank is offering a savings account rate of 1.65% with a flexible withdrawal, which is equivalent to an effective rate of US $ 30,000 in cryptocurrency over a 3-month period. They offer a 1-year GIC at an annual rate of 4%, which is a wise option if you don’t need immediate liquidity.

For a crypto platform and the risks associated with crypto assets, however thin, it is not the most valuable for a razor-thin financial advantage.

Although my use and interest in cryptocurrency will continue, it is from a long-term technical point of view. Now is not the time to confuse with the strategy of increasing fiat-pegged wealth – a reality that is determined entirely by numbers.

Conclusion

Crypto.com has squandered the rewards offered as interest on Crypto Earn deposits. The changes are serious enough to inspire me to look for other ways to increase my wealth and to refocus on other reasons I became interested in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

The last time Crypto.com reduced their rewards, they were partly behind some changes due to widespread outrage in the community. I don’t expect this to happen this time, though, as these particular changes seem to be representative of the first and foremost systemic economic factors.

I’m not sure if the changes are being made without any prior warning, the continuation of continued devaluation, or the high rate of dishonest marketing that has been strongly throttle before it becomes valuable. Still, I am optimistic about the future of Crypto.com, despite the clear indication that their products will not be profitable for me as a consumer in the upcoming bear market.

During my mileage run in early April, I got a few hours off in Montreal. I decided to stop by Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Relax and work in domestic terminals.

I’ve been to this lounge several times before, and knew exactly what to expect. Here is an overview of my experience.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal (Domestic) – Access

Arriving from Halifax on a morning flight, I took a short walk from the gate of my arrival to the Maple Leaf Lounge.

If you start the flight to Montreal, turn right after passing through security and you’ll find the lounge shortly after Tim Hortons’ lineup.

The lounge is located on a floor above the main exit floor, between Gates 1 and 3 in the domestic terminal.

This lounge is open daily from 4:15 a.m. to 9 p.m. Depending on the time of day during your visit, you will either see the lounge jam packed or people’s life completely deprived.

After going through the sliding door, there is a staircase on the left or an elevator on the right to take you to the lounge. The exterior of the elevator was arranged in an advertisement for the American Express Airplane Reserve Card.

There are a few plants at the top of the stairs at the entrance to the lounge and a model plane. The check-in desk has clocks displaying time in major Canadian cities, as is typical for the Maple Leaf Lounge, as well as a flight information screen.

I have access to this lounge in several ways:

A friendly agent at the check-in desk greeted me and asked me to scan my boarding pass. I have met him several times in this lounge, and he has always seemed welcoming, polite and very helpful in any of my questions.

The light turned green and the machine beeped, allowing me to enter the lounge. I entered the lounge to have coffee and found a quiet place to sit for a while.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal (Domestic) – Seats

This lounge is larger than the Maple Leaf Lounge in Halifax that I visited before my previous flight. A sign on the wall indicates a maximum of 225 people.

This lounge has two main seating areas, as well as a small seating area and a separate work area.

Upon entering, a stained glass wall separates the main hallway from a seating area.

Behind the glass walls is a cluster of seats arranged in pairs, where there are options for pairs or groups of four. Along the wall, you’ll find lounge chairs that are ideal for pairs or singles, although if it’s busy, you’ll face the person next to you directly.

In the middle of this seating area is a high-top table with power outlet and USB port. This is where I spent most of my time, doing some work and sipping coffee.

The most popular seats are set in two groups of windows. These seats have a tarmac view, which is always a treat.

At the very end of this seating area is another set of lounge chairs with a round table in the middle. Next to these seats is a counter with an automatic Lavaza coffee machine and a television.

Moving away from this seating area, you will come to an area with lots of drinks, which then leads to the main dining area and another seating area. A separate alcove attached to the drinking area, where the business center is located.

Inside the business center, there are several split work desks, a high-top table and a printing station.

Between the beverage area and the food area are some small, round tables with bright red chairs. Again, the seats near the window are preferred, as there is a lot of foot traffic on the side of the others.

As you walk through it, there are a few small two-top dining tables in the main dining area window. Again, there’s a lot of foot traffic around here, so it might be better to find a quiet seat if you’re able.

