Air Canada’s Aeroplan and World of Hyatt have teamed up for an attractive program that provides members more ways to earn and redeem rewards.
Bringing together two of the travel industry’s top loyalty programs, the collaboration expands member benefits across a combined network of more than 1,300 destinations and 1,500 hotels. Whether flying with Air Canada or staying at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts, members will be able to earn, convert and redeem points across both programs when they link their accounts.
“Hyatt is one of the world’s most admired hospitality brands, and we’re thrilled to bring World of Hyatt closer to Aeroplan members,” said Scott O’Leary, Vice President, Loyalty and Product, Air Canada. “This collaboration creates meaningful value across the full travel journey, including new ways to earn, redeem and access benefits across both programs.
“It’s especially exciting for eligible Aeroplan Credit Cardholders, who will have the ability to earn accelerated Aeroplan points and World of Hyatt points on their Hyatt purchases – a truly unique feature.”
The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa in Ka’anapali.
In a one-on-one interview, O’Leary said he believes that allowing customers to collect points on both Aeroplan and World of Hyatt programs is an industry first.
“It’s amazing to think you can earn double points. Once your accounts are linked, if you use your Aeroplan credit card to pay for your purchase at a Hyatt hotel or resort at any of their 1,500 properties around the world, you can earn bonus Aeroplan points and bonus World of Hyatt points for that transaction,” he said.
“That’s pretty cool.”
O’Leary said Air Canada and Aeroplan have been hugely impressed by Hyatt’s expansion plans, including dozens of new hotels in Canada.
“As we talk to our members about the types of partnerships they want to see, Hyatt’s at the top of the list,” he said. “They have amazing properties, not just in Canada but in places where Canadians travel. And in places where Air Canada flies.
“The overlap on our networks is brilliant.”
L to R: TJ Abrams of Hyatt Hotels, travel writer Natalie DiScala, travel writer Johnny Jet.
Aeroplan Members can now redeem Aeroplan points for World of Hyatt Free Night Awards at eligible Hyatt hotels and resorts, including Category 1-4 and Category 1-7 Free Night Awards, starting at 25,000 Aeroplan points. World of Hyatt members can now redeem World of Hyatt points for a 30,000-point Aeroplan flight reward certificate, which can be applied toward flight rewards with Air Canada and its airline partners. Together, these new redemption options offer members greater flexibility in how they use reward points, giving travellers more choice across every trip.
O’Leary said Aeroplan members will benefit greatly from the deal with World of Hyatt.
“We have a very special arrangement with them where, as an Aeroplan member, you’ll be able to redeem 25,000 Aeroplan points and get a category one through 4 free night award with Hyatt. We’re also going to do category one through seven awards for 75,000 Aeroplan points. Some of those category seven properties are like $2,000 a night. That’s where you really get bang for your buck.”
L to R: Scott O’Leary, Air Canada, Jon Nickel-D’Andrea, Fora Travel, Ben Nickel-D’Andrea
“We’re excited to bring World of Hyatt and Aeroplan, Canada’s leading travel loyalty program, together to make travel even more rewarding for our members,” said Laurie Blair, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing and Loyalty, Hyatt. “This collaboration creates more ways for members to earn, redeem and enjoy benefits across both programs, while unlocking more seamless travel journeys from start to finish.”
The changes were unveiled at a soiree at the swanky, rooftop Terrace Room at the Park Hyatt Toronto, where guests were treated to finger foods, custom cocktails and chocolate desserts specially paired with select wines by Air Canada sommelier Genevieve Piche.
AIR CANADA UNVEILS NEW IN-FLIGHT AMENITIES
Canada’s largest airline today (July 15) unveiled plush, restorative new bedding, as well as new, premium amenity kits developed in partnership with Canadian brands Sahajan and Hunter Amenities.
Launching across all cabins beginning this month, the collection includes upgraded Signature Class duvets and pillows, generously sized blankets in Premium Economy and Economy Class, and new amenity kits developed in partnership with leading Canadian brands.
The collection represents the latest investment in Air Canada’s end-to-end Glowing Hearted experience, helping customers relax during their flight and arrive ready to make the most of their journey, whether they are travelling for business, reconnecting with family or beginning a long-awaited vacation.
“From the generously sized Premium Economy and Economy Class blanket that keeps you comfortable from shoulders to feet, to our new plush Signature Class duvets, every element introduced as part of this launch was thoughtfully chosen to help customers settle in, relax and rest throughout their journey,” said Harkness. “We’ve spent meaningful time with our customers, getting their perspective on what would make a flight more relaxing and restful. Then we went to work investing in high-quality products that deliver the very best that leading Canadian partners have to offer.”
Harkness said the airline secretly tested the products for 18 months in a quiet room at their Montreal headquarters.
Lisa Mattam, founder of Sahajan, said some airlines insist on personal products being watered down to save money, but that Air Canada refused to compromise on her lip balm and moisturizer.
John Hunter of Hunter Amenities said he’s worked with airlines around the world and that the new, padded eyeshades his company made are the best around, with thicker, adjustable bands and soft padding.
New In-flight Comfort Essentials
Beginning in July, customers travelling on international flights can expect the following:
Economy and Premium Economy Bedding:
- A new cozy blanket made from high-quality polar fleece.
- Measuring six feet, the new generously sized blanket is designed to provide comfortable, full-body coverage for customers of all heights.
Premium Economy Amenity Kit:
- A soft neoprene eye mask with a contoured nose bridge to improve comfort and block light.
- High-quality 3M earplugs made from soft, hypoallergenic polyurethane foam with a noise reduction rating of 32 decibels.
- Knitted cabin socks.
- An antimicrobial bamboo toothbrush with Colgate toothpaste.
Air Canada Signature Class Bedding and Amenity Kit:
- An upgraded, 145 gsm duvet designed to offering increased softness, warmth, and superior comfort.
- A new pillow featuring a 16.5 oz AirFlow fill for optimized breathability and support.
Air Canada Signature Class Amenity Kit:
- A best-in-class eye mask that is soft, weightless and adjustable, precision-shaped to completely block out light and maximize comfort.
- Sahajan’s science-backed Lip Karma balm and The Hand Remedy cream for in-flight hydration.
- High-quality 3M earplugs made from soft, hypoallergenic polyurethane foam with a noise reduction rating 32 decibels.
- Quintessentially Canadian striped knitted cabin socks, made with 70 per cent cotton for warmth and comfort at high altitudes.
- An antimicrobial bamboo toothbrush with Colgate toothpaste and dental floss.
- The amenity kit is made in Canada and presented in a recycled cotton drawstring bag designed to be reused on future journeys.
