Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty programme and one of the most valuable travel rewards currencies in Canada. Since its 2020 relaunch, Aeroplan has moved to a distance and fare-class based redemption model — which unlocks significant value when you know how to use it.
How You Earn Aeroplan Points
Credit cards: The fastest way to accumulate Aeroplan points is through co-branded credit cards:
| Card | Best Earn Rate |
|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 1.5x groceries, gas & dining |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 1.5x groceries & gas |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve | 3x Air Canada |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege | 2x groceries, gas & dining |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Card | 1x everywhere (no fee) |
Flying Air Canada: Earn points on every Air Canada and Star Alliance flight. Points earned depend on the fare class and distance flown.
Aeroplan partners: Over 75 retail, hotel, and car rental partners earn Aeroplan points directly — including Starbucks, hotels.com, and select grocery chains.
Amex Membership Rewards transfers: Transfer points from American Express Cobalt, Gold Rewards, and Platinum at a 1:1 ratio to Aeroplan. This is often the highest-value Amex MR redemption.
How Aeroplan Redemptions Work
Aeroplan uses a zone-based chart for partner airline redemptions and a dynamic pricing model for Air Canada flights.
Air Canada Flights (Dynamic Pricing)
Air Canada flights are priced dynamically in Aeroplan points based on the cash price of the ticket. Points requirements vary with demand. To find the best value:
- Search the same dates repeatedly — availability changes
- Book early for peak routes (YYZ–LHR, YVR–NRT)
- Use the “Points + Cash” option when point prices spike
- Business class often provides better value per point than economy
Partner Airline Flights (Zone Chart)
For Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, etc.), Aeroplan uses a fixed zone-based chart that can deliver outstanding value. For example:
| Route | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| Canada → Continental US | 6,000–12,500 pts | 25,000 pts |
| Canada → Europe | 35,000 pts | 55,000–70,000 pts |
| Canada → Japan/SE Asia | 40,000 pts | 80,000–100,000 pts |
Business class to Europe at 55,000 Aeroplan points typically represents 3–5¢ per point in value — far above the ~1.5¢ baseline.
Hotels, Cars & Merchandise
You can redeem Aeroplan points for hotel nights, car rentals, and merchandise — but the value is generally lower (0.8–1.2¢/pt) compared to flight redemptions. Use points for flights where possible.
Aeroplan Transfer Partners
Aeroplan lets you transfer points from these programmes:
| Programme | Transfer Ratio |
|---|---|
| Amex Membership Rewards | 1:1 |
| Marriott Bonvoy | 3:1 (+ 5,000 bonus per 60,000) |
| TD Rewards | 3.3:1 (via Expedia For TD) — limited |
Aeroplan does not transfer out to other programmes.
How to Maximise Aeroplan Value
- Target partner airline business class using the zone chart — best value per point
- Transfer Amex MR in bulk before booking to top up your balance
- Use Stopover and Open-Jaw awards — Aeroplan allows one free stopover on round-trip international awards
- Stack with Status — Aeroplan Elite Status earns bonus points and provides upgrade priority
- Watch for transfer bonuses — Amex occasionally offers 10–30% transfer bonuses to Aeroplan
Aeroplan Point Expiry
Aeroplan points do not expire as long as you have qualifying activity (earn or redeem) at least once every 18 months. Simply using an Aeroplan co-branded credit card for a purchase resets the clock.
Related Articles
- Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Review 2026
- American Express Cobalt Card Review 2026
- Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
Aeroplan programme terms are subject to change. Verify current redemption rates at aeroplan.com before booking. See our Advertiser Disclosure.