Aeroplan is Canada's leading frequent flyer program — and one of the most valuable in the world for Canadians who want to fly premium cabins on Air Canada and 40+ Star Alliance partners. Unlike US programs (Delta SkyMiles, United MileagePlus) that use dynamic pricing for award flights, Aeroplan uses a fixed rate card for most partner redemptions, making the value predictable. This guide covers everything you need to know about earning, redeeming, and maximizing Aeroplan points in 2026.
KOHO — Earn While You Wait for Enough Aeroplan Points
Stack KOHO cashback on everyday spending with your Aeroplan credit card strategy.
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Aeroplan Point Values
| Redemption Type | Est. Value per Point | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Statement credit (eStore) | 0.6–0.8¢ | Avoid — worst value |
| Economy domestic (YYZ–YVR) | 1.2–1.8¢ | 20,000 pts = ~$240–$360 flight value |
| Economy transatlantic | 1.5–2¢ | 35,000 pts = ~$525–$700 value |
| Business class transatlantic | 2.5–4¢ | 70,000 pts = ~$1,750–$2,800 value |
| Star Alliance partner business | 3–5¢ | Lufthansa/Swiss business class |
| Singapore Airlines Suites (F) | 5–8¢ | World's best redemption |
Best Aeroplan Credit Cards in Canada
| Card | Earn Rate | Annual Fee | Key Perk |
|---|---|---|---|
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 1.5x everywhere | $139 | Free bags on Air Canada |
| CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite | 1.5x everywhere | $139 | Free bags on Air Canada |
| Amex Cobalt (transfer to AP) | 5x food → transfer 1:1 | $156 | Highest food earn rate |
| TD Aeroplan VI Infinite Privilege | 2x on AC purchases | $599 | Maple Leaf Lounge access |
Aeroplan Sweet Spots — Best Redemptions
- Transpacific business class on ANA: One of the best redemptions globally. Round-trip YVR–Tokyo in ANA business class. Check availability early.
- European business class on Lufthansa/Swiss: 70,000–90,000 Aeroplan for business class round-trip to Europe on Star Alliance partners. Phenomenal value vs $4,000–$8,000 cash fares.
- North American transcon business: Air Canada 787 Dreamliner business class YYZ–YVR or YUL–LAX at reasonable point costs.
- Singapore Airlines Suites: Only accessible via partners (not Amex MR transfer to Aeroplan for Singapore specifically, but via other partner routes).
The Stopover Rule — Double Your Aeroplan Value
Aeroplan allows one free stopover (48+ hours in a destination) on round-trip international awards. A YYZ–London–Bangkok–YYZ award counts as two destinations for the price of one. This is one of the most powerful rules in Aeroplan — many travellers extend European trips with a stopover in London, Paris, or Frankfurt on route to Asia without paying additional points.
How to Transfer Amex MR to Aeroplan
Amex MR points transfer to Aeroplan at 1:1 ratio. Allow 24–48 hours for the transfer. Important: transfers are one-way and irreversible. Before transferring, confirm award availability on the Air Canada/Aeroplan website or via phone. Once points are in Aeroplan, you cannot transfer back to Amex MR.
Aeroplan vs Air Miles vs PC Optimum
For travel, Aeroplan is the clear winner — its premium cabin values and Star Alliance access are unmatched. For everyday grocery and lifestyle spending, PC Optimum and Scene+ provide easier, more accessible rewards with no travel knowledge required. Most savvy Canadians hold both: an Aeroplan card for travel and a PC Optimum or Scene+ card for groceries.
Aeroplan Strategy for 2026
- Best earning: TD Aeroplan VI (1.5x everywhere) + Amex Cobalt transfers (5x food)
- Best redemptions: Partner business class (Lufthansa, Swiss, ANA) for 3–5¢/pt
- Best kept secret: Use the stopover rule on every international trip
- Avoid: Cash-equivalent redemptions (0.6¢/pt — massive value loss)