Aeroplan is the premier travel loyalty program in Canada, primarily associated with Air Canada. Since its complete relaunch in 2020, the program has evolved into a versatile system that allows members to earn and redeem points across a vast network of travel and retail partners. Whether you are a frequent business traveler or someone looking to save money on an annual family vacation, understanding how Aeroplan works can provide significant financial value.
The program is designed to be accessible to everyone, not just those who fly often. By integrating points-earning opportunities into everyday activities like grocery shopping, dining out, and online shopping, Aeroplan has become a comprehensive lifestyle loyalty program. This guide will walk you through the basics of the program, how to build your points balance, and the most effective ways to use those points for your next adventure.
How to Join the Aeroplan Program
Joining Aeroplan is free and can be done in just a few minutes. You can sign up through the Air Canada website or the Air Canada mobile app. Once you register, you will receive a unique Aeroplan number that you will use whenever you book flights or shop with partners.
It is important to keep your account active by earning or redeeming at least one point every 18 months. If there is no activity in your account for 18 months, your points will expire. However, as long as you remain active, your points will stay in your account indefinitely, allowing you to save up for larger rewards like international business class flights.
How to Earn Aeroplan Points
There are several ways to accumulate Aeroplan points, ranging from travel to everyday spending. Diversifying how you earn points is the fastest way to reach your travel goals.
1. Flying with Air Canada and Partner Airlines
The most traditional way to earn points is by flying. You earn points on all flights operated by Air Canada. Additionally, because Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance (a global network of over 25 airlines), you can earn Aeroplan points when flying with partners like United Airlines, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines. Aeroplan also has unique partnerships with non-alliance airlines such as Emirates and Etihad Airways.
2. Aeroplan Co-branded Credit Cards
Using a co-branded credit card is often the fastest way to earn points. In Canada, TD, CIBC, and American Express offer Aeroplan credit cards. These cards typically offer a welcome bonus of thousands of points and allow you to earn points for every dollar you spend. Many of these cards also offer additional perks, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and airport lounge access.
3. Retail and Lifestyle Partners
Aeroplan has partnered with several major brands to help members earn points on daily purchases. Some of the most popular partnerships include:
- Starbucks: Link your Aeroplan account to your Starbucks Rewards account to earn points on reloads and purchases.
- Uber and Uber Eats: Earn points on eligible rides and food delivery orders.
- LCBO: Earn points on purchases made at retail locations in Ontario.
- Journie Rewards: Earn points on fuel and convenience store purchases at participating gas stations.
4. The Aeroplan eStore
The Aeroplan eStore is an online shopping portal that features hundreds of popular retailers, including Apple, Amazon, Dyson, and Sephora. By clicking through the eStore before making a purchase, you can earn extra points for every dollar spent. During special events like Black Friday, the eStore often offers “multipliers,” allowing you to earn up to 10 times the standard amount of points.
Redeeming Your Aeroplan Points
The true value of the Aeroplan program lies in how you use your points. While you can redeem points for merchandise, gift cards, and car rentals, the best value is almost always found in flight rewards.
Flight Rewards on Air Canada
Air Canada uses a dynamic pricing model for its own flights. This means the number of points required for a seat fluctuates based on the cash price of the ticket. If a flight is in high demand, it will cost more points. The benefit of this system is that every seat on every Air Canada flight is available for points redemption, with no blackout dates.
Partner Flight Rewards
Redeeming points for partner airlines works differently. Aeroplan uses a fixed-rate chart for partners based on the distance traveled and the geographic zones of the world. This often provides excellent value, especially for long-haul flights or premium cabins. When you book a partner airline, the price in points remains stable regardless of the cash price, provided there is “award availability” for that seat.
Points + Cash
If you do not have enough points for a full reward, Aeroplan allows you to use a combination of points and cash. This flexibility makes it easier to book a trip sooner rather than waiting until you have a massive balance.
Aeroplan Family Sharing
One of the most user-friendly features of the program is Aeroplan Family Sharing. This allows up to eight family members to link their accounts and pool their points into one shared balance. This makes it much easier to reach the required points for a family vacation, as points earned by children or occasional travelers can be combined with the points of frequent travelers.
Family Sharing is free to set up. All points earned by members of the group are added to the shared pool, and the designated “Family Lead” can choose which members have the authority to redeem the points.
Aeroplan Elite Status
For those who travel frequently, Aeroplan offers several levels of Elite Status, ranging from 25K to Super Elite. You earn status by reaching certain thresholds of “Status Qualifying” miles, segments, and dollars within a calendar year. Benefits of Elite Status include:
- Complimentary upgrades to Business Class or Premium Economy.
- Priority check-in and security clearance.
- Access to Maple Leaf Lounges.
- Additional checked baggage allowance.
- Priority phone support for bookings.
Tips for Getting the Most Value
To maximize your experience with the Aeroplan program, consider these helpful strategies:
- Book Early: For partner airlines, seat availability is limited. Booking several months in advance gives you the best chance of finding a seat at the lowest point price.
- Use the Aeroplan App: The mobile app is the easiest way to track your points, search for flights, and access your digital membership card.
- Watch for Transfer Bonuses: Occasionally, credit card programs like American Express Membership Rewards offer bonuses when you transfer your points into Aeroplan.
- Avoid Merchandise Redemptions: Generally, using points for toasters or gift cards provides lower value per point than booking a flight. Save your points for travel whenever possible.
The Aeroplan program is a powerful tool for anyone looking to make their travel more affordable. By understanding the various ways to earn points through everyday spending and learning how to navigate the redemption options, you can turn your daily expenses into your next getaway. For more information on travel planning and financial tips, explore our other guides on SearchAndHelp.com.