Another large seating area just behind the dining area. Here, you’ll find a cluster of lounge chairs in two sets that include a table, a set of four chairs with a telescope by the window to do a planespot, and a row upon row in front of a large television.

Overall, the lounge has ample seats for dining, work, rest or socializing.

Although the lounge can get really busy, I personally didn’t feel like I was fighting for space. If it is available, and if the sun does not shine directly on its side window, I prefer to sit at the tip of the telescope.

The restrooms are located in a hallway next to the check-in desk. Inside, you’ll find standard Molton Brown products found in all Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Considering the size of the lounge, the restrooms are relatively small.

There is no shower in this lounge.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal (Domestic) – Dining

The main buffet is located by the window near the secondary seating area. The area behind the buffet has been cordoned off for staff only.

Here, you’ll find cold grab-and-go items like fruit, pastries and ready meals as well as some fruit juices.

There is a fridge behind the main buffet area with lots of soft drinks and canned beer, which is probably why the area is surrounded. During my visit, especially the thirsty lounge guest Stancian filled his pockets with ducks under the couch lights, which I thought was a pretty bold move.

To the left of the main buffet is a large, empty table. Behind it are two coffee machines, a pickled tea and a glass of beer when alcohol is served after 11am.

Hot food was available during my stay, but only through it Table Each table in the service lounge has a QR code, which brings up a menu from which you can order hot food items. The breakfast menu during my stay was as follows:

On my flight to Montreal, I had an omnivorous parcel omelette, and since I would be served breakfast on my flight to Vancouver, I chose to order a meal in the lounge. Donuts didn’t look tempting though.

I thoroughly look forward to returning to the hot food buffet at Maple Leaf Lounge, whenever it can.

Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge Montreal (Native) – Bar

In the drinking area you will find most alcohol options. Alcohol service begins at 11 a.m., when plugs are removed from beer taps and liquor bottles are placed in dispensers.

In earlier times, alcohol was self-serving, but as we have seen in other Maple Leaf lounges, the staff at the lounge are still taking orders for wine and hard liqueur. I think wine and hard alcohol are ideal alternatives, hard alcohol is probably best used in mixed drinks and cannot be enjoyed on its own.

To the left of the hard alcohol is a soft drink machine and a juice dispenser. On the right is a refrigerator with lots of soft drinks and bottled water.

The draft beer dispenser is in direct contrast to this area. Given a very modest selection of Guinness, Molson Canadian, and Corset Light.

I could not enjoy the drink in this position, as the sun was still rising during my visit. I would like to see some fine beer options available, perhaps showing off some of the best beers available in Montreal and Quebec, in this regard.

Conclusion

The Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge in Montreal is a standard, totally awesome lounge. The lounge has many seating options for its large number of guests and includes basic food and drink options.

There is definitely room for growth in terms of available food and drink options, and the lounge is likely to have a refreshment sometime in the near future. I would rather stay here than wait at the gate or pay neatly for the airport’s medium food and drink options.

In December 2019, just before the world took a strange turn for the worse, the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) became fully effective.

The COVID-19 epidemic must have tested the implementation of these new rules, which largely disappointed the people they had to protect.

As a result of the epidemic, the Canadian Transportation Agency recently announced changes to the APPR, which they argue provide better service to air travelers traveling from, or within, Canada.

Let’s take a look at the changes, effective September 8, 2022, and see if they fit the bill.

What are the Air Passenger Protection Regulations?

The Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) are rules that legislate what airlines have to offer passengers. They affect the airlines’ responsibilities in a number of ways, including:

• Seating for the family
• IRROPS time communication
• Lost or damaged luggage
• Delayed and / or canceled flights, and
• Denied boarding example

Of these rules, delayed and / or canceled flight obligations are the most effective.

The number of delayed and canceled flights in the last two years is unprecedented. This was especially the case during the height of the epidemic, when air travel was largely halted, but continues to the present time, when airports, airlines and government service providers fight to provide a non-stop experience.

As a reminder, in the case of flight delays, airlines are obliged to provide specific standards of treatment depending on the cause and length of the delay.

