Is Aeroplan worth it?
Depends on how you fly. Strong fit if any of these apply:
- You fly Air Canada regularly and want a path to elite status
- You want to redeem for long-haul business class on partner airlines
- You want lounge access, upgrades, or a companion pass as you move up the tiers
Less useful if you never fly Air Canada or its partners, or if your main goal is cash back or flexible rewards.
What can you redeem Aeroplan points for?
Flights give you the best value. Partner airlines like Air New Zealand and ITA Airways use a fixed points chart, so cost is predictable regardless of the cash price. Air Canada is dynamic: points move with the fare. Hotels and merchandise are available but consistently give lower value.
What is the best way to redeem Aeroplan points?
Companion passes, stopovers, fixed partner rates, status upgrades, and no-fuel-surcharge routes to Europe. Studies showing what Aeroplan actually does.
Direct to Auckland or Sydney first. Lie-flat in Business Class both ways. Three ways to get there, one points balance.
See the math →Your card builds the points and the SQC. Status determines the upgrade, the lounge, and the Priority Reward waiting at the 80K milestone.
See the math →No fuel surcharges. Government taxes only, roughly $250 one way. Star Alliance Gold transfers to ITA: priority boarding, extra bag, lounge access at Fiumicino.
See the math →Give points instead of things. Pool a family balance toward one trip, or send a flight directly to someone who wouldn't book it themselves.
See the math →What is Aeroplan elite status?
Aeroplan has four elite tiers: 25K, 35K, 50K, and 75K, based on Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) earned on Air Canada flights. Each tier unlocks better upgrade priority, complimentary upgrades, lounge access, and priority boarding. At 80K SQC (a milestone above 75K status), you receive a Priority Reward that cuts the points cost of a redemption in half.
Your Aeroplan credit card contributes SQC alongside points, which is why card choice affects how quickly you reach the next tier. See how status changes what you fly →
Can I use Aeroplan points for upgrades?
Yes. You can use points to upgrade an existing Air Canada booking from economy to business class. The cost depends on the route and availability. Upgrades are worth considering if you're already booked in economy. The points cost is often lower than redeeming for a full business class ticket.
How do you earn Aeroplan points?
An Aeroplan co-branded credit card is the fastest path. Points earn on every purchase and go straight into your account. Grocery, gas, and Air Canada purchases earn at higher rates than general spending.
Flying earns too. Every Air Canada ticket earns points based on fare class and distance. Higher fare classes earn more, and those flight points also count toward elite status. Partner stores and restaurants layer on top of both.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Yes, after 18 months of account inactivity. Any earn or redeem activity resets the clock: a purchase on your Aeroplan credit card, a flight, or a transaction with a partner store. As long as you use the account at least once every 18 months, your points are safe.
What are the best Aeroplan credit cards?
TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
TD's entry-level Aeroplan card. Lower annual fee, base earn rates, and a solid welcome bonus to get started.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
TD's mid-tier card. 1.5x on Air Canada, gas, and grocery. Strong travel insurance and the most popular Aeroplan card for everyday earners.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
TD's premium card. Higher earn rates, Maple Leaf Lounge access on AC flights, and comprehensive travel insurance.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite
CIBC's mid-tier card. Comparable earn to the TD Infinite with overlapping insurance coverage.
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
CIBC's premium card. Lounge access, enhanced earn, and a full travel insurance package.
Award price increases
Aeroplan raised prices on a significant number of routes. Europe, Asia, and Oceania were most affected, with some routes rising by 15–25%.
Full breakdown of what changed →