A lot of folks were skeptical when Air Canada said it was taking over Aeroplan and would bring in a whole new loyalty rewards system.
But the early reviews are excellent, indeed.
Air Canada this morning officially released details of its new Aeroplan program, which begins Nov. 8.
Among the changes:
- Every seat on every Air Canada flight can now be booked with Aeroplan points (they’re using points as the terminology, not miles)
- There are no longer any annoying fuel surcharges or other surcharges on Aeroplan tickets
- The credit cards have been given a big boost, with more perks for upper-tier members
- Points needed for Aeroplan flight rewards on Air Canada will be based on actual prices in the market. Trips can be -planned easily and confidently with the Points Predictor Tool.
- Members will be able to combine Aeroplan points with others in their household, for free, so they can redeem for travel sooner.
- Earn Aeroplan points with every Air Canada flight booked in cash on their website or app, now including Economy Basic fares.
It’s quite a remarkable change, and one that Air Canada deserves credit for. It’s a tough market out there (in case you hadn’t noticed), and bold steps are clearly needed. So kudos to AC for this.
I’m not enough of an expert in loyalty programs to say whether it’s a stand-up double or a home run, but my blogging friend Barry Choi, who makes his living looking at loyalty programs and credit cards, says on his “Money We Have” site that AC’s changes are a “huge win” for consumers.
Here’s a link to the full story at TravelPulse Canada, where I serve as senior editorial director.
American Express Canada sent out a release of its own about its new Aeroplan credit card.
“Today, following Air Canada’s unveiling of the transformed Aeroplan program, American Express Canada is pleased to confirm it will be continuing its long-standing partnership with the loyalty program and launching a newly redesigned suite of Aeroplan Cards. Existing American Express AeroplanPlus Cardmembers will soon receive details of the new and improved Card products, which will include enhanced earn rates and premium benefits to elevate travel experiences. These new features will be available on eligible American Express Aeroplan Cards when the new Aeroplan program officially launches on November 8, 2020.”
“We are very excited to be deepening our partnership with Air Canada,” says Megan McKee Vice
President & General Manager, Consumer Products and Partnerships at American Express Canada. “With
the re-launch of our co-branded Aeroplan Cards, we are harnessing the power of both brands to provide enhanced benefits that will offer even more value to our Cardmembers.”
Starting November 8, 2020, new and existing eligible Aeroplan Cardmembers will have access to
improved Air Canada travel benefits, including:
– Annual Worldwide Companion Pass: Eligible Cardmembers can receive one Annual Worldwide
Companion Pass when they spend $25,000 on eligible purchases prior to their Card anniversary
date that entitles them to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket at a fixed base
fare from $99-$599 (plus taxes, fees, surcharges, and charges).
– Maple Leaf LoungeTM* Access: eligible Cardmembers can enjoy access to Maple Leaf Lounges in
North America and the Air Canada Café, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star
Alliance flight.
– Status Qualification Boost: Cardmembers can earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status
Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 or $10,000 (depending on the Card) in eligible net
purchases charged to their Card.
– Free First Checked Bag: Cardmembers can enjoy a free first checked bag (up to 23kg/50lb) for
you and up to eight companions traveling on the same reservation with Air Canada.