Situations that are under the control of the airline, such as overbooking or mechanical errors during routine maintenance, require the airlines to pay the following compensation:

• If late In three to six hours, You deserve to get at least 400 With large airlines and $ 125 With smaller airlines.

• If late In six to nine hours, You deserve to get at least $ 700 With large airlines and 250 With smaller airlines.

• If late Nine hours or more, You deserve to get at least 1,000 With large airlines and $ 500 With smaller airlines

For situations that are under the control of the airline but necessary for safety, such as safety decisions made by the pilot or unforeseen events that are legally required to reduce the risk to passengers, as well as situations that are completely under the control of the airline:

• Reasonable amount of food and drink should be provided
• Arrange to stay at the hotel in case of overnight delays
• Rebook passengers on any airline, if the delay is nine hours or more, and
• Offer return to passengers if arrangements no longer meet their needs

Although passengers will not receive any compensation if the cause of the delay is under the control of the airline but for safety reasons, they will at least (theoretically) be fed, sheltered and eventually reach their final destination.

Until now, if the cause of the delay was out of the airline’s control, such as war, inclement weather, bird strikes, or labor disruption, airlines had to make sure passengers completed their itinerary.

If they are not able to accommodate the passenger within 48 hours of the end of the disruption incident from the same airport, passengers must be booked to depart from another airport, as much as possible.

Changes to the APPR affect delays and cancellations Because the airline is out of control. Let’s take a look at what’s changing in particular.

What is change?

By September 8, 2022, if a flight is canceled or delayed by more than three hours due to out of air control, airlines must offer passengers the option to refund or rebook.

Significantly, this only happens when the passenger cannot be accommodated with the option to leave Within 48 hours of original departure time.

In addition, airlines have up to 30 days to issue refunds.

In other words, if the airline can re-book you flights that depart within 48 hours of your original scheduled departure time, either operated by the parent airline or by a partner airline, you are not eligible for a refund.

If the airline Can’t Provide a guaranteed reservation for departure within 48 hours of your original scheduled departure time, only then will you be offered a choice between re-booking or returning.

Again, these changes only affect flights that are delayed or canceled due to circumstances outside the airline’s control; Other aspects of the APPR remain largely the same.

These changes are effective as a result of loopholes in existing regulations during epidemics. The Minister of Transport directed the Canadian Transportation Agency to consult with the public, airlines, consumer lawyers and industry representatives so that these gaps can be closed in a way that is reasonable to all parties involved.

Upcoming changes, detailed above, are a direct result of this hearing. But it remains to be seen how effective they will be.

Are these changes helpful?

At first glance, it seems great for airlines to refund passengers for long delays or cancellations in situations beyond their control.

We have all seen that during the epidemic, customers fought against the airlines for getting their flights canceled. Airlines are stuck on money, basically without any kind of reaction, when passengers go to extremes, including taking the airlines to court to get their money back.

In addition, airlines have used or are using very liberal explanations of what was in their control and what was not to avoid returning passengers under the first iteration of the APPR.

Although crew scheduling certainly falls within the airline’s control, the airlines argue that crew scheduling limitations COVID-19 caused by the ongoing effects of the epidemic Was actually out of their control.

It appeared that the airlines were able to use any excuse to avoid the return of passengers, again basically without any response. As past events disappear, will these changes make a big difference for front passengers?

The key detail of these changes is that 48-hour timeline airlines require passengers to re-book. For delays or cancellations outside the airline’s control, unless they take you on your way within two days, they avoid a refund offer.

From the main hub and to the big airlines, it is very likely that they will be able to offer you one of the many options to get you to your destination in a reasonable time. This is especially the case if the airline is a member of an airline alliance, such as Star Alliance or SkyTeam, as they will use partner airlines if necessary.

From smaller hubs or smaller airlines, a reasonable alternative is less likely to be available, as there are not many options at the disposal of the airline.

For many passengers who travel for short trips, such as weekend trips or business day trips, or who travel on a tight timeline and have a small window to get to their destination, 48 hours is a long time. In fact, a full trip can last less than 48 hours.

If a flight is canceled on a Friday evening and you are re-booked on a Sunday morning, does the trip really make any sense if you have to return on a Sunday night anyway? In this situation, you will still not be eligible for a refund under the new provisions and you will either waste your money or your precious time.

