Air Canada Aeroplan: Jesus it is Great using Points!

Air Canada’s Aeroplan is one of the most flexible and rewarding loyalty programs available, offering members a range of benefits that cater to all types of travelers. Whether you’re a casual vacationer or a frequent flyer, Aeroplan provides a variety of ways to earn and redeem points for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, and even lifestyle rewards. This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of the Aeroplan program, including how to earn points, the different membership tiers, and strategies to maximize your rewards.

Introduction to Air Canada Aeroplan

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, offering members the ability to earn points through flying, credit card spending, and partner activities. These points can be redeemed for flights with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, as well as for non-flight rewards like hotels, car rentals, and gift cards. Aeroplan members also benefit from a robust partner network, including over 45 airline partners across the globe, giving travelers flexibility and options for earning and using points.

Aeroplan Membership Tiers

Aeroplan offers different status tiers that provide increasing levels of benefits as you earn more points. These tiers are part of the Aeroplan Elite Status program, which rewards frequent flyers with enhanced perks. Here’s a breakdown of the Aeroplan membership tiers:

• Aeroplan Member (Base Level)
  • Qualifying Requirement: Sign up for free.
  • Benefits: Earn Aeroplan points on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping. Members also get access to special promotions and the ability to start accumulating points for free flights.
  • Key Tip: Even at the base level, there are numerous ways to earn points, making it easy for beginners to start building their balances quickly.
• Aeroplan 25K
  • Qualifying Requirement: Earn 25,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) or 25 Status Qualifying Segments (SQS) plus a minimum of $3,000 Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD).
  • Benefits: Members enjoy priority check-in, early boarding, one complimentary checked bag, and access to eUpgrade credits. Members also earn an additional 25% bonus on Aeroplan points for Air Canada flights.
  • Notable Perk: The access to eUpgrade credits allows you to upgrade your seat class on eligible flights, adding comfort to your journey.
• Aeroplan 35K
  • Qualifying Requirement: Earn 35,000 SQM or 35 SQS plus $4,000 SQD.
  • Benefits: Includes all 25K benefits, plus priority security, two complimentary checked bags, and Maple Leaf Lounge access within North America. Members also earn a 35% bonus on points when flying with Air Canada.
  • Why It Matters: Lounge access and priority services make travel more comfortable and efficient, especially during long layovers or busy travel periods.
• Aeroplan 50K
  • Qualifying Requirement: Earn 50,000 SQM or 50 SQS plus $6,000 SQD.
  • Benefits: All 35K benefits, plus three complimentary checked bags, preferred seat selection, and Oneworld Ruby status. Members also enjoy higher priority for upgrades and a 50% points bonus on Air Canada flights.
  • The Lounge Benefit: Gaining access to more Maple Leaf Lounges, including international lounges, elevates your travel experience significantly.
• Aeroplan 75K
  • Qualifying Requirement: Earn 75,000 SQM or 75 SQS plus $9,000 SQD.
  • Benefits: Includes all 50K perks, plus higher priority for upgrades, four complimentary checked bags, a 75% bonus on Aeroplan points, and Oneworld Sapphire status, which provides access to premium lounges on partner airlines.
  • The Upgrade Advantage: The increased upgrade priority, combined with more eUpgrade credits, makes it easier for frequent travelers to fly in comfort.
• Aeroplan Super Elite
  • Qualifying Requirement: Earn 100,000 SQM or 100 SQS plus $20,000 SQD.
  • Benefits: All 75K benefits, plus the highest priority for upgrades, six complimentary checked bags, and access to Air Canada Concierge service at select airports. Members also earn a 100% bonus on Aeroplan points for Air Canada flights.
  • The Ultimate Perk: The Concierge service ensures that members have a seamless experience from check-in to boarding, providing dedicated assistance for any needs.

Earning Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan makes earning points easy, whether you’re in the air or on the ground:

• Flights
  • Air Canada and Star Alliance Partners: Earn Aeroplan points based on the distance flown and the fare class when traveling with Air Canada or one of its Star Alliance partners, including Lufthansa, United, and ANA.
  • Class Bonuses: Premium economy, business, and first-class tickets earn more points, helping members reach their travel goals faster.
• Credit Cards
  • Co-Branded Credit Cards: Earn points on everyday purchases using an Aeroplan co-branded credit card, such as the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card or the American Express® Aeroplan® Card. These cards often come with welcome bonuses and additional perks such as priority boarding or lounge access.
  • Sign-Up Bonuses: Co-branded credit cards often feature large sign-up bonuses, which can be enough for a one-way flight or more.
• Partner Activities
  • Hotels, Car Rentals, and Shopping: Earn points when booking stays with hotel partners, renting cars with brands like Avis and Budget, or shopping through the Aeroplan eStore. This makes it easy to earn points on daily expenses.

