Beginner’s guide to the Aeroplan program: everything you need to know

What is Aeroplan?

The Aeroplan program is much more than just a loyalty program – it’s a gateway to exceptional travel. By joining Aeroplan, travelers gain access to a vast array of benefits, rewards and privileges designed to make every trip even more rewarding.

Aeroplan works on a points system that can be accumulated through a variety of activities, including flights on Air Canada and its partners, spending on co-branded credit cards, purchases at retail partners, and much more. These points can then be redeemed for a range of rewards, including flights, cabin upgrades, hotel stays and even exclusive experiences.

Aeroplan partners include many major players in the travel industry, including Star Alliance member airlines, renowned hotels, car rental agencies and retail partners. Members can earn Aeroplan points by using the services of these partners, giving them flexibility and a variety of options for maximizing their rewards.

How do I create an account at Aeroplan?

To join the ranks ofAeroplan privileged members, creating an account is the first step. Here is a step-by-step guide to registering for the Aeroplan program.

• Go to the official Air Canada website using your web browser.
• On the home page, look for the “Join Aeroplan” option or link in the top right-hand corner of the screen. This will take you to the registration form.

• Once on the registration page, you will be asked to provide certain personal information such as your name, e-mail address, telephone number and other relevant details. Be sure to fill in the form accurately.
• Choose a secure password to access your Aeroplan account. Be sure to keep this information in a safe place.
• Before finalizing your registration, you will be asked to accept the terms of use of the Aeroplan program. Please read these terms and conditions carefully before accepting them.
• Once you’ve filled in all the required fields and accepted the terms of use, click on the « Create my account » button to finalize the process.

Membership of the Aeroplan program is open to anyone wishing to benefit from the advantages of the loyalty program. There are no membership fees to join Aeroplan.

How to collect points Aeroplan

Aeroplan Credit Cards

In the Canadian market, the major banks offer a range of credit cards in partnership with Aeroplan, allowing you to earn points Aeroplan on your daily spending. These credit cards also offer a variety of travel benefits, including:

• Free first checked bags for the primary cardholder and up to 8 travel companions on the same Air Canada reservation,
• Statement credit for Nexus registration,
• comprehensive travel insurance,
• preferred pricing for cardholders, often allowing them to redeem fewer points for flights,
• Worldwide Companion Pass,
• access to Maple ^LeafTM lounges in North America,
• and much more.

Please note that these advantages do not apply to all cards. When you’re looking for the card that best suits your needs, you can refer to this comparison article to help you make your choice.

People authorized to use the card as additional cardholders can also enjoy certain benefits with Air Canada. However, it is essential that they verify that their Aeroplan membership number is correctly linked to their credit card by consulting this page.

What’s more, when you sign up for one of these credit cards, you can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus. Here is an overview of the most attractive welcome offers currently available on Aeroplan credit cards:

Points transferable to Aeroplan

The American Express Membership Rewards program is another excellent way to accumulate points Aeroplan, thanks to the possibility of transferring these points at a 1:1 ratio.

In fact, these credit cards offer a remarkable opportunity to optimize your points accumulation, with generous multipliers for various purchase categories such asgroceries, restaurants andgas. This means that every dollar spent in these categories can translate into increased points accumulation Aeroplan.

Given the variety of offers available, it’s a good idea to take the time to consult our dedicated guide to find the Membership Rewards credit card that best suits your spending habits and travel goals. By making the right choice, you can maximize your benefits and accelerate your progress towards attractive travel rewards with the Aeroplan program.

Purchasing portal Aeroplan eStore

Aeroplan eStore is another convenient and flexible way to earn points at a variety of participating stores. What’s more, Aeroplan regularly offers special promotions that give you the chance to accumulate 5X, 7X or even 10X extra points, making the experience even more rewarding.

Here are the simple steps to take advantage of this strategy:

• Log on toeStoreAeroplan using your Aeroplan account.
• Go to the page of the participating business of your choice.
• Click on the « Shop & Earn » button to be redirected to the merchant’s online store.
• Shop as usual and your Aeroplan points will be automatically credited to your account after the transaction.

What’s more, if you have Aeroplan Elite status, you can benefit from additional advantages when making purchases viaAeroplan eStore. Indeed, Elite members can earn an accumulation bonus of 2 points per dollar spent, which represents an additional opportunity to maximize your points accumulation. You’ll find this information clearly displayed when you log in to your profile, allowing you to easily track your progress and benefits as an Elite member.

Flights with Air Canada and its Partners

To earn points Aeroplan when you fly, chooseAeroplan partner airlines such as Air Canada, Lufthansa, United Airlines and Singapore Airlines when booking your flights. By choosing these partners, you can earn Aeroplan points for every journey you make.

