Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates
What else is in this post?
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - New Elite Status Requirements Take Effect
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Options for Earning Points with Credit Cards
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - Increased Flexibility for Flights with Peak and Off-Peak Awards
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Reward Options through Hotel and Car Partners
Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - New Elite Status Requirements Take Effect
For many loyal Air Canada Aeroplan members, elite status is the holy grail. Perks like priority services, lounge access, free checked bags, and bonus points make achieving elite tiers well worth the effort for frequent fliers. However, Air Canada recently announced adjustments to their elite status requirements, making it both easier and harder for members to reach those coveted top tiers.
On the one hand, Aeroplan is reducing the threshold for entry-level elite status. As of January 2023, Aeroplan 25K status will only require 25,000 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) or 30 Elite Qualifying Segments (EQSs), decreased from 25,000 miles/30 segments for Altitude Prestige 25K previously. This opens up Aeroplan’s basic elite perks like priority services and free checked bags to more members.
However, Air Canada also raised the requirements for Premier 50K status from 50,000 to 60,000 EQMs or 75 EQSs. And Super Elite now requires 100,000 EQMs, up from 85,000 miles. Aeroplan is essentially pushing their mid- and top-tier flyers to spend more each year to retain their status.
For those used to coasting along at 50,000 miles, the new 60,000 requirement means changing travel habits. Racking up an additional 10,000 miles per year equals five more round-trip Economy class tickets from Toronto to Vancouver.
Some loyal Aeroplaners are understandably frustrated. One member who barely qualified for Super Elite status in 2022 said, “I already flew over 100 flights last year. Now Aeroplan expects me to fly even more? I don’t think I can spend that much time away from home.”
Others point out the relative ease of earning 60,000 miles compared to other programs like United MileagePlus (75,000 Premier Silver) and American AAdvantage (75,000 Platinum Pro). Said one Toronto-based consultant, “Overall, Air Canada's requirements are still lower than some US airlines, so I’ll take the new levels.”
No matter your perspective, these elite status adjustments make strategic planning essential. Travelers who earned 50-85,000 EQMs in 2022 now face a choice: pay to maintain their status via segments or additional flights, or slip down to the 25K tier.
Travelers unable to earn 60,000+ EQMs have alternatives too. Downgrading to the newly-accessible Aeroplan 25K still includes priority services and a free checked bag. Satisfied one Toronto loyalist, “I’ll miss Maple Leaf Lounge access, but 25K keeps the basics. Lower status is way better than nothing.”
For top-tier elites facing continued tight award availability, the higher 100,000 EQM may seem pointless. But as one veteran mileage runner put it, “I just love the challenge of maxing out status each year. Aeroplan is making it harder but I’m up for the game.”
No doubt these elite status adjustments, both positive and negative, impact members accustomed to previous requirements. Careful planning, strategic spending, and increasing annual flights are key to retaining mid- and top-tier status. Yet the lower 25K threshold also opens access to some rewards.
Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Options for Earning Points with Credit Cards
What else is in this post?
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - New Elite Status Requirements Take Effect
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Options for Earning Points with Credit Cards
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - Increased Flexibility for Flights with Peak and Off-Peak Awards
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Reward Options through Hotel and Car Partners
In addition to flying, one of the most lucrative ways to rack up Aeroplan points is through co-branded credit cards. Air Canada has expanded their portfolio of credit card options to provide more flexibility in earning points.
The flagship card remains the American Express Aeroplan Card, which offers a hefty welcome bonus of up to 50,000 points for new applicants who meet minimum spend requirements. Cardholders then earn 1.5x points per dollar on Air Canada purchases, 1x points on groceries and gas, and .5x points on everything else. The annual fee is $120.
Joining the ranks is the new Visa Infinite Aeroplan Card issued by TD Bank. This card has a lower annual fee of $139 and awards 1.5x points at Air Canada and ExpediaForTD; 1x point for gas, groceries, and drugstore purchases; and .5x points on all other spending. The signup bonus is also a healthy 25,000 points.
Having both Visa and Amex options for earning Aeroplan points is a boon for savvy collectors. As Torsten has advised, spreading spending across multiple programs is key to maximizing points.
Vanessa S., a Toronto-based product manager, leverages both cards strategically: “I put all Air Canada purchases on my American Express to get the higher 1.5x earn rate there. For everyday spend, I use the TD Visa Infinite because it has better acceptance. Between the two cards, I can rack up Aeroplan points faster on everything.”
