Ep 005 – Air Canada Aeroplan

/ Podcast / Ep 005 – Air Canada Aeroplan

Unlocking the Secrets of Air Canada Aeroplan

In Episode 5 of Miles Ahead: the Canadian Points Podcast, Reed, Josh, Danny, and Kirin dive deep into the Air Canada Aeroplan loyalty program and kick it off with a segment containing Aeroplan trivia. 

Throughout the episode, the discussion covers the basics of what Aeroplan is, how Canadians can earn Aeroplan points using various Canadian and U.S. credit cards, the best ways to redeem Aeroplan points, and the specifics of Aeroplan status tiers and associated benefits. 

The episode also features audience questions and personal anecdotes from the Frugal Flyer team about their experiences with Aeroplan redemptions and flights.

(00:46) Introduction to Air Canada Aeroplan

Reed explains what the episode will contain, including the basics of Air Canada Aeroplan, how to earn Aeroplan points in Canada and the United States, and how best to redeem Aeroplan points.

(01:28) Aeroplan Trivia Challenge

Reed asks the Frugal Flyer team Aeroplan trivia questions, and we learn that Danny is the most well-equipped for the episode ahead.

(06:18) Favorite Aeroplan Flights & Redemptions

Each host recaps their favorite Aeroplan flight or redemption, and why these bookings are so memorable to them.

(09:07) Earning Aeroplan Points: Credit Cards & More

There is no shortage of ways Canadians can earn Air Canada Aeroplan points. The most common and useful methods include transferring points from partners (such as American Express Membership Rewards), spending on co-branded Aeroplan credit cards, making purchases through the Aeroplan eStore, and capitalizing on Aeroplan’s retail partnerships.

(16:54) Maximizing Air Canada Benefits with Co-Branded Credit Cards

Both core and premium Aeroplan co-branded credit cards offer various perks including things such as free checked baggage, Maple Leaf Lounge access, and an easier pathway to earning Aeroplan status.

(21:55) Additional Ways to Earn Aeroplan Points

Credit cards are the best way to earn Aeroplan points, but there are a few more unique opportunities to earn small sums of Aeroplan points through day-to-day activities.

(25:12) Earning Aeroplan Points with U.S. Credit Cards

US credit card offers are far more lucrative to those in Canada and are an excellent way for Canadians to earn a large amount of Aeroplan points.

(26:48) Chase Aeroplan Card Benefits

The Chase Aeroplan card, Issued by Chase Bank in the United States, offers some unique perks not included on Canadian co-branded Aeroplan cards, including status boosts upon reaching certain spending thresholds on the cards.

(28:50) Marriott Bonvoy Points Transfer to Aeroplan

Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred to Air Canada Aeroplan at a ratio of 3:1. While this is an option to accrue more Aeroplan points, this represents a poor value for your Marriott Bonvoy points compared to using them for hotel stays.

(29:57) Redeeming Aeroplan Points Effectively

Aeroplan points should only be redeemed for flights to maximize value, and members should avoid redeeming for merchandise, gift cards, or hotels as they offer much worse value. The greatest value in redeeming comes from partner flight redemptions as these are not dynamically priced, but availability can be harder to find.

(32:01) Finding Aeroplan Partner Flights & Using Search Tools

Aeroplan’s search engine isn’t very good and searching only through their website or app is a mistake many people make. Instead, take advantage of one of the many award flight search tools available to aggregate many dates of flight award availability at once.

(39:40) Aeroplan Sweet Spots & Partner Airlines

Partner airline redemptions offer the most value within the Air Canada Aeroplan program, as there are many great redemption opportunities for business class and first class tickets.

(44:00) Achieving & Utilizing Aeroplan Status

Aeroplan status requires a bit of effort to earn, but the perks are well worth it, even at the lesser status levels.

(50:52) Booking Partner Flights & Family Sharing – Viewer Question

The team answers a question about booking Aeroplan partner flight awards, and what portal they will need to be booked through. The Aeroplan Family Sharing feature is also discussed, and the team speculates as to when/if it will return.

(55:23) Conclusion & Next Episode Preview

Submit episode-specific questions on the episode page and if you have any questions you would like us to answer on Miles Ahead, submit them here.

Join us for the next episode, where we will be discussing Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, and World of Hyatt to determine which is the most rewarding hotel loyalty program.

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5 comments on “Ep 005 – Air Canada Aeroplan”

  1. Hi Reed,

    I have a question about using my RBV Avion points for hotel redemption.

    Do you think its a good idea to convert my Avion points to Avios points when they have a 3 to 1 deal and then convert my Avios points to Qutar Airways points. And from there use my Qutar points to book my hotel??

    Will this maximize my points usage for hotel bookings?

    Regards

    Reply

    • Hey Mike,

      I would only ever use hotel loyalty program currencies (e.g. Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt) and certain flexible currencies (e.g. Scene+ Rewards, TD Rewards) to book hotel stays if you are looking to maximize value. I wouldn’t use Avios in any form to book hotel stays as the value would be far worse than using them for flight redemptions.

      Reply

      • Hi Josh,

        Thanks for the reply.

        I’m planning to mostly just use Aeroplan for my flights because I don’t live in one of the city’s that Avios Airlines operate out of.

        The reason why I’m considering using Avios for hotel redemption is because RBC Avion has the 3-1 conversion rate, so instead of just using my Avion points for hotel redemption I could using my Avios points as I will have more. I guess I just want to use the least amount of money as possible for my vacation for flights and accommodations.

        Reply

        • Hey Mike,

          That makes sense, it can be tough to use Avios from many cities in Canada. I recently flew to Japan on Japan airlines as an Avios redemption and had to book a positioning flight to San Francisco the night before.

          RBC Avion Rewards transfer to British Airways Avios at a rate of 1:1 except when there are transfer bonuses. I’m not sure if using Avios vs Avion for hotels is the better deal, you would have to price out your stay on both platforms to determine which one you should book with. While not an optimal redemption, if the goal is to save as much money as possible, it definitely can be a redemption that works for you!

          Reply

          • Hi Josh,

            Thanks for the reply, I’m going to have to do a little more research on Avios and positioning flights.

            RBC currently has the 3-1 conversion promotion going on until sometime in November.
            Just wondering which Avios Airlines has the least amount of taxes?? I did some flight searching for British Airways and their taxes are relatively high. Also can you direct me on how to best book flights on Avios, their websites arent that user friednly.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. For complete and current information, please consult the entity's website.