Getting value out of RBC Avion Rewards
Didn't see anything posted on this so I thought I would share.
Was trying to book a flight (3 people) from YVR to LAX return. 35,000 points with a max of $750 base fare (was pretty sure they used to include the taxes but they must have got rid of that a while ago).
Basic flights were all standard fare (earning 50% of status points). There didn't seem to be a way to change the fare type within economy. I decided to look at business class but that put it too far above base fare unless I took a god awful departure time.
Called RBC rewards to see if I could do a mixed class ticket. Agent said you can't do it online, nor do they do it but you can ask for a statement of credit. They give you an authorization ahead of time to book a ticket elsewhere and then send them the information and they will refund the basefare up to $750 for the 35,000 points.
Went on AC site and as it was a sale I was able to get Comfort Class down (115% status points) and Business Class back (150% status points). Flights came in under the $750 base fare and bought the 3 tickets.
I am going to try an upgrade the Comfort Class with an eUpgrade closer to the flight and this will cost only 2 upgrade points as a opposed to many more and $125 per upgrade if upgrading from Standard Class.
I also received full RBC points on my purchase.
The short version. Ask for a statement of credit. Go buy the ticket yourself and max the $750. Get better flights, get more status points, and get RBC Avion points.
Was trying to book a flight (3 people) from YVR to LAX return. 35,000 points with a max of $750 base fare (was pretty sure they used to include the taxes but they must have got rid of that a while ago).
Basic flights were all standard fare (earning 50% of status points). There didn't seem to be a way to change the fare type within economy. I decided to look at business class but that put it too far above base fare unless I took a god awful departure time.
Called RBC rewards to see if I could do a mixed class ticket. Agent said you can't do it online, nor do they do it but you can ask for a statement of credit. They give you an authorization ahead of time to book a ticket elsewhere and then send them the information and they will refund the basefare up to $750 for the 35,000 points.
Went on AC site and as it was a sale I was able to get Comfort Class down (115% status points) and Business Class back (150% status points). Flights came in under the $750 base fare and bought the 3 tickets.
I am going to try an upgrade the Comfort Class with an eUpgrade closer to the flight and this will cost only 2 upgrade points as a opposed to many more and $125 per upgrade if upgrading from Standard Class.
I also received full RBC points on my purchase.
The short version. Ask for a statement of credit. Go buy the ticket yourself and max the $750. Get better flights, get more status points, and get RBC Avion points.