Is Aeroplan Still Worth It in 2026?
2026 has been a rough year for Aeroplan members. Air Canada changed how members earn points on eligible paid flights. Aeroplan updated its flight reward chart for tickets booked or reissued on or after June 1. The program's points-expiry pause is scheduled to end on November 30.
The redemption changes include both increases and decreases, but the overall picture is clear: outsized value is harder to find than it was a year ago.
So, is it still worth collecting Aeroplan points?
For many Canadians, yes. But the math has shifted. Flight-based earning is weaker for many cheap-fare travellers, some premium partner awards now cost more, and Aeroplan balances once again need to be kept active.
What just happened: two separate updates, one bad year
BACK TO TOPThese two Aeroplan changes matter most in 2026.
Cheap Air Canada fares now earn dramatically fewer points
Aeroplan used to reward distance. The farther you flew, the more points you earned, with the number of points also depending heavily on the fare option. That’s changed.
For travel as of January 1, 2026, base Aeroplan members earn 1 Aeroplan point per eligible $1 spent on Air Canada flights. Eligible spending means the base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding taxes, fees, and third-party charges. Elite members can earn more through status multipliers.
Here's what that actually means on a real flight:
Old vs. new earnings on common routes
Route | Approx. miles flown | Eligible fare-spend assumption | Points earned pre-2026 base | Points earned 2026 base | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
YYZ → YVR, Standard economy | ~2,090 miles | $250 | ~520 | 250 | Worse |
YYZ → YVR, Latitude economy | ~2,090 miles | $600 | ~2,610 | 600 | Worse |
YYZ → LHR, Standard economy | ~3,500 miles | $700 | ~1,750 | 700 | Worse |
YYZ → LHR, business class | ~3,500 miles | $3,500 | ~5,250 | 3,500 | Worse in this example |
The 2026 numbers are based on eligible fare spend, not the full checkout price. That means taxes, airport fees and third-party charges do not earn Aeroplan points, which is why cheap fares can earn even less than the headline ticket price might suggest.
The new system rewards dollars spent, not distance flown. That hurts people who book cheap long-distance fares. A bargain transcontinental or transatlantic economy ticket that once earned hundreds or thousands of points may now earn only a few hundred.
The caveat is that the new system can work better for travellers buying very expensive fares, especially with Aeroplan Elite Status multipliers. But for many Canadians booking the lowest reasonable Air Canada fare, flight-based earnings are weaker than before.
The bigger point: Aeroplan is now much less attractive as a points-earning program for occasional cheap-fare flyers. Its strongest earnings case is increasingly driven by co-branded credit card spending, not flying.
Many awards now cost more points
Aeroplan’s June 1, 2026 reward-chart update is the change getting the most attention. It was not a blanket devaluation: some economy awards got cheaper, some prices stayed the same, and several premium-cabin awards now cost more.
For most of us, the practical question is simple: How many more points will I need for the same trip?
Before and after June 1: Key chart changes
Award type | Before June 1, 2026 | From June 1, 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
North America → Atlantic Economy (0–4,000 miles) | 35,000 | 32,500 | Down 2,500 |
North America → Atlantic Business (4,001–6,000 miles) | 70,000 | 75,000 | Up 5,000 |
North America → Atlantic Business (6,001–8,000 miles), all other partners | 90,000 | 90,000 | No fixed-partner change |
North America → Pacific Business (5,001–7,500 miles), all other partners | 75,000 | 75,000 | No fixed-partner change |
North America → Pacific Business (5,001–7,500 miles), Air Canada/Select Partners | Starting at 75,000 | Starting at 85,000 | Up 10,000 |
North America → Pacific Business (7,501–11,000 miles), all other partners | 87,500 | 102,500 | Up 15,000 |
Use these numbers as a planning guide, not a final quote. Some Aeroplan awards price from a published “starting at” level, while fixed partner awards depend on partner award space being available. Before transferring points or booking, check the live price for your exact route and dates.
Is it a devaluation? In many premium cabins, yes. But it is not uniform. Short transatlantic economy got slightly cheaper, some partner business-class bands stayed flat, and longer premium-cabin awards became more expensive.
Don't forget: expiry is coming back
Aeroplan’s points-expiry pause is scheduled to end on November 30, 2026. After that, points can expire after 18 months with no eligible account activity. This matters most if your account has been dormant since 2025 or earlier.
