Air Canada Aeroplan‘s loyalty program, renowned for its flexibility and extensive reach through partnerships with over 50 airlines. Launched in 1984 to reward frequent travelers, Aeroplan became a full subsidiary of Air Canada in 2002. By 2003, Air Canada began selling portions of Aeroplan, ultimately divesting its entire stake to external parties by 2008. After focusing on developing its own loyalty structure, Air Canada reacquired Aeroplan in 2019. In 2020, the program underwent a significant overhaul to improve flexibility and enhance member satisfaction. This included removing fuel surcharges on award flights and implementing dynamic ticket pricing, offering greater availability but with fluctuating mileage costs.
Aeroplan Elite Status Overview
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program rewards frequent flyers with valuable perks through five distinct status tiers. These benefits include seat upgrades, free checked bags, and more, enhancing the experience for those who frequently fly with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners.
As of 2023, Air Canada elite members can select from various Select Benefit Bundles, offering bonuses like upgrade certificates, bonus points, and lounge passes. Each status level offers different reward options. Additionally, elite members earn eUpgrade certificates, which allow upgrades to premium classes on flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge.
To qualify for these tiers, members must accumulate a specified number of status-qualifying miles (SQMs), status-qualifying segments (SQSs), and status-qualifying dollars (SQDs). SQMs reflect your flight distance, SQSs are based on the number of flights, and SQDs measure your ticket spending in Canadian dollars. Below, we break down the benefits and qualifications for each tier.
Aeroplan 25K
Star Alliance Equivalent: Silver
Qualifying Criteria:
- 25,000 SQMs or 25 SQSs
- 3,000 SQDs
Benefits:
- Priority assistance, waitlist, seat selection, check-in, and boarding with Air Canada
- Complimentary Preferred Seating at check-in for all destinations
- Two complimentary checked bags (up to 23kg each) and no extra fees for sports equipment
- 20 eUpgrade credits for flight upgrades
- A 50% discount voucher for Economy travel within Canada and to the USA
- Status extension for parental leave
Select Benefits (Choose two):
- 25% Elite Status bonus with Air Canada and select partners
- Five extra eUpgrade credits
- Two single-use passes to the Maple Leaf Lounge
Aeroplan 35K
Star Alliance Equivalent: Silver
Qualifying Criteria:
- 35,000 SQMs or 35 SQSs
- 4,000 SQDs
Benefits:
In addition to the benefits from 25K:
- Three complimentary checked bags (up to 32kg each)
- Priority security screening
- Two Maple Leaf Lounge passes per year
Select Benefits (Choose one):
- 35% Elite Status bonus with Air Canada and select partners
- 10 additional eUpgrade credits
Aeroplan 50K
Star Alliance Equivalent: Gold
Qualifying Criteria:
- 50,000 SQMs or 50 SQSs
- 6,000 SQDs
Benefits:
Considered the “sweet spot” in the program, offering:
- Complimentary preferred seating on Flex fares within North America
- Ability to select complimentary Preferred Seating anytime for travel within Canada and the U.S. or at check-in for other destinations
- Priority baggage handling
- Access to Maple Leaf, Air Canada Café, and Star Alliance lounges
- Three one-time passes for Maple Leaf Lounge guests
- A 50% discount voucher for Economy and Premium Economy travel within North America and select destinations
Select Benefits (Choose two):
- 50% Elite Status bonus with Air Canada and select partners
- 20 additional eUpgrade credits
- Lower requalification level (45,000 SQMs or 45 SQSs)
- Two Status Passes for non-elites to experience your benefits
Aeroplan 75K
Star Alliance Equivalent: Gold
Qualifying Criteria:
- 75,000 SQMs or 75 SQSs
- 9,000 SQDs
Benefits:
In addition to 50K benefits:
- A 50% discount voucher for Economy and Premium Economy travel worldwide (including eligible partner airlines)
- Ability to select complimentary Preferred Seating anytime for all destinations
Select Benefits (Choose two):
- 75% Elite Status bonus with Air Canada and select partners
- 35 eUpgrade credits
- Lower requalification level (70,000 SQMs or 70 SQSs)
- Gift Aeroplan 35K status to a friend
- A 12-month Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi plan
- Three Status Passes for non-members to experience your 50K benefits
Aeroplan Super Elite
Star Alliance Equivalent: Gold
Qualifying Criteria:
- 100,000 SQMs or 100 SQSs
- 20,000 SQDs
Benefits:
As the highest published tier, Super Elite members enjoy:
- Complimentary preferred seats on all Air Canada flights
- Access to the Air Canada Concierge Service for special requests and flight disruptions
- Four one-time Maple Leaf Lounge guest passes
- Access to the London Heathrow Arrivals Lounge
- eUpgrade nominee, allowing another person to share upgrade privileges
- A 50% discount voucher for Business Class travel worldwide (including eligible partner airlines)
- Complimentary in-flight refreshments in Economy
Select Benefits (Choose two):
- 100% Elite Status bonus with Air Canada and select partners
- 50 eUpgrade credits
- Lower requalification level (95,000 SQMs or 90 SQSs)
- Gift Aeroplan 50K status (Star Alliance Gold) to a friend
- A 12-month Aeroplan Elite Wi-Fi plan
- Four Status Passes for non-members to experience your benefits
New for 2024
Starting January 1, 2024, elite members will receive both eUpgrade credits and bonus SQMs rather than choosing between them. The updated benefits are:
- Aeroplan 25K: 4 eUpgrade credits and 750 SQMs
- Aeroplan 35K: 6 eUpgrade credits and 1,000 SQMs
- Aeroplan 50K: 8 eUpgrade credits and 1,250 SQMs
- Aeroplan 75K: 10 eUpgrade credits and 1,500 SQMs
- Aeroplan Super Elite: 12 eUpgrade credits and 2,500 SQMs
Aeroplan Partner Airlines Overview
Air Canada, as a founding member of the Star Alliance, offers its customers the opportunity to earn and redeem Aeroplan points with a wide array of participating carriers. This expansive network includes over two dozen airlines across the globe, ensuring broad geographical coverage.
