The Aeroplan Program Transformation: What Recent Changes Mean for Members

Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has long been a favourite among Canadian travellers looking to maximize their points. But recent changes to redemption rates mark a significant shift, one that is reshaping the value members can expect from their hard-earned points.

For years, savvy Aeroplan members could reliably book business class flights to Europe on Air Canada for 60,000–70,000 points one way. Today, those same flights start at 117,000 points—a 67% increase for identical service on identical routes.

This isn’t just a seasonal fluctuation or a temporary blip. It reflects a broader strategy by airlines worldwide to make loyalty programs more profitable, and Aeroplan is fully aligned with this trend.

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Industry Dynamics and Partner Program Pressures

The roots of these changes stretch beyond Air Canada. Across the Star Alliance network, airlines have been working to bring redemption rates into closer alignment.

United Airlines, for example, has been particularly aggressive in addressing what it saw as major disparities between programs. Travellers had long been able to use programs like Avianca LifeMiles to book United business class from Newark to London for just 45,000 points, compared to 60,000 through Aeroplan and 80,000 through MileagePlus itself.

These discrepancies created opportunities for travellers, but also competitive disadvantages for carriers like United when their own loyalty members were paying significantly more. To address this, United reportedly pushed for partners to adopt more dynamic pricing and harmonized redemption rates.

The result? Many of the “sweet spots” that points enthusiasts once relied on have disappeared, and members are now seeing more consistent – and often higher – pricing across programs.

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Quantitative Analysis of Redemption Changes

Over the past two years, Aeroplan’s redemption rates have undergone a noticeable transformation.

Previously, Air Canada business class seats to Europe could be found for 65,000–70,000 points one way, with award space appearing regularly during inventory releases.

Today, that same seat on an Air Canada flight costs 117,000 points one way – a 67% increase that sets a new, higher baseline. For members, this dramatically changes how far their points can take them.

In some cases, Aeroplan’s pricing has even outpaced competitors. Certain routes that now require 117,000 Aeroplan points can still be booked through United MileagePlus for 90,000–100,000 miles, meaning Aeroplan members are sometimes paying more for the same flights.

There is, however, one silver lining. While Air Canada flights have seen steep increases, partner redemptions remain steady. Travellers can still book SWISS, Lufthansa, or TAP Air Portugal business class to Europe for 60,000–70,000 points. The contrast is stark: Air Canada is charging nearly double the points for its own flights compared to what partners ask for similar routes.

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Third-Party Tool Restrictions and Market Access

Beyond pricing, Air Canada has also taken steps to control how members access award availability. In 2023, the airline filed legal action against seats.aero, a popular third-party tool that aggregates award data across programs.

Seats.aero had become a go-to resource for frequent flyers, allowing them to quickly search across multiple loyalty programs without jumping from website to website. According to the platform, Air Canada pursued legal action without prior outreach or attempts at collaboration, despite the company’s efforts to open dialogue.

This stands in contrast to other airlines, some of which have embraced third-party tools as a way to attract engaged travellers. For Aeroplan members, it underscores how the program is taking a more restrictive approach to how and where award availability can be viewed.

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Strategic Implications for Program Members

For Aeroplan members, these changes have real consequences. Key takeaways include:

Value shift: Points are being devalued by design, moving away from “sweet spot” redemptions and toward a dynamic pricing model focused on revenue.

Transparency challenges: While Air Canada now publishes median redemption values, fundamental program changes are not always communicated directly. Members must actively track developments.

Permanent, not seasonal: The higher redemption rates reflect structural adjustments, not temporary demand spikes.

Industry precedent: Other Canadian loyalty programs may follow Aeroplan’s lead if these changes prove profitable.

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Program Value Assessment

Despite the recent devaluations, Aeroplan still holds advantages over other Canadian loyalty programs.

Promotions: Periodic “buy points” offers can provide strategic opportunities when used carefully.

Star Alliance access: The network’s global reach remains unmatched by WestJet Rewards or Porter’s loyalty program. For long-haul travel to Europe, Asia, or Africa, Aeroplan offers superior coverage.

Partner redemptions: Opportunities remain with partners like ANA, where members can book business class to Asia for 85,000 points on flights worth over $6,000 in cash.

Credit card ecosystem: Aeroplan’s co-branded credit cards continue to deliver strong earning rates and sign-up bonuses.

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Optimization Strategies for the Current Environment

Even in this new environment, there are ways to get the most out of Aeroplan:

Use tools while you can: Take advantage of third-party search platforms, recognizing they may not always remain available.

Look to partners: Focus on Star Alliance carriers like SWISS, Lufthansa, and TAP Air Portugal, which often provide better value than Air Canada flights.

Redeem sooner, not later: With a trend toward higher costs, using points when good options appear can protect against future increases.

Diversify programs: Build balances in flexible currencies such as Amex Membership Rewards or RBC Avion to keep your options open.

Compare programs: Sometimes United MileagePlus or Lufthansa Miles & More may offer better value for the same flights.

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Market Analysis and Future Projections

The days of reliably booking high-value “sweet spots” through Aeroplan are largely behind us. What we are seeing now is part of a broader, global trend: airlines treating loyalty programs as revenue drivers rather than member perks.

Looking ahead, members can expect:

• More dynamic pricing and fewer fixed redemption opportunities
• Reduced transparency in award charts
• Continued limitations on third-party search tools

At the same time, the points and miles community continues to innovate, finding new ways to uncover value despite increasing complexity. The landscape is becoming more challenging, but not impossible, for informed travellers.

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Professional Recommendations

To navigate this new era of Aeroplan and beyond:

Think multi-program: Explore and compare across loyalty programs for the best value.

Stay informed: Regularly monitor updates to redemption rates and availability.

Be flexible: Avoid relying on a single strategy or program.

Act quickly: When good opportunities arise, book them rather than waiting.

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Conclusion

Aeroplan remains a powerful tool for accessing premium travel experiences, but its value proposition is shifting. For members, success now requires a more strategic and flexible approach than in the past.

While Air Canada has tightened the program in ways that reduce straightforward redemptions, opportunities still exist – particularly with partner airlines and through diversified points strategies.

The loyalty program landscape is evolving quickly, but with the right approach, travellers can continue to unlock meaningful value from Aeroplan in 2025 and beyond.