Guide to Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada. Points can be earned by flying with Air Canada and Star Alliance partners, using Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, shopping through the Aeroplan eStore, and with select partners (car rentals, hotels, etc.).

Key facts: - Points don't expire as long as you have qualifying activity at least once every 12 months - You can book flights on Air Canada, United, Lufthansa, and 40+ Star Alliance airlines - Redemption value varies widely: from under 1¢/point (merchandise) to 2¢+/point (premium cabin flights) - Family sharing and pooling are available for certain members

Aeroplan vs. other Canadian points: Unlike cash back, Aeroplan points are best used for travel. Compared to Scene+ or RBC Avion, Aeroplan has the widest airline network and some of the best premium-cabin redemptions in Canada.

1. Aeroplan credit cards (fastest) The most efficient way to earn Aeroplan points is with a dedicated Aeroplan card: - TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite: Earn on everyday spend; often 1.5x–2x on travel, groceries, gas - Amex Aeroplan Reserve: Premium card with strong earn rates and lounge access - Amex Cobalt: 5x on food and groceries; points transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1 - CIBC Aeroplan Visa: No-fee and fee options for Aeroplan earners

Many cards offer welcome bonuses of 10,000–50,000+ points, which can be worth $200–$1,000+ in travel.

2. Flying Earn points when you fly Air Canada and Star Alliance. Earn rates depend on fare class and your Aeroplan status (Altitude).

3. Aeroplan eStore Shop through the eStore at hundreds of retailers and earn bonus points per dollar—stacked on top of your credit card rewards.

4. Other partners Rent cars, stay at partner hotels, or use select financial products to earn points. Rates are usually lower than cards or flying but can add up.

Aeroplan uses a dynamic and fixed award chart. Short-haul and North American flights often have fixed point costs; long-haul and premium cabins can be dynamic (points required vary by demand).

Booking with Air Canada: Search at aircanada.com or the Air Canada app when logged into your Aeroplan account. You can mix points and cash (Points + Cash).

Partner awards: For Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, etc.), you may need to search on the Aeroplan site or call. Partner availability can be limited but offers strong value on international routes.

Taxes and fees: You still pay carrier-imposed fees and taxes in cash. On Air Canada, expect roughly $50–$200+ in fees for long-haul flights depending on destination.

Best value redemptions: - North American economy: Short flights (e.g. Toronto–Montreal, Vancouver–Calgary) at fixed rates can deliver 1.5–2¢/point - Premium economy and business: Long-haul business class (e.g. to Europe or Asia) often gives 2–3¢/point or more compared to cash fares - Partner business class: Lufthansa, Swiss, and other partners can have excellent availability and value

Poor value (avoid if you want travel): - Merchandise and gift cards: often 0.5–0.8¢/point - Fixed-value statement credits: usually around 1¢/point - Last-minute domestic flights when cash prices are low

Pro tip: Book as far in advance as possible for popular routes and premium cabins; availability is limited.

Several Canadian credit card programs let you transfer points to Aeroplan:

- American Express Membership Rewards (e.g. Amex Cobalt, Amex Gold): Transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1. Often bonus transfer promotions. - TD Rewards: Can be converted to Aeroplan at a set ratio (check current rate). - RBC Avion: Can convert to Aeroplan; ratio and promotions vary.

Transfer only when you're ready to book; transfers are usually one-way and can take a few minutes to a few days. Always confirm transfer times and ratios on the issuer's site before transferring.

Redeeming for low-value options: Using points for merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits typically yields half the value (or less) of a good flight redemption.

Ignoring taxes and fees: A "free" flight can still cost $100–$400+ in fees. Factor that into your value calculation.

Letting points expire: Ensure at least one qualifying activity (flight, card spend, eStore, or partner) every 12 months so your balance doesn't expire.

Booking too late: Award space, especially in business class, fills up. Plan key trips months ahead.

Not comparing to cash: Sometimes a cheap cash fare is better than using points. Compare the cash price to (points × your value per point) plus fees.