Aeroplan

Aeroplan members were often disappointed when redeeming their miles that they had to pay a carrier surcharge (formerly known as fuel surcharge) to travel on several airlines, including Air Canada.

You had to be a knowledgeable member – as are milesopedia’s readers – to learn how to avoid these surcharge (and especially the airlines charging them).

From now on, there will be no more carrier surcharges when you use your Aeroplan points! This opens up new opportunities – not only to fly with Air Canada to Europe or Asia – but also to use partner airlines such as All Nippon Airways, Austrian or Lufthansa more regularly.

And why not afford the luxury of Lufthansa First Class with Aeroplan points?

The carrier surcharge disappears but is replaced by a flat Aeroplan Partner Booking Fee of $39.

Air Canada now wants to encourage Aeroplan members to book flights on its own metal by introducing this Aeroplan Partner Booking Fee.

This fee is flat:

• $39 per one-way ticket
• $39 for a round trip

On the one hand, Air Canada removes hundreds of dollars of Carrier surcharges; on the other hand, the airline adds a new Partner Booking Fee of $39. Frequent users of no surcharge airlines (Swiss, Turkish Airlines, Singapore Airlines, United, etc.) are the most aggrieved here.

You will have to pay $39 to book a flight reward including a flight on Singapore Airlines, for example:

While Air Canada has adopted variable pricing for its flights, the airline has maintained a fixed chart for flight rewards on partner airlines.

For example, even if the airline has added a $39 Aeroplan Partner Booking Fee, point pricing will still be the floor of Air Canada’s pricing (when available). If Air Canada’s pricing can soar based on market prices, this will not be the case for partners (subject to availability, of course).

For example, a one-way economy flight between Montreal and Frankfurt will cost:

• Between 35,000 and 60,000 Aeroplan points with Air Canada
• 35,000 Aeroplan points + $39 Partner Booking Fee with Lufthansa

Several Aeroplan changes to the rules of layovers (less than 24 hours) and stopovers (more than 24 hours):

• You can now add a stopover on a one-way flight! So, if you book just a one-way itinerary with your Aeroplan points, you can stop for more than 24 hours en route (Montreal – Frankfurt – Singapore). It is especially convenient for those who use different types of points, or who pay part of their itinerary in cash.
• The rules do not change for the number of layovers allowed. With a well-thought itinerary, you can make several layovers of less than 24 hours(which we did last year for our one-week round-the-world trip)!
• Generous routing:it will be possible to be creative with routing as you’ll be allowed to get up to 100% above the direct distance. For example Vancouver – Sydney – Bangkok (69% above the direct distance between Vancouver and Bangkok).

Then, Aeroplan subdivided each travel zone with a distance criterion in miles: the more you fly, the more you pay.

Distance thresholds in miles are different depending on:

• each travel zone (Atlantic, Pacific, etc.)
• travel between each zone (Atlantic to Pacific, North America to South America, etc.)

And the cost in points will be different depending on a flight with Air Canada or one of its partners.

It will, therefore, be interesting to book direct flights rather than connecting flights. In some cases, the addition of a connection may result in a higher fare threshold.

For example, a Montreal to Zurich flight has a distance of 3,736 miles. This trip falls into the 0 – 4,000 miles threshold for travel between North America and Atlantic zones. The cost is 35,000 points in economy class.

If you add a connecting flight to Nice, a Montreal to Zurich to Nice trip has a distance of 4,006 miles. This trip falls into the 4,001 – 6,000 threshold for travel between North America and Atlantic zones. The cost is 40,000 points in economy class. That’s 5,000 more points.

While choosing to connect via Brussels to reach Nice, we remain into the 0 – 4,000 miles threshold for travel between North America and Atlantic areas. The cost is 35,000 points in economy class.

To quickly see how many points you’ll likely need to redeem for a flight reward, a tool will be available to members on the Air Canada website: the Point Predictor Tool.

Aeroplan lets you:

• Cancel your flight reward, at no charge, within 24 hours of making your booking
• cancel or change any flight reward up to two hours before you fly

The change fee is as follows:

Cancellation fees are $0 to $175 depending on the rate paid and the cancellation method.

Check out the chart below for full details:

Aeroplan was already known to be a particularly advantageous program for infant flight rewards (children under 2). We have taken advantage of this on many occasions.

