Unlocking Savings: Discover the Best Travel Rewards Program in Canada for 2025

Looking for the best travel rewards program in Canada for 2025? Air Canada's Aeroplan program is a strong contender. It's Canada's largest airline, and its loyalty program lets you earn and spend points on a huge network of flights, not just with Air Canada but also with its partners. We'll break down how to make the most of Aeroplan, from earning points to using them for your next trip.

Key Takeaways

• Air Canada's Aeroplan program is a major player in Canadian travel rewards, offering extensive earning and redemption options through its global network and partnerships.

• You can earn Aeroplan points not only by flying Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners but also through credit card spending, hotel stays, car rentals, and its online shopping portal.

• Redeeming Aeroplan points can offer great value, especially on partner airlines, though the program uses a dynamic pricing system for Air Canada flights and a zone/distance-based system for partners.

• Aeroplan Elite Status provides tiered benefits like priority services, lounge access, and increased baggage allowance, with a new qualification system based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) starting in 2026.

• Beyond flights, Aeroplan points can be used for upgrades, in-flight Wi-Fi, hotel bookings, car rentals, merchandise, and vacation packages, offering flexibility in how you use your rewards.

Air Canada Aeroplan Program Overview

Air Canada's Aeroplan program is a big deal for anyone flying in or out of Canada, or even just traveling around the world. It's been around for a while, and they've made some changes to make it more appealing. Think of it as Air Canada's way of saying thanks for flying with them, by giving you points you can use for more flights, upgrades, and other travel goodies.

The core idea is simple: earn points, then spend them. You can earn points in a bunch of ways, not just by flying. Credit card spending, hotel stays, and even shopping through their online portal all add up. This makes it pretty flexible for racking up points even when you're not on a plane.

Here's a quick look at how you can get points:

• Flying with Air Canada or its partners: The most direct way, obviously.

• Using Aeroplan-affiliated credit cards: Many cards offer bonus points just for signing up and then more as you spend.

• Shopping via the Aeroplan eStore: Buy things you normally would online, but go through their portal first.

• Partner stays and rentals: Book hotels or cars with their travel partners.

Once you have points, you can use them for flights on Air Canada or any of its Star Alliance partners, which is a huge network. They also have different levels of status, like Aeroplan Elite Status, that give you extra perks the more you fly. It's a pretty well-rounded program that tries to cover a lot of bases for frequent travelers.

Aeroplan has a system that uses both zones and distance to figure out how many points a flight costs. This can sometimes make finding the best deals a bit tricky, but it also means there are often really good deals to be found if you know where to look. They also have tools to help you predict point costs.

Earning Aeroplan Points Through Flights

Flying is probably the most straightforward way to rack up Aeroplan points, especially if you're a frequent flyer with Air Canada or its partner airlines. When you book a flight, the number of points you earn usually depends on how much you spend and what kind of ticket you bought. It's not just about the distance you travel anymore; it's more tied to the fare you paid.

The more you spend on an eligible flight, the more Aeroplan points you'll collect. This applies to flights operated by Air Canada and many of its partner airlines, which include carriers like United, Lufthansa, and Swiss, among others. It's a good idea to check the Aeroplan website before you book to see how many points you can expect to earn on a specific flight, as it can vary quite a bit.

Here's a general idea of how points are earned on Air Canada flights:

• Base Fare and Carrier Surcharges: You earn points based on the base fare and any carrier surcharges, but not on taxes and fees. This means a cheaper ticket might earn fewer points than a more expensive one, even if the flight is the same.

• Fare Type: Different fare classes can affect your earnings. For example, a flexible or premium economy ticket might earn more points than a basic economy fare.

• Aeroplan Elite Status: If you have Aeroplan Elite Status, you'll get a bonus on the points you earn when flying, making your travel even more rewarding.

It's also worth noting that when you fly with partner airlines, the points you earn might be calculated differently. Some partners have fixed earning rates, while others might follow a system similar to Air Canada's. Always double-check the specific earning rules for the airline you're flying with.

Remember that points earned from flights can take some time to show up in your account, often a few weeks after you've completed your travel. So, don't expect them to be there the moment you land.