Also be sure to provide your Aeroplan membership number when booking or checking in for your flight. This ensures that the points you earn are properly credited to your Aeroplan account.

Next, take a close look at the point accumulation rates for your specific flight. These rates can vary depending on factors such as airline, booking class and distance flown. By understanding these rates, you can maximize your points earnings by choosing the fare class that’s right for you.

Occasionally, special promotions may allow you to earn bonus points on certain flights or by meeting specific conditions. Taking advantage of these offers can significantly increase your points accumulation Aeroplan.

With other types of partners

In addition to flights,Aeroplan members can earn points with a variety of travel partners, expanding their reward opportunities across a range of travel experiences. These partners include hotels, car rentals, airport parking, Air Canada Vacations^® packages and popular brands such as Starbucks^®, Uber and Uber Eats.

Hotels are one area where members can earn points Aeroplan during their stays. By staying at partner establishments, members can earn points based on the amount spent on their accommodation. This option offers a convenient way to accumulate points while enjoying a comfortable stay in world-renowned establishments.

Similarly, car rental is another opportunity for members to earn points Aeroplan. By booking cars with affiliated rental partners, members can earn points based on the length of rental and the amount spent. This option allows travelers to enjoy the freedom and flexibility offered by car rental while being rewarded for their travel expenses.

Airport parking is an often overlooked aspect of travel, but one that can also earn points Aeroplan. By using partner parking services, members can earn points based on the length of time they park. This provides an additional opportunity to earn points while making the travel process easier for members.

Using points Aeroplan

For a flight

The concept of zones

The concept of “zone” at Aeroplan refers to a geographical classification used to determine the number of points required to book a flight based on the destination chosen.

In general, destinations are grouped into different zones according to their distance from the starting point. Thus, flights to closer or shorter destinations will be classified in less expensive zones, while flights to more distant or further destinations will be classified in more expensive zones.

Here is an overview of the main zones used in the Aeroplan program:

1. North America: This zone includes Canada, the United States (including Hawaii), Central America and the Caribbean.
2. South America: This zone covers all of South America,
3. Atlantic: This zone covers Europe, Africa and the Indian subcontinent.
4. Pacific: This zone includes Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.

This zonal classification enables Aeroplan to standardize the cost in points of flights according to the distance flown, offering a clearer and more consistent pricing structure.

Differences in pricing

Points fares Aeroplan on Air Canada flights are dynamic, meaning they vary according to season and demand. An advantageous feature of booking with Air Canada is that all available seats can be purchased with Aeroplan points.

While it’s possible to find flights at a fare considered « standard » for your trip, it’s also common to find lower or higher fares. Higher rates are more common during busy periods such as the end-of-year vacations or spring break.

On the other hand, fares for travel on partner airlines are fixed, making it easier to plan your points accumulation strategy. However, it is important to note that the number of seats available in points for partners is limited compared with paid tickets. Therefore, if you do not find any available points seats on the search results page, no more points tickets (or award tickets) are available for the date you are looking for. This is a crucial consideration when planning your trip to ensure the availability of seats on points for the dates you require.

Miscellaneous fees

When it comes to booking flights with Aeroplan partners, it’s important to take into account the booking fee, which is a flat $39 whether you’re flying economy or business class.

The pricing system is simple and clear:

• $39 one-way
• $39 for a round trip

So if you’re planning to book an award ticket that includes a flight with a partner airline like United Airlines, you’ll need to pay this booking fee.

It is also important to note that an additional fee of $26.55 one-way, or $53.10 round-trip per person, will be charged for point reservations Aeroplan to and from the USA. This transportation tax does not apply outside the United States, or for flights that pass through the United States.

When it comes to award changes or cancellations Aeroplan, the program offers a certain amount of flexibility. You can cancel a flight booked with air awards free of charge within 24 hours of booking, and you can also cancel or modify an air award up to two hours before departure, subject to a fee based on the conditions of your ticket.

Change and cancellation fees are detailed as follows and are subject to change:

For babies travelling with you, Aeroplan offers a particularly interesting advantage. For children under the age of 2, the fare for an award ticket is just $25 or 2,500 Aeroplan points per one-way trip in Economy, Premium Economy or Business/Signature class, on flights operated by Air Canada or its partners. This is one of the most attractive features of the Aeroplan program for families traveling with young children.