For example, I recently booked a flight from Vancouver Island to Edmonton to soak in a play-off environment. I had a Saturday morning departure and set back on Sunday evening.

Fortunately, the cancellation was under the control of the airline and I got my money back without any problems, but if the new rules were in effect and the cause of the delay was out of the airline’s control, I would have fallen into an unfortunate situation.

Critics of the changes argue that giving the airlines a 48-hour risk-free window will leave many passengers hanging, while airlines and industry partners may suggest that this is a reasonable time for situations. Actually Out of their control.

I am not entirely confident that the reasons given to passengers for flight delays and cancellations in Canada are 100% honest, and I am not fully confident that there is strong enforcement or oversight.

While passengers can raise their claim by going to court for a CTA or small claim, it is an unnecessary burden that drags on much longer than it should be in a simple, streamlined process.

How does APPR compare to other countries?

It is impossible to please all parties involved in such a vague situation, but can APPR be combined with air passenger rules in other jurisdictions?

Those involved in creating the APPR have described it as “the world’s leading approach to air passenger rights,” while consumer advocates and critics point out the flaws in the APPR faster than similar regulations in other countries.

EU261, which covers travel to and from the European Union, is often regarded as the gold standard for the rights of airline passengers worldwide.

Under EU261, passengers are entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled For whatever reason.

In contrast to the impending changes to Canada’s APPR, there is no grace period for airlines to accommodate passengers in situations both inside and outside their control under EU261; If you delay more than five hours or your flight is canceled, you have the right to a refund.

This also happens in other countries like the United States, Israel and Turkey, where airlines have to offer passengers a refund if their flight is delayed by more than a few hours or is canceled for any reason.

In addition, in other jurisdictions, refunds must be processed in a more timely manner – Usually within a week.

Compared to similar air passenger safety regulations in other countries, Canada’s upcoming changes to the APPR, and indeed the standards of the APPR, seem to be very low.

Conclusion

An upcoming change is coming to Canada’s Air Passenger Protection Regulation. From September 8, 2022, in situations outside the airline’s control, airlines must return passengers if they cannot re-book within 48 hours of their original scheduled departure time.

Although these changes will be applied to close some of the gaps in the APPR exposed by the COVID-19 epidemic, the Canadian APPR will fail to offer the same or better regulations as in other countries.

These changes probably won’t affect most travelers who are likely to stay within the 48-hour window. Those who book short trips will lose time and / or money and it would be wise to close this gap further for APPR.

We’re seeing a new Amex offer for Marriott hotels across the country that lets you monetize. A $ 50 statement credit after spending $ 250 Until staying at the Marriott Hotel in Canada October 5, 2022.

Marriott Hotel in Canada: Spend $ 250, get 50

The new Marriott Amex offer requires manual registration before applying to your card.

You will get one $ 250 পরে 50 statement credit after purchase In a Marriott property in Canada.

If you want to make a purchase for exactly 250, you will effectively get an unlock 20% discount আপনার 50 on your purchase via statement credit.

This offer includes a registration cap of 40,000 cardholders, so be sure to log in to your Amex online dashboard to register now so you don’t miss out.

The offer is shown on a wide range of American Express products such as Platinum Card and Airplane Reserve Card. Somewhat frustratingly, it won’t necessarily appear on your Marriott Bonavoy card or Marriott Bonavoy Business Card (which would otherwise provide the highest return rate on Marriott purchases).

Since the credit has been applied to Amex, the discount will start based on the final amount charged at the Marriott Hotel. That means you can combine it with other location-specific deals or money-saving strategies – as long as the bill is at least 250, you’ll get a 50 credit.

The Amex offer is valid October 5, 2022. As usual, this indicates the date of the transaction for your hotel stay, so any hotel stay within that date (excluding prepaid stays) should work.

Fine print

The most relevant part of the terms is as follows:

Offer valid only in participating Marriott Bonvoy ™ property Canada. Save online at www.marriott.com via the Marriott Bonvoy ™ app or by calling 1-888-236-2427. Click here for a list of participating properties. Offer valid only at room rate and room charge. Online gift card shopping is excluded. All other purchases are excluded. The offer is not valid for staying in the offer before registering your eligible card or after 05/10/2022. EDITION®, The Luxury Collection®, Bulgari®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Design Hotels ™, Gaylord Hotels®, Protea Hotels®, Marriott®’s AC Hotel, Moxy® Hotel, Marriott International™’s Homes & Villas, Marriott Executive Apartments Excluded Gives 6, and Vista 6.