For example, if you buy a ticket for $500 and the base fare and carrier surcharges add up to $400, you'll earn points based on that $400. If you have Aeroplan 35K status, you might get a 35% bonus on top of the base points earned for that $400 spend.

Maximizing Aeroplan Points with Credit Cards

Okay, so you want to rack up Aeroplan points, right? Flying is one way, but let's be real, it takes a lot of trips to earn a decent amount. That's where credit cards come in. They're probably the fastest way to get a big chunk of points, especially with those welcome bonuses.

Getting a new Aeroplan co-branded credit card can give you a huge head start. Think of it like a bonus for just signing up and meeting a spending requirement. These bonuses can be worth hundreds, even thousands, of dollars in travel if you play it right. It's not just about the welcome offer, though. The everyday spending on these cards earns you more points. Some cards are better for groceries, others for gas, so pick one that matches how you spend money.

Here's a quick look at how different cards can help:

• Welcome Bonuses: These are usually the biggest point-earners. Look for cards with offers that give you a substantial amount of points after your first few purchases.

• Everyday Spending: Cards often give you bonus points on specific categories like dining, groceries, or travel. Use the card that gives you the most points for what you're buying.

• Category Bonuses: Some cards offer extra points for spending with Air Canada or its partners, which is a nice perk if you fly them often.

It's not just about Air Canada's own cards, either. Some flexible travel rewards cards let you transfer points to Aeroplan. This can be super handy if you have points with a program like CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card and want to move them over.

When choosing a card, always check the annual fee and compare it to the benefits you'll actually use. Sometimes a card with a fee is worth it if the rewards and perks outweigh the cost. Don't forget to look at the earning rates for different spending categories – that's where the real long-term value is.

Think about your spending habits. If you travel a lot, a card with good travel perks might be best. If you're more of a homebody who occasionally takes trips, focus on cards that give you the most points on everyday purchases. It's all about making the card work for you, not the other way around.

Leveraging Aeroplan Travel Partners

Aeroplan's network goes way beyond just Air Canada flights. They have a bunch of airline partners, and sometimes, booking with them can be a really smart move for your points. Think of it like having a bigger playground for your rewards.

Booking with partner airlines often means you're dealing with fixed award prices, which can be a sweet spot for getting good value, especially if you find a flight that's usually expensive with cash. Unlike Air Canada's own flights which can have dynamic pricing that shifts with demand, partner awards tend to be more predictable. This makes planning a bit easier.

Here's a look at how you can make the most of these partnerships:

• Airline Alliances and Beyond: Aeroplan is part of the Star Alliance, which is a huge global group. This means you can fly on airlines like United, Lufthansa, Swiss, and many others using your Aeroplan points. But Aeroplan also partners with airlines outside of Star Alliance, like Etihad, Vistara, and Azul. This really expands your options for where you can go.

• Hotel and Car Rental Partners: Don't forget about ground transportation and accommodation! Aeroplan has deals with major hotel chains and car rental companies. You can earn Aeroplan points when you book stays or rentals with partners like Marriott, Avis, and Budget. Sometimes, you can even redeem your points for these services, though it's usually better to earn on them.

• Finding Award Availability: The main thing to remember with partner bookings is that you're usually limited to specific award seats. These aren't always easy to find, especially during peak travel times. You'll need to be flexible with your dates and times, and do a bit of searching on the Aeroplan website.

While booking partner flights can offer great value, it's important to know that there's a small partner booking fee added to these redemptions. It's not a huge amount, but it's something to factor into the total cost when you're comparing options. Also, remember that award seat availability is key; you can't just book any seat like you might be able to on some Air Canada flights.

It's worth checking the Aeroplan website regularly to see which partners are offering bonus points or special promotions. Sometimes, you can earn a lot more points than usual just by booking through a specific partner.

Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Flights

So, you've been collecting Aeroplan points, maybe through flying, credit cards, or shopping. Now comes the fun part: actually using them for flights! It's not always as straightforward as you might think, but with a little know-how, you can snag some great deals.

