The largest airline in Canada, Air Canada serves 200 destinations with competitive fares in both cash and points. But even if you never set foot on an Air Canada plane, it’s worth getting familiar with its loyalty program, Air Canada Aeroplan, as it’s one of the best loyalty programs in the world.
This frequent-flier program allows members to earn and redeem points with Air Canada as well as the two dozen airlines in the Star Alliance, of which Air Canada is also a member — and some of those redemptions can be pretty great.
Here’s your guide to earning and redeeming Air Canada Aeroplan points, both on Air Canada and its partners.
Table of contents
How to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points
There are several ways to earn Air Canada Aeroplan points for flights.
Flying
Not to state the obvious, but you’ll accrue Aeroplan points as you travel on Air Canada as well as sister carriers Air Canada Express and Air Canada Rouge; after becoming a loyalty member, of course. You’ll also earn points on Star Alliance member-airline flights and on eligible flights with other Air Canada partner airlines. Points are earned based on distance flown and fare class; for example, flying on a Standard class ticket from the US to Canada earns you 50% of the miles flown, while flying Business earns you 150% of the miles flown.
Credit cards
Aeroplan has several co-branded credit cards issued through American Express, TD Bank, and CIBC in Canada. For U.S users, there’s the Chase Aeroplan® Card.
Transfer partners
Air Canada Aeroplan has more transfer partners than many rewards programs. You can transfer points to Air Canada from: American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.
Dining and shopping
You can earn Aeroplan points by shopping through the Aeroplan online store and on everyday purchases, such as Uber and Uber Eats, Starbucks Rewards, and Journie Rewards.
The fare types available on Air Canada
There are seven fare types on Air Canada: Basic, Standard, Flex, Comfort, Latitude, Premium Economy, and Business Class.
Basic fares are, of course, the most restrictive; they are nonrefundable, non-changeable, and earn the lowest amount of points. Flex fares are a good compromise for those who want a low fare but some flexibility; they are nonrefundable but can be changed for the cost of the fare difference.
How to book Air Canada flights using rewards points
To book Air Canada flights using rewards points, visit aircanada.com or the Air Canada app and search for a flight. Make sure to log into your Aeroplan account (or create one if you haven’t), then choose your arrival and departure airports and select “Book with points.”
On the next page, you’ll see your results. Select your preferred flight and book as you would normally.
One great thing about booking Air Canada award seats is that you can use your points to cover the cost of taxes and fees. That’s a rarity among airlines — most require you to pay for them with cash.
How to redeem Air Canada points to get the best deal
Air Canada uses a zone-based award chart, so you’ll spend fewer points the closer you are to your destination and more the farther you’re traveling.
That means you’ll spend considerably fewer points on award tickets for short-haul flights, such as Toronto to New York, both with Air Canada and using partner awards.
For instance, a one-way flight between Toronto and Newark on United Airlines will cost you just 6,000 Aeroplan points (depending, of course, on award availability).
This award pricing also applies to flights to Hawaii. In this case, a one-way ticket from Los Angeles to Honolulu costs just 12,500 points each way.
You can book Air Canada award flights to international destinations, but the best way to redeem Aeroplan points is on partner flights.
This is especially true for flights in the “Atlantic” region — a wide-ranging designation that covers all of Europe and Africa, much of the Middle East, and parts of Asia.
For instance, a partner award flight in business class on TAP Air Portugal (a Star Alliance partner) will cost just 60,000 points in business class.
Even harder-to-reach destinations from the U.S., like India, are extremely affordable with points through Aeroplan. A one-way ticket from New York to Mumbai costs just 90,000 points in business class — an absolute steal for a 14-hour flight!
Booking Air Canada First Class with points
Air Canada does not fly a first-class cabin. However, it does offer a business-class equivalent: the premium Signature Class, available on European, Asian, Pacific, and South American routes on Boeing 787, 777, and Airbus A330 aircraft. Signature Class seating is arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, offering lie-flat seats, dedicated check-in counters, lounge access, and expedited security screening.
Redeeming Air Canada points with transfer partners
To redeem Air Canada points with transfer partners, you’ll first need to move your loyalty points over to Aeroplan. American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy points all transfer to Air Canada Aeroplan — Marriott Bonvoy at a 3:1 ratio, and the rest at 1:1.