Use Aeroplan points on partner companies

Star Alliance, of which Air Canada is a key member, is a global coalition of airlines offering travellers extensive connectivity throughout the world. In addition to flights operated by Air Canada, Star Alliance members include renowned carriers such as Lufthansa, United Airlines, Singapore Airlines and many others. This alliance enables Aeroplan members to book flights with a wide variety of airlines, offering greater flexibility and accessibility for their travels.

However, it is important to note that the availability of award seats on Star Alliance flights and other Air Canada partners (such as Etihad Airways or Emirates) may be limited. To maximize your chances of finding available seats with your Aeroplan points, we recommend planning ahead. Indeed, award spots are often put on sale almost a year in advance when the booking calendar is released, and seats can be reserved quickly.

Unlike Air Canada flights, which are subject to variable pricing, partner flights are subject to a fixed fare structure, with some exceptions. This means that while Air Canada fares may fluctuate according to market conditions, partner fares remain fixed, subject to availability of course.

Advance planning is therefore essential to make the most of your Aeroplan points when booking flights with partners.

Using the Aeroplan stopover

The Aeroplan program offers great flexibility in the creation of itineraries, making it possible to optimize the destinations to be visited during a single trip, thanks to stopovers and theoption of a stopover. This means that you can design itineraries that include several layovers of less than 24 hours, allowing you to add extra escapades to your trip.

Here are the possibilities offered by a stop Aeroplan:

• Award ticket pricing is based on one-way travel between four distinct geographical zones: North America, South America, the Atlantic, and the Pacific.
• You can make several layovers of less than 24 hours. By carefully planning your itinerary, you can add several small stops along the way, allowing you to take a mini tour of the world trip.
• You can stopover for up to 45 days on a one-way trip. So, by booking a one-way ticket with your Aeroplan points, you can take an extended break en route and visit an additional destination at a lower cost.
• The price for any stopover Aeroplan is set at 5,000 points for both economy and premium cabins, offering an affordable option for exploring more destinations.
• You can design routes that exceed up to 100% of the direct distance between destinations. For example, you could choose an itinerary such as Vancouver – Sydney – Bangkok, which is 69% over the direct distance between Vancouver and Bangkok.
• There is no limit to the number of airlines that can be included on the same ticket, offering great flexibility in the choice of airline partners for your trip.

Here’s what’s impossible with a Aeroplan stop:

• It is not possible to make a stopover on a North American award ticket, and layovers are limited to 24 hours.
• Stopovers on tickets departing from and arriving in North America are limited to 4 hours, unless otherwise authorized (for example, travel from Canada to the United States or vice versa).
• There is a maximum of 6 segments allowed on a one-way trip.
• It is not possible to have an open segment on a connection or stop Aeroplan with a one-way ticket. For example, an itinerary such as Montreal-London then Paris-Istanbul cannot be priced with the Aeroplan stop, as these would be two independent one-way segments.
• For an itinerary where the departure point and destination are in the same zone, the Aeroplan stop must also be in this zone. For example, you cannot book a North America fare with a stop in Paris on a Montreal-Paris-New York route, as Montreal and New York are in the same zone.
• It is not possible to backtrack on your itinerary.

This added flexibility allows you to create tailor-made itineraries that perfectly match your travel needs and desires.

Using the Points + Cash function

There are four different ways to book an award ticket, with different combinations of Aeroplan points and cash.

When you search for an Aeroplan award ticket, the results show a price in Aeroplan points + cash. This price corresponds to the lowest fare in points, plus airport taxes.

Once you have selected your preferred flight, you will be taken to the purchase confirmation page. This is where you choose from four different payment options:

• The usual number of points Aeroplan + money (including taxes and fees).
• A payment entirely in points Aeroplan + $0.
• 80% of usual number of points + 20% of required number of points converted into cash + cash (including taxes and fees).
• 60% of usual number of points + 40% of required number of points converted into cash + cash (including taxes and fees).

The options for 60% and 80% of the usual number of points are particularly useful when you decide to intentionally buy some of the Aeroplan points you need, or because you don’t have the required number of points. You can view the different amounts added to your invoice by consulting the details of your selection.

For an upgrade

The upgrade option is a great way to travel in greater comfort at a fraction of the cost. Air Canada offers passengers the possibility of upgrading to a premium cabin using cash or points.

Once your trip is booked, you can access the « Bid Upgrade » option by logging into your Air Canada reservation with your reference code and last name.

Upgrade bids can be placed at any time up to 48 hours before departure. Moreover, you have the flexibility to modify or cancel them up to this period, unless they have already been accepted.

Upgrade prices depend on the original fare class, with generally a lower price range for higher fare classes.