Aeroplan's system for figuring out how many points a flight costs is a bit of a hybrid. It looks at travel zones (like North America, Atlantic, Pacific, and South America) and also how far you're actually flying. This can make it a bit tricky to pin down the exact point cost sometimes, but it also means there are often some really good redemption opportunities if you know where to look.

When you book a flight directly with Air Canada, the points price can change based on how many people are buying tickets and how much the cash price is. Think of it like a flexible pricing system. Air Canada does provide an award chart that gives you a general idea of what to expect, and they even have a tool on their website to help predict point costs. It's helpful to check this regularly.

For flights on partner airlines, the points needed are usually fixed. This can be a real advantage because the price won't jump up unexpectedly. You'll want to check the specific award charts for these partners to see the set point costs.

Here’s a quick look at how you might approach redeeming:

• Check Award Charts: Familiarize yourself with the Aeroplan award charts for both Air Canada and partner airlines. These are your best guides.

• Use the Aeroplan Website/App: Their booking tool is where you'll actually search for and book flights. Pay attention to the predicted point costs.

• Consider Different Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, you can often find flights that cost fewer points.

• Look for Sweet Spots: Some routes or partner redemptions are known for offering particularly good value. Research these beforehand.

Redeeming points for flights requires a bit of planning. Don't just expect to click and book; sometimes you need to search around, be flexible with your travel plans, and understand the pricing structure to get the best possible outcome for your points. It's a bit of a treasure hunt, but the rewards can be well worth the effort.

Remember, the goal is to get the most value out of your hard-earned points, so taking a little time to understand the redemption process will definitely pay off.

Aeroplan Elite Status Tiers and Benefits

Achieving Aeroplan Elite Status can really change how you travel, offering a bunch of perks that make flying with Air Canada and its partners a lot smoother. Think of it as a way to get more out of your loyalty. There are five different tiers: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, and Super Elite. Each level comes with its own set of core benefits, plus you get to pick some extra "Select Benefits" that best fit your travel style.

These benefits can include things like priority reservations, better baggage allowances, and access to Maple Leaf Lounges. As you move up the tiers, the perks get better. For instance, higher status levels might get you more eUpgrade credits or even priority check-in and security lines. It's all about making your airport experience and flight more comfortable.

Starting in 2026, earning status is changing. Instead of miles or segments, it's all about Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). You'll earn these credits based on how much you spend on eligible Air Canada flights, through spending on Aeroplan co-branded credit cards, and even with partner activities. For example, 35K status will require 35,000 SQC. This new system aims to reward members who spend more with the program.

Here's a quick look at what you might expect as you climb the ladder:

• Priority Services: This includes priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling.

• Baggage Allowance: You'll typically get at least one extra checked bag, with higher tiers getting more.

• Lounge Access: Maple Leaf Lounge access is a key perk, especially for higher tiers.

• eUpgrade Credits: These are super useful for upgrading your seat on eligible flights.

• Choice Benefits: At certain levels, you can choose from a menu of perks like gifting status to a friend or getting bonus Aeroplan points.

The program is designed to recognize and reward frequent flyers. As you reach higher tiers, the benefits become more substantial, aiming to provide a more premium travel experience from start to finish. It's worth checking the specific details for each tier to see how it aligns with your travel habits.

It's good to know that your current 2025 Elite Status will be valid until January 31, 2026, giving you a little extra time to enjoy those benefits. This extension is part of Air Canada's effort to support members through the program changes. You can find more details about the Aeroplan Elite Status program on their website.

Understanding Aeroplan's Award Pricing System

Aeroplan's system for pricing award flights can seem a bit complex at first, but once you get the hang of it, you'll see how it works. It's a mix of zone-based and distance-based calculations. Basically, they've divided the world into a few big travel zones: North America, the Atlantic, the Pacific, and South America. The number of points you need depends on which zones you're flying between and how far you're going.

When you fly on Air Canada itself, the points needed can change. It's a bit like dynamic pricing you see with regular tickets – the price in points often tries to keep pace with the cash price of the ticket. This means there isn't one fixed price for a seat. Air Canada does provide award charts that give you a general idea of the points range for different routes, and they even have a tool on their website to help predict prices.

