Aeroplan Just Updated Their Points Chart AGAIN – Here’s What Changed (And My Biggest Warning)

Aeroplan has released their latest quarterly update to their flight reward chart, and one number stands out dramatically: +74,200 points. That’s how much MORE you now need for business class flights to Asia compared to just three months ago.

Before you abandon points travel entirely, there’s good news, bad news, and one strategic approach that could save you tens of thousands of points on certain routes that most travelers overlook.

This update reveals the real-world impact of Aeroplan’s March 2025 changes, when they moved major partners like United Airlines, Etihad Airways, and Canadian regional carriers from fixed to dynamic pricing. This represents a fundamental shift in how loyalty programs operate, reinforcing why my core strategy for 2025 remains critical: earn and burn.

Note: If you find value in this analysis, consider subscribing to my newsletter where I break down opportunities like this as they develop.

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Understanding Aeroplan’s Quarterly Updates

These quarterly median updates represent previously unavailable data. When Aeroplan transitioned major partners to dynamic pricing in March 2025, they began publishing median values on their flight reward chart. These numbers show the actual median redemption costs that members paid for flights over the previous four quarters.

This data provides unprecedented insight into real member behavior. For the first time, we can see what other Aeroplan members actually pay for redemptions, rather than relying on individual experiences.

Why this matters for your bookings:

• Pricing near “starting at” values = exceptional deal
• Pricing near median values = fair deal
• Pricing significantly above median = look elsewhere or wait

The quarterly updates also signal that loyalty programs are evolving faster than ever. Today’s great deal could become tomorrow’s poor value proposition.

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The Winners & Losers: What Actually Changed

Economy Class Changes

The most significant increases affect Canadian travelers directly. Short-haul North American flights increased by 2,700 points, while transatlantic flights in the first distance band (Toronto/Montreal to Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam) rose by 5,000 points.

This reflects exceptional demand for European travel, with Aeroplan members willing to pay premium point rates.

However, longer routes improved: third and fourth distance band transatlantic routes decreased by 5,700 and 2,200 points respectively. Ultra-long-haul Pacific routes over 11,000 miles dropped by 9,200 points.

Premium Economy Volatility

Premium economy showed the most dramatic fluctuations (Air Canada flights only, as they’re the sole Aeroplan partner offering premium economy redemptions). Decreases reached 27,200 points on some transpacific routes, while others increased by 22,600 points.

This volatility suggests members are still determining premium economy’s value proposition, with Aeroplan adjusting accordingly.

Strategic note: Premium economy bookings provide excellent eUpgrade clearance opportunities to business class, particularly effective on Vancouver-Osaka, Vancouver-Manila, and domestic routes.

Business Class: The Asia Impact

The headline change: +74,200 points for business class to Asia in the first distance band, primarily affecting Vancouver-Tokyo and Vancouver-Osaka routes.

While significant, this reflects current market realities. Asia travel demand, especially in premium cabins, remains exceptionally high, with travelers paying premium rates in both cash and points.

The positive development: business class to South America (third distance band) decreased by 40,000 points, confirming South America’s emergence as exceptional Aeroplan value.

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My Biggest Warning: Why “Earn and Burn” Matters More Than Ever

This data demonstrates a critical principle: loyalty programs change constantly, and today’s opportunities disappear rapidly.

These numbers represent increases of 30,000, 40,000, even 74,000 points for identical flights within months. This isn’t gradual inflation—it’s real-time devaluation.

Why “earn and burn” is essential:

• Points are depreciating assets, not appreciating investments
• Sweet spots disappear faster than ever
• Increased program participation creates more award seat competition
• Dynamic pricing implementation continues across airlines
• Fixed award charts are largely obsolete

My approach: Book trips 320+ days out when airlines release schedules and award space. Most programs offer reasonable cancellation or change fees, allowing trip modifications while securing favorable pricing. I consistently use points as quickly as earned.

Recent example: 75,000 Aeroplan points for Vancouver-Hong Kong business class on Air Canada—a rare release for travel less than one month out. Within days, similar redemptions disappeared entirely.

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The Strategic Opportunity Nobody’s Discussing

Here’s a approach that circumvents some dynamic pricing increases, specifically with United Airlines:

Booking United flights individually follows the new dynamic pricing model with significantly higher costs. However, combining United flights with different carriers in the same booking often reduces pricing closer to previous fixed rates.

Real example:

• New York-Dublin direct on United: 80,000+ points on many dates
• Toronto-New York (Air Canada) + New York-Dublin (United) combined: 60,000 Aeroplan points total

The system appears not to fully implement dynamic pricing for multi-carrier tickets. While this loophole will likely close, it currently offers substantial savings.

This strategy works particularly well combining North American positioning flights with United’s extensive long-haul network.

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Where Smart Travelers Are Finding Value

Based on current data, several opportunities emerge that most travelers miss:

South America represents exceptional Aeroplan value currently. Median values significantly underperform other regions, and while cash prices to South America are lower than Asia, the points-to-cash ratio remains favorable.

The “Between North America and South America” chart section shows closest alignment between starting prices, median values, and fixed partner pricing, indicating less volatility and more predictable value.

Additional opportunity: Longer transpacific routes that decreased in cost. Flexible travelers willing to consider higher distance band destinations may find superior value compared to popular Vancouver-Tokyo routes with intense competition.

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Your 2025 Aeroplan Strategy

Based on this analysis, adjust your approach accordingly:

For Asia business class travel: Book immediately if you find reasonable options. Median values continue rising, and seat competition intensifies.

Consider South America seriously: Exceptional value, typically available award inventory, and outstanding experiences for fewer points than most destinations.

Master multi-carrier bookings: Requires research and flexibility, but savings can be substantial.

Don’t wait for perfect redemptions: Book good options that fit your plans. The “perfect” redemption might cost 50% more points when you find it.

Stay informed: These quarterly trends are crucial for booking timing decisions.

Looking Ahead

While insufficient data exists to predict September’s update confidently, several trends warrant monitoring:

Continued pressure on Asia routes appears likely if demand maintains current levels. South America’s value stability depends on whether travelers recognize this opportunity and drive prices up.

The United Airlines multi-carrier loophole will likely close within one or two updates as Aeroplan’s systems become more sophisticated.

Industry-wide trends suggest this represents just the beginning. More programs transition to dynamic pricing across airlines and hotels. The skills separating casual collectors from strategic travel hackers become increasingly important.

Essential 2025 skills: Flexibility, speed, and opportunity recognition before disappearance.

The Bottom Line

Use your points before they lose value. The data confirms that loyalty programs evolve rapidly, and today’s opportunities become tomorrow’s missed chances.

Stop overthinking and book that trip. The perfect redemption you’re waiting for might cost significantly more by the time you find it.

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What was your biggest takeaway from these updates? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

For weekly analysis of the best Aeroplan business class redemptions, points buying opportunities, and cash business class deals specifically for Canadians, check out my Jetsetter Premium newsletter.