Amazing Deal Alert: Free Upgrades and Lounge Pass With Air Canada Business Program

Business frequent flyer programs allow companies to earn perks such as free travel, lounge passes and other amenities in addition to the miles individual employees accrue. I’ve written before about the US airlines that offer such programs, but it turns out that Air Canada’s Aeroplan also has a Rewards for Small Businesses program, which you can join here and if you do it before May 31, 2012 you’ll receive:

- Two eUpgrade Credits that can be used on a designated employee’s travel. These credits can be used for an upgrade to Executive Class or Executive First on eligible flights and based on the fare class purchases, as well as seat availability. For more information on eUpgrades and what fares are eligible, check out the T&C.
- A special deal with Avis where you get one Avis reward day for every 10 qualifying rental days for the first year when you also join the Avis Corporate Awards Program (it looks like you usually have to have accrue 15 rental days for a free day).

These perks are in addition to the regular sign-up goodies:

-One-time Maple Leaf Lounge access for an employee that can be selected automatically during the online ticket purchase process.

-A one-time 15% flight booking discount made online at aircanada.com on Air Canada, Air Canada Express and Jazz flights on one-way, roundtrip or multi-city itineraries. The promo code is good for 3 months from your date of enrollment, and flights must be completed within 12 months of enrollment. A maximum of 9 passengers per booking is permitted. This could be huge savings if you’re flying a bunch of employees on the same itinerary.

-Up to a 10% discount on Maple Leaf Club memberships—though the discount varies based on the number of memberships purchased. Between 1-4 memberships qualify for a 5% discount, and 5 or earns a 10% discount.

-Five prepaid OnBoard Café vouchers that can be selected automatically during the online ticket purchase process. Each voucher includes one meal item and one snack item.

While this program is geared towards Canadian business, per FAQ page any North American company can join provided it does not have an Air Canada preferred carrier/corporate agreement. I just signed up using my EIN and was instantly approved.  I do not know if this will work for sole proprietors by using your Social Security Number, but it can’t hurt to try since it’s free anyway.

Hat tip TPG reader Scott!

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