The good news is that Aeroplan has removed extra charges on award tickets, even for their own flights. This means the points price you see is generally what you pay, without those pesky surprise fees tacked on.

However, things are a bit different when you book flights with their partner airlines. For these flights, the number of points required is usually fixed. You'll find these prices listed in their award charts. The main thing to remember here is that you need to find available award seats, which can sometimes be tricky. Also, booking a partner flight usually comes with a small partner booking fee, which is a flat rate per ticket.

Here's a quick look at how it generally works:

• Air Canada Flights: Dynamic pricing within a range, influenced by cash fares. Use the Points Predictor Tool for estimates.

• Partner Airline Flights: Fixed award pricing based on zone and distance, but requires finding available award seats.

• Fees: No cash surcharges on Air Canada flights. A partner booking fee applies to partner airline awards.

Understanding these differences is key to getting the most value out of your Aeroplan points when booking flights with Air Canada or its partners.

Air Canada Signature Class Experience

When you're looking to travel in serious comfort with Air Canada, Signature Class is the way to go. It's basically their top-tier business class product, and it's designed to make long flights feel a lot shorter. Think of it as a private little space where you can actually relax or get some work done without feeling cramped.

This premium experience is available on select international routes, including those to Asia, the Pacific, and South America, as well as some longer trans-border flights to the U.S. On certain aircraft like the Boeing 787 and 777, you'll find what they call an 'Executive Pod,' which is pretty much a private suite. On older planes like the 767 or A330, it's a 'Classic Pod.' The best part? These pods convert into fully flat beds, so you can get some real sleep.

Here's a quick look at what you can expect:

• Lie-flat seats: These aren't just slightly reclined seats; they go completely flat, giving you a proper bed.

• Private Pods: Enjoy your own space with plenty of room to stretch out.

• Chef-designed meals: Expect a dining experience that's a step above standard airline food.

• Priority Services: From check-in to baggage claim, you get the VIP treatment.

Booking Signature Class also means you get a whole ground experience to match. This includes dedicated check-in counters, faster security lines, and priority boarding. Plus, you get access to Air Canada's Maple Leaf Lounges before your flight, which is a nice way to start your journey.

It's definitely a splurge, but if you're flying a long distance or just want to treat yourself, Air Canada Signature Class offers a pretty impressive way to travel.

Aeroplan's Shopping Portal and Merchandise Redemptions

Beyond flights, Aeroplan gives you a few other ways to use your points, and one of those is through their shopping portal, the Aeroplan eStore. It's basically a way to earn points when you shop online at a bunch of different stores you might already visit. Think of it like this: you click through the eStore to get to a retailer's website, and then you make your purchase like normal. Aeroplan gets a heads-up that you came from their portal, and they give you points for it.

There are over 150 retailers involved, so chances are good that your favorite online shops are on the list. You can find everything from electronics and clothing to home goods and travel accessories. It's a pretty straightforward way to rack up extra points without really changing your shopping habits. Just remember to start your online shopping trips by heading to the Aeroplan eStore first.

Here's a quick look at how it generally works:

• Start at the Aeroplan eStore: Go to the Aeroplan eStore website or app.

• Find your retailer: Search for the online store where you want to shop.

• Click through: Click the link provided on the eStore to go to the retailer's site.

• Shop and pay: Make your purchases as you normally would.

• Earn points: Aeroplan points will be credited to your account, usually within a few weeks.

The Aeroplan eStore is a solid option for earning points on everyday purchases.

While the eStore is great for earning, redeeming points for merchandise directly through Aeroplan isn't usually the best value. You'll often find that the number of points required for items like electronics or gift cards is quite high compared to what those points might be worth when redeemed for flights. It's generally recommended to save your Aeroplan points for travel redemptions, as that's where they tend to offer the most bang for your buck. However, if you have a small number of points you're not sure what to do with, or if there's a specific item you really want and the redemption rate is acceptable to you, it's an option to consider.