It’s now even more advantageous:

And this, regardless of the cabin (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First)!

In the past, Aeroplan members had to book their flight rewards on a dedicated website.

From now on, the process of booking a flight reward will be similar to the experience of booking a paid flight on Air Canada.

Booking a flight reward will only take a few minutes, whether from Air Canada’s website or mobile app.

Also, for flights operated by Air Canada, it will be possible to choose – as for paid tickets – between three fares:

• Standard
• Flex
• Latitude

Each of these fares will include benefits (reduced change or cancellation fees, choice of seat, baggage included, etc.). And one thing unique: the ability to access the Air Canada Signature Suite (something that was previously impossible with a flight reward).

In the past, Aeroplan’s website displayed only a limited number of flight rewards.

From now on, all available flight rewards will be displayed in Air Canada’s website Search Engine. You will create the exact itinerary you want, and combine flights with Air Canada, Star Alliance airlines and even partner airlines like Air Creebec or Etihad Airways!

Also, since all Air Canada flights will be available as flight rewards, Aeroplan members living outside the major hubs of Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver will no longer be penalized.

Indeed, members were often penalized by the lack of availability on the first flight when the rest of their itinerary was available!

All Air Canada flight rewards will be eligible for eUpgrades available with your Frequent Flyer Aeroplan Elite Status.

A dedicated chart will be displayed directly at the time of purchase of your flight reward.

The concept of Aeroplan Family Sharing is simple: members earn and redeem Aeroplan points together. While each Aeroplan member keeps their Aeroplan points in their account, the goal is to be able to use them as a group.

Thus, redemptions will be deducted from all members’ accounts proportionally.

Take this example of a Family Account with a balance of 250,000 Aeroplan Points. Within this Family Account, four people want to book a flight for 25,000 Aeroplan points per person, or 100,000 Aeroplan points for Family Sharing members.

The total cost of the trip (100,000 points) represents 40% of the total number of Aeroplan points in the Family Sharing account (250,000 points).

Each member will, therefore, see his/her Aeroplan points balance be reduced by 40% for this booking:

Different terms and conditions to note with Aeroplan Family Sharing:

• 8 Aeroplan members can participate in Aeroplan Family Sharing
• For a minimum of 3 months
• In the event of withdrawal from an Aeroplan Family Sharing account, the member must wait 6 months to join another group
• One member of the Family Sharing Account has administrative powers (inviting members, authorizing them to use or not the points of the Family Account)
• Redemptions will be deducted from all members accounts proportionally
• This will reset the inactivity date for all individual Aeroplan accounts.

Air Canada also brings another benefit to being part of an Aeroplan Family Sharing account: all Family Sharing members will benefit from preferred pricing.

Indeed, if a Family Sharing member has an Aeroplan Elite status or an Aeroplan credit card, all Family Sharing members will benefit from preferred pricing.

Future Aeroplan Family Sharing members:

There are two ways to earn Aeroplan points:

• With travel
• Every day

Here is the part of my video on this topic:

From 2021, Aeroplan points earning will no longer be indexed to the distance travelled but based on customer’s spend.

Thus, Aeroplan will add some multipliers on customer’s spend (including base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes, in Canadian dollars ) based on:

• the fare

• Another multiplier depending on your Aeroplan Elite Status (as a selectable benefit):

This new structure will be introduced around February-March 2021.

You can earn Aeroplan points with travel partners:

• Hotels
• Car rentals
• Airline partners
• Airport parking
• And more!

Air Canada partners with American Express, CIBC and TD.

All three institutions issue numerous credit cards that earn Aeroplan points.

It is also possible to earn Aeroplan points by transferring from other programs such as:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Marriott Bonvoy
• Best Western Rewards

Here are the different card offers:

Air Canada has wholly revised ways to earn Aeroplan points around three postulates:

• Simplicity: the entire online shopping experience – Aeroplan eStore – has been reviewed with a single identification across Air Canada digital ecosystem
• Relevance: the shopping experience will be personalized depending on members (with targeted offers)
• Utility: more ways to earn and use miles and a deeper inventory

As a result, the Aeroplan eStore hosts more affiliated partners.

But the part that will undoubtedly be the most appreciated by members: you will be able to track the number of Aeroplan points earned accurately for each purchase (with granular tracking: pending transaction, credited/cancelled points, etc.).

