Aeroplan is Canada's most valuable airline loyalty program, with points worth anywhere from 1.2 cents to 5+ cents per point depending on how you redeem them. This comprehensive guide reveals proven strategies to earn Aeroplan points faster and redeem them at maximum value for flights, upgrades, and travel experiences.
Understanding Aeroplan Points Value
Not all redemptions are created equal:
| Redemption Type | Typical Value | Best/Worst |
|---|---|---|
| Economy short-haul | 1.2-1.8¢/pt | 😊 Good value |
| Economy long-haul | 1.5-2.5¢/pt | 😊 Good value |
| Business class flights | 2.5-5¢/pt | 🌟 Excellent value |
| First class flights | 3-8¢/pt | 🌟🌟 Maximum value |
| Merchandise/gift cards | 0.8-1.0¢/pt | ❌ Avoid |
| Pay with points (merchants) | 0.7¢/pt | ❌ Worst value |
Key Insight: The difference between 0.7¢ and 5¢ per point is 7x! A 100,000-point balance is worth $700 at the low end or $5,000+ when redeemed strategically for premium flights.
Best Credit Cards for Earning Aeroplan Points
1. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- 1.5x points on gas, groceries, and direct Air Canada purchases
- 1x point on everything else
- Welcome bonus: Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points
- $139 annual fee (free first year)
- Free checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Nexus credit ($100)
Best for: Regular Air Canada flyers who want straightforward Aeroplan earning.
2. American Express Cobalt Card
- 5x points on food & drinks (including food delivery)
- 3x points on streaming services
- 2x points on travel and transit
- 1x point on everything else
- 1:1 transfer to Aeroplan (and other partners)
- $155.88 annual fee ($12.99/month)
Best for: Foodies and high spenders. The 5x multiplier on dining (transferred 1:1) outpaces dedicated Aeroplan cards.
3. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
- 1.5x points on gas, groceries, Air Canada purchases, and at Starbucks
- 1x point on everything else
- Welcome bonus: Up to 50,000 Aeroplan points
- $139 annual fee (rebated first year)
- Maple Leaf Lounge access (one-time)
- Free checked bag
Similar to TD version—choose based on your banking relationship.
4. American Express Platinum Card
- Earn Membership Rewards (1:1 to Aeroplan)
- Unlimited airport lounge access (Priority Pass + Centurion)
- $200 annual travel credit
- $799 annual fee (offset by credits)
Best for: Frequent travelers who maximize lounge access. The ability to transfer MR to Aeroplan AND other programs provides flexibility.
Maximizing Point Earning
Category Multipliers
Stack cards strategically:
- Groceries: Cobalt (5x MR → Aeroplan) or PC Financial (if buying Loblaws gift cards there)
- Gas: Aeroplan cards (1.5x) or Cobalt (1x MR)
- Travel: Aeroplan cards (1.5x on Air Canada) + Cobalt (2x on other travel)
- Dining: Cobalt (5x) is unbeatable
Shopping Portal Multipliers
Aeroplan eStore bonus events:
- Regular rates: 1-5 points per $1 spent
- Bonus events: Up to 10x points (Apple, Sephora, etc.)
- Special promotions: 15-20x during Black Friday, Aeroplan anniversary
Strategy: Shop through eStore portal > pay with Aeroplan-earning card = double dipping!
Sweet Spot Redemptions
1. Short-Haul North America (Dynamic Pricing)
Canada-U.S. flights under 500 miles can be exceptional value:
- Toronto → Boston, New York, Chicago: 6,000-10,000 points
- Vancouver → Seattle, Portland: 6,000-8,000 points
- Typical cash price: $300-500
- Point value: 3-5¢ each!
2. Business Class to Europe (Partner Airlines)
One of the best uses of Aeroplan:
- Cost: 60,000-70,000 points (one-way business)
- Cash price: $3,000-5,000+
- Point value: 4-7¢ each
- Best partners: Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian, Turkish, TAP Portugal
3. Asia-Pacific Redemptions (ANA, United)
Premium cabins to Asia:
- Business class: 75,000-90,000 points
- First class: 100,000-130,000 points
- ANA offers excellent availability
- Stopovers allowed (build multi-city trips)
4. Avoid These Redemptions
- ❌ Merchandise (0.8¢/point)
- ❌ Gift cards (0.9-1.0¢/point)
- ❌ Pay with Points at checkout (0.7¢/point)
- ❌ High-fuel surcharge routes (taxes $400+ on "free" flight)
- ❌ Last-minute economy flights (often better to pay cash)
Understanding Aeroplan Flight Rewards
The Award Chart
Aeroplan uses a zone-based chart:
- Zone 1: Within Canada & USA (continental)
- Zone 2: Within Atlantic (Europe, North Africa, Middle East)
- Zone 3: Pacific (Asia, Australia, Oceania)
- Zone 4: South America
- Zone 5: Africa, India, Middle East
Dynamic vs Fixed Pricing
| Pricing Type | Fluctuates? | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Air Canada flights | Yes (demand-based) | Flexibility, many flight options |
| Partner airlines | Fixed (based on chart) | Predictable pricing, premium cabins |
Pro Tip: Air Canada often uses dynamic pricing with higher rates during peak times. Partner airline awards (Lufthansa, United, ANA, etc.) are fixed-price, making them better value during high-demand periods.
