Air Canada Aeroplan Increases Most Award Levels
In February I wrote a post about my twenty favorite airline awards and Air Canada Aeroplan showed up on that list four times. I've always liked most awards on their Star Alliance Award chart, but unfortunately all of them are going up in price on July 15, 2011.
The four I had highlighted were:
1) 100,000 miles for North America to Australia/New Zealand. As of July 15 that award increases to 135,000 miles, on par with most, 15k less than Delta
2) 80,000 miles for North America to Western Europe. As of July 15, 2011 that award increases to 90k, still 10-15k lower than other airlines
3) 100,000 miles for North America to Asia 1 in Business class. As of July 15, 2011 that award increases to 125k, 5-25k higher than other airlines
4) 120,000 miles for North America to Asia 1 in First Class, but built as a mini round-the-world with a stop in Europe. As of July 15, 2011 that award increases to 175k, 25-50k higher than other airlines. However, they still have industry leading routing flexibility and the mini round-the-world itineraries are safe - for now.
So the bad news is that there are 12.5 - 46% increases across the board. The good news is that we have until July 15, 2011 to book at the current lower levels. The other good news is that some awards are being brought down. These include mostly India, Middle East and Africa awards, which I've always thought were grossly overpriced.
You may be thinking to yourself, "Whatever, I don't fly Air Canada so this doesn't affect me." Well, if you have American Express Membership Rewards points or hotel points (like Starwood), Aeroplan is an excellent transfer partner option if you want to book Star Alliance travel. Especially for Amex, since after September 30, 2011 Aeroplan and ANA will be the only Star Alliance transfer partners, so we will need to leverage these partnerships more than before (don't worry, there will be more dedicated posts to this subject).
United/Continental and Delta have both made adjustments to their award charts recently and in my opinion, we've been spared (except for those who like to upgrade with United/Continental and Delta flyers who like Asia awards). I'm hoping this recent spate of changes does not encourage American or US Airways to make unfriendly changes.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees