If you are searching for a loyalty program that offers broad global coverage, flexible redemption options, and strong opportunities to earn rewards through everyday spending, the Air Canada Aeroplan program is well worth your attention.

Aeroplan is the frequent flyer program of Air Canada and serves as a core member of the Star Alliance, connecting travelers to more than one thousand destinations through airlines such as United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. 

Beyond its alliance network, Aeroplan maintains additional partnerships with airlines including Emirates, Oman Air, and Air Mauritius, expanding its reach to nearly every major region of the world. 

Unlike some frequent flyer programs that rely on rigid award charts or heavy surcharges, Aeroplan uses a hybrid distance-based and dynamic pricing model that balances consistency with flexibility. This structure allows members to find exceptional value on both short-haul and long-haul flights, particularly when booking partner airlines or premium cabins.

Earning Aeroplan points is equally accessible. Members can accumulate points through paid flights on Air Canada and partner airlines, everyday purchases with Aeroplan credit cards, shopping through the Aeroplan eStore, and transfers from major bank programs such as American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards.

With its strong earning potential, wide partner network, and transparent redemption system, Aeroplan has become one of the most valuable and traveler-friendly loyalty programs in North America.

Air Canada Aeroplan Airline Partners

One of the greatest strengths of the Air Canada Aeroplan program is its extensive network of airline partners. Through both alliance and non-alliance relationships, Aeroplan connects members to more than one thousand destinations across six continents, offering the flexibility to earn and redeem points almost anywhere in the world.

Star Alliance Partners

Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance, the largest global airline network. The alliance brings together more than twenty-five airlines serving over 190 countries and more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. As an Air Canada Aeroplan member, you can earn and redeem points across the entire Star Alliance network, giving you seamless access to destinations throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and beyond.

Here are the current Star Alliance member airlines:

• Aegean Airlines (Greece)
• Air Canada (Canada)
• Air China (China)
• Air India (India)
• Air New Zealand (New Zealand)
• All Nippon Airways – ANA (Japan)
• Asiana Airlines (South Korea)
• Austrian Airlines (Austria)
• Avianca (Colombia)
• Brussels Airlines (Belgium)
• Copa Airlines (Panama)
• Croatia Airlines (Croatia)
• EgyptAir (Egypt)
• Ethiopian Airlines (Ethiopia)
• EVA Air (Taiwan)
• ITA Airways (Italy) – joining in 2026
• LOT Polish Airlines (Poland)
• Lufthansa (Germany)
• Shenzhen Airlines (China)
• Singapore Airlines (Singapore)
• South African Airways (South Africa)
• Swiss International Air Lines (Switzerland)
• TAP Air Portugal (Portugal)
• Thai Airways (Thailand)
• Turkish Airlines (Turkey)
• United Airlines (United States of America)

This global alliance gives Aeroplan members access to one of the most comprehensive flight networks in the world. Whether you are booking a short regional trip within Europe or a long-haul business class flight to Asia, Aeroplan points can be used to combine multiple Star Alliance airlines on a single itinerary, making complex international trips simple to plan and book.

Intermodal Partners

In addition to its member airlines, Star Alliance also includes intermodal partners that connect air and rail travel on a single booking. These partnerships allow passengers to combine flights and train segments under one itinerary, making travel across Europe more seamless.

Current Star Alliance intermodal partners:

• Deutsche Bahn (Germany)
• Austrian Federal Railways (Austria)

Non-Alliance Airline Partners

Beyond its Star Alliance membership, Air Canada Aeroplan has built partnerships with a range of independent and regional airlines. These non-alliance partners extend the global coverage of Aeroplan and provide valuable access to routes not served by Star Alliance carriers. Members can earn and redeem Aeroplan points with these airlines, often unlocking unique destinations and flexible connection options.

Current key non-alliance airline partners:

• Aer Lingus (Ireland)
• Air Dolomiti (Italy)
• Air Mauritius (Mauritius)
• Air Serbia (Serbia)
• Azul Brazilian Airlines (Brazil)
• Bamboo Airways (Vietnam)
• Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)
• Emirates (United Arab Emirates)
• Etihad Airways (United Arab Emirates)
• Eurowings (Germany)
• Flydubai (United Arab Emirates)
• GOL (Brazil)
• Gulf Air (Bahrain)
• Juneyao Airlines (China)
• Oman Air (Oman)
• Sri Lankan Airlines (Sri Lanka)
• Virgin Australia (Australia)

These partnerships give Air Canada Aeroplan one of the broadest redemption networks of any airline loyalty program. Travelers can use points to reach destinations across the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia that are not easily accessible through Star Alliance routes.

TPA Pro Tip: Partnerships can change over time, so it is always best to confirm current partners on the official Air Canada Aeroplan website before booking.

Air Canada Aeroplan Member Benefits

The Air Canada Aeroplan program rewards loyalty through a structured system of elite status tiers designed to enhance every stage of travel. From faster airport service to complimentary upgrades and exclusive lounge access, Aeroplan Elite Status delivers valuable perks that make each trip more comfortable and efficient.

Members progress through five published tiers – 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite – based on qualifying activity each calendar year. Elite status is earned by accumulating Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) on eligible Air Canada and partner airline flights.

Aeroplan Elite Status Tiers

Here is an overview of the four core elite tiers and their main benefits:

Each tier builds on the previous one, adding new privileges that improve comfort, flexibility, and value. From early boarding to priority rebooking during delays, Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status offers meaningful benefits across every stage of travel.

How Aeroplan Elite Status Works

Understanding how Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status is earned makes it easier to plan your travel and spending throughout the year. The program tracks your progress using specific qualification metrics that measure both flight activity and spending with Air Canada and its partners.

Qualification Metrics (Through 2025)

• Status Qualifying Miles (SQM): Based on the distance flown and fare class purchased.
• Status Qualifying Segments (SQS): Based on the number of flight segments flown.
• Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD): Reflects eligible spending on base fares and surcharges for Air Canada-marketed flights.

Transition To Status Qualifying Credits (2026)

Starting January 1, 2026, Air Canada Aeroplan will move to a single-credit system that measures qualifying activity in one unified metric – Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). Members will earn credits through a combination of flight spend, travel on partner airlines, and qualifying purchases made with Aeroplan credit cards or participating partners. 

This change is designed to simplify tracking progress toward elite status while maintaining strong earning potential for both frequent flyers and everyday spenders.

Star Alliance Elite Recognition

Holding Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status also provides recognition across all Star Alliance member airlines.

• Aeroplan 25K corresponds to Star Alliance Silver, offering priority waitlisting and airport standby benefits.
• Aeroplan 50K and higher correspond to Star Alliance Gold, which provides worldwide lounge access, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling when flying with any Star Alliance partner.

These alliance-wide privileges ensure that Air Canada Aeroplan status retains its value no matter which partner airline you fly.

Aeroplan Million Mile Program

For the most loyal Air Canada travelers, the Aeroplan Million Mile program offers lifetime elite benefits based on total miles flown with Air Canada.

• Members reaching one million lifetime miles receive Aeroplan 50K status for life.
• Higher milestones can unlock even greater privileges, ensuring long-term recognition and consistent comfort for frequent flyers.

How To Qualify For Aeroplan Elite Status

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan Elite Status is based on your overall travel activity with Air Canada, its regional subsidiaries, and Star Alliance or partner airlines. The program rewards both frequent flyers and travelers who plan strategically, since shorter connecting flights and select premium cabins can help you progress faster.

Understanding how Air Canada Aeroplan calculates qualification – and how those rules will evolve in 2026 – can help you set clear goals and make every trip count toward valuable perks like upgrades, priority services, and lounge access.

Earning Status Qualifying Miles (SQM), Segments (SQS), and Dollars (SQD)

Through December 31, 2025, Air Canada Aeroplan members qualify for elite status using three measurements:

• Status Qualifying Miles (SQM): Earned based on the distance flown and the fare class purchased.
• Status Qualifying Segments (SQS): Earned for each flight segment taken, regardless of distance.
• Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD): Reflects the total base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges on Air Canada-marketed flights.

Members can meet the mileage (SQM) or segment (SQS) requirement – plus the spending threshold (SQD) – to reach each tier.

Example:

• A traveler who flies 26,000 miles on Air Canada and spends 3,500 CAD in base fares within a calendar year would qualify for Aeroplan 25K status.

Premium cabins and flexible fare classes earn additional SQM bonuses, allowing members to progress faster. Partner airline flights marketed by Star Alliance or eligible non-alliance partners also contribute to SQM and SQS totals, though SQD is generally earned only on Air Canada-ticketed flights.

Aeroplan Elite Status Requirements (2025)

Each qualification year runs from January 1 through December 31, and status is valid through the end of the following calendar year. Members who reach a higher tier before October 15 are often recognized early, unlocking benefits immediately.

Aeroplan Elite Status Requirements (2026)

Starting January 1, 2026, Air Canada Aeroplan will introduce a single-metric qualification system called Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). This new framework simplifies tracking progress by combining flight activity and spending into one cumulative total.

Members will earn SQC based on:

• Dollars spent on Air Canada flights.
• Distance and fare class on partner airline flights.
• Spending with Aeroplan credit cards and select program partners.

This change aims to make status qualification more flexible and transparent, rewarding members who engage with the Aeroplan ecosystem even when they are not flying frequently. Travelers can still expect tier thresholds similar in effort to the current SQM / SQS / SQD system.

Maintaining And Requalifying For Status

Once you achieve a tier, you must re-earn the same qualification level within the next calendar year to maintain it. If you fall short, Air Canada Aeroplan applies a “soft landing” policy that typically lowers your tier by only one level rather than removing status completely.

Example:

• A 50K member who does not meet the qualification requirements in the next year would usually drop to 35K, not back to the base level.

Members who exceed the qualification thresholds benefit from rollover SQM and eUpgrade credits, giving them a head start on the next year’s progress and added flexibility when planning travel.

Fast-Track Options With Aeroplan Credit Cards

Select Air Canada Aeroplan co-branded credit cards can accelerate your journey to elite status. Many premium cards offer:

• Bonus Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) after reaching specific annual spending thresholds.
• Automatic 25K status for the first year after card approval.
• Annual Status Boosts or Priority Reward vouchers for ongoing spending.

For travelers in Canada, multiple cards from TD, CIBC, and American Express offer direct Aeroplan earning and status advantages. In the United States, the Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase provides strong earning categories, automatic preferred pricing on award flights, and unique redemption perks.

How To Earn Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Earning Air Canada Aeroplan points is the foundation of unlocking free flights, upgrades, and premium travel experiences. While flying with Air Canada and its partners is an effective way to earn, the program also offers many other opportunities through credit cards, retail partners, hotel chains, and bank transfer programs.

By combining several earning channels, travelers can build a points balance quickly and reach meaningful redemptions faster than with most traditional frequent flyer programs.

Earn Points By Flying

Air Canada Aeroplan members earn points on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, Air Canada Rouge, and all Star Alliance and eligible non-alliance partners. The number of miles earned depends on:

• Ticket Price: Aeroplan members earn miles based on the amount spent on Air Canada flights (excluding taxes and fees)
• Elite Status: Higher-tier members earn bonus miles on Air Canada flights
• Distance And Fare Class: Partner airline flights earn miles based on distance flown and ticket class

Air Canada Flights

For flights marketed by Air Canada, the number of points earned is based on the fare paid, not the distance flown. Members earn Air Canada Aeroplan points on the base fare and carrier-imposed surcharges, excluding taxes and third-party fees.

Earning rates on Air Canada flights:

Example:

• A traveler with Aeroplan 50K status who books a $600 CAD base fare (excluding taxes and fees) would earn 750 Aeroplan points ($600 × 1.25).

This structure rewards members who spend strategically, while status bonuses accelerate progress toward premium travel.

Star Alliance And Partner Flights

When flying with Star Alliance or non-alliance partners, Air Canada Aeroplan points are earned based on distance flown and fare class purchased.

• Premium cabin fares earn a higher percentage of the miles flown.
• Discounted economy fares earn a smaller percentage.
• Each partner has its own earning chart, which can be viewed on the Aeroplan website before booking.

Example:

• A Business Class flight from New York City (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) on Lufthansa may earn 125% of the miles flown, while an Economy Class fare on the same route might earn 50%.

Because partner earnings are distance-based, long-haul itineraries – especially in premium cabins – can yield significant points.

TPA Pro Tip: You can find current earning rates for each partner airline on the official Air Canada Aeroplan partner earning charts page. Checking these charts before booking helps you maximize earning potential on every trip.

Earn Points Through Everyday Spending

Air Canada Aeroplan points are not limited to flying. Members can earn points through shopping, dining, and travel with a wide range of everyday Aeroplan partners.

Aeroplan eStore

The Aeroplan eStore is an online shopping portal that rewards members for purchases made through partnered retailers.

• Earn between 1 and 10 points per dollar spent at popular stores like Apple, Dyson, Sephora, and Nike.
• Watch for limited-time bonus promotions that offer double or triple points.
• Stack rewards by paying with an Aeroplan credit card to earn points twice – once from the eStore and once from the card itself.

Example:

• If you purchase $200 worth of merchandise at a store offering 5 points per dollar through the eStore, and pay with a Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase that earns 3 points per dollar on travel and groceries, you would earn 1,000 points from the eStore and 600 points from the card, for a total of 1,600 Aeroplan points.

Retail And Lifestyle Partners

Aeroplan members can also earn points with several lifestyle and travel brands.

• Starbucks – Link your Aeroplan and Starbucks accounts to earn points on eligible purchases.
• Uber and Uber Eats – Earn points on rides and food orders within Canada.
• Avis and Budget – Earn points on qualifying car rentals.
• Marriott Bonvoy – Earn or transfer points for hotel stays.

These partnerships make it easy to grow your balance through routine activities.

Earn Points With Aeroplan Credit Cards

Credit cards are one of the fastest and most flexible ways to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points. Air Canada partners with several major banks in both Canada and the United States to offer co-branded cards that deliver strong earning rates, welcome bonuses, and travel perks.

Aeroplan Credit Cards In Canada

In Canada, Air Canada Aeroplan cards are issued through TD, CIBC, and American Express, each offering multiple tiers of benefits.

These cards are ideal for Canadian travelers who frequently fly Air Canada or want benefits like priority check-in and lounge access.

Aeroplan Credit Card In The United States

For U.S. travelers, the Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase is the primary co-branded option.

Key features include:

• Up to 3x points on Air Canada purchases, dining, and groceries.
• 500 bonus points for every $2,000 spent, up to 1,500 points per month.
• Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights for the cardholder and up to eight companions.
• Automatic Aeroplan 25K Status for the first year and annual Status Level boosts based on spending.
• Preferred award pricing when redeeming Aeroplan points.

Using this card allows U.S. travelers to build Aeroplan points efficiently while earning elite-like perks even without frequent flying.

Transfer Points To Aeroplan

One of the best ways to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points is through transferable credit card programs. Aeroplan is a transfer partner of almost all major U.S. bank points programs, which makes it one of the easiest airline programs to top up.

You can transfer points to Air Canada Aeroplan from the following programs, generally at a 1:1 ratio:

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Bilt Rewards
• Capital One Miles
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Mesa Points

Note: Holders of the Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase receive a 10% transfer bonus when converting Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Air Canada Aeroplan, making it easier to boost their balance for award flights.

Additionally, Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred.

Transfers typically process within minutes to a few hours, although Marriott transfers may take longer.

Watch For Transfer Bonuses

Air Canada Aeroplan occasionally partners with banks like American Express, Chase, and Capital One to offer transfer bonuses, often ranging from 10% to 20%. Timing your transfers during one of these promotions can significantly boost your balance and make redemptions more affordable.

Buy, Gift, or Transfer Aeroplan Points

If you are just short of an award redemption, Air Canada Aeroplan allows members to buy, gift, or transfer points through their online portal. Standard rate is approximately 3.5 cents per point, but Air Canada frequently runs bonus sales offering up to 100% more points, effectively cutting the cost in half.

Buying points can make sense when topping off for premium cabin awards during a promotion.

Example:

• If you need 10,000 more points to book a 60,000-point Business Class award and Aeroplan is running a 100% bonus sale, you could purchase those points for about 175 CAD instead of 350 CAD, unlocking a high-value redemption with minimal extra cost.

How To Redeem Air Canada Aeroplan Points

Redeeming Air Canada Aeroplan points is where the program’s value truly shines. With a flexible hybrid pricing system, a vast partner network, and generous routing rules, members can book everything from short-haul flights within Canada to luxurious Business Class journeys around the world.

Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada, Star Alliance partners, and a wide range of non-alliance airlines, along with select upgrades and travel extras.

Air Canada Award Flights

Air Canada Aeroplan uses a hybrid dynamic pricing model for Air Canada-operated flights. This means award rates vary based on the route, cabin class, and demand. While prices fluctuate, members can often find excellent deals – especially during off-peak periods or by booking early.

Key features of Air Canada award flights:

• One-way and round-trip awards are available in Economy Class, Premium Economy, and Business Class.
• Taxes and fees apply, but Air Canada has eliminated fuel surcharges, keeping costs predictable.
• Preferred Pricing is available for Aeroplan credit cardholders and members with elite status, offering lower point requirements on Air Canada flights.

Example:

• A one-way Business Class flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Vancouver (YVR) might range from 25,000 to 45,000 points, depending on the season and availability.

How To Search And Book Award Flights

You can search and book award flights directly on the Air Canada Aeroplan website or mobile app. The process is simple and provides full visibility into both Air Canada and most partner airline availability.

Steps to search and book Aeroplan award flights:

• Log in to your Aeroplan account.
• Select the option to “Book with Aeroplan points.”
• Enter your departure and destination airports along with your preferred dates.
• Use the flexible date view to compare point requirements across several days.
• Review available itineraries and select the flight combination that offers the best value.

Aeroplan allows one-way or round-trip bookings online in Economy Class, Premium Economy, Business Class, and First Class, with many itineraries combining Air Canada and partner airlines on a single ticket.

TPA Pro Tip: If a specific partner flight does not appear online, contact the Aeroplan Service Center for assistance. Certain non-alliance partners – such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, or Gulf Air – may have limited online visibility, but agents can sometimes book those flights by phone using available award inventory.

Star Alliance And Partner Award Flights

One of the greatest advantages of Air Canada Aeroplan is its access to more than 45 partner airlines across Star Alliance and non-alliance networks. These award flights use a distance-based pricing model, which is often more predictable and offers exceptional value compared to the dynamic pricing with Air Canada.

Key features of partner redemptions:

• Pricing follows the Aeroplan published Flight Reward Chart based on total travel distance and region.
• Partner awards are not affected by dynamic pricing.
• A flat partner booking fee of 39 CAD applies per ticket.
• Members can mix Air Canada and partner flights on the same itinerary.

Examples:

• A one-way Business Class flight from New York City (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) on Lufthansa will cost 60,000 points.
• A one-way flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Tokyo (HND) on All Nippon Airways (ANA) can cost 75,000 points in Business Class.

Because partner redemptions are distance-based, travelers can often secure long-haul premium seats for less than other major airline programs charge.

Important Update

Starting March 25, 2025, Air Canada Aeroplan will begin applying the same dynamic pricing model used for its own flights to award tickets on select partner airlines. These include:

• United Airlines
• Emirates
• Etihad Airways
• FlyDubai
• Regional Partners (such as Air Creebec, Canadian North, and PAL Airlines)

For these partners, award rates will fluctuate based on demand, route, and cabin class, rather than following the fixed distance-based chart. All other Star Alliance and non-alliance partners will continue to use the traditional distance-based pricing system.

Aeroplan Award Chart Overview

Air Canada Aeroplan divides the world into four main travel zones:

• North America
• Atlantic
• Pacific
• South America

Each zone pairing has its own distance-based award chart, which sets the number of points required for a flight based on the total mileage flown.

Example (North America to Atlantic Zone):

This structure provides predictability for partner flights while maintaining flexibility for Air Canada-operated routes.

Stopovers And Multi-City Awards

Air Canada Aeroplan offers one of the most generous routing policies among airline programs. Members can add one stopover per direction on international award itineraries for just 5,000 additional points. This feature allows travelers to explore multiple cities or regions on a single ticket.

Example:

• Fly from Toronto (YYZ) to Rome (FCO) with a stopover in Lisbon (LIS) for 5,000 extra points. The total might cost around 65,000 points in Business Class instead of booking two separate one-way awards.

Stopovers can be booked online for most partner airlines and add significant flexibility for complex itineraries.

Upgrades With Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan points can also be used to upgrade paid Air Canada tickets to a higher cabin class, giving members a chance to experience premium cabins without redeeming a full award.

Eligible Upgrades

• Economy Class to Premium Economy
• Premium Economy to Business Class
• Business Class to Signature Class (on select international routes)

Upgrade pricing depends on route, fare class, and availability. Upgrades can be requested online or at the airport.

Key Considerations

• Only eligible fare classes qualify for upgrades. Deeply discounted tickets may not be eligible.
• Points are deducted at the time of confirmation.
• You continue to earn points and status credits based on your original fare.

Upgrades are an excellent way to stretch your Aeroplan points for added comfort on long-haul flights.

Other Redemption Options

While flight rewards offer the highest value, Air Canada Aeroplan points can also be redeemed for:

• Car rentals and hotels through the Air Canada travel portal.
• Air Canada gift cards and merchandise (generally lower value per point).
• Air Canada Vacations packages, though pricing varies.

While these options provide flexibility, flight redemptions almost always deliver the highest cents-per-point value. Members looking to maximize return should focus on award flights and upgrades.

How Much Are Aeroplan Points Worth

Because Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing, the value of your points depends on how you redeem them. TPA values Air Canada Aeroplan points at 1.50 cents per point when used for award flights. 

To estimate value:

Value (cents per point) = ((Cash Price – Taxes and Fees) / Points Required) × 100

Example:

If a Business Class ticket from New York City (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) costs $1,200, and the same flight costs 60,000 miles + $50 in taxes and fees, you can calculate the value like this:

((1,200 – 50) ÷ 60,000) × 100 = 1.92 cents per mile

In this case, you would be getting 1.92 cents of value per mile, which is a good redemption for Aeroplan points.

Advanced Tips For Maximizing Aeroplan

Once you understand how to earn and redeem Air Canada Aeroplan points, the next step is learning the techniques that experienced travelers use to unlock maximum value. The hybrid pricing model, extensive partner network, and frequent promotions of the Aeroplan program create many opportunities – but they also require careful planning to avoid poor-value redemptions.

Here are some advanced strategies and common mistakes to watch out for when using Aeroplan points.

• Search Before You Transfer Points: Always check Aeroplan award availability online before transferring flexible points since most transfers are final.
• Combine Transfer Bonuses With Promotions: Stack limited-time bank transfer bonuses or buy-points offers with Aeroplan award sales to significantly reduce redemption costs.
• Search Nearby Airports: Compare departure cities like Boston (BOS), Washington D.C. (IAD), and Montreal (YUL) – these often price lower than major hubs such as New York City (JFK) or Los Angeles (LAX).
• Book One-Way Awards for Flexibility: Aeroplan prices one-way tickets at exactly half the round-trip rate, letting you mix cabins, airlines, or even combine cash and points for more options.
• Add A Stopover For 5,000 Points: Take advantage of the generous Aeroplan stopover policy to include an extended visit in another city on one-way international awards for a small points premium.
• Watch Dynamic Pricing and Partner Updates: Beginning March 25, 2025, flights on United Airlines, Emirates, Etihad, FlyDubai, and regional partners will use dynamic pricing, so compare options before booking.
• Maximize Everyday Partners: Link your Aeroplan account to partners like Starbucks, Uber, and the Aeroplan eStore to earn points on daily purchases and stack rewards with your Aeroplan credit card.
• Keep Points From Expiring: Earn or redeem at least once every 18 months to maintain your balance, since inactivity resets expiration; small actions like eStore purchases qualify.
• Mix Star Alliance and Non-Alliance Partners: Combine carriers like Lufthansa, SWISS, and Emirates on a single award itinerary to reach destinations not served by one network alone.
• Monitor Taxes and Fees: Although Aeroplan eliminated fuel surcharges, partner and airport fees vary, so review the cash portion before booking to confirm strong value per point.
• Use eUpgrade Credits Strategically: Elite members can use eUpgrades to move from Economy Class or Premium Economy to Business Class, saving thousands of points compared to full premium redemptions.
• Watch for Limited-Time Offers: Regularly check the Aeroplan promotions page for transfer bonuses, discounted awards, and partner deals that can stretch your points much further.

Final Thoughts

The Air Canada Aeroplan program stands out as one of the most flexible and rewarding loyalty programs in the world. Its combination of dynamic and distance-based pricing, broad partner coverage, and everyday earning opportunities gives travelers a practical way to turn routine spending into meaningful travel experiences.

With more than forty airline partners, valuable stopover options, and strong transfer relationships with major bank programs, Aeroplan delivers exceptional reach and redemption power. Members who plan carefully can unlock premium cabin travel, multi-city itineraries, and global lounge access without spending significantly more.

By using Aeroplan credit cards, stacking partner offers, and staying alert for promotions, travelers can accelerate earning while keeping redemptions affordable. The addition of Status Qualifying Credits in 2026 will further simplify the path to elite status, making it easier for both frequent flyers and everyday spenders to enjoy premium benefits.

For anyone who values travel flexibility and consistent opportunities for high-value redemptions, Aeroplan remains one of the most versatile loyalty programs available today. Whether your next trip takes you across Canada or halfway around the world, Aeroplan points can help you get there for less – often in greater comfort than you imagined.

Kevin Zanes