As you can see, there are several excluded brands, although their joint footprint in Canada is quite limited. But if you are considering staying at the AC Hotel Montreal Downtown, this is something to keep in mind.

Although the terms state that the offer only applies to room rates and room charges, historically these Marriott offers have worked. General purpose Marriott gift cards, purchased from the hotel front desk Shopping is not separated from regular hotel room and incidental charges.

Therefore, if you do not plan to stay at adequate Marriott hotels in Canada this summer and have dropped out to maximize your statement credit, you can still show a local Marriott property that sells gift cards and can unlock an effective discount for future Marriott stays. .

For those of you who play games in two-player mode or more, remember that at most Marriott hotels you have to pay with a credit card in your own name.

I raced against it at JW Marriott Park Vancouver a while ago, when I tried to share কার্ড 1,000 + in gift card purchases across multiple person cards; The hotel swiped a card that was not in my name before requesting a refund (although the statement credit still remains in the account).

Scotia Gold Amex cardholders can also register

As we saw in previous Amex offers, the “Spend $ 250, Get $ 50” Marriott offer is also available for Scotiabank American Express cardholders to register via this link.

This option is available for primary and supplementary cardholders of Scotiabank American Express Card, Scotiabank Gold American Express Card and Scotiabank Platinum American Express Card.

This gives you another option to multiply your savings under this promotion, especially since Scotiabank-issued Amex cards may be individually registered for the offer, where Amex-issued Amex cards cannot.

Conclusion

American Express is now rolling out a new set of $ 50 statement credits for staying at the $ 250 + Marriott Hotel in Canada. All current cardholders need to see at least one of these offers in their account, unless you hold your card for a few weeks and start seeing Amex offers.

Be sure to register your Amex Offer Dashboard before the maximum number of registrations, and then start planning your stay at the Marriott Hotel (or buy a gift card) October 5, 2022.

With the addition of direct flights from Vancouver to Bangkok, Air Canada has further expanded their west coast offers. Direct Vancouver-Osaka service is being re-launched.

Needless to say, these new flights can be booked via Airplane Point, and Spoiler Alert: Availability is much better than Bangkok flights!

Air Canada’s new Vancouver-Osaka route

The beginning June 2, 2023, Air Canada will again operate direct flights from Vancouver to Osaka.

Based on the initial schedule list, this flight will operate four times a week, with the following scheduled schedules.

• The AC23 will depart Vancouver (YVR) to Osaka (KIX) at 1:10 pm and arrive a day later at 4:05 pm
• AC24 Osaka (KIX) to Vancouver (YVR), depart at 5:40 pm and arrive at 11:05 pm

Vancouver-Osaka: Another Amazing Airplane Suite Spot!

The reopening of the Vancouver-Osaka route means that there is another option to take advantage of one of the airplane’s best sweet spots: flying between the west coast and Japan.

From Vancouver, Osaka falls within the first distance band below 5,000 miles on Aeroplan’s North America-Pacific Awards chart:

Thus, a direct flight at the lowest dynamic level would cost exactly 55,000 airplane points In business class.

In fact, next summer’s Vancouver-Osaka flights are already loaded and bookable, so we were able to get an idea of ​​Air Canada’s dynamic pricing at launch. And in this case, the news is almost overwhelmingly positive.

In business class, the Vancouver-Osaka flight seems to leave four seats at the bottom of the dynamic pricing band.

Some bookings are priced even at extremely affordable prices 54,400 points One way – Less More than a fixed-level price of 55,000 points on partners!

If you have Aeroplan Elite status and / or an Aeroplan co-branded credit card, you will be able to unlock more discounts by logging in.

Don’t forget, if you book business (flexible) for an additional 10,000 points, you will have access to your Air Canada signature suite Vancouver before your flight.

(Surprisingly, there are more than four seats available at this price on some dates, which I recommend if you are looking for a family trip to Japan in the summer, grab it now.)