Using eUpgrade Credits

eUpgrade credits are one of the most valuable tools available to Aeroplan Elite Status members, providing a way to enjoy a more comfortable travel experience without having to purchase higher fare classes. Here’s how to make the most out of your eUpgrade credits:

• Eligibility: eUpgrade credits are available to Aeroplan 25K members and above. They can be used to upgrade eligible flights booked with Air Canada, allowing you to move from Economy to Premium Economy or from Premium Economy to Business Class.
• Requesting Upgrades: You can request an upgrade using your eUpgrade credits either at the time of booking or closer to your departure date. It’s best to request upgrades as early as possible to improve your chances of getting an available seat.
• Priority for Elite Members: Higher tier members, such as 75K and Super Elite, have better access to upgrades, meaning they are more likely to receive upgrades even on popular routes.
• Companion Upgrades: In some cases, eUpgrade credits can be used for a travel companion, allowing you both to enjoy an upgraded cabin class together.

Redeeming Aeroplan Points

Aeroplan points are versatile and can be used for a wide range of rewards:

• Award Flights
  • Air Canada and Partners: Redeem your points for flights with Air Canada or any of its Star Alliance partners. Aeroplan’s dynamic pricing means the number of points required varies based on demand, route, and travel class.
  • Stopovers: Aeroplan allows one stopover on international one-way award tickets for just 5,000 points, adding value and flexibility to your travel plans.
• Upgrades
  • Upgrade Your Seat: Use Aeroplan points to upgrade to a higher cabin class on Air Canada flights, making your journey more enjoyable.
• Non-Flight Rewards
  • Hotels, Car Rentals, and Merchandise: Redeem your points for hotel stays, car rentals, or even merchandise and gift cards. Although these options typically provide less value per point compared to flights, they offer flexibility for members who want more than just travel rewards.

Recent Updates to Aeroplan

Air Canada has recently made several changes to improve the Aeroplan program for its members:

• Dynamic Award Pricing: Aeroplan has introduced dynamic pricing for award flights, allowing members to use fewer points during off-peak times or on less popular routes.
• Expanded Stopover Options: Members can now book a stopover on one-way international flights for just 5,000 points, which adds value to the redemption.

Maximize Your Aeroplan Membership

To get the most out of your Aeroplan membership, consider the following strategies:

1. Use a Co-Branded Credit Card: An Aeroplan credit card helps you earn points on everyday purchases, and the annual benefits like priority boarding and companion passes can make a big difference.
2. Book Early: Award flight availability can be limited, especially on popular routes. Booking early increases your chances of finding flights at lower point costs.
3. Leverage Stopovers: Use Aeroplan’s stopover option to add an extra destination to your travel itinerary for just 5,000 points, making your points go further.
4. Watch for Promotions: Aeroplan frequently offers promotions that allow you to earn bonus points on flights, hotels, and credit card spending. These promotions can help you reach your travel goals faster.
5. Upgrade When Possible: Use your points or eUpgrade credits to upgrade to a higher cabin class, particularly for long-haul flights. This can provide significant comfort without a huge outlay of cash.

Is Aeroplan Worth It?

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is highly rewarding, particularly for travelers who frequently fly with Air Canada or its Star Alliance partners. The flexibility in earning and redeeming points, combined with elite perks like lounge access and priority upgrades, makes it a competitive choice for frequent flyers. The program’s recent enhancements, including dynamic award pricing and the generous stopover policy, make Aeroplan even more attractive for those looking to maximize the value of their points.

Final Thoughts

The Aeroplan program provides a wealth of opportunities for earning and redeeming points that can significantly enhance your travel experience. Whether you’re aiming for free flights, luxury upgrades, or just want to take advantage of the program’s generous earning opportunities, Aeroplan has something to offer every type of traveler. By understanding how to efficiently earn and use your points and leveraging elite status benefits like eUpgrade credits, you can make every journey more rewarding with Air Canada and its global partners.