On March 25th, 2023, IA Rail will implement improvements to their Preference programme. The programme will provide more ways to earn points, switch from a fixed reward chart to dynamic reward pricing, and start adding taxes and fees to reward tickets.
GLOEarning Points
Members will continue to earn points at the same rates for tickets and passes to transportation hubs. However, participants in the redesigned programme will also be able to accrue points for optional items and acceptable costs, such as additional luggage and pet travel fees.
Redeeming Points
The significant developments are taking place here. The programme will adopt a dynamic points redemption mechanism, following in the footsteps of numerous other loyalty schemes.
A set points rewards chart will no longer be used to determine the number of points needed for a reward trip. Based on the cash fare at the time of booking, the required number of points will be determined. Truly dynamic, and this has both positive and bad aspects, much like with hotels and airlines. The benefit is that members may be able to spend fewer points to purchase tickets when the cost is low; however, the disadvantage is that more points will be required to purchase tickets that are more expensive.
The range of goods for which members can exchange points is also growing under the programme. Members will be able to use it to purchase travel passes, fare upgrades, as well as qualified optional items and fees, so it won’t only be limited to tickets anymore.
Transferring Points
The redesigned VIA Preference programme now permits free point transfers between participants. There will be a yearly cap of five transfers per member.
Elite Status
The Préférence, Privilège, and Premier levels of the programme will remain, along with the advantages they bring. Although the qualifying dollar amount required to reach each level remains the same, the elimination of the segment requirement may make it simpler to reach Premier.
Read on VIA Preference Website
