Aeroplan Points Guide: Best Ways to Earn and Redeem for Flights in Canada

What are Aeroplan points?

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, and it’s the most important airline points program for Canadians.

The reason Aeroplan matters so much is simple:

• you can redeem points on Air Canada
• you can also redeem on partner airlines, including the Star Alliance network
• you can book flights to 1,300+ destinations worldwide
• and the program gives you more advanced tools than most Canadian bank points programs, including stopovers, Family Sharing, Preferred Pricing, and elite discounts on some rewards

In practical terms, Aeroplan sits in a different category than programs like TD Rewards, Scene+, or WestJet Rewards. Those programs are generally easier and more fixed-value. Aeroplan is more powerful because it can produce much higher value on flights — especially on long-haul trips, premium cabins, and partner redemptions — but it also takes a little more strategy to use well.

How much are Aeroplan points worth?

Aeroplan points do not have one fixed value.

Unlike a bank program where points might simply equal a flat travel credit, Aeroplan points can vary a lot depending on:

• whether you redeem on Air Canada or a partner airline
• your route and travel dates
• whether you’re booking economy or premium cabins
• whether you have an Aeroplan credit card and get Preferred Pricing
• whether you’re booking a cash-expensive trip that would otherwise cost a lot out of pocket

A realistic valuation range

For planning purposes, a practical range for Aeroplan points is often:

• about 1.2 to 2.0+ cents per point
• with higher value possible on especially strong redemptions

That’s why Aeroplan is so attractive. When used well, it can outperform flat-value points programs by a wide margin.

A simple rule of thumb

• If you’re getting around 1.2 CPP, that’s usually a decent floor for a simple redemption.
• If you’re getting 1.5 to 2.0 CPP, you’re generally doing well.
• If you’re above 2.0 CPP, that’s often an excellent redemption.

How Aeroplan flight pricing works

This is the single most important concept to understand.

Air Canada flights: variable pricing

Aeroplan uses a range-based pricing model for Air Canada flights. Air Canada publishes a Flight Reward Chart, but on Air Canada-operated flights the chart acts more like a guide or expected band rather than a hard fixed price.

Air Canada explains that:

• you can expect a reward flight to fall within the published range during normal times
• in high-demand periods, the cost in points can be above the range
• any Air Canada seat available for cash can be booked with Aeroplan points, with no blackout periods

That means Air Canada redemptions are flexible and powerful, but they’re not fully predictable. Want to see how this plays out in practice? Check our pricing checks for YVR to Sapporo and YYZ/YUL to Quito.

Partner flights: fixed pricing

This is where Aeroplan becomes much more “sweet spot” friendly.

Air Canada states that partner airline rewards are a fixed amount in points based on the distance you fly. That’s a huge deal, because it means partner awards are often easier to evaluate and can deliver very strong value.

You’ll still pay taxes and fees, and a $39 CAD partner booking fee applies per ticket, but the pricing is much more stable than Air Canada’s dynamic-ish model.

Why this matters

If you want:

• simplicity and every-seat access, Air Canada awards are excellent
• predictability and sweet spots, partner awards are often better

Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart: the basics

Aeroplan’s Flight Reward Chart is based on:

• origin and destination zones
• distance flown
• cabin class
• and whether you’re flying Air Canada / select partners or other partners

The chart is published for one-way travel, and it includes:

• starting-at amounts for Air Canada and select partners
• fixed partner pricing for many partner awards
• median amounts on some North America routes to help members understand what they’re likely to see in practice

Here are a few useful examples from the current chart:

Within North America

• 0–500 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 6,000 points in economy
  • other partners: 6,000 points in economy
• 501–1,500 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 10,000 points
  • other partners: 10,000 points
• 1,501–2,750 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 12,500 points
  • other partners: 12,500 points

Between North America and Atlantic

• 0–4,000 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 20,000 points in economy
  • other partners: 20,000 points
• 4,001–6,000 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 35,000 points in economy
  • other partners: 35,000 points

Between Atlantic and Pacific

• 0–2,500 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 25,000 points in economy
  • other partners: 25,000 points
• 2,501–5,000 miles
  • Air Canada / select partners: starting at 30,000 points
  • other partners: 40,000 points

This is why Aeroplan can look complicated at first: it’s part distance-based, part zone-based, and Air Canada pricing can float above the chart band during peak demand.

The 5 best ways to use Aeroplan points

1) Book partner flights at fixed pricing

For many experienced users, this is the single best use of Aeroplan points.

Because partner rewards are distance-based and fixed, they often offer the cleanest value. You won’t always get the absolute lowest total cost, because there’s still a $39 CAD partner booking fee and taxes/third-party charges may apply, but the points side is much easier to predict.

