How to Transform Your Travel Experience with Aeroplan

Updated Jun 2, 2025
Fact checked by
Marie-Ève Leclerc
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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To the point Use your Aeroplan points or co-branded credit card to enhance your travel experience with Air Canada.

Aeroplan points and co-branded credit cards offer members a range of benefits to enhance their travel experience.

Let’s take a look at some of the well-known and lesser-known benefits, as well as tips on how to accumulate Aeroplan points on a daily basis.

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Travel Benefits with Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan points are not just for booking reward flights; they can also elevate your travel experience.

In-Flight Wi-Fi

All Aeroplan program members have access to in-flight messaging on Air Canada flights, in partnership with Bell. If you don’t have an Aeroplan account yet, sign up before your flight to take advantage of this benefit!

For a more comprehensive internet service, you can purchase high-speed Wi-Fi during the flight. You can pay with cash or Aeroplan points.

Then, since May 2025, Air Canada has been offering free, fast Wi-Fi on many of its flights.

Bidding for an Upgrade

Air Canada offers passengers the opportunity to upgrade their ticket to a higher class cabin (Premium Economy or Business Class) through the Bid Upgrade system.

You can place your bid using cash or Aeroplan points from the time you purchase your ticket up to 48 hours before departure.

Travel Benefits with Aeroplan Co-Branded Credit Cards

Aeroplan co-branded credit cardholders enjoy numerous benefits when travelling with Air Canada.

On free checked bag

The first checked bag on Air Canada flights is free for primary cardholders of a mid-tier Aeroplan co-branded credit card. This benefit also extends to companions travelling with the primary cardholder!

Additionally, a carry-on bag is always included when you book your flight with Aeroplan points, as only the basic fare excludes it. However, this fare is not available when making a reservation with points.

Read our complete guide for all the details:

Easier Access to Elite Status

With Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, reaching Elite Status is easier. You earn Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD ) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) before you even take off.

Use your credit card for everyday purchases and earn 1 Everyday Status Qualification (EDQ) point for every eligible Aeroplan point earned with your card. If you accumulate 100,000 EDQs within a calendar year, you will achieve Aeroplan 25K Elite Status.

What’s more, you’ll earn 1,000 SQM and 1 SQS for each eligible spending threshold you reach with your credit card.

Access to Maple Leaf Lounges

Aeroplan premium co-branded credit cardholders receive unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges at airports across North America. These are the perfect places to relax before a flight, enjoy a meal or celebrate the start of your vacation with a drink.

Status for Avis Car Rentals

Holders of an Aeroplan co-branded credit card enjoy Avis Preferred or Avis President’s Club status, depending on the card. This status provides a complimentary upgrade when renting a vehicle in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand (subject to availability).

Additionally, you earn one Aeroplan point for every dollar spent with Avis. Find all the details about the partnership between Aeroplan and Avis on this page.

Earn More Aeroplan Points

Here are some tips that will help you boost your Aeroplan points balance faster.

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Parking at Montreal-Trudeau Airport

Did you know that you can earn Aeroplan points with airport parking at Montreal-Trudeau Airport? Simply book online, prepay, and provide your membership number during the reservation. You can earn:

  • Up to 1,000 Aeroplan points for 14 days or more at ValetParc;
  • 450 points for two or more days at HotelParc ;
  • 350 points for two days or more at the Multi-Level parking;
  • 250 points for two or more days at EconoParc.

Full details can be found on this Montreal-Trudeau Airport page.

Your daily expenses bring you closer to your next trip!

At Starbucks cafes, earn 100 Aeroplan points when you load $75 or more onto your digital Starbucks card in the app. To link your Starbucks and Aeroplan accounts, visit Air Canada’s dedicated page.

At LCBO liquor retailers in Ontario, earn one Aeroplan point for every $4 in purchases. Simply swipe your Aeroplan membership card at the checkout.

What’s more, you can earn Aeroplan points with your purchases at Parkland Group gas stations (Ultramar, Chevron, FasGas, Pioneer and On the Run). Earn one Aeroplan point for every 3L of gas and one point for every dollar spent at the convenience store.

The procedure for linking your Aeroplan account to a Journie Rewards account is detailed in the Journie mobile application.

In Canada and the United States, receive one Aeroplan point per dollar spent on Uber rides to or from the airport. With Uber Eats, you also earn one point per dollar spent on orders of at least $40.

To receive your points ,link your Aeroplan account to your Uber account in the mobile application.

Shop via the Aeroplan eStore

When shopping online, remember to use the Aeroplan eStore. This portal allows you to collect Aeroplan points on hundreds of brands and retailers.

Also, yearly promotions are very common. It’s a good idea to coordinate your major purchases with recurring promotional periods such as back-to-school, Black Friday, post-Christmas sales, or Mother’s Day.

Bottom Line

Aeroplan points or a co-branded credit card can enhance your travel experience by offering perks such as upgrades, access to Maple Leaf Lounges, a first checked bag free, or in-flight Wi-Fi. By earning Aeroplan points daily, you can enjoy these benefits sooner!

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand
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