In Episode 32 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss the most recent news in the world of miles and points, including WestJet rolling back an unfavourable seat configuration and the potential for new Air Transat co-branded credit cards.
The team reviews new routes from WestJet, Air Canada, and Etihad Airways. They also cover BMO’s rebranding of AIR MILES to Blue Rewards and updated welcome offers from RBC’s line of Avion credit cards.
The discussion wraps up with listener questions about maximizing hotel rewards, the Bilt card for Canadians, RBC Avion card strategies, and the benefits of Visa Infinite Privilege supplementary cards.
00:42 WestJet’s Unfavourable Seat Configuration Is No More!
WestJet has formally announced that it will be rolling back its 28-inch pitch with non-reclinable seat layout plans. No further aircraft will be updated to this seat config, and those aircraft that have been updated already will be rolled back to the previous layout. Looks like social media and public outrage made a great difference on this one. A true win for all Canadians.
(04:01) Jeff’s Prediction on Co-Branded Cards: New Air Transat Cards Coming Soon?
Jeff predicted that we wouldn’t see any new airline co-branded cards in Canada for 2026, but it looks like we might see Air Transat co-branded cards (partnered with Desjardins) launched this year, coupled with an Air Transat loyalty program.
(07:07) Aeroplan eUpgrades in 2026 Looking Dire
With the launch of the new Aeroplan loyalty program, eUpgrades are not looking better at all based on Daniel’s recent searches.
(09:08) Flying Blue Promo Rewards for February 2026
Air France KLM Flying Blue has released its list of promo rewards for February, offering discounted economy, premium economy, and business class redemptions out of many North American cities.
- Read More: Flying Blue Promo Rewards Guide
- See: Full List of Flying Blue Promo Rewards for February 2026
(12:58) New Airline Routes to Canada
We’ve got three new recently announced routes for Canadians:
- Westjet – Calgary (YYC) to Sao Paulo (GRU) – 3x Weekly – Beginning Nov 2026
- Air Canada – Vancouver (YVR) to Sapporo (CTS) – 3x Weekly – Beginning Dec 2026
- Etihad Airways – Calgary (YYC) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) – 4x Weekly – Beginning Nov 2026
(18:54) Points Travel Festival Toronto in April 2026
We are excited to announce that Reed & Josh will be speaking at the Points Travel Festival Toronto on April 18th! This event will bring together miles and points enthusiasts across North America for a day of learning and networking.
We look forward to seeing you there and connecting with the miles and points community! More details about the event can be found here, and tickets can be purchased here.
(22:02) BMO Rebrands AIR MILES to Blue Rewards
BMO has announced that it will be rebranding the AIR MILES loyalty program to Blue Rewards in the summer of 2026.
- Read More: AIR MILES Transitioning to Blue Rewards
(25:26) Scene+ and Shell Partnership
Shell has moved from being partnered with BMO to Scene+, so you will soon be able to earn Scene+ points at Shell gas stations.
(28:23) RBC Avion Visa Infinite – 55,000 Avion Points Offer Is Back
The ever-popular 55,000 Avion points offer is back on the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card! The offer is around until June 15th, so consider adding this card to your wallet in the next few months.
- See More: New RBC Credit Card Offers (January 2026)
- Guide: RBC Avion Points Loyalty Program
- Guide: Reach Minimum Spending Requirements Easily with Chexy
(32:01) American Express Centurion Lounge Access Changes
Centurion lounges have updated some of their access rules, including requirements for being on the same flight as your guest and a time limit on layovers.
(33:59) Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Updates
The Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite card is adding a new 2% earning bonus category and the ability to redeem cash back at any time during the year (with a $25 minimum redemption). However, earning rate caps are now done by cardholder year, as opposed to calendar year.
- More Details: Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite Card
(35:56) Listener Question: Bilt Card for Canadians
Wendy asks about the new Bilt cards and if they are worth it and/or possible for Canadians to obtain.
(38:29) Listener Question: Hotel Points Strategy for Canadians
Darren asks about hotel points strategies for Canadians, as he is able to travel at a heavily reduced cost since his significant other is an airline employee.
(42:59) Listener Question: RBC Avion Card Strategies
Dane asks about receiving bonuses from RBC cards, including RBC product switching strategies.
(44:30) Listener Question: Visa Infinite Privilege Card Benefits
Mike asks about whether the benefits on Visa Infinite Privilege cards are usable by supplementary cardholders.
(47:01) Conclusion
If you have any episode-specific questions, leave a comment below. If you have any questions you would like us to answer on Miles Ahead, submit them here.
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Join us for the next episode, where the Frugal Flyer team shares practical ways about how you can get strong value from small leftover points balances through unique flight and hotel redemptions.
Listen to Miles Ahead: Episode 33 – Big Redemptions for Small Balances.
For Darren, I would recommend he buys hotel points when they’re on sale. He can also maximize his benefits by using a shopping portal with a cashback card or points card with sign up bonus.
Hey Esther – these are great points as well! Hilton Honors frequently offers a 100% bonus on purchasing points that can make sense for a lot of properties too.