Barry,

Thanks for responding to my comments. Yes, all plans evolve – usually not for the customer’s benefit – especially Aeroplan. While I am annoyed and frustrated with Aeroplan, I am not with you! I enjoy reading your hacking guides/emails/lists and your e-book.

You make a lot of good points, and I’ve been hacking that way for years (with credit cards). It’s nice to get the updates on the various programs and alternatives that you put out.

Thanks for letting me vent – keep on hackin’!

M. Collier,

I’m clearly not going to change your mind, but let me give you my point of view.

While I agree pooling doesn’t work for everyone, it’s something that many people (families) have wanted for a long time. It’s much easier to make a redemption when a family of 4 is collecting points together instead of individually.

You’re right that there are other options besides Air Canada and you could take your business elsewhere, but we’re talking about loyalty here. If you look at all the other airline loyalty programs in the world, Aeroplan is actually one of the better ones. They have tons of airline partners and ways to earn points. Plus, as a Canadian, it’s easier to use your points on Aeroplan since there are more flights as opposed to say British Airways. That said, I certainly understand that Air Canada may not be the best option for everyone.

My route to Florida was just an example. Remember, Aeroplan now prices dynamically, sometimes redemptions will be a good value, sometimes it won’t. You need to compare the value of your points vs. the cash price. With Aeroplan, it’s not hard to get a value of 2 cents per point these days. Although that’s about the same as the previous version of Aeroplan, there are more flights available.

I already made it clear that the cost of flights under the new Aeroplan have gone up, so your argument there is valid. That said, the price of flights in general and operating costs have also gone up. All loyalty programs eventually raise their prices. Aeroplan hadn’t done so in 7 years, so we were due up for a devaluation. The exact same theory applies to any loaytly program. Look at Tim Horton’s and McDonald’s, their loyalty programs have been devalued. That’s just standard business practice.

Yes you are “paying” for it for the credit card, but if you’re getting more value than the fee, then it’s worth it. You said you read my hacking guides. If so, then you’ll know I encourage people to cancel every year and get a new card to maximize their benefits.

I’ve advocated against tons of different business practices with my platform, and let me tell you, they don’t care. When it comes to loyalty, it’s my job to share the sweet spots and “hacks” so people can maximize their returns.

If you’re frustrated with Aeroplan, you can definitely take your business elsewhere. I prefer to earn my points and take advantage of what I can. I actually tried to use WestJet more when Aeroplan was going through changes, and their loyalty program does not offer much so I came back to Aeroplan.

Hi Barry,

Pooling isn’t available for everyone, so I completely discount that as an “option”.

You have a point…who else is there if not Aeroplan? I guess maybe no one if it’s a Canadian carrier, but there are other non-Canadian carriers to choose from, so a good way for Aeroplan/Air Canada to lose our business.

You say you can find a deal to Florida…so what? Flights to Florida aren’t that expensive (right now, I know a couple who just flew one way for $260 – all in, taxes, bags, etc. for BOTH). And this is prime winter getaway time. So what’s the benefit of using up Aeroplan points on those short-haul trips? That’s not a big selling point.

When you say that the more popular routes (e.g. Toronto to London or Paris) will always be crazy expensive…that’s my point. There is no excuse for this gouging. The same flights that cost about 110 K miles not long ago for business, round trip (and that was increased from 90 K) are now 132 K ONE WAY. And these are for your basic 7 – 8 hour flights…not lengthy 10 – 14 or more hours. And by the way, these flights used to include a stopover/open jaw option for the same amount. Not any more.

You say the credit cards have been improved with higher bonuses and free checked bags? Well, we’re paying for it – the cards cost more (if we don’t get rid of them after the 1st year free, which, as you suggest, we ought to do). And if you travel business class, you get the free checked bags already.

It’s absurd to endorse them and their system when they are simply gouging us all. You should be using your platform and influence to lead the charge with them to let them know that we (the previously-loyal customers) aren’t going to stand for it anymore.

M. Collier,

Thanks for reaching out. Let’s make something clear, with the exception of a few routes, the new Aeroplan costs more points for the same flights as previously. There’s no denying that. However, since you can’t change that, you need to look at what’s changed and what works in your favour.

You can now pool points as a family, there are no extra taxes and fees when booking rewards, all seats on Air Canada are available, there are better credit cards, and there is still a fixed price for partner airlines. For the majority of users, this is a big improvement. For example, in the previous Aeroplan, getting a direct flight to Orlando from Toronto would cost you 60K+ points return. Now it’s not difficult to find something under 30K. Flights within Canada are often cheaper too. That said, there’s also a lot of dynamic pricing where flights are crazy expensive.

Another way of looking at is like this. If you’re not going to give Aeroplan your business, then who will you use? WestJet has limited flights and their rewards program is mediocre. American Express has a great loyalty program, but the base value is still 1 cent per point. I personally still find better value with Amex.

With any loyalty program, you need to find the sweet spots. With the current Aeroplan, that’s using partner airlines in business class. That said, some of the most popular routes e.g. Toronto to London or Paris will always be crazy expensive.

It’s also worth noting that the credit cards have been improved as they come with a higher welcome bonus and better benefits such as free checked bags.