Fees and Taxes Strategy,/h2>
Taxes can range from $50 to $600+ on award tickets depending on:
- Departure airport: Canadian airports charge high fees ($100-200)
- Carrier: Some airlines pass fuel surcharges (Air Canada, Lufthansa)
- Route: UK flights have Air Passenger Duty ($100+)
Minimize taxes tips:
- Fly United (USA-based, minimal surcharges)
- Choose ANA, EVA, Singapore for Asia (low/no surcharges)
- Avoid Lufthansa group for premium cabins (high fees)
- Depart from USA airports when possible (lower fees)
Status Benefits with Aeroplan Credit Cards,/h2>
Aeroplan cards include valuable perks:
- Free checked bag: Saves $30-50 per flight
- Priority boarding: Zone 2 boarding (get overhead bin space)
- Maple Leaf Lounge access: One-time pass (some cards)
- Nexus credit: $100 rebate for expedited customs
These perks can justify annual fees even before counting rewards earned.
Common Aeroplan Mistakes to Avoid,/h2>
- Merchandise redemptions: Sacrificing 70%+ of potential value
- Ignoring partner options: Air Canada isn't always best value
- Not optimizing eStore: Missing bonus point opportunities
- Points expiration: Requires activity every 18 months
- Paying taxes without comparison: Sometimes cash fare is cheaper total
- Not booking awards 11 months out: Best availability released then
- Forgetting stopovers: Can add free cities to your trip
The Bottom Line
Aeroplan is Canada's most valuable points program when used strategically. Focus earning on category bonuses (Cobalt for dining), transfer partners when promotions run, and target 2.5¢+ per point on redemptions. Avoid merchandise and pay-with-points options entirely.
With proper planning, 100,000 Aeroplan points can deliver $2,500-5,000+ in flight value—enough for business class to Europe or multiple domestic trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are Aeroplan points worth?
Aeroplan points are worth 1.2-2¢ each for economy flights, 2.5-5¢ for business class, and up to 8¢ for first class when redeemed strategically. Redeeming for merchandise yields only 0.7-1¢/point, while flights provide the best value. Short-haul North American flights and business class to Europe typically offer 3-5¢ per point.
What is the best Aeroplan credit card?
The best Aeroplan card depends on your spending: TD/CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite for Air Canada loyalists (1.5x on Air Canada), American Express Cobalt for foodies (5x MR points convert 1:1 to Aeroplan), and Amex Platinum for travelers wanting lounge access. The Cobalt often earns more Aeroplan points despite not being a co-branded card.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity. Any earning, redemption, or transfer resets the clock. Having an Aeroplan credit card or Elite status prevents expiration entirely. Set calendar reminders to make small purchases through the eStore if you're not active to keep points alive.
Can I transfer points from other programs to Aeroplan?
Yes! Transfer partners include: American Express Membership Rewards (1:1), Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 plus 5,000 bonus on 60,000 transfers), and select hotel programs. Transfers are typically instant for Amex MR. Watch for transfer bonuses (15-30% extra) which appear 2-3 times yearly.
What are the taxes on Aeroplan award flights?
Taxes vary widely: Canadian domestic flights ($50-150), USA flights ($50-100), Europe flights ($150-400+ depending on airline—Lufthansa adds surcharges, United does not). The "sweet spot" is flying United or other partners without fuel surcharges. Departures from lower-fee airports (USA, not UK) also reduce costs.
How do I book Aeroplan award flights?
Book online at aircanada.com/aeroplan (easiest for Air Canada flights) or call Aeroplan (1-800-361-5373) for partner bookings or complex itineraries. The website shows Air Canada and most partner availability. For stopovers or multi-city trips, calling often works better. Book 11 months out for best availability, especially in premium cabins.