Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has become a top choice for points and miles enthusiasts offering great value for earning and redeeming miles. With a strong network of Star Alliance carriers and non-alliance partners like Emirates, Aeroplan opens the door to a wide range of travel options, from business class seats to unique multi-destination itineraries.
Aeroplan doesn’t pass along carrier-imposed surcharges on partner awards, has a flexible stopover policy, making it even easier to maximize your points. Along with a variety of ways to earn Aeroplan points through credit cards and transfer partners, have made the loyalty program a standout program for those looking to get the most out of their credit card points.
In this guide, we’ll dive into how to earn Aeroplan points, leverage its extensive airline network, and redeem your points for maximum value, whether you’re booking a last-minute flight or planning a multi-stop international journey.
Aeroplan’s Expansive Airline Network
Aeroplan benefits from its membership in the Star Alliance network, one of the largest and most influential global airline alliances. With 25 member airlines, including heavyweights like United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and ANA. Additionally, Aeroplan partners with a plethora of other airlines outside of the Star Alliance network like Oman Air.
Aeroplan offers a wide range of flight options to nearly any destination across the globe. Whether you’re planning a short-haul flight or a long-haul adventure, the vast network provides access to many frequent flyer benefits, making connections smoother and increasing your chances of finding award space.
Aeroplan’s Award Charts
Aeroplan operates two award charts:
- Distance-based award chart. The number of points increases as the flight distance increases, but the points required are predictable based on the flight’s length. This system tends to benefit travelers with shorter flights or those booking multiple segments, as the cost for each leg of the journey is more proportional to the distance flown. Simply put, the further you fly, the more points needed.
- Dynamic award chart: The number of points required for an award ticket can change based on factors like demand, availability, and how popular the flight is. Unlike a fixed chart where points are set based on the route, a dynamic chart means the points needed can go up or down depending on when you book and how many seats are available.
- This award chart only applies to flights operated by Air Canada, United, Emirates, flydubai, Etihad, and Canadian regional airline partners Canadian North, Calm Air and PAL (Provincial Airlines).
Both offer flexibility, but it’s important to understand how each works so you can maximize your points.
No Fuel Surcharges: A Savings Benefit
One of Aeroplan’s key benefits is that it does not impose high fuel surcharges on partner awards. Many frequent flyer programs tack on hefty surcharges for international flights, often running into the hundreds of dollars, which can significantly increase the total cost of an award ticket.
If you booked a Lufthansa business class flight with Miles & More (Lufthansa’s own frequent flyer program) or even ANA Mileage Club, you would pay $500+ in fuel surcharges, even on an award ticket.
With Aeroplan, that same award ticket would only have standard taxes and airport fees (usually under $150), saving you hundreds of dollars compared to other programs.
By eliminating these additional charges, Aeroplan offers a more affordable redemption experience, allowing your points to go further.
Stopover for Just 5,000 Points
Aeroplan’s generous stopover policy is a standout feature. For just 5,000 additional points, you can add a stopover in a city on your way to your final destination. This is an excellent opportunity to explore a new city and maximize your trip without incurring significant extra costs. Whether you’re flying to Europe, Asia, or beyond, you can easily design multi-stop itineraries that enhance your travel experience.
Top 10 Aeroplan Award Redemptions
Aeroplan provides excellent value for a variety of routes with an extensive partner network in Europe, Asia and Africa. Here are 15 of the best ways to use your Aeroplan points:
1. Fly from North America to Japan in Business Class from 75,000 Points
Japan has been one of the most popular destinations to use points for over the last few years. And with good reason! Its unique blend of ancient tradition and futuristic innovation. From the stunning cherry blossoms and historic temples of Kyoto to the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, every corner offers something special.
A one-way business class flight between the US or Canada to Japan starts at 75,000 points each way. Aeroplan charges 75,000 points for ANA flights while United operated flights cost 100,000 points.
ANA operated flights don’t currently show on the Air Canada website. Use United’s flexible calendar or a tool like seats.aero to find ANA flights. Then call into Aeroplan to book.