An interesting feature is the visualization of the « strength » of your bid, where an indicator shows you your chances of success. By adjusting your offer, you can increase your chances of upgrading. The amount of your offer is per person and includes all taxes and fees.

If you want to use Aeroplan points for your upgrade, you can do so by clicking on the corresponding toggle.

To find out if your flight and fare are eligible for an upgrade with Air Canada, please visit the AC Upgrade web page.

For a hotel

With HotelSavers Aeroplanmembers can use their points to stay at over 6,000 participating luxury, mid-range and economy hotels. You can save up to 30% of your points by booking at selected partner hotels.

Thanks to exclusive partnerships with various renowned hotels, Aeroplan members can take advantage of special points rates. When booking your stay on the dedicated member platform, simply look for the red label HotelSavers Aeroplan to benefit from these unique advantages with renowned hotel brands such as Fairmont, Shangri-La, Loews Hotels, Crowne Plaza, Novotel, ibis, and many more.

The table below shows the estimated number of points per night for a standard room in each category HotelSavers Aeroplan :

Aeroplan credit card holders receive a 4th night free at partner hotels until December 31, 2025.

For an all-inclusive stay

You can use your Aeroplan points to get a discount on a vacation package to the South, but only with Air Canada Vacations. This travel discount will be applied directly to the total amount when you book your All-inclusive stay.

The number of points required to obtain a discount on a vacation package is fixed.

Please note that the above prices are subject to change. Applying the valuation formula of $1,000/100,000 points yields a value of 1¢ per point Aeroplan. However, it is important to note that according toMilesopedia’s current valuation, one Aeroplan point is valued at 2.0¢. This means that when you compare booking a cash flight with using Aeroplan points, you can consider this ratio as a reference.

Every dollar saved on your All-inclusive trip can be reallocated to other aspects of your vacation or to other future projects. So, while this may not be the most optimal use of your Aeroplan points according to the usual criteria, the money saved is still a significant benefit to consider when planning your travels.

For car rental

Car rental with Aeroplan points offers members greater flexibility when booking vehicles across a range of renowned rental partners such as Review, Budget, Entreprise, etc. Aeroplan allows travelers to pay entirely in points, combine points with cash, or pay entirely in cash while earning points on the rental. This versatility allows members to maximize the value of their points while enjoying additional benefits.

With a valuation rate of around 1.1¢ per point when used for car rentals, members can quickly estimate the cost in points required for their reservation in just a few clicks. Please note that these prices are subject to change.

Aeroplan Elite status and benefits

The Aeroplan Elite status offers a range of exclusive benefits, enabling travelers to enjoy a superior travel experience. Benefits include priority check-in, complimentary access to Maple ^LeafTM lounges, upgrade credits, and much more.

Members of Aeroplan Elite can also enjoy additional benefits, such as Priority Rewards offering discounts on flights, preferential rates for airline awards, credit cards with status benefits, and even the possibility of offering status to others via the Status Pass.

There are five levels of Aeroplan Elite status: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite. Each level offers basic privileges as well as selected privileges, which members can choose according to their travel needs.

To achieve Aeroplan Elite status, members must meet a number of criteria, including distance flown or number of flights taken, and dollars spent on travel. These criteria are determined by Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD).

The qualification period runs from January 1 to December 31. Once obtained, the Aeroplan status is valid for the remainder of the current year and the whole of the following year. Members can also take advantage of special offers to extend or purchase their status.

Tips for maximizing the use of points

To maximize your Aeroplan points and plan your trips effectively, it’s essential to understand how to use your points in the best possible way. Whether you’re planning a trip to Europe, the USA, Asia, or even an All-inclusive vacation, here are detailed guides to help you make the most of your points Aeroplan.

• Maximize Aeroplan points for a trip to Europe
• Maximize Aeroplan points for a trip to the United States
• Maximize Aeroplan points for All-inclusive vacations
• Maximize points Aeroplan for a trip to Asia

These articles provide practical advice, itinerary recommendations and tips for optimizing your Aeroplan points based on your preferred travel destination. By consulting them, you’ll be better equipped to plan your next getaway and take full advantage of the benefits offered by your Aeroplan membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to view Aeroplan?

To check your points balance Aeroplan, you have several simple and practical options:

Online: Log on to your Aeroplan account on the Air Canada website or on the officialAeroplan website. Once logged in, you can view your points balance and transaction history.

Via the mobile application: If you have downloaded the Air Canada mobile application or the Aeroplan application, you can easily access your account and check your points balance wherever you are, as long as you have an Internet connection.

By telephone: You can contactAeroplan or Air Canada customer service and ask a representative to check your points balance for you. Be sure to have your Aeroplan membership number handy to speed up the process.