Aeroplan eStore will also be the place where you will find:

• gift cards
• products

Gift cards will now be digital, and there will be a deeper product and service inventory.

You’ll be able to pay with points or cash (while earning points)!

Finally, there will be up to 5 times more results for non-air travel rewards:

• Hotels
• Car rentals
• Vacation packages (Air Canada Vacations)

You will be able to pay with Aeroplan points or cash (while earning Aeroplan points).

In revamping the Aeroplan program, Air Canada thus appears to have retained the existing right side (a fixed chart and many partners) while removing the mistakes of the past (carrier surcharge on Air Canada flights and the booking process complexity)

The new Aeroplan program is, therefore, based on two main aspects:

• A simplified chart
• A booking experience similar to paid tickets

Then, Aeroplan subdivided each travel zone with a distance criterion in miles: the more you fly, the more you pay.

Distance thresholds in miles are different depending on:

• each travel zone (Atlantic, Pacific, etc.)
• travel between each zone (Atlantic to Pacific, North America to South America, etc.)

And the cost in points will be different depending on a flight with Air Canada or one of its partners.

The “North America” travel zone extends from Alaska to Panama (included).

This includes Canada and the United States, but also all of Central America, the Caribbean, or Hawaii.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel within North America Zone:

This new Aeroplan pricing opens the door to many opportunities. For example, flights to the Caribbean or Central America (Guadeloupe, Martinique, Bahamas, Cuba, Costa Rica, etc.) cost between 12,500 and 17,500 Aeroplan points one-way.

For example, see the main areas to/from the Montreal hub (0-500 – 501-1,500 – 1,501-2,750 and 2,751):

Also, note that Air Canada’s longest direct flight in North America between Toronto and Honolulu is available at a cost ranging from 17,500 to 25,000 Aeroplan points only!

For the rest, pricing is generally up from the old program, but nothing prohibitive. Knowing that in return:

• there is no longer any Carrier surcharges on Air Canada flights
• all Air Canada seats are available as flight rewards

The “South America” travel zone stretches from Colombia to Ushuaia.

This includes all of the South American countries.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel within South America:

This is the most straightforward zone of Aeroplan with a fixed chart for all flights: between 15,000 and 50,000 points depending on the cabin.

It will be possible to look for routes on partner airlines such as:

• Azul
• Avianca
• even Ethiopian Airlines or Turkish Airlines operating flights between Sao Paulo and Buenos Aires

The “Atlantic” travel zone extends from Greenland to India (included).

This includes Europe, Africa, the Middle East and part of Russia.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel within the Atlantic Zone:

The Atlantic Zone – including Europe, the Middle East and North Africa – is becoming a real “playground” thanks to Aeroplan’s new chart.

All this, coupled with:

• major hubs such as Frankfurt, Istanbul, Zurich, Vienna, Abu Dhabi
• carrier surcharge removal
• Fixed chart for airline partners
• the ability to add a stopover on a one-way flight (at a 5,000 points cost)

A short-haul flight will cost as little as 7,500 points and will reach almost all European capitals from a hub like Frankfurt with Lufthansa.

Under the old chart, the same flight cost between 12,500 and 15,000 Aeroplan miles!

For example, see the main thresholds to/from the Frankfurt hub (0-1,000 – 1,001-2,000 – 2,001-4,000):

And the main thresholds to/from the Hub of Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) (0-1,000 – 1,001-2,000 – 2,001-4,000):

The “Pacific” travel zone extends from eastern Russia to New Zealand (included).

This includes Asia, Australia and the Pacific countries.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel within the Pacific zone:

The Pacific zone is also a large area of the new Aeroplan program. It is also an area where there is a lot of competition between airlines, with many low-cost airlines like Air Asia.

Thus, Aeroplan divided this area into five according to the distance travelled. A short-haul flight will cost as little as 8,000 points. There are many sweet spots in this area, especially in Japan.

Note that under the old chart, a one-way short-haul flight cost 20,000 Aeroplan miles!

For example, see the main thresholds to/from the hub of Tokyo (0-1,000 – 1,001-2,000 – 2,001-5,000):

And the main thresholds to/from the Singapore hub (0-1,000 – 1,001-2,000 – 2,001-5,000):

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between North America and Atlantic Zones:

From Montreal, Western Europe is reachable with a direct flight, with the first threshold. However, as soon as you add a connection, there is a good chance of exceeding the distance of 4,000 miles.