Star Alliance Partner Airlines
In addition to Air Canada’s own flights, you can earn and redeem Aeroplan points with any of the following Star Alliance member airlines:
- Aegean Airlines (A3)
- Air India (AI)
- All Nippon Airways (NH)
- Asiana Airlines (OZ)
- Singapore Airlines (SQ)
- South African Airways (SA)
- Swiss International Air Lines (LX)
- Thai Airways (TG)
- United Airlines (UA)
Non-Allied Aeroplan Partners
In addition to Star Alliance carriers, Aeroplan also partners with a variety of non-alliance airlines. This allows you to accumulate Aeroplan points when flying with any of the following partners, although please note that points may only be earned on codeshare flights in some cases. Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) can also be earned with select non-alliance airlines, so it’s wise to verify with the airline before booking if SQMs are important to you.
Here is a list of Aeroplan’s non-alliance partners:
- Aer Lingus (EI)
- Air Creebec (YN)
- Air Dolomiti (EN)
- Air Mauritius (MK)
- Air Serbia (JU)
- Azul Brazilian Airlines (AD)
- Bamboo Airways (QH)
- Calm Air (MO)
- Canadian North (5T)
- Cathay Pacific (CX)
- Central Mountain Air (9M)
- Discover Airlines (4Y)
- Edelweiss Air (WK)
- Emirates (EK)
- Etihad Airways (EY)
- Eurowings (EW)
- Flydubai (FZ)
- GOL Airlines (G3)
- Gulf Air (GF)
- Juneyao Air (HO)
- Middle East Airlines (ME)
- Olympic Air (OA)
- Oman Air (WY)
- PAL Airlines (PR)
- SriLankan Airlines (UL)
- SunExpress (XQ)
- Virgin Australia (VA)
- Vistara (UK)
Earning Aeroplan Miles
Flying with Air Canada
The number of Aeroplan miles you earn when flying with Air Canada depends on both the distance flown and the fare class. For example, Economy Saver fares within Canada may earn as little as 10% of the miles flown, while business class fares can offer up to 150%. Additionally, Air Canada’s elite status members enjoy bonus points:
- Aeroplan 25K: 25% bonus points
- Aeroplan 35K: 35% bonus points
- Aeroplan 50K: 50% bonus points
- Aeroplan 75K: 75% bonus points
- Aeroplan Super Elite: 100% bonus points
Flying with Star Alliance and Non-Alliance Partners
Earning Aeroplan miles with partner airlines generally follows the same pattern: you earn points based on the distance flown and the fare class. For details on specific earning rates with individual partner airlines, visit Air Canada’s partner information page.
Banking Transfer Partners
Aeroplan allows points to be transferred from two major banks in India: Axis Bank and HDFC Bank. The transfer ratios are as follows:
Axis Bank:
- Axis Burgundy Private Credit Card, Axis Magnus Burgundy: 5:4
- Axis Reserve, Axis Magnus: 5:2
- Axis Atlas: 1:2 (Edge Miles)
- Axis Olympus: 1:4 (Edge Miles)
- Axis Horizon: 1:1 (Edge Miles)
- Axis IOCL Premium: 2:1 (Edge Miles)
HDFC Bank:
- HDFC Infinia, HDFC Diners Club Black: 2:1
- HDFC Regalia Gold: 3:1
Please note, there is no co-branded Air Canada credit card available in India currently.