Although in economy class, prices are a bit more expensive than in business class at launch, the standard rental section is priced at 72,500 points one-way and 92,500 points in latitude.

There is a decent amount of eUpgrade space spread across the board, but we can’t recommend the “latitude attitude” strategy when booking directly in business class is more affordable.

Another useful option for going to Japan

The Vancouver-Osaka route will be operated by a Boeing 787-8, featuring 20 signature class “pods” across five rows in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration.

Comparing Air Canada to other transpacific airlines that fly to Osaka, the ANA will be the only major competitor to the Star Alliance, which operates a single route to Chicago. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines offers an alternative west coast route between Osaka and Los Angeles.

In terms of flight experience, I would prefer both ANA and Japan Airlines to Heartbeat over Air Canada, as well as thanks to the strong food and service you will find on domestic airlines in Japan.

However, at the moment the prize space does not seem to be very high in these products like Air Canada’s direct Osaka route and in the end the advantage of a non-stop flight in the Kansai region cannot be lost.

If you’re a little interested in traveling to Japan next summer (of course the country is awaiting reopening of its borders for tourists), I’ll jump to this award seat in a heartbeat.

Conclusion

Air Canada will load direct flights from Vancouver to Osaka next June, with plans to reopen the route for the 2023 summer tourist season.

The direct flight from Vancouver to Osaka will run four times a week, departing in the afternoon on both sides.

With adequate rewards at the bottom end of the dynamic scale and a reliable signature class onboard product, Air Canada’s direct Osaka flight promises to be a very popular route and I would recommend locking seats for next summer as soon as possible.

Brim Financial has announced that it has partnered with Air France / KLM Flying Blue to issue a co-branded credit card for the Loyalty Program in Canada.

Although the details are light, it is always exciting when a new airline co-branded credit card takes shape in the Canadian market. Let’s take a look at what we know so far and think about what we can expect from an Air France / KLM Flying Blue credit card in the future.

Bream Will The New Year France / KLM Credit Card

Air France / KLM Flying Blue has sought to build a strong presence in Canada in recent years, launching new routes to Canadian cities and joining American Express to allow point transfers like last year.

Partnering with Brim to issue a co-branded credit card is the next step in that process, and the choice of a new generation of fintech as their financial partner represents a bolder move than going with a traditional financial institution like Big 5 Bank. American Express.

For Brim, Air France / KLM is the first airline loyalty program to sign up to its end-to-end financial platform services, and represents a major expansion of their credit card portfolio beyond their rather pedestrian internal MasterCard offers.

What can we expect from the new Air France / KLM credit card?

While some details about the upcoming product and launch date are available at the moment, we can make some light guesses about what we can expect from the new Air France / KLM Flying Blue credit card issued by Brim.

Brim credit cards are all issued on the MasterCard network, so it is fairly certain that the Air France / KLM credit card will also be a MasterCard product, ensuring widespread acceptance to virtually all retailers in Canada and abroad.

Brim’s products basically offer no foreign transaction fees and I hope this feature survives the new airline co-branded offer, especially as it is a simple competitive differentiator compared to most credit cards in Canada.

Beyond that, anyone guesses what this somewhat unexpected partnership will bring to the market.

I’m sure we’d all like to see a healthy welcome bonus at Flying Blue Mile, so we hope Brim gets rid of its existing World Elite, World and No-Feet Mastercard trend of not offering a slight $ 10 welcome bonus.

I think it makes sense to expect an income rate based on everything else with a higher income rate on Air France / KLM purchases.

Choose additional facilities that reward Air France / KLM frequent flyers and cardholders, such as Flying Blue Elite Status or Air France Lounge access in Toronto and Montreal, it will also be very welcome – although it will depend on price points and market segment to read new products.

As part of its integrated financial “platform-to-service” product, Brim also places a lot of emphasis on dynamically targeted offers for cardholders and I believe they will be better equipped to deliver on that promise than anything in Canada. More established, but less clever, peer bank.

Finally, there’s one thing I think we can expect from the new Brim – Air France / KLM credit card: the unexpected.

