Aeroplan Review | Tips & Tricks | Is It Worth It in 2024?

Are you an avid Canadian traveler always searching for cheaper flights with Air Canada — especially business class?

Or a European or US resident flying to or transiting through Canada often?

Then, this Aeroplan review is for you.

Budget travelers, frequent flyers, and high rollers can all take advantage of Canada’s number one loyalty program — and help you save some money.

With its comprehensive network of airline partners and a range of ways to earn points, it’s worth investing in Aeroplan Points.

In this Aeroplan review, we’ll look closer at what makes Aeroplan such an excellent option for travelers who want to get the most out of their trips.

We’ll explore how Air Canada rewards members with additional benefits when using their services and evaluate if signing up is really worth it in the end.

Related:

• Aeroplan vs Air Miles
• American Express Aeroplan Card Review
• American Express Bonvoy Card Review

Aeroplan Review

How does Aeroplan work? Aeroplan Points are loyalty points earned through Air Canada’s frequent flyer program.

You can redeem these points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, or merchandise. The more you fly with Air Canada, the more points you earn.

However, we recommend using your Aeroplan Points only to redeem flights because the value of an Aeroplan Point decreases significantly if you redeem them for anything else.

And even if you’re not a frequent traveler, you can still earn points through partner programs or credit cards. And here’s the best part — you can use your Aeroplan Points to get free flights worldwide.

Sign up for the Aeroplan Program

The Aeroplan Loyalty Program is free to join. Nearly every Canadian should sign up. Even if you’re a casual traveler, points add up over the years with everyday purchases.

If you’re a frequent traveler, signing up for the Aeroplan program is a no-brainer. It’s the easiest way to start earning rewards for the flights you take.

Plus, with more than 35 partners across the globe, you can earn points for much more than just flights.

Where can I earn Aeroplan Points?

1. Fly with Air Canada

Flying with Air Canada is the standard way to earn Aeroplan Points, but it’s not easy.

Air Canada made earning Aeroplan Points with flights a bit confusing. It can be hard to digest initially, especially since there are different metrics to qualify for Air Canada’s Elite statuses.

You earn Aeroplan Points on nearly all flights flown with Air Canada as a set percentage of the miles flown depending on your fare class.

For example, if you fly from Toronto to Vancouver, 2080 miles, with a standard economy fare, you earn Aeroplan Points at a rate of 50%. So, you will earn 1,040 points.

Below is the rate at which you earn Aeroplan Points:

2. Book your holidays with Air Canada Vacations

With Air Canada Vacations, you earn Aeroplan Points on the flight portion of your package. But the best way to maximize your earning potential is to purchase a vacation package that earns you bonus points.

It’s not always ideal to book an ACV package that offers bonus points because the destination or resort may not interest you. Therefore, plan ahead to maximize those bonus Aeroplan Points without compromising your vacation or budget, and be flexible with a few destinations or resorts.

You can also earn Aeroplan Points on hotel-only stays, car rentals, and cruises through the Air Canada Vacations website.

3. Shop through the Aeroplan eStore

Shopping through the Aeroplan eStore is the best way to earn Aeroplan Points without flying; this is especially true for budget and casual travelers.

The eStore comprises partner retailers like Amazon, Apple, and Lululemon; hotels, car rentals, and more. You can earn Aeroplan Points on nearly everything. This is also the Aeroplan rewards store, where you can redeem your points for non-flight rewards, though this is not recommended, as mentioned earlier.

You usually earn 1 Aeroplan Point per $1 spent. However, this isn’t the maximum earning rate. The Aeroplan eStore often has promotions where you can earn 2x to 10x the points throughout several stores. And they also have site-wide promotions during special events such as Black Friday and Boxing Day.

If you plan to make an online purchase, consider completing it through the Aeroplan eStore to earn some free points.

4. Double-dip with an Aeroplan Card

The Aeroplan co-branded cards are the best way for budget and casual travelers to earn Aeroplan Points; even frequent Air Canada travelers maximize their benefits.

American Express, CIBC, and TD all offer Aeroplan Cards with different benefits and point accumulation rates in Canada. The advantage of having a co-branded Aeroplan Card is you’re not tied to one point of sale. You earn points on all purchases.

Earning Aeroplan Points with a co-branded card starts at 1 point per $1 spent up to 3 times the points. 

In addition, you can double-dip by earning Aeroplan Points through the eStore and paying with your card.

Plus, the Aeroplan co-branded cards receive exclusive point aggregators through the eStore, allowing you to earn even more points.

I personally use the AMEX Aeroplan Card.

5. Link your Uber account

Uber is the global leader in rideshare market share. Hence, earning Aeroplan Points with this transportation option only makes sense.

Simply link your Aeroplan and Uber accounts to start earning points. You also earn with Uber Eats and grocery deliveries.

How many Aeroplan Points you’ll earn with Uber:

• New Uber or Uber Eats users will earn 1,000 Aeroplan points on their first ride or order.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all rides to and from the airport in Canada.
• Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Uber Black, Premier, Premium, and Comfort rides to and from the airport in Canada.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other Uber premium rides.
• Earn a $20 Air Canada flight credit for every 10 eligible rides.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on Uber Eats orders of $40 or more.
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent on grocery and retail deliveries with no minimum.
• Earn a 250-monthly bonus when you make one eligible ride, meal delivery, and grocery or retail order in the same calendar month.

6. Link your Starbucks Rewards account

Starbucks is expensive, and it’s best to increase your ROI.

You’ll have a few options to earn points by linking your Aeroplan and Starbucks accounts.

How many Aeroplan Points you’ll earn with Starbucks:

• 500 points for making your first purchase within 7 days of linking your accounts.
• 100 points for every $75 you load to your Starbucks Card or app; otherwise, 25 points for loading $50.00 to $74.99.

The downside is — unlike Uber — the Starbucks app is not accepted globally. For example, I shamefully go to the Starbucks in Medellin, Colombia, for a change of scenery when studying or working remotely (I usually go to a local Colombian cafe).

Starbucks doesn’t use the App in Colombia, so I can’t earn Starbucks Stars or Aeroplan Points. To make it worse, they ask for tips.

Furthermore, you can only earn Aeroplan Points with Starbucks in Canada.

Final Thoughts

With the high cost of flying for economy fares, you should sign up for the Aeroplan Loyalty Program if you’re Canadian. To earn Aeroplan points faster, get an Aeroplan co-branded credit card and shop through the eStore.

Even if you don’t fly, you should still sign up for Aeroplan since the loyalty program is free and partnered with over 100 of Canada’s top retailers. In the worst-case scenario, the points can be redeemed for merchandise or car fuel. Don’t you like free stuff?