In general though, this isn’t the best way to use Marriott Bonvoy points, as you’ll lose a considerable amount during the process.
Booking an Air Canada partner flight with rewards points
One of Aeroplan’s top redemption options is booking an Air Canada partner flight with rewards points. Air Canada is a member of Star Alliance, and you can use Aeroplan points on any of those carriers by booking directly on Air Canada’s website, just like you’d book an Air Canada flight.
Whether you’re booking round-trip or one-way, most flights on partner airlines can be reserved directly online, and the travel-rewards search is similar to shopping for a paid flight. Aeroplan members can also book flight rewards on behalf of someone else — the reservation just has to be made in the traveler’s full legal name as it appears on their passport.
More ways to redeem Air Canada points
You can also redeem Air Canada points on merchandise, gift cards, car rentals, and hotels. However, these options are not good ways to redeem Air Canada points — we recommend using them for flights on the airline or through other partners to get the most value from your hard-earned points.
The worst ways to redeem Air Canada points
In general, you’ll want to avoid spending Aeroplan points on things like gift cards or merchandise — non-flight purchases are a terrible way to cash in your rewards. Instead, spring for a business-class flight reward on Air Canada; if you have enough points, that’s our top pick.
Tips for finding Air Canada award seats
The best ways to find Air Canada award availability are to be flexible with your travel dates and search across multiple airports. Another way to find Air Canada award seats is to book with Points + Cash, which allows you to make a reservation using a combination of Aeroplan points and your own money. It’s a helpful option, particularly if you’re running low on Aeroplan points.
Frequently asked questions about redeeming points on Air Canada flights
What are Air Canada’s airline partners?
Air Canada belongs to the Star Alliance, a partnership of more than two dozen airlines that offer reciprocal benefits. Air Canada’s Star Alliance partners are Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian Airlines, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, TAP Air Portugal, Thai Airways International, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines.
What are Air Canada’s transfer partners?
Air Canada’s transfer partners are American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.
What are Air Canada’s tier status levels?
To achieve Aeroplan elite status, you’ll need to rack up enough points. Air Canada’s tier status levels are 25,000, 35,000, 50,000, 75,000, and Super Elite.
Here are the benefits you receive at each tier:
- 25,000: Priority reservation waitlist, complimentary preferred seats at check-in with the purchase of a Standard or Flex fare, priority airport check-in and standby, priority boarding, two Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time guest passes, two checked bags, and priority boarding.
- 35,000: The same benefits as 25,000, plus priority baggage handling and priority security clearance.
- 50,000: The same benefits as 35,000, plus complimentary standard seat selection, complimentary preferred seats (at the time of booking with a Standard or Flex fare for travel within Canada or between Canada and the U.S., and at check-in for all other itineraries), Maple Leaf Lounge access, Star Alliance Gold Lounge and non-Star Alliance Lounge access, and Air Canada Cafe access.
- 75,000: The same benefits as 50,000, plus complimentary preferred seats at the time of booking with the purchase of a Standard or Flex fare.
- Super Elite: The same benefits as 75,000, plus complimentary preferred seats at the time of booking with the purchase of any fare, Air Canada Concierge Service, and London Heathrow Arrivals Lounge access.
How do I earn points with Air Canada?
You can earn points with Air Canada by flying on the airline, transferring points from other programs, shopping, making credit card purchases, and utilizing other travel partners.
How do I redeem points with Air Canada?
You can redeem points with Air Canada on flights, vacation packages, and on other purchases such as merchandise, gift cards, and hotels.
How many Air Canada points do I need for a free flight?
The number of Air Canada points you need for a free flight depends on your destination. At a minimum, you’ll need 6,000 points if flying within North America on Air Canada.
Do Air Canada points expire?
Yes, Air Canada points expire after 18 months of inactivity.
Can I transfer or gift my Air Canada points to someone else?
Yes, you can transfer or gift your Air Canada points to someone else for a fee.
Can I book a flight for someone else with my Air Canada points?
Yes, you can use your points to book flights for others using the Aeroplan Family Sharing or Priority Rewards features.
Can I book an Air Canada flight using a combination of points and cash?
Yes, you can book an Air Canada flight using a combination of points and cash by selecting the Points + Cash combination at checkout.
How much does it cost to buy Air Canada points?
You can buy a minimum of 2,000 Air Canada points for around $51. The exact cost depends on how many points you want to buy.
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