Air Canada: Aeroplan

Air Canada: Aeroplan—Your Ultimate Guide to Earning and Redeeming Points

Are you an Air Canada flyer looking to maximize your travel rewards? Aeroplan, the official Air Canada loyalty program, lets you collect points not only on flights across Canada but also on Star Alliance and partner airlines. In this airport guide, we’ll explore everything from signing up for Air Canada Aeroplan to elite status tiers, and how to redeem Aeroplan points for dream vacations around the globe. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or new to loyalty programs, read on for the ultimate Air Canada: Aeroplan overview, designed to help you save money and enhance every travel experience.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Air Canada’s Aeroplan?
2. Why Join Aeroplan?
3. Earning Aeroplan Points
   • 3.1. Flying Air Canada and Partners
   • 3.2. Credit Cards and Financial Partners
   • 3.3. Shopping and Everyday Purchases
4. Aeroplan Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
5. Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Travel
6. Best Ways to Maximize Aeroplan Points
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
8. Conclusion

1. What Is Air Canada’s Aeroplan?

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s primary frequent-flyer program, offering a robust system to earn and redeem points on flights, hotels, car rentals, and various partner services. Originating in 1984, Aeroplan has undergone multiple transformations, emerging as a flexible program with a strong global reach—especially with Star Alliance carriers.

Key Features

• Global Alliance: Aeroplan ties into Star Alliance, granting access to 25+ airlines worldwide.
• Flexible Point Redemption: Redeem points for flights, seat upgrades, merchandise, and unique experiences.
• Multiple Earning Channels: From flight miles to credit card spend and everyday shopping, you can accumulate points rapidly.

2. Why Join Aeroplan?

1. Extensive Flight Network
   • Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, servicing domestic and international routes. Star Alliance extends that coverage to 1,300+ airports globally.
2. Tiered Elite Status
   • Frequent flyers gain priority check-in, boarding, baggage perks, and lounge access as they climb Aeroplan Elite ranks.
3. Award Seat Availability
   • Aeroplan typically features strong award availability on Air Canada and partner flights, offering more seat options than many competing programs.
4. Family Sharing & Flexibility
   • Aeroplan’s family sharing option lets points be pooled, helping everyone in the group redeem for travel faster.
5. Co-Branded Credit Cards
   • In Canada and select regions, Aeroplan credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and accelerated point earning, boosting your balance quickly.

3. Earning Aeroplan Points

3.1. Flying Air Canada and Partners

• Air Canada Flights
  • Earn points based on ticket price, fare class, and tier level.
  • Higher cabin classes (Business, Premium Economy) yield more points.
• Star Alliance & Partner Airlines
  • Accumulate points flying with United, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, and more.
  • Each partner’s earning chart may differ—review specific Aeroplan mileage rules before booking.

3.2. Credit Cards and Financial Partners

• Aeroplan Co-Branded Credit Cards
  • Major banks like TD, CIBC, and American Express offer Aeroplan cards in Canada.
  • Earn points on everyday purchases, often with welcome bonuses up to tens of thousands of Aeroplan points.
  • Some U.S. banks also have tie-ups, though availability may vary by region.
• Additional Financial Services
  • Certain mortgage, investment, or insurance partners might reward you with Aeroplan points for signing or maintaining an account.

3.3. Shopping and Everyday Purchases

• Aeroplan eStore
  • An online portal where you earn bonus points by shopping at top retailers (e.g., Apple, Sephora, The Bay).
• Dining & Retail Partnerships
  • Certain restaurants, grocery chains, or gas stations let you swipe a membership card or link a credit card to gain extra points.
• Travel Extras
  • Hotels, car rental agencies, and ride-sharing services sometimes partner with Aeroplan for direct or bonus point earning.

Pro Tip: Stack your credit card’s rewards multipliers with Aeroplan eStore bonuses for accelerated earnings.

4. Aeroplan Elite Status Tiers and Benefits

Aeroplan’s Elite Status (replacing the old Altitude program) includes 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite 100K:

1. Aeroplan 25K

   • Achieved at 25,000 Status Miles or 25 segments in a calendar year.
   • Perks: Priority check-in, complimentary seat selection discounts, early boarding.

