In Episode 29 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca reminisce and discuss what happened in 2025 for miles and points.
The team looks back at predictions for 2025 and determines if they came true. They also share their favorite redemptions, earning opportunities in Canada and the United States, and their opinions on the biggest changes in miles and points.
The episode wraps up with the team predicting what might be coming in the world of miles and points in 2026.
(01:30) Aeroplan Partners with Harbour Air
Harbour Air has recently been added as an Aeroplan partner. Aeroplan members can now earn Aeroplan points on Harbour Air bookings, and the ability to redeem Aeroplan points for Harbour Air flights will arrive at some point in 2026.
(04:19) Flair Airlines Launches Ticket Resale Platform
Flair Airlines has launched a platform where passengers can resell their Flair Airlines ticket for a Flair voucher. This is definitely a first-of-its-kind innovation in the aviation space.
(07:41) WestJet’s Non-Reclining Seats Controversy
WestJet previously announced it would be retrofitting many aircraft with ‘fixed recline seats’, which translates to seats with no ability to recline. Due to consumer blowback, they have put these plans on hold for now.
(08:48) Aeroplan Partners with Air Baltic
Air Baltic has been added as an Aeroplan partner, opening up additional redemption opportunities for Aeroplan members. Partners like this add excellent value when pairing them with a long-haul redemption segment.
(11:04) Chase’s ‘The Edit’ Hotels Devaluation
Chase has devalued Ultimate Rewards points by 25% when redeeming for a stay at hotels within ‘The Edit’ portfolio.
(12:33) Reviewing Predictions for Miles & Points in 2025
At the start of 2025, several members of the Frugal Flyer team predicted what was to come in 2025. What were their predictions, and were they correct?
- Listen to Last Year’s Predictions (Starting at 1:06:52): Miles Ahead Episode 9
(20:06) Favorite Miles & Points Redemptions of 2025
Jeff, Josh, and Daniel recap their favorite miles and points redemptions of 2025.
- Jeff’s Favorite Redemptions: JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, St. Regis Red Sea Resort, Etihad First Class Residence, and Japan Airlines First Class
- Josh’s Favorite Redemptions: Waldorf Astoria Osaka and Starlux Business Class
- Daniel’s Favorite Redemptions: Whistler Vacation (Westin Whistler & Hilton Whistler) and JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
(27:57) Top Miles & Points Earning Opportunities of 2025
Jeff, Josh, and Daniel recap their favorite miles and points earning opportunities of 2025.
- Jeff’s Top Earning Opportunities: American Airlines AAdvantage via RBC Avion Points
- The Best Card to Earn Avion Points: RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card
- Josh’s Top Earning Opportunities: U.S. credit cards continue to play a major part &
- Two Great Canadian Card Offers: Scotiabank Gold American Express Card & TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card
- Meeting Minimum Spend Tips: Chexy & Buying Groups
- Daniel’s Top Earning Opportunities: American Express Canada authorized user bonuses & Rove Miles to earn on hotel bookings
(34:36) The Biggest Changes in Miles & Points in 2025
Jeff, Josh, and Daniel recap the biggest changes in miles and points in 2025.
- Listen: Miles Ahead Episode 22 – Navigating Aeroplan 3.0
- New Co-branded Airline Cards in Canada: BMO VIPorter Mastercards Have Landed
- ‘As High As’ offers are spreading on American Express U.S. cards
- Booking Porter Airlines flights with Atmos Rewards Points
(44:49) Predictions for Miles & Points in 2026
Jeff, Josh, and Daniel share their predictions for miles and points in 2026.
(55:33) Conclusion
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