Aeroplan points are highly valued and one of the top loyalty points programs in Canada, offering ease of accumulation and redemption. As of 2023, Aeroplan rewards never expire as long as you remain active in the program.
Here, we delve into the methods for earning and redeeming Aeroplan points, assess the value of an Aeroplan point, and provide strategies for maximizing your rewards to indulge in luxury travel experiences.
Collecting Aeroplan rewards points remains relatively unchanged, although Air Canada continues to expand its network of retail partners, with plans to add more travel partners in the coming year. Aeroplan points are easily earned due to the program’s popularity among Canadians.
You can earn Aeroplan points in the following primary ways:
Here’s how to collect Aeroplan rewards points effectively:
When choosing an Aeroplan credit card, it’s essential to understand the various options available:
To make an informed decision, consider factors such as annual fees, earn rates, welcome bonuses, additional benefits, and how well the card aligns with your spending habits and travel preferences. For a comprehensive list and detailed comparison of the best Aeroplan credit cards, refer to our guide.
Aeroplan boasts numerous partner merchants, frequently patronized by members in their day-to-day activities. Notable partners encompass Starbucks, Uber & Uber Eats, LCBO, Amazon, and an array of brands spanning electronics, fashion, home decor, and health sectors. Each Aeroplan partner extends distinct avenues for members to accrue and utilize points via purchases or promotional offers. Here’s a categorical breakdown of Aeroplan partners:
You have the option to convert your hotel points to Aeroplan points through partnerships with hotels such as Fairmont, Sofitel, Hilton, Le Germain, and Omni hotels. Here’s a list of hotel partners where you can earn points:
Additionally, you can earn 1 point per dollar spent at Clique Hotels & Resorts (including Blackcomb, Acclaim, and Applause properties), and 250 points per stay at Nova hotels (including Nova Inn and Chateau Nova properties), among others.
When planning your travels, it’s worthwhile to explore Aeroplan’s comprehensive list of accommodation partners.
Some of these merchants only offer Aeroplan points for online purchases, excluding in-store transactions. For instance, while you can earn Aeroplan points for online purchases, in-store transactions won’t accrue any Aeroplan points.
The Aeroplan eStore serves as a valuable resource for frequent online shoppers, featuring over 260 retail and other partners affiliated with Aeroplan. Each retailer offers its own earning rate, and some may periodically run promotions offering additional miles. Popular brands available on the Aeroplan eStore include amazon.ca, chapters.indigo.ca, Bed Bath & Beyond, Etsy, Dyson, and many more.
Here is the complete list of Aeroplan partners:
Aeroplan’s new points chart has replaced the previous fixed mileage and market fare rewards options with a dynamic pricing model. The chart is divided into four zones: North America, Atlantic, Pacific, and South America. The number of points required for redemption depends on various factors such as the market value of the flight, travel distance, and demand. While fixed point redemption values are still available for partner airlines, Air Canada flights now display a range of potential points needed for redemption. The specific number of points required for a particular flight can only be determined when selecting the flight.
In the chart provided above, you’ll notice that each class of ticket for Air Canada flights presents a range of potential points needed for redemption. In contrast, partner airlines have fixed numbers of points required. While the simplicity of the fixed point system for partner airline redemptions is appealing, it often results in longer routes due to stopovers and limited seat selection.
Upon reviewing the new Aeroplan Chart, you may observe increases in the points required for many routes, particularly in the Atlantic and Pacific zones. However, under the new Aeroplan Points program, carrier surcharges have been eliminated, and there’s improved flight availability since blackout dates and seat availability limitations have been removed.
To estimate the points needed for Air Canada flights, you can utilize the Points Predictor Tool provided by Air Canada. This tool offers an approximation of the points required for your desired flight.