2. Aeroplan 35K

   • Achieved at 35,000 Status Miles.
   • Additional lounge access vouchers, preferred seat choices, extra eUpgrades.

3. Aeroplan 50K

   • Achieved at 50,000 Status Miles.
   • Star Alliance Gold benefits, lounge access worldwide, priority baggage handling, more eUpgrades.

4. Aeroplan 75K

   • Achieved at 75,000 Status Miles.
   • Even more eUpgrades, higher baggage allowances, priority phone line, better seat selection.

5. Super Elite 100K

   • Top-tier at 100,000 Status Miles.
   • Highest eUpgrade priority, waiver of some fees, guaranteed seat availability on select flights, dedicated concierge services.

Pro Tip: eUpgrades let you move from Economy to Premium Economy or Business on eligible flights. Stockpile them or time your flight bookings around upgrade seat availability for best results.

5. Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Travel

Aeroplan is known for flexible redemption options:

1. Air Canada and Star Alliance Award Flights
   • Book flight awards with no or minimal carrier surcharges, depending on route/cabin.
   • Great for long-haul or premium class seats on top carriers like Lufthansa or Swiss.
2. Multi-City and Stopovers
   • Aeroplan’s routing rules allow stopovers on certain awards for an additional small points fee—ideal for exploring multiple cities in one trip.
3. Partner Airlines Outside Star Alliance
   • Aeroplan also partners with non-Star Alliance carriers (e.g., Etihad, Vistara) to provide more global coverage.
4. Other Redemptions
   • Hotel stays, car rentals, and merchandise are possible—but best value usually lies in flight redemptions, especially premium cabins.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for Flight Reward Sales or the “Points Predictor Tool” in your Aeroplan account to find sweet-spot routes or seat promotions.

6. Best Ways to Maximize Aeroplan Points

1. Book Premium Cabins
   • Stretch your points further by redeeming for Business or First Class, especially on lengthy flights.
2. Leverage Stopovers
   • Use stopovers to see multiple cities in one itinerary for minimal extra points.
3. Combine Promotions
   • Stack credit card sign-up bonuses, eStore deals, and flight promotions to power-charge your Aeroplan balance.
4. Monitor Elite Qualifying Miles
   • If close to achieving a higher tier, a short additional flight or “mileage run” can unlock valuable Elite perks (like lounge access or free upgrades).
5. Family Sharing
   • Combine points with relatives or close friends, accelerating your path to award flights.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do Aeroplan points expire?

• Yes and no. If your account remains inactive for 18 months, your points can expire. Keep it active by earning or redeeming at least once every 18 months.

2. How do I claim missing Aeroplan points?

• Submit a missing miles request via the Aeroplan website within 6-12 months of your flight, providing ticket details and boarding passes.

3. What’s the difference between Status Miles and Aeroplan points?

• Aeroplan points (award miles) are for redemptions (flights, upgrades).
• Status Miles (also called SQM: Status Qualifying Miles) help you achieve or maintain Elite levels.

4. Can I redeem Aeroplan points for seat upgrades?

• Yes, via eUpgrades or direct seat upgrades for certain routes/cabins. Confirm your flight’s eligibility and availability.

5. Is there a fee to book award flights?

• Aeroplan may charge taxes, surcharges, or booking fees (e.g., phone assistance). Online booking typically reduces fees.

8. Conclusion

Air Canada’s Aeroplan stands out as one of North America’s most versatile loyalty programs, granting you broad coverage via Star Alliance and multiple non-alliance partners worldwide. By earning points from flights, credit cards, everyday purchases, and strategic promotions, you can quickly amass a balance large enough for Business Classredemptions or multi-city trips. Plus, with Elite status tiers offering lounge access, eUpgrades, and priority services, your entire flying experience can be elevated.

Ready to embrace next-level travel? Sign up for Aeroplan, plan your itinerary, leverage partner deals, and watch your award miles bring you closer to those bucket-list destinations. For more airport guides, airline loyalty tips, and insider travel hacks, stay tuned to airport.co—your one-stop resource for smart, rewarding journeys!