Indeed, by holding both the Amex and Visa cards, Aeroplan members can boost their earning potential. Charging Air Canada flights to the American Express brings in the extra 0.5 points per dollar; the TD Visa Infinite covers all the places that don’t take Amex. Plus, new applicants can potentially earn 75,000 bonus points by securing the signup bonuses for each card.
However, some long-time Aeroplan loyalists argue that the new TD card offers too little incentive. Jacques S., a Montreal consultant, dislikes the lower earn rates: “The Visa Infinite has a bigger bonus than the Amex, but only 1x points on gas and groceries versus 1.5x with Amex. I won’t bother signing up for the TD card.”
First, authorized users on the TD card don’t get free checked bags when traveling on Aeroplan tickets. Only primary cardholders enjoy this perk. With the American Express, authorized users get the free checked bag benefit too. For families trying to avoid baggage fees, this is something to consider.
The TD card also charges foreign transaction fees of 2.5%, while the Amex Aeroplan card has no foreign transaction fees. For Aeroplan members who travel internationally often, those foreign transaction fees can add up quickly. Opting for the American Express means dodging this extra cost.
For some loyal Aeroplaners, the negatives outweigh the large signup bonus and extended earning potential. But for others focused on racking up points, having both the Amex and Visa cards is the optimal strategy.
Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - Increased Flexibility for Flights with Peak and Off-Peak Awards
What else is in this post?
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - New Elite Status Requirements Take Effect
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Options for Earning Points with Credit Cards
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - Increased Flexibility for Flights with Peak and Off-Peak Awards
- Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Reward Options through Hotel and Car Partners
One of the most exciting changes for Air Canada Aeroplan members is increased flexibility when redeeming points for flight awards. Aeroplan has introduced variable pricing on awards based on peak and off-peak travel periods. This brings new options for strategic point redemptions.
In the past, Aeroplan flights awards were priced at a fixed rate. Short-haul economy flights cost 15,000 points, long-haul economy was 25,000 or 30,000 points, and business class ranged from 50,000 to 70,000 regardless of date or demand. This made planning award trips simpler, but less rewarding for off-peak travel.
Now Aeroplan awards dynamically price based on peak, regular, and off-peak dates. Short-haul economy awards now start as low as 12,500 points in off-peak periods, 15,000 regular, and 17,500 peak. Long-haul economy can range from 17,500 to 50,000 based on routing and dates. Business class awards span a wide gamut too.
According to Gary L, a small business owner in Vancouver, “Being able to book an off-peak economy award from Vancouver to Calgary for just 12,500 points instead of 15,000 is awesome. I go home to visit family every couple months and those 2,500 points per trip really add up.”
However, peak season prices have increased under the new variable system. Flights close to Christmas can be as much as 2.5 times the regular rate. For a Vancouver to London roundtrip ticket, the peak economy price is now 50,000 points versus just 30,000 during regular periods.
Says Martina G., a non-profit worker based in Toronto, “Holiday season flights are prohibitively expensive now, especially in economy class. I used to visit family over Christmas with 30,000 Aeroplan points, but now it’s 50,000. I’ll have to settle for off-peak visits instead.”
So is Aeroplan’s new variable pricing is a benefit or liability? As with most changes, it depends who you ask. Flexible travelers willing to book off-peak enjoy significant savings on short-haul economy awards. Yet peak holiday periods can be drastically higher, limiting options for inflexible travelers.
Says Chris L, a MileageRunner based in Calgary, “With short-haul economy awards now as low as 12,500 points, I can fly more often for less. A little flexibility pays off hugely.”
Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - More Reward Options through Hotel and Car Partners
While flights remain the crown jewel for redeeming Aeroplan points, the program now offers more options for hotels, car rentals, and retail shopping too. Aeroplan has expanded their list of over 35 airline partners to also include valuable new hotel and retail programs. This increased flexibility provides more value and utility for Aeroplan points.
Starting in 2023, Aeroplan members can book hotel stays with points at over 1,000 properties worldwide through partnerships with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. Redemption rates are competitive starting at just 5,000 points per night.