We’ve never seen an airline loyalty program connect to a digital banking platform before, and it’s quite exciting to consider the new possibilities presented here.

Here’s hoping Brim and Air France / KLM Flying Blue want to make a real splash with their new credit card, rather than figuring something out to make numbers.

Conclusion

Are we going to launch Brim Air France / KLM Flying Blue World Elite MasterCard in Canada, perhaps with a juicy welcome bonus of 100,000 Flying Blue Miles? Only time will tell, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated on the latest airline co-branded credit cards coming to our shores.

It has always been exciting to see more competition among airline credit cards, especially since this is a place where Air Canada has been virtually unchallenged in recent years.

Air France and KLM offer flights to less than six Canadian metropolitan centers and their Flying Blue Loyalty program unveils a variety of travel options on Skytim Airlines, with the new co-branded credit card issued by Brim promising to make waves after its arrival. In the near future.

From September 22, 2022, American Express will bring a significant change to the US Marriott Bonavoy Brilliant Card: the annual $ 300 Marriott credit will be replaced by 12 sets of $ 25 monthly dining credit (all figures in US dollars).

This presents a big shock to this card and whether it will be positive or negative for you depends on your monthly spending habits.

$ 300 Marriott Credit Replacement 12 × $ 25 Dining Credit

The Amex US Marriott Bonavoy Brilliant Card is a premium Marriott co-branded credit card offer in the United States, and comes with a ফ 450 annual fee.

However, the annual fee is justified by many benefits, including 15 elite qualifying nights, an annual $ 300 Marriott credit, and an anniversary free night award worth up to 50,000 bona fide points.

The $ 300 Marriott credit, in particular, can be used for any Marriott purchase – be it room rate, accessories, or even a gift card from the front desk. If you spend $ 300 per year with Marriott, this credit was as good as the cash in your pocket.

However, since September 22, 2022, American Express is implementing a major change to this credit, changing it from $ 300 per annum of Marriott purchases to যোগ্য 25 per month of eligible dining credit at restaurants worldwide.

For existing cardholders, this means you must use your $ 300 Marriott credit before September 22nd. If you don’t already have a hotel line, you can go to the local Marriott Hotel to buy a gift card. And credit triggers.

You’ll then start receiving a 25 dining credit per month from October, so due to the change this membership year you’ll get a little more value from the card.

This makes the Forest Fear Brilliant card even more annoying to hold

On the page, 12 25 per month for 12 months is equivalent to $ 300 per year, so the face value of statement credits remains the same. Dining Credit is also redeemable at restaurants worldwide, so Canadian-based cardholders should have no problem using it.

If you find it easier to take advantage of 12 sets of $ 25 dining credit than spending $ 300 a year with Marriott, you will see this change as a positive development.

However, if you typically spend at least $ 300 a year with Marriott (as I imagine most wildly brilliant cardholders would), splitting this credit into 12 sets of dining credits makes holding this card even more “annoying.” Long term

You’ll need to keep track of each monthly credit and remember to use it, and you’ll be offered better prizes on your Amex US Gold Card or Amex Cobalt Card for your dining purchases.

If you miss a month or two, you’ve lost the potential value that you must be able to unlock with the old $ 300 Marriott credit – and this is clearly the trap that Amex US has created for cardholders through this change.

I imagine some cardholders would be able to maximize the monthly 25 dining credits so that they could lower their net annual fee to $ 150 for the year, which is still an attractive price to pay in exchange for a প 50,000 Free Night Award.

However, if you feel the headache of using the card for dining once a month, you also have the option to download Bonavoy Brilliant to the Amex US Bonavoy card, which is a $ 95 product that has been discontinued for new applicants but remains. Available via a downgrade path.

$ 95 Amex US Bonavoy Card offers 15 Elite Qualifying Nights per year (which would be 30 if you had Amex US Bonavoy Business Card), as well as an Annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 points to justify the annual fee.

Personally, I currently have two Forest Fear Brilliant cards active through my family. I’d like to try the monthly dining credits once and see how “annoying” they are to be tracked and used each month, and I could downgrade one of these cards to a $ 95 Bonvay card if it becomes too much to handle.

Conclusion

The Amex US Forest Fear Brilliant card will be converted from a $ 300 annual Marriott credit to a monthly $ 25 dining credit set by September 22, 2022.

