Aeroplan and Air Miles are both stalwart Canadian loyalty programs, but they operate very differently and attract different types of collectors. Aeroplan is airline-centric — built around Air Canada and Star Alliance flights. Air Miles is a retail coalition program built on partner merchants across Canada, with travel redemptions as one (but not the only) redemption option. This guide compares the two programs directly.
Quick Verdict
Choose Aeroplan if: You fly regularly and want maximum flight redemption value from a single program. Aeroplan points are more consistently valuable, especially for business class or Star Alliance partner redemptions.
Choose Air Miles if: You shop heavily at Air Miles retail partners (Sobeys, Safeway, Shell, Staples) and primarily want to use points for everyday retail redemptions, fuel savings, or partner travel. Air Miles Cash provides useful everyday value without the complexity of travel redemptions.
Reality for most Canadians: Many Canadians collect both passively — Air Miles through in-store partner swipes, Aeroplan through their credit card. There’s no reason not to collect both if the partners overlap with your shopping habits.
At a Glance: Aeroplan vs. Air Miles
| Feature | Aeroplan | Air Miles |
|---|---|---|
| Program type | Airline loyalty | Retail coalition |
| Point currency | Aeroplan points | Air Miles (Cash & Dream) |
| Primary issuer | TD, CIBC, Amex | BMO |
| Best earn environment | Credit card spending, Air Canada flights | Retail partner swipes |
| Best redemption | Business class flights (2–5+ cpp) | Cash tier: ~$1 per 95 Cash miles |
| Flight redemption value | 1.5–4.0+ cpp | Varies; often poor on Dream tier |
| Fixed redemption value? | No (dynamic pricing) | Air Miles Cash ≈ fixed; Dream varies |
| Airline access | Air Canada + 40+ Star Alliance | Air Miles booking portal (any airline) |
| Partner network | Aeroplan eStore + airline partners | 300+ retail partners in Canada |
| Expiry | 18 months inactivity | 24 months inactivity |
| Family pooling | Yes (up to 8 members) | No |
Program Overview
Aeroplan
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, relaunched in November 2020 under Air Canada’s direct ownership. It’s designed primarily for travel — the best redemptions are flights on Air Canada and Star Alliance partners. Points have no fixed value; redemption rates are dynamic but are anchored to a floor that prevents the most expensive cash prices from inflating award costs proportionally.
Best use: Business or premium economy flights on Air Canada, Star Alliance partner redemptions (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United), domestic economy routes.
Cards: TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite, CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite, Amex Aeroplan Reserve, Amex Cobalt (earns MR, transfers 1:1 to Aeroplan).
Air Miles
Air Miles is one of Canada’s longest-running loyalty programs, operated by the Loyalty One subsidiary of Loyalty Ventures. It’s a coalition program — you earn Miles by shopping at partner retailers, and you can redeem them in two “tiers”:
- Air Miles Cash — redeemable at partner stores for in-store discounts (approximately 95 Cash Miles = $10 off)
- Air Miles Dream — redeemable for travel (flights, hotels, car rentals) and merchandise
Air Miles collector accounts earn Miles across both tiers unless you specify otherwise. You can convert between tiers (Cash to Dream and back) subject to program rules.
Best use: Retail partner shopping (Sobeys, Shell, Staples); fuel savings; everyday shopping cash discounts.
Cards: BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard, BMO AIR MILES Mastercard.
The Critical Difference: Travel Redemption Quality
This is where the programs diverge most significantly:
Aeroplan — flight redemptions
Aeroplan’s flight redemptions are based on the cash price of the ticket, with a protective floor. For economy domestic flights, you’ll typically pay 10,000–20,000 points. For business class international, 50,000–100,000 points. At 1.5–2.5 cents per point effective value, these are competitive redemptions.
Air Miles Dream — flight redemptions
Air Miles flight redemptions have been a point of ongoing frustration for Canadian collectors. The program books flights through its own travel portal, and availability can be limited. The effective cents-per-mile value on Dream redemptions for flights is often lower than Aeroplan’s. Air Miles Cash redemptions (in-store discounts) are more predictable.
Verdict: For travel specifically, Aeroplan is the stronger program. For everyday retail discounts, Air Miles Cash is a useful complement.
Where You Earn Each Program
Aeroplan earn sources
| Source | How |
|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 1.5x on everyday, 3x on Air Canada |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 1.5x on everyday, 3x on Air Canada |
| Amex Cobalt → MR → Aeroplan | 5x on food/drink, 1:1 MR transfer |
| Air Canada flights | Base miles + status bonuses |
| Aeroplan eStore | Online shopping portal |
Air Miles earn sources
| Source | How |
|---|---|
| Sobeys, IGA, Safeway | In-store swipe |
| Shell gas stations | Per litre |
| Staples | In-store and online |
| BMO Air Miles Cards | Per dollar spent anywhere |
| 300+ partner locations | Varies by partner |
Credit Card Comparison
| Card | Program | Annual Fee | Top Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Aeroplan | $139 | 3x on Air Canada |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | Aeroplan | $139 | 3x on Air Canada |
| Amex Cobalt + transfer | Aeroplan (via MR) | $155.88/yr | 5x food/drink → 1:1 Aeroplan |
| BMO AIR MILES World Elite | Air Miles | $120 | Bonus miles at partners |
| BMO AIR MILES Mastercard | Air Miles | $0 | Base miles on all spend |
Who Should Collect Each Program
Collect Aeroplan if you:
- Fly at least occasionally and want to use points for flights
- Want maximum value from a single program
- Shop through the Aeroplan eStore or use partner dining/hotels
- Already hold an Amex Cobalt (the 5x food/drink → Aeroplan transfer is very strong)
Collect Air Miles if you:
- Shop regularly at Sobeys, Safeway, Shell, or other Air Miles partners
- Want an everyday cash-equivalent discount on partner purchases (Air Miles Cash)
- Don’t prioritize flight redemptions and prefer retail flexibility
- Are in a region with high Air Miles partner density (Western Canada, Atlantic Canada)
Collect both if you:
- Shop at Air Miles retail partners AND want to earn flight-redemption points on credit card spend
- This is the most common “passive” Canadian strategy — Air Miles swipe at partner stores, Aeroplan on the credit card
Related Articles
- Aeroplan vs. Scene+
- Aeroplan vs. WestJet Rewards
- How Aeroplan Works
- How Air Miles Works
- Best Air Miles Credit Cards in Canada
- BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard Review
- Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
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