FULL STORY:
If you are thinking about transferring Membership Rewards points into the
Canadian Plus frequent flyer program . . . forget it. Canadian Airlines
abruptly
decided to pull out of the American Express Membership Rewards program this
week. The airline has been a Membership Rewards partner for the past eight
years with its current contract set to expire in 2002. In response, Amex Bank
of Canada said it will accelerate plans to revamp the travel component of its
rewards program. American Express it will revise its program to allow
cardholders to use their points for travel on any airline for any destination
in the world. American Express Canadian cardholders will also receive a
points
loyalty bonus of 10% on the points earned between May 1 and Dec. 31 of this
year. Cardholders will also be able to redeem their points for travel
certificates which can be applied to up to 50% of the value of their purchases
of air travel, package vacations, hotel stays, car rental, or other travel
related services through any of Amex Canada's 85 retail travel offices
throughout Canada. In a related development, Amex Bank of Canada announced
this
week that American Express AIR MILES collectors can use their points for
flights with Air Canada. American Express is a major partner with the AIR
MILES
program, offering a selection of co-branded American Express AIR MILES cards
for consumers and small businesses. For complete information of the Canadian
Airlines - Membership Rewards situation visit
http//home3.a
mericanexpress.com/canada/card/CAIL_Q&A.htm.