Aeroplan’s Best-Value Awards Favor Partner Flights

Aeroplan travelers can often find the strongest value on airline partners that retain fixed award rates. Air Canada now prices its own seats variably, as do United, Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad, Canadian North, Calm Air, Bearskin Airlines and PAL Airlines. Other eligible partners generally follow charts based on trip length and geographic region. The program reaches more than 1,300 destinations through 45-plus partner carriers, and some airlines may be mixed within a single itinerary.

For nearby economy trips covering up to 500 miles, awards begin at 6,000 points. That can include routes around the Northeast and flights involving Toronto Pearson. Across the Atlantic, fixed-rate partner business seats may cost 60,000 points from the East Coast to Western Europe. The comparable longer journey from the West Coast is 75,000 points. A business-class seat between Seattle and Tokyo on All Nippon Airways costs 55,000 points when award inventory is open.

Aeroplan adds no carrier surcharge, although any ticket containing a partner flight carries a CA$39 booking charge, plus relevant taxes and outside fees. A stopover costs another 5,000 points and may extend for up to 45 days. Existing Family Sharing groups can combine balances for as many as eight relatives, but enrollment for new groups is unavailable.