Canada’s Aeroplan Program Set for Big Earning Changes
If you are one of Canada's nine million Aeroplan members, there will be major modifications to earning awards.
Aeroplan announced this week that members will receive points based on money spent rather than distance flown.
The makeover will commence on January 1, 2026.
"They're saying if you're a business traveler, your dollars are worth more than if you're flying economy," said Ottawa resident Phil McCully.
McCully told CTV News that he is a frequent flyer who has been an Aeroplan member for the past 20 years. He expressed fear that business travelers purchasing more expensive tickets will reap the largest benefits.
"It absolutely benefits people who travel in the maximum fare class, so people who fly business everywhere are disproportionately benefiting over those who fly a lower fare class."
Air Canada's vice-president of Loyalty and Product, Scott O'Leary, stated that the adjustments are intended to benefit both the airline and its most loyal members.
"The majority of our members are going to be better off than they were before," replied O' Leary.
Air Canada stated that members who engage the most with the airline and its partners will gain the most from the impending improvements.
Aeroplan members will now get one point for every dollar spent.
One example on Air Canada's website offers a round-trip flight from Montreal to Paris to demonstrate how things will work. Under the present scheme, you would earn 6,856 Aeroplan points, which is the distance of the round-trip journey, but under the new plan, you will receive the amount you paid for your ticket.
The more you pay for your flight, the more points you will earn.
"It can be viewed positively or negatively; it all depends on whether the changes are beneficial to you," said Rewards Canada creator Patrick Sojka.
The more you pay for your flight, the more points you will earn.
"It can be viewed positively or negatively; it all depends on whether the changes are beneficial to you," said Rewards Canada creator Patrick Sojka.
Rewards Canada is a portal that researches loyalty programs. Sojka claims that individuals who spend more for pricey flights will reach elite status faster and accumulate more points than those who look for deals.
"The more you spend with the airline, the more you are going to be rewarded, whether it's elite status or points earning as well," according to him.
Air Canada claims that the adjustments are intended to better recognize Aeroplan members who "spend more" and
"travel more" with the airline. They further state that the greater your Aeroplan status level, the faster your points will accumulate.