This is especially attractive for:

• long-haul international itineraries
• premium cabins
• routes where Air Canada cash fares or point prices are high

2) Use Aeroplan for Air Canada flights when cash fares are expensive

Air Canada’s reward pricing can be variable, but it can still offer excellent value when:

• cash fares are high
• you need a last-minute booking
• you’re flying a popular route during an expensive period
• or you want a premium cabin that would cost a lot in cash

Aeroplan’s biggest Air Canada advantage is that every available Air Canada seat can be booked with points, which is far more flexible than old-style award programs with tiny “saver” inventory.

3) Add a stopover for 5,000 points

This is one of Aeroplan’s best features.

Aeroplan allows one stopover per direction of travel, including on one-way itineraries, for 5,000 extra points. Stopovers can last up to 45 days.

That means one trip can become two destinations for a relatively small additional points cost.

Important rules:

• stopovers are not permitted within Canada, the U.S., or China
• an open-jaw is not permitted at the stopover point
• additional taxes and fees still apply

For people who actually like building trips creatively, this is one of Aeroplan’s biggest advantages over simpler programs.

4) Use Family Sharing to pool balances

Aeroplan Family Sharing is one of the strongest household features in Canada.

You can create a pool with up to 8 verified family members, and all members’ existing and future points are added to a shared balance. Redemptions draw proportionally from each member’s account.

This is powerful because:

• it helps households reach redemptions faster
• kids and occasional travellers no longer strand tiny useless balances
• if one member is the primary cardholder of an Aeroplan credit card, the whole pool can benefit from Preferred Pricing on Air Canada flight rewards

5) Use Points + Cash when you’re short

Aeroplan also supports Points + Cash bookings.

If you don’t have enough points for the full reward, you can use a mix of points and cash at checkout. You can also use points to cover taxes on a flight reward.

This is useful when:

• you’re close to a redemption
• you want to preserve some points for another trip
• you’d rather not buy or transfer more points immediately

Preferred Pricing: why Aeroplan credit cards matter so much

If you’re a primary Aeroplan co-branded credit cardholder, Air Canada says you will often be able to redeem for Air Canada flights for fewer points because Preferred Pricing is automatically applied when you shop for a flight reward.

This is one of the most important features in the whole ecosystem.

It means Aeroplan credit cards don’t just help you earn points faster — they can also lower the price of Air Canada redemptions.

And if you’re in an Aeroplan Family Sharing pool, everyone in the pool can benefit from that Preferred Pricing.

Taxes, fees, surcharges, and partner fees

Aeroplan removed additional airline surcharges on Air Canada flight rewards.

Air Canada says:

• on Air Canada flight rewards, only taxes and third-party fees are listed in cash
• you can use points to cover those too

If your itinerary includes a partner airline, Aeroplan applies a:

• $39 CAD partner booking fee per ticket

That’s not outrageous, but it’s important to include in your math when comparing value.

Also worth knowing:

• booking through the Aeroplan Contact Centre costs $30 CAD, even if the flight reward cannot be completed online
• online bookings themselves are free

Aeroplan stopovers: one of the best advanced features in Canada

This deserves its own section because it’s one of Aeroplan’s true differentiators.

Why stopovers are powerful

For just 5,000 extra points, you can turn a one-destination trip into a two-destination trip on an international award.

Example idea:

• Vancouver → Tokyo
• stopover in Tokyo
• Tokyo → Bangkok

Or:

• Toronto → Lisbon
• stopover in Lisbon
• Lisbon → Rome

That kind of flexibility is rare in mainstream Canadian rewards programs.

Rules to remember

• one stopover per direction
• can be added on one-way travel
• max stopover duration: 45 days
• not allowed within Canada, the U.S., or China

For SEO readers, this is a huge content opportunity on its own later:

• “Best Aeroplan stopover ideas from Canada”
• “How Aeroplan stopovers work step by step”

Other ways to redeem Aeroplan points

Flights are the headline use, but they’re not the only one.

Aeroplan also lets members redeem for:

• hotel stays
• car rentals
• gift cards
• in-flight Wi-Fi
• AC Bid Upgrades
• merchandise and eStore-style rewards

There’s also Aeroplan HotelSavers, where Air Canada advertises savings of up to 30% in points at select partner hotels.

That said, for most readers, flight rewards will almost always be the main event.

Do Aeroplan points expire?

Normally, Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity.

However, Air Canada currently says points expiry is paused until November 30, 2026. After that, the normal inactivity policy returns unless it is extended again.

Aeroplan also says points won’t expire as long as you remain:

• a primary TD Aeroplan cardholder
• a primary CIBC Aeroplan cardholder
• an American Express Aeroplan basic cardmember
• or an Aeroplan Elite member

So for many Canadians with a co-branded card, expiry is basically a non-issue.

Best Aeroplan credit cards for Canadians

There are a lot of Aeroplan cards, but for most readers, the practical shortlist is:

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite

A strong mainstream Visa option.