There’s a full expiry breakdown later in this guide, but the key idea is simple: a small qualifying earn, redemption, transfer or donation can reset the clock, and holding an eligible co-branded Aeroplan credit card as the primary cardholder can help protect your balance.
Best Aeroplan credit cards
Compare Aeroplan cards side-by-side to find the card that will reward your loyalty with special perks and benefits.
Why Aeroplan is still worth your attention
BACK TO TOPAeroplan still has broad airline reach. Between Air Canada’s own network, Star Alliance and dozens of partner and codeshare airlines, Aeroplan can cover a huge range of destinations, including flights on non-Alliance partners such as Emirates and Etihad.
Aeroplan also keeps cash costs relatively predictable. Air Canada has eliminated additional airline surcharges on Air Canada flights purchased with points, so only taxes and third-party fees are listed in cash. For partner-airline flight rewards, Aeroplan charges a flat $39 partner booking fee per ticket, which can also be covered with points.
The program still gives planners more structure than many airline currencies. Not every Aeroplan award is fixed, but the published reward chart gives you a useful starting point before you search live dates.
And Aeroplan’s stopover feature remains excellent. On international Aeroplan flight rewards, a stopover adds 5,000 points to the existing fare between two cities. Used well, this can make a simple trip into a multi-city itinerary without booking two fully separate awards.
Use Aeroplan’s points predictor tool to estimate the range of points required for a redemption. Or, conduct a manual search using the Points Finder Tool to see the most accurate price for the flight you’re interested in.
Where the value is now
BACK TO TOPThe June chart update was targeted rather than comprehensive. Several of the strongest redemptions available to Canadians remain compelling, and one has even gotten cheaper.
Here's how four of them play out in practice.
Scenario comparison summary: Cents per point (CPP) at a glance
Scenario | Points needed | Illustrative cash value | Gross CPP before award taxes, fees, and partner booking fees | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
YYZ → LHR economy 2 people return | 130,000 | $2,000 | 1.54¢/point | Solid |
YYZ → NRT business class 1 person one-way on a fixed-rate partner | 75,000 | $5,000 | 6.67¢/point | Mixed |
YYZ → YVR economy 1 person, return | From 25,000 | $400 | Up to 1.6¢/point | Good when pricing near the low end |
Multi-city Europe with stopover | Varies | Varies | Varies | One of Aeroplan’s best use cases |
Cash values are illustrative and in CAD. CPP = cents per point, calculated before award taxes, third-party charges and partner booking fees. I use 1.5¢ per point as a practical benchmark for judging whether an Aeroplan redemption is worth the effort.
Scenario 1: Two people flying Toronto to London in economy
The short version: 130,000 points for ~$2,000 in flights = 1.54 cents per point
Aeroplan's short-haul transatlantic economy band (under 4,000 miles) actually dropped slightly in the June update, from 35,000 to 32,500 points one-way. A return trip for two in economy runs roughly 130,000 points total.
A Toronto-London economy round trip runs about $900–$1,100 CAD per person in shoulder season — call it $2,000 for two. At 130,000 points for $2,000 in value, you're seeing 1.54 cents per point, right at the benchmark.
Add the no-surcharge advantage: booking this routing through a program that passes carrier fees through (like British Airways Avios for the return leg) can cost several hundred dollars more in fees. That difference pushes the effective CPP higher.
Verdict: One of the stronger post-devaluation Aeroplan redemptions. Transatlantic economy held up well.
Scenario 2: Solo traveller flying Toronto to Tokyo in business class
The short version: 75,000–120,000 points for ~$5,000 in flights = 4.2–6.7 cents per point
Toronto–Tokyo can still be an excellent Aeroplan redemption, but the exact price depends on the airline and routing.
In Aeroplan’s North America–Pacific 5,001–7,500-mile band, fixed-rate partner business awards cost 75,000 points one-way. Air Canada and Select Partner awards start at 85,000 points, with a published median of 120,000 points.
Using a $5,000 one-way business-class fare as the comparison, that works out to 6.7 cents per point at 75,000 points, 5.9 cents at 85,000 points, and 4.2 cents at 120,000 points — still well above the usual 1.5-cent benchmark.
