The Aeroplan program has 8 million active members!
Here are the rules for Aeroplan Rewards (tickets purchased with points):
Here is the part of my video on this topic:
It has no carrier overload charges when you use your Aeroplan Points! This opens up opportunities – not only to travel with Air Canada on flights 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?
There is only a flat $39 Aeroplan partner reservation fee.
Air Canada hopes to encourage Aeroplan members to book flights on its own network by introducing this Aeroplan partner booking fee.
This fee is flat:
You will have to pay $39 to book a flight reward including a flight on Singapore Airlines, for example:
While Air Canada has adopted a variable fare structure for its own flights, it has a fixed fare structure for flights with partner airlines.
So, with an Aeroplan partner booking fee of $39, the points-based fare will always be the floor of the Air Canada fare (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 from Montreal to Frankfurt costs :
The Aeroplan program allows you to build highly flexible itineraries and optimize the places you can visit within the same trip, with stopovers and the option of a stopover.
Aeroplan divides the world into 4 travel zones:
Aeroplan then subdivides each travel zone according to distance in miles: the greater the distance traveled, the greater the cost in points.
Distance thresholds in miles are different depending on:
And the cost in points is different depending on whether you fly with Air Canada or one of its partners.
So it’s worth booking 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.
Read our detailed post on the new Aeroplan Flight Rewards Chart.
To easily find out how much an itinerary costs in Aeroplan points, a tool is available to members on the Air Canada website: the Points Predictor.
It will now be possible to use a new feature: Aeroplan Cash + Points.
If you don’t have enough Aeroplan points for an airline award, there are several fare options available to you.
Here’s an example for a flight with a cost of 12,500 points + $38.98 in airport taxes:
So if you want to pay airport taxes with your points (in the example above 3,900 points save you $38.98), you will get a value of1 cent per point.
On the other hand, if you don’t have enough points – or want to keep them – the cash option is to “virtually buy” points, paying 2.1 cents per point.
In the example above, to save 2,500 points, you will have to pay about $52.5 (or 2.1 cents per point).
Aeroplan lets you:
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 is known as a particularly advantageous program for baby award tickets (children under 2 years of age). We have taken advantage of this on many occasions.
Aeroplan is one of the best programs to book a baby award ticket as the fare is fixed at $25 or 2,500 Aeroplan points per one-way ticket on Air Canada or their partners.
And it doesn’ t matter which cabin you choose (Economy, Economy Premium, Business/Signature)!
Booking an airfare takes just a few minutes, whether from the Air Canada website or mobile app.
Also, for flights operated by Air Canada, it will be possible to choose – as for paid tickets – between three fares:
Each of these fares includes advantages (reduced change or cancellation fees, choice of seat, baggage included, etc.) as well as access to the Air Canada Signature Suite.
All seats on flights operated by Air Canada are available as award tickets.
All available air awards are displayed in the search engine on the Air Canada website. You can put together the exact itinerary you want, and combine flights with Air Canada, Star Alliance airlines and even partner companies like Etihad Airways!
Also, since all Air Canada flights are available as air awards, Aeroplan members living outside the major hubs of Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver are not penalized.
All Air Canada flight awards are eligible for the eUpgrades available with your Aeroplan Elite Frequent Flyer Status.
A dedicated chart will be displayed directly at the time of purchase of your flight reward.
Aeroplan Family Sharing has several features:
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.
Aeroplan Points are deducted proportionally from each individual account when a reservation is made.
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 cost of the trip (100,000 points) represents 40% of the total number of Family Share Aeroplan points (250,000 points).
Each member will, therefore, see his/her Aeroplan points balance be reduced by 40% for this booking:
Think of it as a joint chequing account: it is about a trust relationship between all Aeroplan Family Sharing members.
In the past, each member had an individual account, and it was costly to transfer points between members’ accounts. Often, there was a member who earned a lot (whether through business trips or expenses), and other members (usually children) who earned fewer points. In any case, not enough to use those points for a reward.
Aeroplan Family Sharing solves that problem with a shared balance of points.
However, each time a member books an airline award, whether travelling alone or with all Family Sharing members, Aeroplan Points will be deducted proportionally from each Aeroplan account.
Different terms and conditions to note with Aeroplan Family Sharing:
As you can see, there is no need to share the same address or name unlike other programs. Air Canada insists that this is not a household account, but a Family Account: based on a trust relationship between members.
Air Canada also brings another benefit to being part of an Aeroplan Family Sharing account: all Family Sharing members will benefit from preferred pricing.
In fact, if a Family Share member has Aeroplan status or status an Aeroplan credit cardall Family Share members benefit from the preferential fare.
There are two ways to earn Aeroplan points:
The Aeroplan points earned are indexed to the expenses incurred by the member.
Thus, the expense incurred (including the base fare and any carrier surcharges, excluding taxes, in Canadian dollars) is affected by a multiplier:
As a result, all Aeroplan members will earn Aeroplan points for all their flights, without exception.
You can also earn Aeroplan points with travel partners:
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:
Air Canada has wholly revised ways to earn Aeroplan points around three postulates:
As a result, Aeroplan’s eStore will welcome more partners.
But the part that will undoubtedly be the most appreciated by members: it is possible to track the number of Aeroplan points accumulated for each purchase (transaction or points pending, credited, cancelled, etc.).
The Aeroplan eStore will also be the place to be:
Gift cards can be electronic or physical, and there’s plenty of merchandise to choose from.
