Aeroplan and WestJet Rewards are Canada’s two largest airline loyalty programs, together covering the overwhelming majority of domestic flights. Choosing between them — or deciding whether to collect both — is a question that affects which credit card you carry, which airline you book when prices are similar, and how much you get back from your spending over time. This guide compares both programs in detail.
Quick Verdict
Choose Aeroplan if: You want maximum flight redemption value, access to 40+ airlines worldwide, and the flexibility to redeem for premium cabin flights at potentially 2–5x the per-point value of WestJet Dollars.
Choose WestJet Rewards if: You fly WestJet exclusively, value simplicity (WestJet Dollars have a fixed $1 value), and want the annual companion voucher benefit from the RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard.
Best case: If you fly both airlines, collect Aeroplan as your primary program (wider redemption network) and use WestJet Dollars selectively via the companion voucher benefit.
At a Glance: Aeroplan vs. WestJet Rewards
| Feature | Aeroplan | WestJet Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Top credit card | TD / CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard |
| Annual fee | $139 | $119 |
| Point currency | Aeroplan points | WestJet Dollars |
| Fixed point value? | No — value varies by redemption | Yes — 1 WestJet Dollar = $1 CAD |
| Best redemption value | 2.0–5.0+ cpp (business class) | 1.0 cpp (fixed) |
| Everyday value | 1.0–1.5 cpp (economy) | 1.0 cpp |
| Airline coverage | Air Canada + 40+ Star Alliance carriers | WestJet only |
| Companion voucher | No (cards don’t include this) | Yes (World Elite) |
| Free checked bag | Yes (Aeroplan cards on Air Canada) | Yes (World Elite) |
| Points expiry | 18 months of inactivity | No expiry while account active |
| Family pooling | Yes (up to 8 members) | No |
| Transfer partners | Amex MR, CIBC Aventura, others → Aeroplan | None |
| Airline alliances | Star Alliance (Air Canada) | No alliance membership |
Program Overview
Aeroplan
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program. Since its relaunch in 2020, it has operated as a full-featured airline loyalty program with no more fixed award charts — pricing is dynamic based on the cash price of the ticket, with a floor that protects against very expensive redemptions.
Collect via: TD Aeroplan cards, CIBC Aeroplan cards, Amex Aeroplan Reserve, Amex Cobalt (via MR transfer), shopping through the Aeroplan eStore, flying Air Canada or Star Alliance partners.
Best redemptions:
- Economy flights on Air Canada domestic routes (~1.5 cpp)
- Business class on Air Canada international routes (2.0–4.0+ cpp)
- Partner airline redemptions (select routes via Star Alliance)
WestJet Rewards
WestJet Rewards uses WestJet Dollars — a fixed-value currency worth exactly $1 CAD toward any WestJet booking. There is no award pricing complexity; every redemption is at the same rate. This simplicity is WestJet’s strongest differentiator.
Collect via: RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard, RBC WestJet Mastercard, flying WestJet, WestJet partner activities.
Best redemptions:
- Any WestJet flight (economy to business cabin)
- WestJet Vacations packages
- Companion voucher (booked separately from WestJet Dollars)
Redemption Value Comparison
This is the most important factor for most travellers:
| Redemption | Aeroplan Value | WestJet Value |
|---|---|---|
| Economy domestic | ~1.2–1.8 cpp | 1.0 cpp (fixed) |
| Economy transborder | ~1.2–1.8 cpp | 1.0 cpp (fixed) |
| Business class (international) | 2.0–5.0+ cpp | 1.0 cpp (fixed) |
| Hotel nights | 0.5–1.0 cpp | N/A |
| Statement credit / merchandise | ~0.8 cpp (not recommended) | N/A |
Key insight: If you only ever fly economy, WestJet Dollars’ fixed 1.0 cpp value is straightforward and fair. If you aspire to business class — or even premium economy on Air Canada routes — Aeroplan points can be worth 2–3x more per point on the same type of redemption.
Credit Card Comparison
Aeroplan Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Earn Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 3x on Air Canada | Air Canada loyalists |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | $139 | 3x on Air Canada | CIBC banking customers |
| Amex Aeroplan Reserve | $599 | 3x on Air Canada; lounge | High-frequency Air Canada flyers |
WestJet Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Top Earn Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard | $119 | 2% at WestJet | WestJet loyalists; companion voucher |
| RBC WestJet Mastercard | $39 | 1.5% at WestJet | Occasional WestJet flyers |
The Companion Voucher Advantage
The RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard includes an annual companion voucher — one companion flies for $119 CAD (plus taxes and fees) on any WestJet flight that you’re booked on. For a couple who takes one or two WestJet trips per year, this voucher alone can save $300–$800+ depending on route.
Aeroplan cards do not offer a comparable companion voucher benefit. This is WestJet Rewards’ single most compelling advantage.
Who Should Collect Each Program
Collect Aeroplan if you:
- Fly Air Canada at least occasionally
- Want access to Star Alliance’s worldwide network (Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, United, etc.)
- Are targeting business class flights where points have the highest value
- Want to pool points with family members
- Already hold an Amex Cobalt, Gold Rewards, or other MR-earning card (1:1 transfer to Aeroplan)
Collect WestJet Rewards if you:
- Fly WestJet exclusively or primarily
- Take at least one leisure trip per year with a companion (to use the companion voucher)
- Prefer a simple, no-complexity fixed-value currency
- Want free checked bags on WestJet (included with the World Elite card)
Collect both if you:
- Have no airline loyalty and fly both airlines depending on price
- Are a family with members flying on different carriers
The Bigger Picture: Flexibility
Aeroplan points can be earned from multiple credit card issuers (TD, CIBC, Amex) and transferred in from Amex Membership Rewards, CIBC Aventura, and other programs. WestJet Dollars can only be earned through RBC’s two co-branded cards and WestJet flights — there is no transfer ecosystem.
This flexibility gives Aeroplan a significant structural advantage as a long-term points strategy. You can earn Aeroplan points from your everyday credit card (Amex Cobalt: 5x dining/grocery → 1:1 to Aeroplan) in a way that WestJet simply cannot match.
Related Articles
- Aeroplan vs. Scene+
- Aeroplan vs. Air Miles
- How Aeroplan Works
- How WestJet Rewards Works
- RBC WestJet World Elite Mastercard Review
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Review
- Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Details current as of June 2026. See our Advertiser Disclosure.