One wrinkle: ANA is a great Japan partner, but it does not operate nonstop service between Toronto and Tokyo. ANA’s North American routes include Vancouver–Tokyo and several U.S.–Tokyo routes, so a Toronto-origin ANA itinerary would likely require a connection, which can alter pricing.
Verdict: Still one of Aeroplan’s excellent premium-cabin use cases — but only if you find the right routing and award availability.
Scenario 3: Occasional earner with 40,000 Aeroplan points
The short version: You've had a TD Aeroplan card for two years, you use it for Air Canada bookings, and you've slowly accumulated 40,000 points.
One of the best uses at this balance would be a return domestic flight (YYZ-YVR economy is roughly 25,000 points round trip; cash equivalent ~$400), or a one-way to the Caribbean or a U.S. city on United.
Just make sure to avoid redeeming for merchandise, gift cards, or the "Pay with Points" option at checkout. The effective value in those redemptions is typically 0.8–1.0 cents per point — well below what a flight award delivers.
Verdict: Domestic and short-haul redemptions offer genuine value. Don't let the balance sit unused — and read the expiry section below before November.
Scenario 4: Multi-city Europe trip using a stopover
The short version: You want to fly from Toronto to Rome, but you'd like a few days in London on the way.
The standard tactic here is to book two separate redemptions (YYZ-LHR and LHR-FCO), paying points for each.
With Aeroplan’s stopover rule, YYZ-LHR-FCO can be built as one direction of travel with a stopover in London for 5,000 additional points. The award still has to price under Aeroplan’s routing and zone-and-distance rules, and the total distance flown matters, but you are not simply booking two unrelated awards.
This feature is most useful when the routing prices cleanly and award space exists on each segment. Many stopovers can be priced online using Air Canada’s Multi-city/Stopover search; more complex itineraries may still require the Aeroplan Contact Centre. Before ticketing, confirm the total points, taxes, third-party charges and any partner booking fee.
Verdict: The single most underused feature in the program. If you're planning any European trip with more than one city, check whether a stopover routing saves points before booking independently.
Where Aeroplan is no longer the obvious best choice
BACK TO TOPAeroplan is still one of the most useful airline programs for Canadians, but it is no longer the automatic answer for every trip.
Japan in business class
Europe in business class
First class
Star Alliance alternatives
Before transferring points or locking in a redemption, it is worth checking a few competing loyalty programs — especially on expensive premium-cabin routes.
Is Aeroplan worth it for you?
BACK TO TOPTraveller type | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
Flies Air Canada 3+ times a year | ✓ Yes | Co-branded card perks, such as free checked bags and preferred pricing, can help justify the fee independent of point earning |
Targets economy or premium economy to Europe | ✓ Yes | Transatlantic economy held up post-devaluation; no-surcharge advantage is real |
Chasing business class to Europe | ✓ Often yes | Aeroplan can still be competitive, especially when fixed partner space is available; compare Turkish, LifeMiles and other Star Alliance options before transferring points |
Chasing premium cabin to Asia | Maybe? Compare first | Both Aeroplan and ANA Mileage Club have trade-offs; depends on your priorities |
Occasional earner, rarely flies | ✗ Probably not | A flat-rate cash-back card may net more value with less friction |
Just wants one card, no strategy | ✗ Probably not | Aeroplan rewards people who pay attention; if that's not you, that's fine |
Important: your points will start expiring on November 30, 2026
BACK TO TOPAeroplan suspended its points expiry policy during the pandemic and has been extending the pause ever since. That pause ends November 30, 2026. After that date, the standard 18-month inactivity rule kicks back in — if your account has no activity for 18 months, your entire balance expires.
Two things matter here:
You’re at risk if your account has been inactive since around mid-2025.
Log in and check your last activity date before November 30, 2026.
The easiest way to reset the clock: use your Aeroplan card once, transfer any points, or book anything. Even a single Aeroplan eStore purchase counts.
You’re generally protected if you hold an eligible co-branded Aeroplan credit card.
At least, as the primary cardholder and remain in good standing.
This is an important reason to hold one: it can protect your entire Aeroplan balance from inactivity expiry, not just the points earned on that card.
Points expiry deadline
November 30, 2026: Aeroplan’s expiry pause ends. From then on, the normal 18-month inactivity policy applies.
