Aeroplan Points: The Canadian Churner's Secret Weapon

Aeroplan is the loyalty currency of Air Canada and one of the most valuable points programs in the world. For Canadian churners, it is the centerpiece of virtually every travel rewards strategy. With access to the entire Star Alliance network of 26 airlines, family-friendly redemption rules, and strong earning rates through Canadian credit cards, Aeroplan points can unlock everything from domestic economy flights to first class suites to Tokyo.

How to Earn Aeroplan Points in Canada

Primary Earning: Amex Cobalt

The Amex Cobalt earns 5x MR points on dining and groceries, and Cobalt MR points transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan. At a $156/year fee, this is the fastest way to accumulate Aeroplan points through everyday spending. A household spending $1,500/month on food earns 90,000 MR points per year -- all transferable to Aeroplan when you are ready to book.

Backup Earning: TD or CIBC Aeroplan Visa

The TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite earns 1.5x Aeroplan on every purchase. Since the Cobalt is an Amex card and not all Canadian merchants accept Amex, you need a Visa or Mastercard backup. The TD or CIBC Aeroplan cards fill this gap perfectly, earning Aeroplan directly at merchants where Amex is not accepted.

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite offers similar 1.5x earning and often competes with TD on welcome bonuses. Check both issuers before applying and go with whichever has the better current signup offer.

Aeroplan Point Valuations

The value of an Aeroplan point varies dramatically depending on how you redeem it:

• Economy flights within Canada: 1.5-2.5 cents per point. Domestic flights start at 12,500 points one-way, and cash prices on routes like Toronto to Vancouver often make these good value.
• Economy to the US: 1.5-2.0 cents per point. Short-haul US flights (like Toronto to New York) start at 12,500 points.
• Business class to Europe: 2.5-5.0 cents per point. This is where Aeroplan shines. Business class from Canada to Europe costs 70,000-90,000 points one-way on Star Alliance carriers.
• Business class to Asia: 3.0-6.0+ cents per point. 75,000-95,000 points one-way for Air Canada, ANA, or Singapore Airlines business class.
• First class to Asia: 4.0-8.0+ cents per point. ANA first class from North America for 110,000 points round-trip is one of the best deals in the points world.

Star Alliance Sweet Spots

Aeroplan is a Star Alliance loyalty program, which means you can book flights on any of the 26 member airlines using Aeroplan points. Here are the best redemptions:

ANA First Class to Japan

Book ANA first class from North America to Japan for 75,000-90,000 Aeroplan points one-way (pricing varies by distance). ANA first class is consistently rated among the best in the world, with multi-course Japanese kaiseki meals, full-flat beds, and the famous ANA pajamas. Cash prices for this route typically exceed $10,000 one-way.

Lufthansa First Class to Europe

Aeroplan is one of the few programs that can book Lufthansa first class, which features a private terminal at Frankfurt, a personal assistant, and one of the most exclusive ground experiences in aviation. Pricing starts at 90,000-100,000 Aeroplan points one-way from North America.

EVA Air Business Class to Asia

EVA Air Royal Laurel business class offers one of the best hard products in the sky, with reverse herringbone seats and exceptional service. Book through Aeroplan for 75,000-95,000 points one-way from North America to Taipei, with connections throughout Asia.

Earning Aeroplan Without Flying

Beyond credit cards, Canadians can earn Aeroplan through:

• Everyday shopping: The Aeroplan eStore offers 1-15x points at hundreds of online retailers including Amazon, Apple, Lululemon, and Hudson Bay.
• Grocery shopping: Earn bonus Aeroplan at select Loblaw-owned stores with personalized offers.
• Hotel stays: Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Aeroplan at a 3:1 ratio (with a 5,000-mile bonus per 60,000 Marriott points).
• Car rentals: Earn Aeroplan with Avis and Budget through the partnership program.

Family Sharing and Pooling

Aeroplan allows family sharing pools of up to 8 members. Every member of the pool can contribute and redeem from the shared balance. This is incredibly useful for families -- pool points from everyone credit cards and flying, then redeem for a family vacation. There is no cost to create a family pool, and members do not need to live at the same address.

Getting Started

If you are a Canadian resident and not yet earning Aeroplan, here is your action plan:

• Step 1: Apply for the Amex Cobalt. Start earning 5x on dining and groceries immediately.
• Step 2: Apply for a TD or CIBC Aeroplan Visa for non-Amex spending and the signup bonus.
• Step 3: Set up a family sharing pool and add your partner.
• Step 4: Use the Aeroplan eStore for all online shopping.
• Step 5: Start searching for Star Alliance award availability 3-6 months before your target travel date.