Hotel Transfer Partners
You can transfer loyalty program points from major hotel chains to Aeroplan, offering flexibility for point conversion. Here’s how the transfers work:
- Marriott Bonvoy: 3 Bonvoy points = 1 Aeroplan point
- Hilton Honors: 10,000 Hilton points = 1,000 Aeroplan points
- ALL – Accor Live Limitless: 2 ALL points = 1 Aeroplan point
- Best Western Rewards: 5 Best Western points = 1 Aeroplan point
- Choice Privileges: 5 Choice points = 1 Aeroplan point
- Coast Rewards: 1 Coast Rewards point = 1 Aeroplan point
- IHG One Rewards: 5 IHG points = 1 Aeroplan point
- Shangri-La Golden Circle: 1 Golden Circle point = 1 Aeroplan point
- Wyndham Rewards: 5 Wyndham Rewards points = 1 Aeroplan point
Aeroplan eStore
Earn additional Aeroplan miles when shopping through the Air Canada eStore, including with brands like Marriott, Samsonite, and IHG. For example:
- Home & Villas by Marriott: 1 point per USD spent
- Marriott Bonvoy: 2 points per USD spent
- Samsonite: 1 point per USD spent
- Viator: 5 points per USD spent
Buying Air Canada Miles
Purchasing Air Canada miles is a quick way to top up your account, especially during promotional offers. For example, purchasing 250,000 miles may come with a bonus, giving you 500,000 miles in total for about $6,300, which is approximately ₹1 per mile. You can also enhance your points by using credit cards that offer bonus miles on international purchases.
How to Use Air Canada Points
Aeroplan points can be used to book flights across Air Canada’s extensive network and its partner airlines. Air Canada utilizes a hybrid distance- and region-based award chart. This means pricing varies depending on the distance flown and the region you are traveling to. Importantly, Air Canada has eliminated fuel surcharges on award tickets.
Aeroplan Award Redemption Sweet Spots
While some premium redemptions have been removed, Air Canada still offers great deals for international travel, including:
- Short-Haul Flights: Delhi to Dubai (Air India Business Class) for just 20,000 miles
- Long-Haul Flights: Delhi to Auckland (Business Class) for 110,000 miles
- Luxury Flights: Air India’s First Class from Delhi to the USA for 135,000 miles
Additionally, Aeroplan allows infant lap fares on award tickets, with infants flying free on flights within Canada and discounted fares on international routes.
Stopover Deals
Aeroplan also allows you to add a stopover for just 5,000 miles, which can significantly enhance your travel experience with minimal extra points.
In conclusion, Aeroplan offers extensive flexibility in earning and redeeming miles through its partnerships and point transfer options, making it an attractive program for frequent travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Air Canada Aeroplan, and how can Indians benefit from it?
Air Canada Aeroplan is the frequent flyer program of Air Canada, designed to help travelers earn and redeem points for flights, upgrades, hotel stays, car rentals, and more. Indians can benefit by earning Aeroplan points through flights with Air Canada and its partner airlines, as well as through purchases made with Aeroplan’s banking and hotel partners. These points can be redeemed for travel, making it a great way for Indians to save on international flights, especially to destinations like Canada, North America, and Europe.
Can Indians transfer points from their credit cards to Aeroplan?
Yes, Indians can transfer points to Aeroplan from two major Indian banks: Axis Bank and HDFC Bank. These transfers can be made from various credit cards, including Axis Burgundy Private Credit Cards, Axis Magnus, HDFC Infinia, and others. The transfer ratio varies, so it’s essential to check the specifics for each card and bank before transferring.
How do I earn Aeroplan points as an Indian traveler?
You can earn Aeroplan points by flying with Air Canada and its partner airlines, making purchases through Aeroplan’s eStore, or transferring points from banking and hotel loyalty programs. Additionally, Air Canada offers bonus points for travelers with elite status, as well as for specific fare classes and partner airlines.
What are the best ways to redeem Aeroplan points for flights?
Aeroplan points can be redeemed for a wide range of travel experiences, from short-haul flights to long-haul journeys. Some sweet spots for redemption include booking flights to North America, Europe, or popular destinations like Mauritius and Sydney. Additionally, adding stopovers or using points for upgrades can make your travel experience even more rewarding.
How long are Aeroplan points valid, and how can I keep them active?
Aeroplan points are valid for 18 months from your last activity (earning, redeeming, donating, or converting points). To prevent your points from expiring, make sure to engage with your account within this period. If you hold elite status, your points won’t expire as long as you continue earning or redeeming them.
Conclusion
Air Canada Aeroplan offers a wealth of opportunities for Indian travelers to earn and redeem points for a variety of rewards, from flights to hotel stays and beyond. With a strong network of partner airlines, flexible earning options, and enticing redemption opportunities, Aeroplan stands out as a valuable loyalty program for frequent flyers. Whether you’re flying for business or leisure, maximizing your Aeroplan points can help you save on future travel and unlock premium experiences.
For Indian travelers, the ability to transfer credit card points and the straightforward process of earning points through Air Canada’s partnerships further enhance the program’s value. By staying active with your account and making the most of elite status benefits, you can ensure your points never go to waste.
