6 Lesser Known Aeroplan Tips to Maximize Your Travel Rewards
Aeroplan, Air Canada’s loyalty program, is one of my favourites because it offers me value and unique ways to save money on travel. Recently, I booked my family on a quick trip to Vancouver, and I found a great deal on flights when using my points.
While frequent flyers are familiar with basic redemption strategies, there are lesser-known tricks that can significantly boost the value of your rewards. From clever routing techniques to unique ways of earning and redeeming points, these insights can transform your travel experience.
Aeroplan has sales
Aeroplan occasionally offers sales, giving you the chance to book trips for fewer points. These sales can provide significant savings on your travel plans.
For example, right now, you can save up to 25% on flight redemptions. You must book between Feb. 19 and 23, 2025, with travel from Feb. 20 to September 30, 2025. That means you can potentially save big on your spring break or summer travels.
These deals happen a few times a year, so keep an eye out for promotional emails and check the Aeroplan website regularly to catch these limited-time offers. Sales may target specific routes, destinations, or travel periods.
Remember that it’s not just flights that go on sale with Aeroplan. Sometimes, you can get deals on hotel bookings and even greater offers when buying points.
Availability during sales is usually limited, so act quickly if you have something or mind or find a great price.
Flexible dates are essential
Aeroplan’s dynamic pricing model – where prices change based on supply and demand – means flight costs can vary significantly depending on when you travel. Being flexible with your dates can unlock substantial savings on your bookings. This flexibility is further enhanced by Aeroplan’s increased seat availability, allowing members to book any available flight seat using their points, providing greater convenience and value in travel planning.
When searching for flights, try adjusting your travel dates by a few days in either direction. Just by shifting your departure or return slightly, you may find lower-priced options.
Midweek flights often offer better value than weekend travel. For example, flying out on Tuesday or Wednesday could be cheaper than Friday through Monday.
As you can imagine, holiday periods and peak seasons typically require more points. Last year, when planning a trip to Orlando, I quickly realized it was much cheaper to fly the first week of December instead of waiting until the second week or when the holidays started.
Remember that flexibility extends beyond dates. Being open to different flight times or destinations can also lead to better redemptions. For example, this summer, I’m headed to London and Amsterdam. Although I originally planned to fly to Amsterdam, heading to London first will save me 40,000 points per person since I plan on flying business class.
Master stopovers and layovers
Aeroplan’s stopover rules offer a fantastic opportunity to explore an additional destination on your journey. For just 5,000 points, you can add a stopover of more than 24 hours to your itinerary, allowing you to experience a new city or country.
Layovers, on the other hand, can be strategically used to reduce the number of points required for your redemption.
For example, flying directly from Vancouver to Toronto might cost you 20,000 points. However, you might be able to take a flight with a short layover in Calgary for 15,000 points. The journey would be longer, but sometimes, the difference in points is significant enough to consider.
To make the most of these rules, consider planning your trips with stopovers or layovers in mind. You can explore a new destination without significantly increasing your point expenditure, effectively getting two trips for the price of one.
Have an Aeroplan credit card
Getting an Aeroplan credit card can significantly boost your points earning potential. These cards allow you to earn points on your everyday purchases. Additionally, depending on the card, you get some great perks, such as free checked bags on Air Canada flights, Zone 2 boarding, and access to Maple Leaf lounges.
One lesser-discussed benefit of having an Aeroplan credit card is the preferred pricing on flight redemptions. This means you may need fewer points for the same flights compared to non-cardholders.
Multiple Aeroplan credit card options are available, ranging from entry-level to premium tiers. Choose one that aligns with your spending habits and travel goals.
HotelSavers can be valuable
Aeroplan’s HotelSavers program offers a way to maximize your points when booking accommodations. You can save up to 30% in points compared to standard hotel bookings on select properties, such as Fairmont, Sofitel, Novotel, and Banyan Tree.
The program uses a category system, with redemptions ranging from 10,000 to 105,000 points per night. This tiered approach allows you to find options that suit your points balance and travel needs.
While HotelSavers is available to all Aeroplan members, there’s an extra incentive if you’re an Aeroplan credit card holder. When Aeroplan cardholders book four consecutive nights at a hotel on points, they only pay for three. This deal stacks, so if you book eight nights on points, you only pay for six nights.
While flight redemptions typically offer more value with Aeroplan, don’t overlook the potential value in hotel bookings. HotelSavers gives you access to various properties, including some that aren’t part of major hotel chain reward programs.
Keep in mind that point values can vary. Always compare the cash price to the points required to ensure you’re getting a good deal.
Take Advantage of eStore Offers
The Aeroplan eStore is a valuable tool for earning bonus points on your online purchases. By shopping through the eStore portal, you can accumulate points faster without spending extra money.
Keep an eye out for special promotions, especially during major shopping events like Black Friday. These offers can provide multipliers of up to 10x the regular points on your purchases.
Remember to check the eStore before making any online purchases. Popular retailers like Amazon and Dyson often participate in these promotions, allowing you to earn significant points on items you’d buy anyway.
To maximize your earnings, time your larger purchases with these promotions. For example, this past Black Friday, I bought a new laptop at BestBuy, which is an eStore partner.
Using the Aeroplan eStore won’t save you money on travel directly, but it does help you earn more points. With all those extra points, you’ll be able to redeem them for travel in no time.
