Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty programme and Canada’s most popular frequent flyer currency. With over five million members and partnerships spanning Star Alliance’s 26 airlines plus dozens of non-airline partners, Aeroplan points are among the most versatile rewards you can earn in Canada.
Aeroplan at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Programme owner | Air Canada |
| Alliance | Star Alliance (26 member airlines) |
| Points value (average) | ~1.5–2.5 cents per point |
| Points expiry | 18 months of account inactivity |
| Transfer partners (to Aeroplan) | Amex MR (1:1), TD Rewards (4:3), CIBC Rewards (varies) |
| Transfer partners (from Aeroplan) | None — Aeroplan is a destination currency |
| Sweet spots | Business class to Europe; Star Alliance partner redemptions |
How to Earn Aeroplan Points
Credit cards (fastest method)
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite — 1.5x on Air Canada; 1.5x grocery/dining/gas; 1x other
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege — 2x on Air Canada; 1.5x grocery/dining; 1.25x other
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite — same earn as TD equivalent; good welcome bonus
- Amex Cobalt — 5x MR on food/drink → transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan (effective 5x Aeroplan)
Transfer partners (convert to Aeroplan)
- Amex Membership Rewards → Aeroplan: 1:1 ratio — the most powerful transfer in Canada; Cobalt’s 5x on dining effectively becomes 5x Aeroplan
- TD Rewards → Aeroplan: 4 TD points = 3 Aeroplan points (not ideal — TD Rewards better used elsewhere)
- Marriott Bonvoy → Aeroplan: 3:1 ratio; 60,000 Bonvoy = 20,000 Aeroplan (bonus 5,000 at 60K threshold)
Air Canada and partners
- Earn on Air Canada flights based on fare class and distance
- Earn on Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, Singapore, ANA, etc.)
- Earn at non-airline partners: Starbucks, Enterprise, Fairmont, select hotels and retailers
Aeroplan Point Values
| Redemption Type | Cents per Point |
|---|---|
| Economy short-haul (Canada/US) | 1.0–1.5¢ |
| Economy transatlantic | 1.5–2.0¢ |
| Business class transatlantic | 2.5–4.0¢ |
| Business class transpacific | 3.0–5.0¢ |
| Gift cards / merchandise | 0.5–0.8¢ |
| Aeroplan eStore / statement credits | 0.7–1.0¢ |
Best value: Business and First class redemptions on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners. A business class flight to Europe worth $5,000+ CAD can be redeemed for 55,000–70,000 Aeroplan points — an effective value of 7–9 cents per point at ticket prices.
Best Aeroplan Redemptions
1. Business class to Europe via Lufthansa or Air Canada
55,000–70,000 points one-way in business class. Retail price $4,000–$8,000 CAD. Best value available in the programme.
2. Short-haul Canada and US flights
Redemptions of 6,000–15,000 points for domestic routes. Decent value for flexible travellers with points to burn.
3. Star Alliance partner redemptions
Flying United, Singapore Airlines, ANA, or Swiss in premium cabin using Aeroplan points — often more inventory than Air Canada award space.
4. Stopovers
Aeroplan allows free stopovers on one-way and round-trip awards — adding a free city visit (e.g., Reykjavik or Frankfurt) to a transatlantic trip at no extra points cost.
Aeroplan Fees and Surcharges
Fuel surcharges: Air Canada eliminated fuel surcharges on its own flights in 2020. Some Star Alliance partners (notably Lufthansa Group) still add surcharges of $200–$500+ on award tickets. Fly Air Canada metal to avoid surcharges.
Taxes and airport fees: Always apply — typically $50–$250 CAD depending on route.
How to Maximise Aeroplan Points
- Use the Amex Cobalt for food and drink — 5x MR transfers 1:1 to Aeroplan for effective 5x earn
- Hold a TD or CIBC Aeroplan card for Air Canada bookings — bonus multipliers on Air Canada purchases
- Book directly through Air Canada — Aeroplan members get access to exclusive award inventory
- Target business class — points-per-dollar value is highest in premium cabins
- Watch for fixed-price flight redemptions — Air Canada’s fixed points chart sometimes yields better value than market-priced awards
Aeroplan vs. Other Canadian Programmes
| Programme | Best For | Flexibility |
|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan | International flights; Star Alliance | High (26 airlines) |
| Avion (RBC) | Flexible flight bookings; any airline | High (any airline) |
| Scene+ | Everyday spend; hotel + entertainment | Moderate |
| Amex MR | Transfer flexibility; multiple partners | Highest |
| AIR MILES | Short-haul Canada flights; retail | Low |
Related Articles
- Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
- How Aeroplan Works
- Amex MR Transfer Partners Canada
- Rewards Credit Cards — Canada Hub
- Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Aeroplan point values, transfer ratios, and redemption rates are approximate and subject to change. See aeroplan.com for current award charts. See our Advertiser Disclosure.