Aeroplan also has a partnership with Journie Rewards, which lets you earn points on gas and convenience store purchases at participating locations like Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, Chevron, and On the Run. You can even redeem Aeroplan points for vouchers for things like gas discounts or convenience store items through this partnership. It's a neat way to get some value from your points outside of air travel, especially if you frequent these stations.

Aeroplan's Partnership with Journie Rewards

Did you know you can earn Aeroplan points just by filling up your gas tank or grabbing a snack at the convenience store? Air Canada has teamed up with Journie Rewards, a program that covers several popular gas station brands across Canada, including Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar, Chevron, and On the Run. It's a pretty neat way to rack up more points without changing your everyday habits.

To get started, you'll need to link your Aeroplan account with your Journie Rewards account. This is usually done right through the Journie Rewards app. Once they're linked, you start earning Journie Points on eligible purchases at participating stations. These Journie Points can then be redeemed for various rewards, and here's where it gets interesting for Aeroplan members:

• Gas Discounts: Get a discount of 7 cents per litre on fuel, up to 50 litres per fill-up. You can even stack these discounts up to 35 cents per litre.

• Convenience Store Vouchers: Score $5 off at participating On the Run locations. Just make sure you spend at least $5 on non-fuel items.

• M&M Food Market Vouchers: Get $5 off at select M&M Food Market locations or online.

• Car Wash Vouchers: Redeem for an "Absolutely Everything" car wash at participating stations.

The cool part is that sometimes, as you hit certain tiers within the Journie Rewards program, you can actually choose to receive Aeroplan points directly as a reward. For instance, reaching the 'Third Reward' tier automatically grants you 300 Aeroplan points. It's like getting a little bonus Aeroplan boost just for being a loyal Journie Rewards member.

Remember, you can earn Aeroplan points in two ways: either by linking your accounts and earning Journie Points that can be converted into vouchers (some of which might be Aeroplan points), or by identifying yourself as an Aeroplan member at the pump or store without linking. If you choose the latter, you'll earn points based on litres of fuel purchased or a set amount per dollar spent on convenience items. Just be aware that if you link your accounts, you can't earn points both ways simultaneously. And if you decide to unlink your accounts later, you'll lose the ability to earn and redeem Aeroplan points through this partnership. So, linking them up seems like the way to go if you're serious about maximizing your Aeroplan points.

Wrapping It Up

So, we've looked at a few ways Canadians can get more out of their travel spending. Air Canada's Aeroplan program seems like a solid choice, especially with its ties to the Star Alliance, meaning you can fly pretty much anywhere. Plus, earning points through flying, credit cards, and shopping makes it pretty flexible. Remember, the best program for you really depends on how you travel and what you value most. Keep an eye on those program changes, and happy travels in 2025!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Aeroplan program?

Aeroplan is Air Canada's special club for travelers. When you join, you can earn points for flying with Air Canada or its partners. You can then use these points to get free flights or other cool travel stuff.

How can I earn Aeroplan points?

You can earn points by flying on Air Canada or its partner airlines. Also, using an Aeroplan credit card is a great way to collect points. You can even earn points by shopping through their online store or with travel buddies like hotels and car rentals.

Are Aeroplan points valuable for flights?

Yes, Aeroplan points can be very valuable for flights! You can use them for flights on Air Canada and many other airlines around the world. Sometimes, using points for flights on partner airlines can give you even more bang for your buck.

What is Aeroplan Elite Status?

Aeroplan Elite Status is like a VIP club within the Aeroplan program. The more you fly and earn points, the higher your status level. Higher levels give you awesome perks like priority boarding, extra baggage, and access to fancy airport lounges.

Can I use Aeroplan points for things other than flights?

Absolutely! Besides flights, you can use your Aeroplan points to book hotel stays, rent cars, buy merchandise, or even get gift cards. It's a flexible way to use your rewards for different travel needs.

What's the difference between flying Air Canada and partner airlines with Aeroplan points?

When you use points for Air Canada flights, the price can change based on how many people are booking (like a stock market!). For partner airlines, the price is usually set, but you need to find available seats. Both can be great ways to use your points!