https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/Recent content in Air Miles Credit Cards and Programme Guide — Canada 2026 on CardNorthHugo -- gohugo.ioen-caWed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/cash-vs-dream-miles/Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/cash-vs-dream-miles/Every AIR MILES mile you earn is split between two buckets: Cash Miles and Dream Miles. Understanding the difference — and choosing the right split — determines how much value you actually extract from the programme. What Are Cash Miles? Cash Miles are redeemed at the checkout of participating AIR MILES partners for instant discounts: 95 Cash Miles = $10 off your purchase (at Sobeys, Shell, Rexall, and other partners) Works like a gift card applied at checkout — immediate, simple No minimum redemption threshold No travel booking required Effective cash value: 95 Cash Miles → $10 = ~$0.https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/air-miles-value/Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/air-miles-value/Air Miles has two distinct mile types — Cash Miles and Dream Miles — and each delivers a very different value. Understanding the difference is the key to maximising your Air Miles balance. Air Miles Value at a Glance Mile Type Primary Use Value per Mile Cash Miles Retail redemptions at Shell, Metro, Rexall, IGA ~10.5¢ per mile (95 Miles = $10) Dream Miles Flights, hotels, merchandise via Air Miles portal ~0.https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/how-air-miles-works/Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/how-air-miles-works/Air Miles is one of Canada’s original coalition loyalty programmes — launched in 1992, it predates Aeroplan by several years. Unlike single-issuer programmes, Air Miles is a coalition: you earn miles at dozens of retail partners by presenting your Air Miles card or app at checkout, regardless of which credit card you use to pay. The programme has two distinct mile types — Cash Miles and Dream Miles — which operate differently and deliver very different values.https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/how-many-air-miles-for-a-flight/Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/how-many-air-miles-for-a-flight/Air Miles flight redemptions use Dream Miles through the Air Miles travel centre. Unlike many points programmes, Air Miles does not publish a fixed award chart — redemption costs vary based on the cash price of the flight, current availability, and the route. Typical Dream Miles Required for Flights These ranges are estimates based on typical cash fares and Air Miles redemption rates: Route Cash Fare Estimate Approx. Dream Miles (Economy) Short domestic (YYZ–YOW, YVR–YYC) $200–$400 2,000–4,000 Cross-Canada (YYZ–YVR) $500–$900 5,000–9,000 Transborder to USA $300–$800 3,000–8,000 Transatlantic (YYZ–LHR) $800–$2,000 8,000–20,000 Sun destination (YYZ–CUN) $500–$1,200 5,000–12,000 Actual miles required depend on cash fare at time of booking — Air Miles prices flights as a percentage of the cash fare.https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/air-miles-flight-redemptions-canada/Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://cardnorth.ca/rewards-programs/air-miles/air-miles-flight-redemptions-canada/Air Miles is one of Canada’s oldest and most recognisable loyalty programmes, with a collector base of millions of Canadians who earn miles through grocery stores (Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo), gas (Shell), pharmacy (Rexall/Pharma Plus), and a range of credit card partners. Understanding the two types of Air Miles and how flight redemptions work is key to extracting maximum value from your accumulated balance. Air Miles: Two Currencies, Two Systems Feature Dream Miles Cash Miles Primary use Flights, hotels, car rentals, merchandise In-store discounts, bill credits Earn Credit cards, partner stores (flight/reward transactions) Some retail and credit card earn Redemption Zone chart or Calculated Flights Instantly at checkout (25+ Cash Miles = $1 at some partners) Expiry 36 months of account inactivity No expiry (while account active) Best for High-value flight redemptions Frequent small redemptions for everyday savings Air Miles Dream Miles Flight Zone Chart 2026 Air Miles uses a zone-based chart for Dream Miles flight redemptions.