Reminder: Aeroplan is going offline ahead of its new program launch – here’s everything you need to know

Editor's note: This post has been updated with the latest information.

Exciting changes are coming to the Air Canada Aeroplan loyalty program next week. Many awards will be cheaper than before. Families will be able to pool their points; you'll be able to earn elite status without flying and more.

Many existing program features and services will be briefly unavailable in preparation for the overhaul while the airline updates its system.

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Air Canada Aeroplan transition period

As Air Canada prepares for the new Aeroplan program's launch, many features and services will be temporarily unavailable. While most functionality will only be paused for two days, some features will be unavailable for longer.

Here are the biggest changes you need to be aware of:

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• It will not be possible to book new Aeroplan flight rewards or to change or cancel an existing flight reward from the evening of Nov. 6 through the afternoon of Nov. 8. Passengers traveling during this time will be able to get support over the phone.
• Non-air rewards, including merchandise, gift cards and other travel rewards, will not be available for redemption from the evening of Nov. 6 through the afternoon of Nov. 8.
• Points conversions from partner programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards and Capital One, will be unavailable as early as 4 p.m. ET on Nov. 5 through the afternoon of Nov. 8.
• There will be a delay in crediting points earned between Oct. 30 and Nov. 9. They will automatically be credited beginning Nov. 10.
• Star Alliance Upgrade Awards (SAUAs) have been paused for Aeroplan members since Oct. 31 and will not be available again until later in 2021.

Bottom line

If all goes as planned, this short downtime shouldn't affect many passengers, given the lower demand in travel right now. People who are traveling during the transition period should still be able to get support over the phone. Hopefully, Air Canada is able to stick to its timeline and won't have longer-lasting issues as it did after its last major system update last year.

Air Canada is recommending passengers download the latest version of the airline's app and ensure that all of their information in their online account is up to date. Both the Aeroplan website and mobile app will be permanently decommissioned as the new program launches.