You’ll be able to pay with points or cash (while earning points)!
Aeroplan points can also be used for non-airline travel rewards:
You can pay with Aeroplan points, or with cash (while earning Aeroplan points).
The Aeroplan program is therefore based on two main aspects:
Let’s take an in-depth look at the Aeroplan price structure.
Here are all the 4 travel zones and 6 possible combinations within the chart:
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 Aeroplan pricing offers 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, don’t forget that all Air Canada seats are available as tickets 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 is possible to search for advantageous routes on various partner companies such as..:
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:
A short-haul flight costs as little as 7,500 points and allows you to reach almost all European capitals from a hub like Frankfurt with Lufthansa.
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 costs as little as 8,000 points. There are many sweet spots in this area, especially in Japan.
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):
Don’t forget you can add a stopover on a one-way flight for 5,000 points. This opens up a host of possibilities for both Economy and Business flights.
For example, you can score a one-way business class flight from Singapore to Sydney on Singapore Airlines for only 45,000 points.
In economy class, the same flight costs 25,000 points.
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.
Air Canada flights all start at the level of points required for airline partners.
The great novelty is that you’ll be able to travel without paying carrier surcharges on Air Canada flights and other partner airlines such as Lufthansa, Austrian, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Turkish Airlines.
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).
Direct connections between Montreal and Tokyo, Beijing and Shanghai start at 50,000 points in one-way economy. For other destinations such as Singapore, Sydney or Auckland, connecting flights are added, and can be obtained from 60,000 points in one-way economy.
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:
Between these two zones, the pricing is fixed. Aeroplan members can book not only with Star Alliance airlines (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, etc.) but also with partner airlines such as Etihad Airways.
A first-class flight on Etihad Airways between Singapore and Abu Dhabi costs just 80,000 points one way, for example.
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 needs more points.
Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between Pacific and South America Zones:
Here is Aeroplan’s chart for travel between North America and South America Zones:
From Montreal or Toronto, many destinations are accessible with the first tranche. In any case, it costs from 30,000 points one way.
With Aeroplan Elite Status, Air Canada aims to :
Here are the main topics regarding the new Aeroplan Elite Status:
The Aeroplan program assigns a status level according to this:
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 is weighted by two other factors:
A ticket booked at standard fare allows you to accumulate 25% of the distance flown, while a Business Class flight allows you to accumulate 150% of the distance flown.
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.
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 still have spent a certain number of Status Qualifying Dollars to obtain your status.
There are five Aeroplan Elite Status levels :
For each of these levels, there are:
Selected privileges must be chosen by December 30 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:
Aeroplan Elite Status is valid until December 31 of each year.
All benefits are digital and immediately recognized by Air Canada staff on presentation of the digital membership card.
Air Canada has Priority Rewards for its Aeroplan program.
These Priority Rewards entitle you to a 50% discount coupon for certain geographical 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 also offers the Status Pass option in the Aeroplan program.
The Status Pass allows Aeroplan 50K members and above to offer 50K status to the person of their choice.
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):
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.
Aeroplan credit cards introduced by American Express, CIBC and TD offer advantages for qualifying for or renewing Aeroplan status.
Some Aeroplan credit cards offer the opportunity to earn after every $10,000 in purchases ($5,000 in purchases for certain Business and Premium cards):
What’s more, with an Aeroplan credit card, Aeroplan Members have access to preferential flights rewards.
To learn more about the benefits of the new Aeroplan credit cards, read this post.
Air Canada makes it easier to qualify for Aeroplan 25K status.
Members who earns 100,000 Aeroplan points from any eligible source will earn Aeroplan 25K status.
Eligible sources are all base and bonus points earned directly with:
Non-eligible sources are all base and bonus points earned with:
There are many Aeroplan credit cards issued by American Express, CIBC and TD.
Below is a list of the major Aeroplan credit cards. For more information, read:
All Aeroplan credit cardholders benefit from a preferred rate on Aeroplan 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.
Some preferential rates can even be lower than the posted minimum rate!
Not all Aeroplan credit cardholders have to worry about their Aeroplan points expiring.
Under normal circumstances, Aeroplan Points expire after 18 months of inactivity on the account. And there are various ways to keep an account active (by making a qualifying purchase in the eStore, for example).
Certain Aeroplan credit card holders benefit from free first-baggage check-in on all Air Canada flights (airline rewards or paid tickets)!
This benefit is valid for:
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:
Additional cardholders also enjoy certain benefits with Air Canada.
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:
Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege credit cardholders will also enjoy 6 annual DragonPass airport lounge accesses.
Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege Cardholders and American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers will get airport benefits:
Aeroplan Privilege Visa Infinite and American Express Aeroplan Reserve credit cardholders are eligible for a 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 of particular interest to Aeroplan Elite members. Some credit card holders can get a leg up to qualify for Elite status.
You can earn 1,000 Status Qualification Miles (SQM) and 1 Status Qualification Segment (SQS) for every $10,000 in annual purchases ($5,000 in purchases for certain Premium cards).
And there is no limit to the number of SQM and SQS you can earn!
If necessary, Aeroplan Visa Infinite Preferred and American Express Aeroplan Reserve credit cardholders may have their unused Status Qualifying Miles (SQMs) or eUpgrades credits carried over to the following year.
This is a valuable benefit for certain Aeroplan Elite Members!