Aeroplan vs AIR MILES: Which Travel Rewards Program Offers More Value and Flexibility?

Aeroplan vs AIR MILES

AIR MILES and Aeroplan are loyalty programs that allow you to earn points or miles on your everyday purchases, which you can then redeem for various travel-related rewards, such as flights, hotels, car rentals, gift cards and more.

AIR MILES is a general loyalty program that has many retail partners across the country, such as Shell, Sobeys, Staples and LCBO. You can earn AIR MILES on your shopping at these partners, as well as on eligible purchases made with an AIR MILES credit card. AIR MILES has two types of rewards: Cash Rewards and Dream Rewards. Cash Rewards lets you use your miles for instant savings at participating retailers, while Dream Rewards lets you use your miles for travel, merchandise and experiences.

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, which focuses mainly on air travel rewards with Air Canada and its partner airlines in the Star Alliance network. You can earn Aeroplan points on Air Canada flights, as well as on purchases made with an Aeroplan credit card, through retail partners, or via the Aeroplan eStore. You can use your Aeroplan points for flights, vacation packages, hotels, car rentals, gift cards and merchandise. You can also enjoy additional benefits and perks with Aeroplan Elite Status, which is based on your flight activity.

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How do AIR MILES and Aeroplan compare?

When comparing AIR MILES and Aeroplan, there are several factors to consider, such as the value of the points or miles, the flexibility and availability of the rewards, the ease of earning and redeeming, and the customer service. Here are some of the main similarities and differences between the two programs:

• Value. The value of AIR MILES and Aeroplan points or miles depends on how you use them and what you redeem them for. According to NerdWallet’s analysis, AIR MILES are worth about 10.5 cents each on average, while Aeroplan points are worth about 1.4 cents each on average. However, these values can vary depending on the flight destination, season, class, taxes and fees, and other factors. Generally, you can get the best value for your points or miles by redeeming them for flights, especially long-haul or international flights, rather than for merchandise or gift cards.
• Flexibility. Both AIR MILES and Aeroplan offer a lot of flexibility in terms of how you can use your points or miles. You can choose from a wide range of rewards, including flights, hotels, car rentals, gift cards, merchandise and more. You can also use your points or miles to pay for taxes and fees or to combine them with cash for partial redemptions. However, Aeroplan has an advantage over AIR MILES when it comes to flight options, as it gives you access to more than 40 airlines in the Star Alliance network, covering over 1,300 destinations worldwide. AIR MILES, on the other hand, has fewer airline partners and destinations and may charge higher fees and surcharges for some flights.
• Ease. Both AIR MILES and Aeroplan are easy to join and use, as you just need to sign up for a free membership and start earning points or miles on your purchases. However, there are some differences in how easy it is to earn and redeem points or miles with each program. AIR MILES has more retail partners than Aeroplan, which means you can earn miles on more of your everyday shopping. However, Aeroplan has more credit card partners than AIR MILES, which means you can earn points faster and enjoy more benefits with an Aeroplan credit card. When it comes to redeeming points or miles, Aeroplan has no blackout dates or seat restrictions for flights, which means you can book any available seat on any Air Canada flight. AIR MILES, on the other hand, may have limited availability and higher costs for some flights, especially during peak seasons.
• Service. Both AIR MILES and Aeroplan have customer service channels that you can contact for any questions or issues regarding your account, rewards, bookings, or other matters. However, customer satisfaction may vary depending on the quality and timeliness of the service. According to a 2020 survey by J.D. Power, AIR MILES ranked higher than Aeroplan in overall customer satisfaction among airline loyalty programs in Canada, scoring 760 out of 1,000 points, while Aeroplan scored 733. The survey measured customer satisfaction based on five factors: program benefits, account management, ease of redeeming points or miles, program communication, and customer service.

What are some alternatives to AIR MILES and Aeroplan?

If you’re looking for other travel rewards programs in Canada, you have several options to choose from. Some of the most popular alternatives to AIR MILES and Aeroplan are:

• Avion. Avion is a travel rewards program offered by RBC, which allows you to earn points on your purchases with an RBC Avion Visa card. You can use your points to book any flight on any airline, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions. You can also transfer your points to other loyalty programs, such as British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, or WestJet Dollars.
• Aventura. Aventura is a travel rewards program offered by CIBC, which allows you to earn points on your purchases with a CIBC Aventura Visa card. You can use your points to book flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages, or cruises, with no blackout dates or restrictions. You can also transfer your points to other loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan or British Airways Avios.
• American Express Membership Rewards. American Express Membership Rewards is a flexible rewards program that allows you to earn points on your purchases with an American Express card. You can use your points to book travel, shop online, pay with points, or transfer them to other loyalty programs, such as Aeroplan, British Airways Avios, Marriott Bonvoy, or Hilton Honors.

Which program is right for you?

The best travel rewards program for you depends on your travel goals, preferences, and spending habits. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you choose between AIR MILES and Aeroplan, or any other travel rewards program:

• How often do you travel, and where do you want to go?
• How much do you spend on your credit card, and what do you spend it on?
• How do you like to redeem your points or miles, and what kind of rewards do you value the most?
• How important are factors such as flexibility, availability, fees, and customer service to you?

Based on your answers, you can compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different travel rewards programs, and find the one that suits your needs the best. You can also use tools such as credit card comparison sites, rewards calculators, and point value estimators to help you make an informed decision.

How to choose the travel loyalty program that’s right for you

Choosing the right travel loyalty program can help you save money, enjoy more perks, and travel more often and comfortably. However, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as different programs may appeal to different types of travelers. To choose the best travel loyalty program for you, you need to consider your travel goals, preferences, and spending habits, and compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different programs. You can also use tools such as credit card comparison sites, rewards calculators, and point value estimators to help you make an informed decision.

Whether you choose AIR MILES, Aeroplan, or any other travel rewards program, the key is to use it wisely and strategically, so that you can maximize your rewards and minimize your costs. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your travel loyalty program:

• Sign up for a credit card that matches your travel loyalty program, and use it for all your purchases to earn points or miles faster.
• Look for bonus offers, promotions, and partner deals that can help you earn extra points or miles on your spending.
• Plan ahead and book your flights early, as availability and prices may vary depending on the season, destination, and demand.
• Use your points or miles for high-value rewards, such as flights, especially long-haul or international flights, rather than for merchandise or gift cards.
• Keep track of your points or miles balance, expiry date, and redemption options, and use them before they expire or lose value.
• Contact customer service if you have any questions or issues regarding your account, rewards, bookings, or other matters.

I hope this article has helped you learn more about AIR MILES and Aeroplan, and how to choose the best travel rewards program for you. If you have any feedback or suggestions, please let me know. Thank you for using Bing. 😊