Who’s at risk: Members with no qualifying Aeroplan activity in the previous 18 months.
Simple fix: Earn, redeem, donate, transfer, or convert at least 1 Aeroplan point before the deadline; make sure the activity posts in time.
Who’s protected: Primary cardholders of eligible TD, CIBC, or American Express Aeroplan cards, and members with Aeroplan Elite Status, can prevent points from expiring while eligible.
The bottom line
BACK TO TOPFor many flyers, Aeroplan is a worse deal than it was twelve months ago.
But “worse than before” and “not worth it” are different conclusions. For many Canadians who earn points through everyday spending rather than frequent flying, Aeroplan still offers travel value that can be hard to match.
Just watch the November 30 deadline.
Frequently asked questions
Do point transfers keep Aeroplan points from expiring?
Aeroplan points do not have one fixed value. How much they’re worth depends on the route, cabin, cash fare, taxes and fees. In 2014, our analysis valued Aeroplan points at an average of about 1.60 cents each, but your actual redemption value can be higher or lower.
For a simple gut check, use 1.5 cents per point as a practical benchmark.
If a redemption gets you much less than that, consider paying cash and saving your points for a better trip.
Is Aeroplan still worth it in 2026?
Yes, Aeroplan can still be worth it in 2026, especially for Canadians who earn points through credit cards and redeem for flights. But it is less valuable for travellers who mainly earn points by booking cheap Air Canada fares, since Air Canada flight earning is now based on eligible dollars spent rather than distance flown.
What changed with Aeroplan in 2026?
Three major changes matter: Air Canada flights now earn Aeroplan points based on eligible spending, Aeroplan updated its flight reward chart for bookings or reissues from June 1, 2026, and the points-expiry pause is scheduled to end on November 30, 2026. The reward-chart update includes both increases and decreases, so the impact depends on the route, cabin and airline.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Yes. Aeroplan points normally expire after 18 months with no eligible account activity. The current expiry pause runs until November 30, 2026, after which the normal inactivity policy is scheduled to apply again.
How do I keep Aeroplan points from expiring?
You can keep Aeroplan points active by earning, redeeming, donating, transferring or converting at least 1 Aeroplan point within the required activity window. A small qualifying activity can reset the clock, but make sure it posts before the expiry deadline if your account has been inactive.
Are Aeroplan rewards more expensive now?
Yes. In Canada, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at 1,000 Membership Rewards points = 1,000 Aeroplan points, with an estimated transfer time of up to 30 minutes. Transfer only when you have checked award availability and are ready to book.
Does Aeroplan Elite Status make Aeroplan more valuable?
Yes, especially for travellers who fly Air Canada often. As of January 1, 2026, base Aeroplan members earn 1 point per eligible $1 spent on Air Canada flights, while Aeroplan Elite Status members earn 2x to 6x points per eligible $1, depending on status level.
Elite Status can also unlock travel perks, and eligible Elite members can prevent Aeroplan points from expiring while they hold status. But status does not automatically make every redemption a good deal — you still need to compare the points price against the cash fare.
Can American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan?
Yes. In Canada, American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, with American Express listing an estimated transfer time of up to 30 minutes and a minimum transfer amount of 1,000 points. That makes cards like the American Express Cobalt especially useful for Aeroplan collectors.
Before transferring, check the live award price and availability first, because once points are moved into Aeroplan, you should treat that transfer as a commitment to book through Aeroplan.
Can you transfer credit card points to Aeroplan?
Yes, a qualifying transfer into Aeroplan can help reset the expiry clock, as long as the activity posts before the deadline. Aeroplan points normally expire after 18 months with no eligible account activity, and the current expiry pause is scheduled to end on November 30, 2026. Eligible activity includes earning, redeeming, donating, transferring or converting points.
Aeroplan’s big changes, at a glance:
Aeroplan is still worth it for many Canadians, but less so for cheap-fare flyers who earn mainly from flying.
Earning got stingier: Air Canada flights now earn based on dollars spent, not distance flown.
Awards got reshuffled: Some economy trips are cheaper; many premium-cabin redemptions cost more.
Expiry is back: Inactive points can start expiring again after November 30, 2026.
DIVE EVEN DEEPER
