AIR MILES Travel to Transition to Expedia in March 2026

air miles expedia
To the point AIR MILES is transferring its portal to Expedia on March 16, 2026, for travel bookings using miles.

Effective March 16, 2026, AIR MILES will offer its travel services through Expedia Group, eliminating the minimum miles required and allowing 100% of miles to be used to pay the total cost, including taxes and fees. Flex Pay will be permanently discontinued with this change.

This major transformation of the AIR MILES program aims to offer a simplified booking experience and expanded access to travel options through the partnership with Expedia, recognized as a trusted travel brand. Canadian members will see significant changes in how they use their miles, with notable benefits but also the loss of some popular features.

Why is AIR MILES choosing Expedia as its partner in 2026?

AIR MILES is making this change to offer travel services through Expedia Group because it is a trusted travel brand. This strategic decision will allow for a simpler booking experience and access to a significantly expanded travel inventory for all Canadian collectors.

What exactly changes for AIR MILES members on March 16, 2026?

Members will be able to continue booking via computer, tablet, or mobile as usual, but with major changes: 100% of miles can be used for the cost including taxes and fees, no minimum miles required (except for cruises), and the end of Flex Pay. The interface will remain familiar but will provide access to Expedia’s full inventory.

AspectBefore March 16, 2026As of March 16, 2026
Booking PlatformAIR MILES TravelExpedia via AIR MILES
Minimum MilesRequiredNone (except cruises)
Miles RedemptionPartial + Flex Pay100% including taxes
Flex PayAvailableNot available
Customer ServiceAIR MILESExpedia
Travel InventoryLimitedExpanded (Expedia)

How can I use my AIR MILES to pay 100% of my trip with Expedia?

You will be able to use your miles to cover the entire cost of your booking, including taxes and fees (except for cruise bookings and fees payable on-site). This is a major improvement compared to the current system, which often limits the use of miles to a portion of the total cost.

While we do not yet have the details on the points redemption process, it is very likely to resemble the following programs:

Benefits of the New Payment System

  • Use 100% of miles for the total cost
  • Taxes and fees included in miles usage
  • No minimum miles required
  • More flexibility for small balances
  • Access to more travel options

What happens to my existing bookings after the AIR MILES-Expedia change?

Bookings made before March 16, 2026, will continue to be handled by AIR MILES customer service and will remain subject to the current terms and conditions. Cruises are an exception and will continue to be booked and processed by redtag.ca, even after the transition.

For bookings made on or after March 16, 2026, they will be processed on the Expedia platform and subject to Expedia’s terms of use. This includes their cancellation, modification policy, and separate customer service.

Which privacy policy will apply after March 16, 2026?

Expedia’s privacy statement will apply to all bookings (except for cruises) made on or after March 16, 2026. Members will need to accept these new terms to continue using the service. Cruises will remain under redtag.ca’s privacy policy.

Are cruises affected by the AIR MILES-Expedia partnership?

No, cruises are not affected by this change. They will continue to be booked and processed through redtag.ca, with the same current conditions, including the minimum miles required and the exclusion of certain fees from miles usage.

In conclusion, the partnership between AIR MILES and Expedia represents a major change of the travel rewards program. While the loss of Flex Pay may disappoint some members accustomed to combining miles and cash, the elimination of the minimum miles threshold and the ability to use 100% of miles to pay for entire trips (including taxes) offer increased flexibility. Members have until April 15, 2026, to evaluate these changes and decide whether they wish to continue with the program or close their account without penalty.

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Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève Leclerc
Marie-Ève, Web Director at Milesopedia, is an expert in budget travel and a slow travel enthusiast. Specializing in Aeroplan, Scene+, and Marriott Bonvoy programs, she spends nearly six months a year abroad, making travel her way of life. Constantly seeking the best waves to surf, excellent coffee, and strategies to extend her travels, she is often found in coworking spaces with fellow digital nomads or by the sea, watching the sunset.
All posts by Marie-Ève Leclerc

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