In Episode 34 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 a new WestJet–Virgin Atlantic partnership allowing earning and redemption across both networks, and Marriott Bonvoy’s newest global promotion.
The team discusses how Air Canada has added ITA Airways as a redemption partner, in addition to Air Canada also announcing that it will be acquiring eight A350-1000 aircraft. Several new credit cards have been announced to launch in Canada, including a Neo Financial United Airlines co-branded card, a Rogers Legend World Mastercard, and a Tangerine credit card that earns Scene+ points.
There are also two elevated FlyerFunds rebates available for a limited-time, World of Hyatt announced award pricing changes, and Chase is adding Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner. Finally, the team shares positive news about Canada’s return of certified passport copies with wet seals for ITIN applications and Flying Blue’s simplified mileage expiry rules.
(00:36) WestJet and Virgin Atlantic Partnership
WestJet and Virgin Atlantic recently launched a partnership where members of either program can earn and redeem points on the other airline’s flights. Currently, you will need to call Virgin Atlantic if you want to redeem miles for WestJet flights, and premium classes are not currently bookable (even though an award chart exists).
(02:48) New Marriott Bonvoy Promotion
Marriott Bonvoy has launched a new global promotion that offers one additional elite night and 2,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per brand stay. The promotion runs until May 10th, and members must register in the Marriott Bonvoy app or on the Marriott Bonvoy website to participate.
(06:37) Aeroplan adds ITA Airways as a Redemption Partner
Aeroplan points can now be redeemed for flights on ITA Airways. With a hub in Rome (FCO), this could be a great opportunity to get to Europe once we start seeing availability show up.
(07:32) Air Canada Acquiring A350-1000 Aircraft
Air Canada has announced that it will be acquiring eight A350-1000 aircraft, with the option to acquire eight more.
(09:38) Neo Financial Will Be Launching a United Airlines Co-branded Credit Card
Neo Financial has announced that it will be launching a United Airlines co-branded credit card in Canada, coming in Spring 2026. Details are yet to come, but we do know that the card comes with some typical airline benefits, including priority boarding and a free checked bag.
If you are interested in this card, you can join the waitlist here for an additional 5,000 miles.
(16:43) Elevated FlyerFunds Rebates on BMO Credit Cards
We have launched two elevated FlyerFunds Rebates on the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard and the BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard (plus an exclusive welcome bonus offer) for a very limited time!
- BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard – $175 FlyerFunds & Up to 70,000 VIPorter Points
- Apply Here (Available until March 31st)
- BMO Ascend World Elite Mastercard – $175 FlyerFunds & Up to 115,000 BMO Rewards Points
- Apply Here (Available until April 30th)
(18:03) Tangerine & Scene+ Partnership
Tangerine will be partnering with Scene+, and they have announced that a new Tangerine credit card that earns Scene+ points will be launching in Spring 2026.
- Related: Scene+ Points Guide
(19:36) World of Hyatt Award Chart Shakeup
World of Hyatt has announced major changes to their award charts coming in May 2026. While an award chart will continue to exist, the pricing is moving towards a system that more closely resembles dynamic pricing.
(21:46) Chase Adds Wyndham Rewards as a Transfer Partner
Chase has added Wyndham Rewards as a transfer partner, and Ultimate Rewards points can now be transferred at a rate of 1:1.
(23:35) Rogers has launched the Rogers Red World Legend Mastercard
Rogers Bank has launched its first premium credit card, offering a wealth of benefits with an annual fee of $495.
(29:06) Canadian Certified Passport Copies Wet Seal Update
As of January 2026, the option to get Certified True Passport copies with a wet seal was added to the Government of Canada website. Thus, copies from Service Canada should once again be accepted by the IRS for ITIN applications.
(31:35) Flying Blue Miles Expiry Policy is Improving
As of May 4th, the expiry date on Flying Blue Miles can be extended by performing any qualifying activity. Great news, as it should now be much easier to keep your miles active going forward.
(34:28) Conclusion
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Join us for the next episode, where the Frugal Flyer team discusses the state of Marriott Bonvoy, including some recently launched excellent credit card offers, and how they get the most out of the program even with all of the recent changes.
Listen to Miles Ahead: Episode 35 – The State of Marriott Bonvoy.