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Aeroplan delays introduction of revenue-based mileage earning until 2023

Ben Smithson
Articles
Ben Smithson is a senior writer for TPG UK. Originally from Australia, he is the primary points and miles writer for the U.K. site.
Nov. 04, 2021
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3 min read
Air Canada 737-8 Max Tail at Windosor airport
Aeroplan delays introduction of revenue-based mileage earning until 2023
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Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program has announced it will delay introducing its new revenue-based mileage accrual program changes until at least 2023, retaining its traditional distance-based system through 2022.

As part of the sweeping Aeroplan changes announced in 2020, the program was set to award points based on how much a ticket costs, rather than on the distance flown. This change was due to commence "later in 2021," but Aeroplan has now advised TPG this change will not happen before January 2023 at the earliest, and plenty of notice will be given to members.

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Currently, Aeroplan members earn miles based on the distance and fare class when flying Air Canada — here’s a look at the earning chart:

(Screenshot courtesy of Air Canada)

Elite members also earn the following bonuses:

  • Aeroplan 25K: 25%
  • Aeroplan 35K: 35%
  • Aeroplan 50K: 50%
  • Aeroplan 75K: 75%
  • Aeroplan Super Elite: 100%

This style of points earning is advantageous for those flying on cheap long-haul tickets. For example, someone that books a flight from Toronto (YYZ) to London-Heathrow (LHR) in premium economy earns 4,445 points one-way. The flight is 3,556 miles long, and the fare earns 125% points per mile flown. This earning is the same whether you pay $500 or $5,000 for your ticket.

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When the revenue-based structure does finally commence (likely at some time in 2023), more expensive tickets in premium cabins will earn more points than cheaper tickets. Here is a look at how many points per dollar (before tax) each fare type will earn:

  • Basic economy: 2 points per Canadian dollar spent
  • Standard, Flex/Comfort and Latitude economy: 3 points per Canadian dollar spent
  • Premium economy: 3 points per Canadian dollar spent
  • Business class: 3 points per Canadian dollar spent

Related: Pros and cons of the new Air Canada Aeroplan loyalty program

Additionally, you’ll earn bonus points on your Air Canada award tickets if you have Air Canada Altitude elite status. The higher your status, the more points you’ll earn. This is how many bonus points each tier earns:

  • Altitude 25K: 1x bonus points
  • Altitude 35K: 1x bonus points
  • Altitude 50K: 2x bonus points
  • Altitude 75K: 3x bonus points
  • Super Elite: 4x bonus points

These points are earned on the fare sans any taxes. This means that a $305 flight on Air Canada would earn 915 Aeroplan points when booked in standard economy or higher. If you have Altitude 25K status, this number jumps to 1,220 points with your 1x bonus.

You’ll also still earn Aeroplan points based on the length of your flight on partner airlines. This includes Star Alliance partners and non-alliance partners like Azul and Etihad Airways.

Featured image by (Photo by JL IMAGES / Shutterstock.com)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.