Tip: ANA opens limited award seats 330 days out. Use United’s search tool and call Aeroplan for availability.
2. Fly from North America to Europe in Business Class from 60,000 Points
Flying business class to Europe using Aeroplan points is one of the best ways to maximize your points. With a variety of partner airlines and flexible redemption options, you can secure a premium cabin seat for as low as 60,000 points one-way, depending on the route and airline.
Here are a few examples of routes and pricing.
- New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA) for 60,000 points in Singapore Airlines business class
- Newark (EWR) to Lisbon (LIS) for 60,000 points in Tap Air Portugal business class
- Boston (BOS) to Munich for for 60,000 points in Lufthansa business class
- Chicago (ORD) to Warsaw (WAW) for 70,000 points in LOT Polish business class
- Washington (IAD) to Geneva (GVA) for 70,000 points in Swiss business class
- Los Angeles (LAX) to London (LHR) for 80,000 points in United business class
- Houston (IAH) to Istanbul (IST) for 90,000 points in Singapore Airlines business class
3. Fly North America to Africa in Business Class from 90,000 points
Flying to Africa can be challenging due to the limited number of nonstop flights from the United States compared to destinations in Europe or Asia. Most itineraries require at least one stop, though Europe with common transit points including cities like Frankfurt, Zurich or Istanbul.
When booking with points, expect to redeem between 90,000 to 110,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way business class ticket, depending on the route and airline. Some of the best redemption options include flying with Star Alliance partners such as Ethiopian Airlines, SWISS, or Turkish Airlines, which offer solid business class experiences and extensive networks across the continent.
Tip: Use Aeroplan’s stopover program to add on few days to see an extra city for just 5,000 additional points.
4. Fly Within North America from 10,000 Points
Aeroplan offers excellent value for short-haul flights within North America with economy flights starting at just 10,000 points. This makes it an affordable way to book quick trips between major cities or regional destinations in the U.S. and Canada.
If you’re planning a getaway to Hawaii, economy flights start at 12,500 points one-way, making it one of the best ways to reach the islands without spending a fortune. These redemptions are especially valuable for last-minute travel or peak seasons when cash fares can be expensive.
5. Fly Lufthansa First Class to Europe from 90,000 Points
Booking Lufthansa first class on points can be a challenging task since you can’t transfer points to Lufthansa Miles & More. Instead, you have to rely on Lufthansa releasing first class award seats to its partner airlines, such as Air Canada through its Aeroplan program.
The best opportunity to book these coveted seats comes when Lufthansa opens up availability to its partner airlines, but this doesn’t happen until relatively close to the flight departure. Typically, Lufthansa releases First Class seats to partners like Aeroplan only 3 days before the flight. This limited window makes securing these seats a bit of a waiting game, requiring flexibility and close monitoring of availability.
Tip: To improve your chances of booking Lufthansa First Class with Aeroplan, you should be vigilant and monitor award availability frequently. Tools like seats.aero can help you track availability and set alerts. Flexibility is key!
6. Fly Business Class to the South Pacific from 75,000 Points
Flying to Australia or New Zealand with Air Canada Aeroplan points offers great value, especially for business class redemptions. If you’re heading to Australia, United Airlines offers non-stop flights from North America to Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne, making it easier to book a direct route using your Aeroplan points. For a one-way business class ticket, expect to use 100,000 to 95,000 Aeroplan points.
For New Zealand, flights are typically flown on Air New Zealand. You can expect to use a similar amount of points around 75,000 Aeroplan points for business class one-way. Availability can be more limited for premium cabins on Air New Zealand flights.
Tip: Booking close-in and being flexible with dates and routes is key to finding the best options.
7. Fly to India in Business Class from 90,000 Points
Flying to India with Air Canada Aeroplan points can be a fantastic option for booking business class tickets. Depending on the airline and the route, you can expect to use around 90,000 Aeroplan points for a one-way business class flight from North America to India.
Air India is one of the best options for direct flights to India, offering convenient service to major cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. While these direct routes are often a popular choice, availability for award seats can fluctuate especially during peak travel seasons.