Current earning includes:

• 1.5 points per $1 on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
• 1.5 points per $1 on gas, EV charging, and groceries
• 1 point per $1 on everything else

This is one of the most relevant Aeroplan cards for Canadians because it’s widely accepted and easier to pair with an Amex-free household setup.

TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege

A premium Aeroplan Visa.

Current earning includes:

• 2 points per $1 on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
• 1.5 points per $1 on travel, dining, gas, EV charging, and groceries
• 1.25 points per $1 on everything else

This is more for higher-income travellers who will actually use the premium perks.

CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite

A very direct TD competitor.

Current earning includes:

• 1.5 points per $1 on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations
• 1.5 points per $1 on gas, EV charging, and groceries
• 1 point per $1 on everything else

American Express Aeroplan Card

A good mid-tier Amex option.

Current earning includes:

• 2 points per $1 directly with Air Canada
• 1.5 points per $1 on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
• 1 point per $1 everywhere else

American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

This is the premium Amex option and one of the strongest Aeroplan earners in Canada.

Current earning includes:

• 3 points per $1 directly with Air Canada
• 2 points per $1 on eligible dining and food delivery in Canada
• 1.25 points per $1 everywhere else

For many readers, the decision usually comes down to:

• Visa acceptance and practical everyday use → TD or CIBC
• higher earn rates and premium Amex perks → Amex Aeroplan Reserve

Aeroplan Family Sharing: one of the best household features in Canada

Family Sharing is worth emphasizing because it solves a problem many households have with airline programs: fragmented balances.

Key rules

• up to 8 verified family members
• all members keep their own Aeroplan account
• all existing and future points are added to the shared balance
• the Family Lead can control who has redemption privileges
• members must generally wait 6 months before joining or starting a new pool
• members must remain in the pool at least 3 months before leaving

This is especially useful for:

• couples running multiple Aeroplan cards
• households earning from different sources
• parents collecting points from children’s flying activity

Who should use Aeroplan?

Aeroplan is especially strong for:

• Canadians who want serious flight value
• travellers going to Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or South America
• people who want access to Star Alliance and partner airlines
• travellers who like premium cabins
• households that can make use of Family Sharing
• people willing to spend a little time learning the system

It’s less ideal for:

• people who want a totally fixed-value program (consider CIBC Aventura or TD Rewards instead)
• travellers who never compare options and just want cash-equivalent simplicity
• people who mostly want groceries, statement credits, or easy everyday redemptions

Aeroplan vs. other Canadian points programs

Aeroplan vs WestJet Rewards

• Aeroplan is much better for international reach, partner airlines, and premium-cabin value
• WestJet Rewards is simpler and easier for straightforward WestJet travel savings

Aeroplan vs RBC Avion

• Aeroplan is stronger for actual airline award travel
• Avion is more flexible as a bank points currency and can transfer to multiple programs

Aeroplan vs TD Rewards

• Aeroplan can deliver much higher value per point
• TD Rewards is much simpler and more fixed-value

Aeroplan vs Scene+

• Aeroplan is better for maximizing flights
• Scene+ is better for everyday earning flexibility, especially groceries and travel eraser-style redemptions

Pro tips to get more value from Aeroplan

1. Check partner flights first when you want predictable pricing.
2. Use Aeroplan points on cash-expensive flights, not just cheap economy tickets.
3. Learn to use stopovers — this is one of the easiest ways to increase value.
4. If you book Air Canada often, consider holding an Aeroplan credit card for Preferred Pricing alone.
5. Use Family Sharing if multiple household members earn points.
6. Don’t ignore the $39 partner booking fee when doing your math.
7. Keep an eye on expiry rules, but remember that co-branded cardholders often won’t need to worry about them.
8. Use Points + Cash strategically when you’re close to a redemption.

Quick decision checklist

• Want the most powerful airline points program in Canada?

  • Aeroplan is usually the answer

• Want simple fixed-value travel points with less strategy?

  • You may prefer TD Rewards, Scene+, or WestJet Rewards

• Want premium-cabin travel or partner sweet spots?

  • Aeroplan is one of the best tools you can have

• Mostly fly Air Canada and want lower award prices?

  • Holding an Aeroplan credit card can be a big advantage because of Preferred Pricing

Bottom line

Aeroplan is the most important airline points program for Canadians because it combines:

• Air Canada access
• fixed-price partner awards
• stopovers for 5,000 points
• Family Sharing
• Preferred Pricing with co-branded cards
• and a huge global network

It is not the simplest program in Canada — but it is often the most rewarding.

If you want easy, flat-value travel rewards, there are simpler programs. But if you want the ability to squeeze serious value out of flights, especially international trips and premium cabins, Aeroplan deserves to be at the center of your Canadian points strategy.