You can score direct one-way economy flights between Montreal and Paris, London, Frankfurt, Lisbon and Casablanca from 35,000 points. And you can score direct one-way economy flights between Montreal and Istanbul or Tel Aviv from 40,000 points.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between North America and Pacific Zones:

From Montreal or Toronto, no country is reachable within the first threshold (unlike Vancouver).

You can score one-way economy direct flights between Montreal and Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai from 50,000 points. For other destinations such as Singapore, Sydney, or Auckland, you can get a one-way economy flight from 60,000 points.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between Atlantic and Pacific Zones:

Below, the possibilities offered to/from the Frankfurt hub (Lufthansa):

Here are, for example, the possibilities offered to/from the Singapore Airlines hub:

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between Atlantic and South America Zones:

Some Star Alliance airlines connect the Atlantic Zone and the South America Zone, such as Lufthansa or TAP Air Portugal.

Here are, for example, destinations to/from Frankfurt: Bogota, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, accessible within the first threshold.

Only Buenos Aires will require more points.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between Pacific and South America Zones:

However, to our knowledge, no airline is currently flying between these two zones.

Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between North America and South America Zones:

From Montreal or Toronto, many destinations will be accessible within the first threshold. It will cost from 30,000 points one-way.

With the new Aeroplan program, Air Canada has refined ways to use Aeroplan points, apart from flight rewards.

Here is the part of my video on this topic:

The Aeroplan eStore is not only a place to earn Aeroplan points (thanks to its affiliated partners). But it will also be the place where you can find:

• gift cards
• products

Gift cards will now be digital, and there will be a deeper product and service inventory.

You’ll be able to pay with points or cash (while earning points)!

Finally, there will be up to 5 times more results for non-air travel rewards:

• Hotels
• Car rentals
• Vacation packages (Air Canada Vacations)

You will be able to pay with Aeroplan points or cash (while earning Aeroplan points).

When redesigning Aeroplan Elite Status, Air Canada wanted to:

• make it simpler
• with increased value
• offering new ways to get or re-qualify for a status

Here is the part of my video on this topic:

You’ll earn an Aeroplan Elite Status based on:

• distance travelled OR the number of flights
• AND dollars spent for your trips

This includes both flights on Air Canada, but also with all Star Alliance partners. However, for the spending criteria, the ticket must have been issued on Air Canada stock (ticket numbers beginning with 014).

Thus, to earn Aeroplan Elite Status from Air Canada, it is necessary to understand the three qualification criteria :

The Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) correspond to the distance travelled on Air Canada or Star Alliance member airlines.

However, this criterion will be weighted by two other elements:

• the fare
• the area you are travelling to

With a flight booked at the standard rate, you will earn 25% of the distance travelled, while with a flight in Business class, you will receive 150% of the distance travelled.

You’ll find all Air Canada fare options on this page.

The Status Qualification Segments (SQS) correspond to the number of flights you take on Air Canada or Star Alliance member airlines.

If you need some SQS to reach a higher status, it might be wise to book connecting flights rather than a direct flight.

• Montreal – Vancouver = 1 SQS
• Montreal – Toronto – Vancouver = 2 SQS

Status Qualification Dollars (DQS) correspond to dollars spent for your Air Canada flights or Star Alliance member airlines (ticketed from Air Canada 014 stock).

Even if you have reached the level of Status Qualifying Miles or Status Qualifying Segments, you must have spent a certain number of Status Qualifying Dollars to earn your status.

There are five Aeroplan Elite Status levels :

• 25K
• 35K
• 50K
• 75K
• Super Elite 100K

For each of these levels, there are:

• core privileges
• select privileges: additional benefits that you choose

You have to choose the select privileges before October 31, each year. You’ll find more about these privileges on this Air Canada webpage .

You have one calendar year, from January 1 to December 31, to earn an Aeroplan Elite status.

Once earned, the Aeroplan status is valid:

• For the remainder of the current year
• For the whole following year

Previously, the Air Canada program issued paper coupons for Maple Leaf lounge access.

From now on, all benefits will be digital and immediately recognized by Air Canada staff.

