I’ve been using my Aeroplan points for the better part of two decades, often cashing in to buy flights for my wife or for my family to visit my Dad in California.
One thing I’ve learned is that it’s good to take advantage of special offers to boost your points. Aeroplan often has great specials and bonus point programs, and it’s crazy to not take advantage.
I use my Aeroplan points to visit my Dad in the San Francisco Bay Area every year. – JIM BYERS PHOTO
That goes especially for the latest round of specials, which Aeroplan is practically begging you to use by handing out special tips on how to maximize your card.
Tip number one, of course, is to get your card out whenever there’s a chance to use it. Aeroplan has a vast array of partners, everyone from Esso to Avis to Marriott Rewards. If you leave your card in your pocket or forget to have the number entered when you make your purchase at an Aeroplan partner store (either in person or on-line), you’re throwing away the chance to earn valuable miles tmight put you over the top for that next great vacation. Use your card whenever you possibly can.
You also should try to take advantage of special bonuses such as the ones being offered now by the likes of Hertz, Marriott, Fairmont and more. Fairmont, for example, is offering double points between now and the end of the year at their iconic properties, including The Royal York in Toronto and the famous Banff Springs Hotel in Alberta. I recently returned from a wonderful stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello in Quebec, between Ottawa and Montreal. Aeroplan has more than 70 hotel partners worldwide, so be sure to take advantage.
Jamaica is a fabulous spot to use your Aeroplan points for a winter vacation. – JIM BYERS PHOTO
You might need a car when you get to your destination, so try booking with Avis or Hertz, both Aeroplan partners. You can receive up to 35 per cent off regular rates when you use your Aeroplan booking code, as well. That’s a great deal.
Not sure where you want to go? Aeroplan partners with Air Canada Vacations, which offers holidays at more than 600 resorts in 40 great destinations, including Jamaica, Mexico and more. Perfect for that mid-February getaway you’ve been dreaming of (especially considering the forecast for much of Canada this coming winter).
Booking flights with Air Canada? You can get 100 per cent miles with a Flex fare, 125 per cent with a Premium Economy ticket and 150 per cent miles with a Business Class ticket. Treat yourself and increase your miles at the same time!
Aeroplan is great at offering tips about maximizing your miles.
You also can earn rewards on your parking charges, and you can save up to 35 per cent on Aeroplan Market Fare Flight Rewards.
Another great way to increase your miles is to make purchases with an Aeroplan-affiliated credit card. You can earn miles twice on qualifying hotel stays and car rentals with Aeroplan partners by providing your Aeroplan number and using your Aeroplan-affiliated financial card.
You don’t have to buy travel products to increase your Aeroplan miles total. If you use the Aeroplan eStore you can buy everything from sweaters at The Bay to the latest Apple iPhone your kids are bugging you for. Or maybe that you want for yourself. You’ll earn one Aeroplan mile for every dollar spent at more than 120 online retailers.
London is one of many destinations you can book using your Aeroplan points. Use Aeroplan’s bonus programs to boost your point totals even higher. – JIM BYERS PHOTO
Finally, you also can convert your miles in other programs to Aeroplan miles.
The opportunities to boost your Aeroplan miles, and to make your dream trips come true even sooner, are all around you. Of course, if you’re a homebody who isn’t interested in jetting off to the Caribbean you can use your Aeroplan miles to make online purchases at Aeroplan retailers.
And now they’re making it easier than ever, with special bonuses and tips on how to maximize your miles.