For instance, flights from North America to the Atlantic zones typically vary in points required. A journey from Toronto to a European destination like Paris, covering around 3700 miles, might range from 35,000 to 60,000 points for economy class each way. In comparison, a partner airline seat on a similar route would have a fixed point cost of 35,000. While Air Canada flights offer more flexibility with no restrictions on flight reward redemptions, partner airlines may provide fewer stopovers and greater selection.
Redeeming Aeroplan Points has become more streamlined, eliminating the need for a separate website. Now, you can easily search and redeem your flight rewards directly on aircanada.com or the Air Canada app. Additionally, aircanada.com is the platform where you can use your points for various other items such as merchandise, rental cars, hotel stays, gift cards, and more.
Travel redemptions encompass flights with any Star Alliance member, including Air Canada, as well as other travel-related purchases like hotels, car rentals, or vacation packages. For merchandise options, there’s a diverse selection available, spanning from fashion accessories to cookware. Alternatively, you can opt to redeem your points for gift cards instead of physical products.
Furthermore, the new Aeroplan Points program allows for a combination of points and cash when booking, offering enhanced flexibility in your redemption options.
With the updated Aeroplan chart, the value of an Aeroplan point is no longer fixed, especially concerning flights, as it varies based on redemption type and timing. Typically, flights offer the highest value for Aeroplan Points, while car rentals typically yield lower value.
Beyond this general guideline, various factors influence point value. Previously, it was simpler to determine value based on factors like distance and destination. However, with the dynamic pricing model, factors such as miles traveled, flight popularity, and seasonality play crucial roles.
When redeeming Aeroplan Points, aiming for the lowest end of the points range for Air Canada flights ensures the best cost per mile (CPM).
Under the previous Aeroplan Miles program, the average value of 1 point was approximately 1.4 cents. Achieving equal or higher value when redeeming points indicates a good return. However, without a fixed pricing model, calculating a precise value for the new Aeroplan Points becomes challenging. It’s advisable to assess each redemption individually to ensure optimal value.
When evaluating the value of Aeroplan Points for a flight from Toronto to Paris in consider the total ticket cost, which amounts to approximately $905.97. Deducting the taxes and third-party charges of $141.97, the net value of the flight is $764.
To assess the value of Aeroplan Points, compare this net value with the points required for the flight. For instance, if a rewards economy ticket requires 70,000 Aeroplan Points (35,000 each way) on the low end, each point would be valued at approximately 1.09 cents ($764 ÷ 70,000 = 0.0109). This value falls slightly below the average Aeroplan Point value under the old program (approximately 1.4 cents).
However, if redemption falls on the higher end, such as 60,000 points each way, the value of each point would decrease further.
It’s essential to consider such calculations to ensure you’re maximizing the value of your rewards.
Aeroplan has simplified point pooling with the introduction of Aeroplan Family Sharing, which doesn’t necessitate familial ties among members. This feature enables the creation of a group of up to 8 members, consolidating all earned points into a shared balance. Any group member can then utilize points from this pool to redeem flight rewards. Moreover, if an Elite Status Member or primary Aeroplan Credit Cardholder is part of the group, everyone can enjoy preferred pricing, potentially requiring fewer points for redemption.
One of the most common inquiries we receive at Myfinancesguru.com relates to Aeroplan points expiration. Previously, Aeroplan members had a seven-year window to utilize their points before expiry, but this policy has since changed. As of now, Aeroplan points do not expire as long as you actively collect them. However, if your Aeroplan account remains inactive for 18 months (previously 12 months), your points will expire. It’s essential to note that this expiry timeframe is relatively short compared to other travel rewards programs like Air Miles.
To prevent points from expiring, it’s crucial to continue collecting them actively. With numerous Aeroplan credit cards and partners across Canada, this should be easily manageable. For further insights, refer to our guide on Aeroplan Mistakes to Avoid.
For additional information on recent Aeroplan changes, such as the introduction of family sharing, elimination of surcharges, and updates to the stopover policy, explore our comprehensive article on Aeroplan changes.
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