Air Canada introduces Priority Rewards into the Aeroplan program.

These Priority Rewards will provide a 50% discount coupon for certain geographic areas or cabins depending on your status level. Every time you achieve a Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) milestone, you will get an additional voucher, up to 11 vouchers per year.

You can use a voucher for a flight reward for one passenger. The voucher validity is one year from the date of issuance (but can be used for a later travel date).

Here are the geographical areas and cabins according to your Aeroplan Elite status:

Air Canada introduces Aeroplan Status Pass.

Aeroplan 50K members and above can give a 50K status pass to anyone (this will be a selectable benefit available from March 2021).

Travellers with a status pass enjoy the following benefits while travelling on flights operated by Air Canada (even when travelling without the person who offered this status):

• Priority check-in
• 3 Complimentary Checked Bags
• Priority Baggage Handling
• Priority security clearance
• Complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge Access
• Priority Airport Standby
• Priority Boarding

These benefits are not available for travel on Star Alliance airlines.

Air Canada introduces Preferred Pricing for Air Canada Flight Rewards for Aeroplan Elite members.

New Aeroplan credit cards introduced by American Express, CIBC and TD offer benefits for qualifying or renewing Aeroplan Elite status.

With some Aeroplan credit cards, for every $10,000 in Card purchases ($5,000 for some Premium and Business cards), you’ll earn:

• 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM)
• 1 Status Qualification Segment (SQS)

Besides, Aeroplan Credit cardholders get Preferred Pricing for Air Canada Flight Rewards.

Air Canada introduces the ability to qualify more easily for Aeroplan 25K status.

Thus, members who earn 100 000 Aeroplan points from any eligible source will receive Aeroplan 25K Status.

Eligible sources are all base and bonus points earned directly with:

• Air Canada flights
• Aeroplan credit cards spending
• partners (airlines, hotels, eStore , etc.)

Aeroplan credit cardholders will receive preferred pricing on Aeroplan flight rewards for flights operated by Air Canada.

With a flexible chart on its flights, Air Canada has greater control regarding fares so that it can offer this preferred pricing to Aeroplan credit cardholders.

Air Canada even told us that some preferred fares could go below the minimum chart fare!

Usually, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months. And there are different ways to keep an active account.

However, Aeroplan credit cardholders don’t have to worry about their Aeroplan points expiring.

Some Aeroplan credit cardholders will get a free first-checked bag for Air Canada flights (flight rewards or paid tickets)!

This benefit is valid for:

• Primary Cardholder
• Additional Cardholders
• And up to eight travel companions on the same reservation

Also, if an additional card travels without the primary cardholder, it can also be accompanied by 8 travel companions who will benefit from the free first checked bag. The only condition: everyone has to be on the same reservation.

Something to delight groups of friends or sports teams travelling on Air Canada! Or just… families:

While in the past, only the primary cardholder enjoyed some benefits with Air Canada, now, additional cardholders too!

However, they must ensure that their Aeroplan number must be linked to a valid credit card. Linking can be done by visiting this page.

Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholders and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers will receive complimentary access:

• to Maple Leaf Lounges around the world
• to Air Canada Cafés in North America

Also, Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholders will receive six annual visits to Priority Pass airport lounges.

Small business credit cardholders can also get up to 4 annual passes to Maple Leaf Lounges.

You will get one access after every $10,000 in Card purchases (up to 4 annual passes).

Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholders and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers will get airport benefits:

• Priority airport services
• Priority Airport Standby
• Priority Airport Upgrades

Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholders and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers will be eligible for an annual worldwide companion pass.

To earn it, you need to charge $25,000 to your Card (maximum of one pass per year).

Once earned, you can use your Annual Companion Pass to get a companion flight at a fixed price ($99 in North America, and between $199 and $599 elsewhere around the world ).

Here’s a new benefit that will be of particular interest to Aeroplan Elite members. Some credit cardholders will be able to get Elite Status qualification boosts.

You can earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and 1 Status Qualifying Segment (SQS) per $10,000 eligible annual spend ($5,000 for some premium and business cards).

And there is no limit to the number of SQM and SQS you can earn!

Aeroplan will roll over unused Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or unused eUpgrade credits for Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholders and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers

This will be a great benefit for some Aeroplan Elite members!