Using Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program to book partner awards is about to become significantly less predictable, particularly for United Airlines flights.
Starting next month, Air Canada will eliminate its fixed partner award chart for select airlines and adopt a dynamic pricing model, similar to what it currently uses for flights on its own aircraft.
This change will impact travelers looking to redeem Aeroplan points for flights on United, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and some other global and regional carriers.
The new pricing model will take effect on March 25, as confirmed by Air Canada to Flying Frugal.
Once this change is implemented, expect to see Aeroplan redemptions on United and these chosen partners requiring considerably more points than they do now.
If you’re planning to transfer credit card points to Aeroplan for a substantial redemption in 2025, it would be wise to finalize that booking soon.
Air Canada’s Current Aeroplan Redemption Structure
Presently, Air Canada employs a generally dynamic award pricing model for its own flights.
This means that, instead of a predictable fixed price for redemptions, the cost in miles for Air Canada flights can vary significantly based on distance.< /p>
However, a fixed award table has been maintained for partner redemptions.
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For instance, travelers can currently book a short domestic flight on United for just 6,000 points one-way using Aeroplan.
Changes to Air Canada’s Partner Award System
However, that comfort is about to change.
Beginning March 25, Air Canada will adopt dynamic pricing for award tickets on the following airlines:
- Air Canada
- United
- Emirates
- Etihad
- FlyDubai
- Regional partners: Calm Air, Canadian North, and PAL Airlines
Aeroplan has provided an example of possible pricing for flights within North America:
As illustrated, there are “starting at” award prices listed for both Air Canada and the aforementioned partners within each distance zone, along with fixed award pricing for other partners.
Additionally, Air Canada will introduce a “median” price within any zones that encompass North America, based on historical member redemptions with these airlines. While this will help gauge potential flight costs, actual pricing will only be clear upon searching.
Impact on Aeroplan Partner Awards
As these Aeroplan changes roll out on March 25, the true impact on overall award pricing will become more evident.
This encompasses redemptions for flights to Europe, Asia, and beyond; so far, the airline has only provided an illustration for its new pricing model for North American flights.
However, it is anticipated that many flights may be priced higher than currently, which could negatively affect travelers who derive significant value from redeeming Aeroplan points for United partner flights.
For instance, consider an October 1 flight from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ). Google Flights shows that both United and Air Canada offer identical nonstop flights priced at $268 one-way.
Yet, if you choose to redeem Aeroplan points, booking a partner flight on United would only require 10,000 points one-way, compared to 19,200 points for an Air Canada-operated flight.
Beginning March 25, the award pricing on United is expected to be impacted by the same factors that influence redemption amounts on Air Canada flights.
Possible Silver Linings?
A potential upside of Air Canada’s new approach for key Aeroplan partners could be improved availability of award seats.
With traditional award charts, availability can often be limited, but switching to dynamic pricing typically increases the number of seats offered for reward bookings—granted you are willing to pay the required mileage price.
Air Canada has confirmed that this change will lead to greater award seat availability for flights with United, Emirates, Etihad, and other partners.
According to the airline, “While the redemption rates with this chart may be higher than our fixed partner award chart and can vary based on itinerary, these adjustments will enable greater availability for reward seats on these airlines than previously experienced.”
Moreover, starting March 25, Etihad’s business-class award inventory will once again be accessible to Aeroplan members, albeit under the new “starting at” pricing model. Only time will reveal the specifics of these prices.
Conclusion
On March 25, the Air Canada Aeroplan program is transitioning to a dynamic pricing system for selected partner airlines, including United, Emirates, and Etihad. While this may enhance availability, such transitions—common in both the airline and hotel industries—often lead to customers needing to expend more points and miles.
We will closely monitor how these adjustments affect Aeroplan members after the changes take effect on March 25.
In the meantime, if you hold Aeroplan points or intend to transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles, or Bilt Rewards, consider booking your flights sooner rather than later.
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