Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program and one of the most widely used travel rewards programs in Canada. With millions of members and partnerships spanning airlines, hotels, retailers, and financial institutions, Aeroplan has become the backbone of travel rewards earning in this country. This guide explains how Aeroplan works from the ground up — from joining the program to booking your first award flight.
What Is Aeroplan?
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s frequent flyer and loyalty program. It was originally launched in 1984 as a separate entity, then reacquired by Air Canada in 2019 and relaunched with significant improvements in November 2020. Today, Aeroplan is deeply integrated with Air Canada’s operations and booking system.
Members earn Aeroplan points on:
- Air Canada and Star Alliance flights
- Purchases with Aeroplan credit cards (issued by TD, CIBC, and American Express in Canada)
- Transactions with retail, hotel, car rental, and dining partners
- The Aeroplan eStore (online shopping portal)
Points are then redeemed primarily for flights — on Air Canada or on any of its 40+ partner airlines — as well as hotels, car rentals, merchandise, and more.
How to Join Aeroplan
Joining Aeroplan is free and takes about five minutes. Go to aircanada.com, click on “Aeroplan,” and create an account. You’ll receive an Aeroplan number immediately — you need this number to collect points on flights and partner transactions.
If you apply for an Aeroplan credit card (from TD, CIBC, or Amex), you will either link your existing Aeroplan number or receive a new one during the card application process.
Earning Aeroplan Points
Earning on Flights
When you fly Air Canada or a Star Alliance partner airline, points are credited to your Aeroplan account based on the distance flown and the fare class purchased. Air Canada uses a combination of distance and ticket value to calculate flight points.
Earning on Air Canada flights: Points are calculated based on Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) × a class-of-service multiplier. Economy fare classes typically earn 100% of the base miles flown; premium economy and business class earn more. Deeply discounted economy fares can earn as little as 25% of base miles.
Earning on Star Alliance flights: Over 40 Star Alliance member airlines credit points to your Aeroplan account, including United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, Brussels Airlines, ANA, Air New Zealand, and many others. Earn rates on partner airlines vary by carrier and fare class.
Earning on non-alliance partners: Aeroplan also has earning partnerships with airlines outside Star Alliance, including Etihad Airways and others. Check the Aeroplan website for current partner earn rates.
Earning with Credit Cards
Aeroplan credit cards are the most powerful way to accumulate points without flying. In Canada, three banks issue Aeroplan credit cards:
- TD (TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum, TD Aeroplan Visa)
- CIBC (CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite, CIBC Aeroplan Visa, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege)
- American Express (Amex Aeroplan Card, Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card)
Earn rates range from 1 point per dollar on everyday spending up to 3 points per dollar on Air Canada purchases with the Amex Aeroplan Reserve. See our earn rate comparison by category for a full breakdown.
Earning with Partners
Aeroplan has hundreds of partners across retail, travel, dining, and services. Highlights include:
- Hotels: Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton, IHG, Hyatt, and others
- Car rental: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National
- Gas: Esso and Mobil stations
- Retail: The Aeroplan eStore (400+ online retailers)
- Dining: Select restaurant partners across Canada
For a complete list and tips on stacking partner earning with credit card earning, see How to Earn Aeroplan Points Without Flying.
Understanding Aeroplan Point Tiers
Aeroplan uses a dynamic pricing model for flights introduced in November 2020. Rather than a fixed award chart, the points required for a flight depend on:
- Base price of the fare — measured in Canadian dollars
- Distance of the route
- Cabin class — economy, premium economy, business, first
As a general guideline, here are approximate point ranges for common redemptions (in 2026):
| Route | Economy (one-way) | Business (one-way) |
|---|---|---|
| Within Canada (short-haul) | 6,000–15,000 pts | 15,000–25,000 pts |
| Canada to US | 10,000–20,000 pts | 25,000–50,000 pts |
| Canada to Europe | 35,000–70,000 pts | 85,000–120,000 pts |
| Canada to Asia | 45,000–80,000 pts | 95,000–150,000 pts |
These are approximate ranges only. Actual points required will vary with fare pricing and demand.