This does not change the nominal value proposition of the surface card, but makes it a more time-consuming card that maximizes handling and moving forward.

If you are an existing Forest Fear Brilliant Cardholder, this is a good opportunity to reconsider whether the card is meaningful to you in the long run; If that doesn’t happen, it’s time to dump her and move on.

On June 21, 2022, Staples customers who signed up to receive flyers or promotions were treated to some amazing news.

Effective July 1, 2022, just 10 days later, Staples unexpectedly Ending their partnership with Air Miles.

It quickly followed the news that Sobeys’ parent company was acquiring a stake in Empires Scene + and was planning to phase out Air Miles, quickly leaving the disrupted “loyalty program” with a number of partners.

Another messy public breakup for Air Miles

Staples is one of the largest and most iconic office retail stores in Canada, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. This is the latest high-profile Air Miles partner to announce the end of their partnership.

The concern is how fast this separation is happening. Customers were sent only one reckless email, which was light in detail.

The letter appears to have been rushed, as it made no provision for future loyalty programs beyond a vague assurance that Staples’ in-house “preferred” loyalty programs would be developed and upgraded for customers.

Of course, the program of choice is of some interest because it offers some discounts on certain products and comes with benefits like free shipping, but unfortunately, it is only available to small businesses. When you sign up for this link you will need to check a box stating that you are a business.

Even if you’re a proud sole proprietor who makes great use of your American Express small business payment solutions, signing up isn’t boring.

Loyalty programs with open redemption options for travel, even if Air Miles was fairly weak in that case, are much more flexible than flat discounts which are less likely to be significant.

What’s next for Air Miles?

To put it bluntly, it seems that Staples saw Sobes’ decision to exit Air Miles and then decide to leave the ship immediately. At this stage, it seems that the future of the whole loyalty program may be in serious question.

Traditionally, Air Miles has relied on a combination of two factors to stay competitive in the Canadian market.

The first is ubiquity: whether it’s filling the shell with gas, shopping for home renovation supplies in Lowe’s, or collecting wine at the LCBO, you can be sure you’ll be able to earn at least a few air miles a day – on a day-to-day basis, usually boots. With promotional accelerator to do.

However, things weren’t too rosy in the late Air Miles world: at the same time there was a tendency to devalue rewards and lower earnings rates on co-branded credit cards like BMO Air Miles World Elite MasterCard, which went from 1 1 earnings per 20 air miles in 2021. It cost 1 air mile.

Meanwhile, the program has also been bleeding partners left and right. Lowes (and its authorized hardware stores, Rona and Réno-Dépôt) left Air Miles directly, while LCBO joined the new-and-advanced Aeroplan.

Universalism is not something that Air Miles has been enjoying in the Canadian retail space for the past few years and it has only increased due to the loss of their recent Sobes and Staples.

The second way Air Miles retains customers is to increase cross-brand loyalty through promotions like Shop the Block, which encourages shoppers to make multiple purchases from multiple partner retailers. With Air Miles losing a large stake, the ability to maximize revenue through Shock the Block has shrunk significantly.

On top of all this, the basic income rate of $ 20 per 1 air mile is not only measurable when a huge 95 air mile is worth only $ 10. Add to that the lack of utility of the program’s flight rewards, and the hamstring of once-profitable seasonal promotions, there is little reason to be loyal to the remaining few Air Miles-affiliated companies.

Loyalty Ventures, Inc., the parent company of Air Miles, needs a serious change plan if this program is to continue, and one would expect that the person in charge of this work would begin the difficult process by adopting a more consumer-centric approach.

Conclusion

It’s sad, but it looks like one of Canada’s most iconic loyalty programs could soon be at its best, or at worst sent to the dustbin of history. Staples joins Sobeys as another partner, ending their relationship with Air Miles on July 1, 2022.

If there is anything to be understood from the fall of Air Miles, it is not to grant allegiance; Instead, customers must feel that they are getting both valuable and real value.

This basic requirement is something that Air Miles has rarely done to satisfy numerous myths and controversies, and a question they must address if they are to survive.

Until next time, cash out your Air Miles while you still can.