11K to 12K a year? WOW! WE collect from LCBO, Metro, and AMEX (mostly). I know there are a few more because we get gold status every year. I don't know how long its been, but my 22K has been accumulating for a while.
It amazes me how many people don't collect airmiles. Even if you use it for nothing other than free groceries it is worthwhile.
I don't collect aeroplan. I hate air canada, and avoid at all costs! I have a CIBC divident platinum visa, and a TD gold visa .... they give me CASH
I prefer to charge everything to those cards.
Your allure example doesn't sound tooo bad ... except, I would rather drive across the border and fly Southwest. I'd hate to think my airmiles were being wasted on a flight. Do the prices they quote include airfare? I assumed they didnt. If they did, then its probably not a bad deal.
I noticed too that you had to call and talk to an agent. ... it would be nice if you could self-book and see prices on line.