Elite Status: Aeroplan’s Tier System
Aeroplan Elite Status is earned by accumulating Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) — a combination of how much you fly Air Canada and how much you spend on tickets. There are four main status tiers:
| Status | SQM Required | SQD Required | Key Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aeroplan 25K | 25,000 SQM | $3,000 SQD | 25% bonus points, priority check-in |
| Aeroplan 35K | 35,000 SQM | $4,000 SQD | 50% bonus points, complimentary upgrades |
| Aeroplan 50K | 50,000 SQM | $6,000 SQD | 100% bonus points, Maple Leaf Lounge access |
| Aeroplan 75K | 75,000 SQM | $9,000 SQD | 150% bonus points, international upgrade awards |
There is also a SuperElite 100K tier for the most frequent Air Canada travellers, providing the highest level of service and benefits.
For a detailed analysis of each tier’s benefits and whether pursuing Elite Status is worthwhile, see our Aeroplan Elite Status guide.
Redeeming Aeroplan Points
Flights (Best Value)
Flight redemptions deliver the best value for Aeroplan points — typically 1.5–2.2 cents per point in economy, and 3–4 cents per point in business class. You can book:
- Air Canada flights directly on aircanada.com
- Star Alliance partner flights (sometimes requires calling Aeroplan)
- Non-alliance partner flights
Fixed-rate flight rewards are also available for some shorter routes at pre-set point amounts.
Upgrades
You can use Aeroplan points to upgrade an existing paid Air Canada ticket to a higher cabin. Upgrade redemptions can deliver excellent value, particularly on long-haul routes where the difference in comfort justifies a premium.
Hotels and Car Rentals
Aeroplan points can be redeemed for hotel stays through the Aeroplan travel portal. The value is generally lower than flight redemptions — expect around 0.7–1.2 cents per point — but hotel redemptions can be useful when you have surplus points.
Merchandise and Gift Cards
Merchandise redemptions (electronics, appliances, experiences) deliver poor value — often less than 0.5 cents per point. Gift cards typically offer around 0.7–1.0 cents per point. Avoid these redemption categories unless you have no other options.
Charitable Donations
Aeroplan allows you to donate points to selected Canadian charities. Point value for donations varies by campaign but is generally modest.
How the 2020 Aeroplan Relaunch Changed Things
The original Aeroplan program used a fixed award chart with set point prices for flights by zone. Air Canada terminated the original agreement with Aimia (which ran Aeroplan) in 2020 and launched a new, wholly owned Aeroplan program.
Key changes from the 2020 relaunch:
- Dynamic pricing replaced fixed zone charts. Points required vary based on cash fare prices, removing some of the guaranteed sweet spots but also reducing the worst-case premium prices on some routes.
- Points never expire as long as you have qualifying activity every 12 months (previously 18 months). The current inactivity window is 18 months — see our Aeroplan expiry guide.
- Family Sharing introduced. Up to eight family members can pool points for bookings without transferring points. See how Aeroplan Family Sharing works.
- New credit card partners added. Amex joined TD and CIBC as an official Aeroplan credit card issuer.
- Stopovers and open-jaws available. The new program allows one free stopover per award booking on international routes, a feature absent from many competing programs.
Tips to Maximise Your Aeroplan Value
Focus on business class redemptions. The cents-per-point value is significantly higher in business and first class. A Toronto–London business class redemption can be worth 3+ cents per point.
Target sweet spot routes. Some routes price particularly well under Aeroplan’s dynamic model. Short-haul North American routes and certain partner airline business class seats can be outstanding value.
Stack earning sources. Use your Aeroplan credit card for everyday spending AND present your Aeroplan number at partner locations. You can earn credit card points and partner points on the same transaction at Esso stations, certain hotels, and more.
Monitor promotions. Aeroplan regularly runs bonus point promotions (double points on certain partners, transfer bonuses from hotel programs). Sign up for Aeroplan emails to catch these.
Use Family Sharing for larger redemptions. If individual accounts don’t have enough points for a redemption, pool with family members to reach the threshold.