Booking through Aeroplan’s partner airlines can offer you a wide range of options, even if Air Canada doesn’t fly directly to India. Routing through popular hubs such as Dubai or Frankfurt increases seats that may be available to India.
8. Fly to South America in Business Class from 40,000 Points
Using Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly to South America is a great way to explore the continent in comfort. With Air Canada’s extensive network and partnerships with airlines like Avianca, Copa, and United, you have several options for booking flights to destinations like Brazil, Argentina, Chile, and Peru.
Depending on your destination and airline, a one-way business class flight to South America typically costs between 40,000 to 100,000 Aeroplan points. Air Canada itself offers non-stop flights to cities like São Paulo and Buenos Aires, making it a convenient option for direct connections. If you’re flying with a partner airline, you might have to route through hubs like Bogotá or Panama City, but you can still enjoy comfortable business class services.
Whether you’re planning to visit iconic landmarks like Machu Picchu or relax on the beaches of Rio, Air Canada Aeroplan points offer a great way to get to South America.
9. Fly to Asia in Business Class from at 87,500 Points
Using Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly to Asia is a fantastic option for those looking to explore destinations like Taipei, China, Thailand, or Singapore. Air Canada offers direct flights to cities such as Beijing, but you can also book flights with partner airlines like Singapore Airlines, EVA Air or Thai Airways for connecting routes.
A one-way business class flight from North America to Asia typically costs between 87,500 and 100,000 Aeroplan points, depending on the destination and airline. While Air Canada’s own routes provide good options, partner airlines give you access to more destinations and different routes with excellent service.
10. Fly Business Class to French Polynesia for 85,000 Points
Using Air Canada Aeroplan points to fly to Tahiti is a great way to reach the stunning islands of French Polynesia while maximizing your points. While Air Canada does not fly directly to Papeete (PPT), you can book award flights with partner airlines like United Airlines via San Francisco (SFO). Another option is to route through New Zealand with Air New Zealand, though availability can be limited.
With beautiful beaches, overwater bungalows, and world-class diving, Tahiti is a dream destination—and using Aeroplan points can make the journey even more rewarding.
Earning Aeroplan Points: Multiple Avenues
Aeroplan points are relatively easy to accumulate through several channels, making the program even more attractive to those looking to rack up rewards.
- Credit Card Transfers: Aeroplan is one of the few programs that partner with all five major transferable points programs: American Express, Bilt, Capital One, Chase, and Citi. This provides a variety of ways to earn Aeroplan points from your everyday spending, making it simple to build your balance quickly.
- Airline Partnerships: As a member of the Star Alliance and partner with airlines like Emirates, you can also earn Aeroplan points when flying with these carriers on revenue tickets.
Tips for Finding Award Availability
- Book Early or Close-In: Award seats tend to open up 11–12 months in advance, so book as soon as possible to lock in the best premium cabin availability.
- Be Flexible with Dates & Routes: Use alternative airports and adjust your travel dates to increase your chances of finding award availability.
- Use Points Tools: Services like Seats.aero and roame.travel can help track award space and send alerts when availability opens.
- Look for Partner Airlines: Often, Aeroplan partners like Turkish, United, or EVA Air offer cheaper award space than Air Canada itself.
- Mixed Cabin Redemptions: If full premium cabins aren’t available, consider a mixed cabin itinerary to save points while still enjoying business class for part of your journey. Just make sure the long flights are in business class.
- Leverage Stopovers & Open Jaws: For an additional 5,000 points, a stopover can turn a regular trip into an incredible multi-destination adventure.
- Search for Flights in Segments: Searching for the entire journey at once may not yield results, especially if one part of your flight has limited availability. Breaking the journey down into segments allows you to book each leg more effectively.
Conclusion
With its expanded partner network, no fuel surcharges, and flexible stopover policy, Aeroplan provides immense value for those looking to maximize their points. By leveraging the program’s features and being strategic in your award searches, you can unlock premium experiences at a fraction of the cost. Whether you’re aiming for a luxurious business class seat to Japan or planning a multi-stop adventure across Europe, Aeroplan is a program that rewards savvy travelers with exceptional value.