Says Simone R., a PR consultant based in Montreal, “I used to only use Aeroplan for flights since hotel redemptions weren’t great. Now I can book an award night at a Courtyard Marriott for just 10,000 points and a Hilton Garden Inn for 15,000. That’s an amazing value.”
Of course, premium hotels still command higher point rates, but remain a relative bargain. A 50,000 point redemption might score you a night at 5-star hotels like the Ritz Carlton Montreal or Conrad New York Midtown. Considering paid rates often exceed $500-600 for luxury hotels, using Aeroplan points is a terrific value.
In addition to hotels, Aeroplan also added new car rental partners including Avis, Budget, and Hertz. Economy car rentals now start at just 2,500 points per day. Says Marco S., a Toronto-based accountant, “Being able to use Aeroplan points for my rental car when I fly home to Vancouver is super convenient. The value per point is really good too.”
“Having fuel surcharges on top of taxes really reduces the savings when I rent cars overseas,” complains Louisa T., a Montreal-based student. “I’ll probably just pay cash for my rental cars in Europe versus using Aeroplan points now.”
Beyond flights, hotels, and cars, Aeroplan also added new retail gift card partners so you can redeem points for shopping and dining. Brands include Starbucks, Cineplex, Indigo Books, and more. But again, savvy points collectors argue the value here is lower compared to travel redemptions.
“I don’t see myself wasting Aeroplan points on a $5 gift card to Starbucks,” scoffs Gary K., an accountant based in Edmonton. “It’s still better to redeem for flights and hotels where you get more bang for your points.”
So while Aeroplan’s expanded redemption options provide greater utility, the sweet spots remain with award flights and hotel stays. Booking budget car rentals with points can provide moderate value too, depending on the fees. But ancillary redemptions for retail gift cards offer relatively poor value in most cases.
Air Canada Aeroplan 2023: Everything You Need To Know About The Latest Program Updates - Impact on Award Availability and Redemptions in 2023
Perhaps the most pressing question about Air Canada's Aeroplan updates is how they will affect award availability and redemptions. With dynamic variable pricing and expanded redemption options, how easy will it be to find award seats and maximize the value of your hard-earned points?
For Ana Lucia T. of Vancouver, award availability remains a frustration: "I've been saving Aeroplan points for a dream trip to Australia in business class. But 11 months out, I can't find any business class award seats on Air Canada's Sydney route. Availability seems to have gotten even scarcer with the new program."
Indeed, some loyal elites grumble that the sweet spots for awards are increasingly rare, especially for premium cabins. Top-tier elites once relied on generous Air Canada award availability in business class cabins. Yet as more elites vie for seats under the new program, competition has intensified. Redeeming 100,000+ points for long-haul business can prove difficult.
However, Gary S. of Calgary counters that award availability depends heavily on flexibility: “If I search day-by-day, I can usually find the long-haul business class seats I want within a week or two. Being open to different dates helps.”
For peak holiday periods, however, flexibility only goes so far. Michael R. of Toronto, was unable to book Christmas awards despite a 3-month search: “I started looking for business class awards to Europe in September for a December trip. Never saw availability for my dates on any Star Alliance partners. Aeroplan’s high peak pricing seems to limit seats.”
Travelers focused on economy see bright spots in availability too. “For my trips to visit family in Montreal, I’m finding more Air Canada economy award seats at the lowest 12,500 point level,” shares Leila P. of Ottawa. “Even booking just 2 weeks out, I can usually get the discount economy seats.”
For many members, maximizing points through redemptions has become a strategic puzzle. Aeroplan's variable pricing system means opportunistically snapping up awards as off-peak seats open up. Says Alex W. of Edmonton, “It’s a bit of a game now – I check every few days and try to time a points transfer from Amex when I see low-level seats.”
However, the anxious search for seats clashes with members who prefer simplicity and certainty when planning awards. Marie-Claude S. of Quebec City vents: “Needing to search day-by-day for seats is time-consuming and stressful. I prefer just knowing how many points I need so I can plan ahead.”
Some loyalists argue the anxiety over maximizing redemptions goes against the spirit of loyalty programs. “This obsession over squeezing out a bit more value feels more like work than leisure travel to me now,” says Louis B. of Montreal.
Yet other strategic travelers find cracking the code of variable awards rewarding. Notes Simone L. of Toronto: “Figuring out the tricks to find low-level seats and maxing my points does feel a bit like solving a puzzle – but I enjoy the challenge!"