Air Canada Aeroplan is a popular frequent flyer program, and it’s not just for Canadians. Aeroplan offers a wide range of rewards and benefits to its members, and Aeroplan points are relatively easy to earn.
With Aeroplan, you can earn points through flying with Air Canada and its partners as well as through various other activities such as shopping, dining and through various credit cards. Aeroplan points are typically best redeemed for flights, but other redemption options also exist.
To make your next Aeroplan redemption as seamless as possible, here is a step-by-step guide to explain all the options to redeem your Air Canada Aeroplan points.
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What Are Aeroplan Points?
Aeroplan points is the award currency for Air Canada’s frequent flyer program. Aeroplan points can be earned by flying Air Canada and its partners, through the Aeroplan® Credit Card and through credit cards that earn Bilt Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Rewards and through Marriott Bonvoy transfers.
Air Canada is one of the few North America-based airlines that still publishes an award chart, so it’s easier to plan and save up for a specific redemption. Keep in mind that award charts can be changed or removed at any time, however. Aeroplan redemptions start at just 6,000 points, so it won’t take you too long to save up for your first flight.
It’s important to take a look at and understand the Aeroplan award chart. You should always strive for the best redemption possible. Just because an award flight is available, doesn’t mean it’s always the best redemption or the lowest possible price for that specific route.
How To Redeem Aeroplan Points for Flights
Redeeming Aeroplan points for flights is pretty straightforward. You can book most flights directly online.
Start by navigating to Aircanada.com, enter in your desired travel details and click the checkbox next to “Book with points Aeroplan.”
While you don’t need to be logged in to search, it may be better if you do. Those with an Aeroplan co-branded credit card or Aeroplan status may be eligible for preferred pricing on eligible flights.
Whether you log in or not, you’ll be able to see redemption options and prices.
If you are logged into your account, you’ll be able to see a weekly award calendar indicating the lowest prices.
When you find an itinerary you like, you can choose between different award levels available within that class of service. For example, if you’re booking an economy ticket, you’ll be able to choose between a Standard Reward, a Flex Reward and a Latitude Reward. Each award level has a different price and different inclusions and restrictions.
When you select your reward level, you’ll also be able to choose if you want to pay for a larger portion of your trip with cash. In this case, the normal redemption is 39,600 Aeroplan points plus $33.80 Canadian dollars ($24.97 at the time of this writing). If you don’t have enough points, you could opt to pay fewer points and more cash. If you wanted to cover the taxes with points, you could also do so for an additional 3,380 points.
After you’ve selected your pricing breakdown, click through and enter all of the passenger details. Here you’ll have the opportunity to select your seats. Finally, you’ll be presented with the payment page to confirm your booking details are correct and the option to enter your payment information.
That’s it. Your award redemption with Aeroplan is complete—your miles will be deducted and the award itinerary will be on its way to your inbox.
If you want to maximize your Aeroplan redemptions, make sure to check out our Aeroplan Ultimate Guide.
Air Canada Partners
Air Canada has a vast array of travel partners, including membership in Star Alliance. Aeroplan points can be redeemed for award travel on partner flights, car rentals, hotels and more.
Redeeming with partners may give you access to better award availability and even lower award prices. Some of the Star Alliance airlines include:
- Aegean
- Air New Zealand
- ANA
- Avianca
- LOT Polish Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Singapore Airlines
- Swiss
- Turkish Airlines
- United Airlines
How To Redeem Aeroplan points for Other Experiences
You can additionally redeem Aeroplan points for other travel needs, whether it be hotels, car rentals, Wi-Fi or upgrades. You can also redeem your points for gift cards and merchandise. However, keep in mind that typically you’ll get the most value out of your points by redeeming them for flights.
Upgrading paid flights with miles is often viewed as an easy way to fly in business or first class, and it is possible to upgrade with Aeroplan points. However, you’ll only be bidding for an upgrade, meaning you aren’t guaranteed to get that seat.
Aeroplan also partners with several charitable organizations where you can donate your points. You can search participating organizations based on over 15 categories.
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Bottom Line
Aeroplan points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and other Star Alliance member airlines. Most of these flights can be booked directly online, and the award search is just like searching for a paid flight. You can also redeem Aeroplan points for other travel-related experiences, gift cards, merchandise or you can redeem your miles to donate to a good cause.