Keep your account active. Make at least one qualifying transaction every 18 months to prevent point expiry. A small eStore purchase counts.
Look at partner airlines for better availability. Sometimes Star Alliance partners like United or ANA have award seats available that Air Canada doesn’t show online. Calling Aeroplan directly can help locate these.
Aeroplan vs. Other Canadian Programs
| Feature | Aeroplan | Scene+ | AIR MILES | Avion Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary airline | Air Canada + Star Alliance | No dedicated airline | Limited flights | Various airlines |
| Point value (flights) | 1.5–2.2 cpp | ~1 cpp | 0.5–1 cpp | ~1 cpp |
| Flexibility | Medium (airline-focused) | High | Medium | High |
| Ground earning | Strong | Strong | Very strong | Moderate |
For detailed comparisons, see:
- Aeroplan vs. Scene+
- Aeroplan vs. AIR MILES
- Aeroplan vs. Avion Rewards
- Aeroplan vs. Amex Membership Rewards
Bottom Line
Aeroplan is the most versatile and highest-value loyalty program available to Canadian travellers today. With strong credit card earning partners (TD, CIBC, and Amex), a massive flight partner network through Star Alliance, and excellent business class redemption value, it rewards both frequent flyers and everyday earners.
The key to getting the most from Aeroplan is understanding how the dynamic pricing model works and targeting flight redemptions — especially business class — over merchandise or gift cards. Start with a mid-tier Aeroplan credit card to build your balance quickly, keep your account active, and redeem strategically.
Aeroplan FAQ
How do I join Aeroplan? Aeroplan is free to join. Visit aircanada.com, click “Aeroplan,” and create an account — you’ll receive an Aeroplan number immediately. Alternatively, applying for an Aeroplan credit card (TD, CIBC, or Amex) automatically creates or links an Aeroplan account during the application process.
Do Aeroplan points expire? Yes — Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of account inactivity. Any qualifying transaction (a credit card purchase, eStore order, flight, or partner transaction) resets the 18-month clock. See our Aeroplan points expiry guide for the full list of qualifying activities.
Can I earn Aeroplan points without flying? Absolutely. Credit card spending with an Aeroplan card is the most powerful accumulation method for most Canadians. You can also earn through the Aeroplan eStore, Esso fuel purchases, dining partners, and hotel stays. See How to Earn Aeroplan Points Without Flying for a complete breakdown.
How many Aeroplan points do I need for a free flight in Canada? Approximately 6,000–15,000 points one way for short domestic routes (e.g., Toronto to Ottawa), rising to 25,000–45,000 points for longer coast-to-coast flights such as Toronto to Vancouver. Exact amounts vary with Aeroplan’s dynamic pricing — search at aircanada.com with “Points” selected to see current prices.
Which credit cards earn Aeroplan points in Canada? Three banks issue Aeroplan credit cards in Canada: TD (TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum), CIBC (CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege), and American Express (Amex Aeroplan Card, Amex Aeroplan Reserve Card). See our earn rate comparison by spending category to find the right card for your lifestyle.
Related Aeroplan Articles
- Aeroplan Points Value Canada 2026
- Best Aeroplan Redemptions in Canada 2026
- Aeroplan Sweet Spots: Best Ways to Use Your Points 2026
- Aeroplan Business Class Redemptions Canada 2026
- How to Book Aeroplan Flights: Step-by-Step Canada Guide 2026
- Aeroplan Elite Status: Is It Worth It? Canada 2026
- Aeroplan Family Sharing: How It Works Canada 2026
- Aeroplan Partners: Where to Earn Points Canada 2026
- Aeroplan Points Expiry Rules Canada 2026
- How to Earn Aeroplan Points Without Flying Canada 2026
- Best Aeroplan Credit Cards by Spending Category 2026
- Aeroplan eStore Guide: Earn Points Shopping Online Canada 2026
- Aeroplan vs. Scene+: Which Points Program Is Better? Canada 2026
- Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada 2026
Aeroplan program terms, earn rates, and redemption values are subject to change. Always verify current details at aircanada.com/aeroplan.