[ANALYSIS] New Elite Status with Air Miles – Onyx

Air Miles has introduced a new elite status to its loyalty program. Previously, you were either a basic member or a Gold member.

To achieve Gold status, you need to earn 1,000 points in a calendar year. I the past, you needed to earn points from 5 different Air Mile sponsors, but now that requirement has been eliminated. In terms of Gold benefits, the significant ones are as follows:

• Use up to 40% fewer points to book select reward flights
• Use up to 50% fewer points on select merchandise
• Use 20% fewer points on seasonal activities and dining

Air Miles introduced the Onyx elite status, achieve the status after earning 6,000 points in a calendar year. Some of the significant benefits of the Onyx status are as follows:

• Use up to 40% fewer points to book select reward flights
• Use up to 50% fewer points on select merchandise
• Use 20% fewer points on seasonal activities and dining
• Preferential pricing on cruises and vacation packages
• Priority service at the Call Centre
• Greater access to airline seats

I welcome this new status by Air Miles. I am still unhappy with their expiry policy, where points expiry 5 years after the day they were deposited, regardless of activity.