Air Canada has published details of its revamped Aeroplan frequent flyer programme, ahead of the scheme’s relaunch on November 8.
The carrier first announced plans to relaunch its Aeroplan programme back in 2017. Since then the group has acquired marketing and loyalty analytics company Aimia (which Air Canada had previously sold its loyalty programme to), thus effectively bringing the scheme back in house.
Key changes to the scheme highlighted by Air Canada include:
- Members will be able to redeem Aeroplan points against any Air Canada seat that is available for sale, without restriction
- Members will only pay cash for taxes and third-party fees when redeeming reward flights – fuel surcharges will be eliminated
- Members will also have the option to pay for a portion of reward flights with cash
- A new Points Predictor tool gives members “a likely range of points required for the flight you want”
- Aeroplan points will be earned on all Air Canada flights booked on the carrier’s website or app, including Economy Basic fares
- Members will be able to combine points with others in their household for free
- Points can now be used to bid for upgrades, as well as to pay for services including inflight wifi or lounge access
Note that when redeeming points against flight rewards with partner airlines, there is a new CA$39 flat rate fee (although this can also be paid for with points).
The new Aeroplan programme will continue to offer six membership levels – the entry-level Aeroplan Debut, followed by Aeroplan 25K, 35K, 50K, 75K and Super Elite. New status benefits include:
- The ability to earn Priority Rewards vouchers entitling members to 50 per cent off the required points needed for a reward flight. Members with Aeroplan 35K status or higher will automatically receive Priority Rewards when the programme launches.
- Eligible elite status members can share benefits including priority boarding and lounge access with friends and family, even if they are not travelling together
- Points earned from eligible retail, travel and Aeroplan credit card partners will now count towards elite status qualification
The carrier has also revamped its Aeroplan co-branded credit cards (issued in Canada), with new benefits including preferred pricing on reward flights, free checked luggage and lounge access.
Full details of the new scheme can be seen at aircanada.com/aeroplan.
Commenting on the news Calin Rovinescu, Air Canada’s president and chief executive, said:
“Air Canada promised an outstanding new Aeroplan that would be among the best travel loyalty programmes in the world, and we are fulfilling that promise. The new Aeroplan program, which has been extremely well thought through, has been eagerly anticipated as a key driver of our ongoing transformation, this is more important than ever as airlines compete to earn and retain customer loyalty in a rapidly changing environment.”
