Aeroplan vs Avion vs Scene+: Comparing Canada's Loyalty Programs

Canada's three dominant loyalty programs -- Aeroplan, Avion, and Scene+ -- each take a fundamentally different approach to earning and redeeming rewards. Choosing the right program (or combination of programs) can mean the difference between a cramped economy seat and a lie-flat business class pod on your next transatlantic flight. Here is an honest comparison of all three as of 2026.

Top Cards for Each Program

Aeroplan -- The Frequent Flyer's Program

Aeroplan is Canada's largest and most valuable loyalty program. It is the loyalty currency of Air Canada and the Star Alliance network, giving you access to flights on United, Lufthansa, ANA, Swiss, EVA Air, and dozens more. Aeroplan points are earned through Air Canada flights, co-branded credit cards (TD, CIBC, Amex), and transfers from Amex MR and Amex MR-S.

Earning: The primary credit card earning routes are the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite (1.5x on everything), the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite (1.5x on everything), and the Amex Cobalt (5x on dining and groceries, transferring to Aeroplan 1:1). A dedicated churner can accumulate 100,000+ Aeroplan points per year through a combination of credit card spending and welcome bonuses.

Redemption value: Aeroplan points are worth approximately 1.8 to 2.2 cents each when redeemed for flights, though sweet spots can push this to 3+ cents. A round-trip economy flight within Canada costs 15,000 to 25,000 points, while a business class round trip to Europe on a Star Alliance partner runs 70,000 to 115,000 points. The Aeroplan dynamic pricing model means award prices fluctuate, but the fixed-rate partner award chart still offers some excellent deals.

Transfer partners:Aeroplan itself is the end destination, but points flow in from Amex MR (1:1), Amex MR-S (1:1), and various hotel loyalty programs at reduced ratios. On the redemption side, Aeroplan books flights on all 26 Star Alliance carriers plus additional partners like Etihad, Emirates (select routes), and Air Canada's own network.

Avion -- The Flexible Middle Ground

RBC Avion is Canada's second-largest travel points program. Unlike Aeroplan's airline-specific focus, Avion operates as a flexible travel program: you can redeem points through the RBC Rewards portal for any travel booking, or transfer to airline partners including WestJet, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and American Airlines.

Earning: The RBC Avion Visa Infinite earns 1x Avion points on all purchases. This flat rate is lower than the Aeroplan cards, but Avion makes up for it with generous welcome bonuses (often 35,000 to 50,000 points) and the flexibility to redeem for any travel rather than just flights.

Redemption value: Avion points are worth approximately 1.0 to 1.5 cents each through the RBC Rewards portal, where you book travel at retail prices and pay with points. Transferring to airline partners can yield better value: 1.5 to 2.5 cents per point on premium cabin redemptions through British Airways or Cathay Pacific.

Transfer partners: Avion transfers to WestJet Dollars (1:1), British Airways Avios, Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and American Airlines AAdvantage. The WestJet transfer is particularly interesting for domestic Canadian travel, as WestJet covers routes that Air Canada prices aggressively during peak periods.

Scene+ -- The Everyday Rewards Program

Scene+ is the loyalty program of Scotiabank, Cineplex, Sobeys/Empire, and a growing list of Canadian partners. It is the most accessible of the three programs, with no-fee earning through the Scotiabank Scene+ Visa and integration with grocery spending at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway (Western Canada), FreshCo, and Foodland stores.

Earning: The Scotiabank Gold Amex earns 5x Scene+ on dining and groceries, making it one of the highest-earning cards in Canada. The no-fee Scene+ Visa earns 1x on everything. Scene+ points are also earned through Sobeys purchases (even without a Scotia card), Cineplex movie tickets, and various retail partners.

Redemption value: Scene+ points are worth approximately 1.0 cent each for most redemptions. You can redeem for movies at Cineplex (1,000 points = one general admission), travel through the Scene+ Travel portal, groceries at Sobeys/Empire banners, and Apple products. The travel portal offers competitive rates, typically matching retail prices.

Ecosystem integration: What sets Scene+ apart is the earn-everywhere ecosystem. If you bank with Scotiabank, shop at Sobeys or IGA, and watch movies at Cineplex, points accumulate from multiple sources without carrying a premium card. This passive earning is valuable for Canadians who do not want to optimize every transaction.

Head-to-Head: Which Program Wins?

For International Travel

Aeroplan wins decisively. No other Canadian program matches its Star Alliance access and premium cabin redemption values. If your goal is business class to Europe or Asia, Aeroplan is the only serious option. Avion's transfer to British Airways is solid for short-haul flights, but cannot compete on long-haul premium redemptions.

For Domestic Canadian Travel

It depends on the route. Aeroplan covers Air Canada's extensive domestic network, but dynamic pricing means popular routes (Toronto to Vancouver, Montreal to Calgary) can be expensive during peak periods. Avion's WestJet transfer offers an alternative, especially for Western Canadian routes where WestJet is competitive. Scene+ Travel works for booking any flight but offers no outsized value.

For Everyday Value

Scene+ wins for simplicity and accessibility. The no-fee earning options, grocery integration, and straightforward 1 cent per point redemption make it the easiest program to use without overthinking. If you do not want to learn about transfer partners and award charts, Scene+ gives you reliable, predictable value.

For Churners

Aeroplan is the primary target because of its high redemption ceiling. The best Canadian churning strategies funnel points from multiple cards (Amex Cobalt, TD Aeroplan, CIBC Aeroplan) into a single Aeroplan balance for high-value flight redemptions. Avion and Scene+ are valuable secondary programs -- earn their welcome bonuses as part of a broader multi-issuer strategy.