How to calculate the number of points Aeroplan following a theft?

To calculate the number of Aeroplan points you can earn for a flight, several factors come into play, including the fare option chosen and the distance flown. Flights paid for in cash earn Aeroplan points, while flights paid for in points earn Aeroplan points.

When choosing your fare, the number of Aeroplan points you can earn is clearly specified as a percentage of the distance covered in miles. You can consult resources such as GCMap for information on distance travelled.

Note that choosing a higher rate can be advantageous depending on the value you place on extra benefits and extra points.

What’s more, you can also earn Aeroplan points by traveling with partners. Most of these partners are part of the Star Alliance network, although other carriers such as Emirates, Etihad or Cathay Pacific are also eligible. However, it is important to note that the percentage of points earned may vary from one partner to another.

How many Aeroplan points are required to purchase a flight?

The number of Aeroplan points required to purchase a flight depends on several factors, including destination, zone, class of service (economy, business, first class), seat availability and fare conditions in effect at the time of booking. Flights with Air Canada and its partners can be booked in exchange for a certain number of Aeroplan points, which varies according to these variables.

The Air Canada website offers an online booking tool that can help you find out the exact number of points required to purchase a specific flight. When searching for flights, you’ll be able to see the number of Aeroplan points required for each available flight option. You can also use the prediction tool to estimate the number of points required for your specific travel itinerary.

Do our Aeroplan points expire?

Aeroplan has apoints expiration policy. According to this policy, Aeroplan points expire if no activity has been recorded in your account for 18 consecutive months. However, there are ways to keep your account active and avoid expiration.

If you have a Aeroplan credit card, this is enough to keep your account active, even if you haven’t earned or used any points for some time.

What’s more, if you forget to make a transaction, such as a flight where you forgot to enter your membership number, you can request a retroactive credit of Aeroplan points in your account up to six months after the transaction.

If your Aeroplan points are about to expire and you have no travel plans with Air Canada, here are a few tips to keep your account active:

• When staying at partner hotels or renting a car, please quote your Aeroplan membership number.
• Use theAeroplan eStore to make purchases from online partners such asAmazon, The Bay, Apple and others.
• Indicate your membership number when travelling with partner carriers, including all Star Alliance member airlines.
• Use your Aeroplan points to purchase award tickets, rent a car, book a hotel or buy Wi-Fi on board.
• Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to your Aeroplan account.
• Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to your Aeroplan account.
• Participate in e-Rewards surveys and earn points Aeroplan.
• Transfer points to another member or donate points to charity.
• As a last resort, buy points Aeroplan.

Can I transfer points from one person to another?

Yes, it is possible to transfer Aeroplan points from one person to another. However, it is essential to note that this process can be costly. Aeroplan offers the possibility of transferring points, but this is done at a cost of 2 cents per point. For example, if you wanted to transfer 12,000 Aeroplan points to another person, it would cost you $240.

Can we make a reservation for someone else?

It is perfectly possible to book a plane ticket for another person using your points Aeroplan. Unlike other loyalty programs, Aeroplan makes this possible without the need for costly points transfers. You can use your own points to book a ticket on behalf of the person you want.

The procedure is simple: access your account at Aeroplan, select the desired flight, and during the booking process enter the passenger’s personal details, such as date of birth and full name as it appears on their ID. Once the booking has been confirmed, the ticket is issued in that person’s name, and he or she can travel worry-free.

It is important to note that any benefits or privileges linked to your own status or credit card will not apply to the person for whom you are booking the ticket. For example, if you are entitled to free baggage because of your status or credit card, this benefit will not be extended to the passenger for whom you are booking the flight.

However, your friend can always choose to sign up for their own credit card or join the loyalty program to enjoy their own benefits. This way, they can enjoy the benefits of travel regardless of who made the booking or what method of payment was used.

Bottom Line

Having explored the Aeroplan program in detail, it’s clear that this platform offers a multitude of benefits for frequent travellers and reward enthusiasts. Whether earning points via credit cards, online purchases, or flying with Air Canada and its partners, Aeroplan offers a variety of ways to collect points quickly and efficiently. What’s more, the options for using these points are flexible and diverse, whether for flights, hotel stays, all-inclusive packages, or even upgrades.

In conclusion, the Aeroplan program represents a complete and advantageous solution for those seeking to optimize their travels and be rewarded for their loyalty. Whether you’re an occasional traveler or a frequent flyer, Aeroplan offers travel opportunities and rewards to suit every profile. By joining this program, you’re guaranteed a rewarding and enriching travel experience.