Find Award Flights with Air Canada Aeroplan

What is Aeroplan?

Aeroplan is Canada's largest travel loyalty program. It rewards members with points for flying on Air Canada and its partners, shopping with partnered retailers, and using affiliated financial services. Aeroplan has become one of the most flexible and user-friendly loyalty programs in the aviation industry, especially after its 2020 relaunch. With a dynamic pricing model for Air Canada flights and fixed redemption rates for Star Alliance partners, it uniquely blends revenue-based and zone-based elements, offering savvy travelers considerable leverage in maximizing value.

Aeroplan distinguishes itself with features like family pooling of points, generous stopover policies for multi-city bookings, and a wide range of non-flight redemption options. Its integration with Amex, Chase, and Capital One as transfer partners further amplifies its accessibility to a global audience. Despite its strengths, enthusiasts critique its occasionally high surcharges on specific carriers, highlighting the importance of strategic planning in redemption to mitigate these costs.

What's new with Aeroplan in 2026?

• Spend-Based Earning (from January 1, 2026): Aeroplan has moved to a revenue-based model. Members now earn a minimum of 1 Aeroplan point per $1 CAD spent on eligible Air Canada flights (base fare and carrier surcharges), with Elite members earning 2X–6X points depending on their status tier.
• New Status Qualifying Credits (SQC): Elite status no longer depends on miles flown or segments. Air Canada introduced a single qualification path based on spending with Air Canada and its partners — including eligible flight purchases, Aeroplan credit card spending, and partner activity.
• Elite Status Valid Until January 31: Aeroplan Elite Status is now valid until January 31 of the following year (instead of December 31), giving members an extra month of benefits through the holiday travel season.
• Dynamic Award Pricing for Select Partners: Aeroplan introduced dynamic pricing for select partners including United, Emirates, and Etihad. Etihad Airways business class awards have also been reinstated, enhancing redemption options.
• Free Wi-Fi on Air Canada: Air Canada has rolled out fast, free Wi-Fi for Aeroplan members across its fleet, starting with North and Central American routes, with long-haul international flights also now covered.
• New Airline Partnerships: Aeroplan added Emirates as a partner airline, allowing members to earn and redeem points on Emirates flights, expanding global reach.
• Lounge and Cabin Upgrades: Air Canada has been implementing significant upgrades to its lounge network and new aircraft cabins, enhancing the travel experience for Aeroplan members.

How many Aeroplan points for a flight?

Aeroplan's award chart system can be a complex beast for the uninitiated, but for savvy travelers, it offers a strategic approach to maximizing point redemption value. Gone are the days of a single chart for all destinations. Since 2022, Aeroplan has utilized a distance-based system with multiple charts depending on the travel zones you fly between. This means meticulously plotting your route and considering partner airlines like Star Alliance members can unlock significant point savings. For instance, short-haul South American flights on partner airlines might cost a mere 10,000 points in economy under 1,600 miles, while booking directly with Aeroplan on a similar route could cost double.

With a bit of planning and knowledge of the intricate Aeroplan award chart web, you can become a point redemption pro. There are also some exceptions, like Emirates and Fly Dubai which have their separate award chart.

The table below shows estimated starting values in miles for one-way trips originating in North America for informational purposes only. Two flight awards are needed if your one-way trip includes two long-haul international flights.

Notes:

• N/A - Premium Economy is not commonly offered by all airlines on all routes.
• Short Haul - Generally refers to flights within North America under 2,000 miles.
• Long Haul - Generally refers to flights over 2,000 miles.

How much are Aeroplan points worth?

Aeroplan points typically range from 1.5 to 1.9 cents per point when redeemed strategically for flights. Premium cabin redemptions often yield even higher value, up to 2.8 cents per point. For optimal value, focus on flights rather than non-flight redemptions like gift cards or merchandise.

Key features of Aeroplan

• Tiers and Elite Status: 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite 100K.
• What We love: Great value of Aeroplan points and low-risk of devaluation (historically). Excellent program for redemptions on First Class and other premium cabins. Regular bonuses for credit card points transfers. Aeroplan also offers family sharing for racking up points faster.
• Exclusive Perks: Unique "bid upgrade" system, where you can use points to submit offers for upgrades on eligible Air Canada flights. Family pooling of points. Generous stopover policies for multi-city bookings. Wide range of non-flight redemption options. Additionally, points can be used for onboard Wi-Fi and statement credits towards travel purchases.
• Best Redemptions: Aeroplan shines for premium cabin redemptions. Air Canada Signature Class, Lufthansa First Class, Swiss First Class (777-300ER), ANA (All Nippon Airways) First and Business Class, Singapore Airlines Business Class, Turkish Airlines Business Class, EVA Air Business Class.
• Award Release Dates: On Air Canada, Aeroplan releases seats up to 365 days in advance. Partner airlines might have different policies. Read our full guide here.