United award prices increase: What to know about Aeroplan's dynamic partner pricing
Air Canada’s Aeroplan is the latest loyalty program to say goodbye to its fixed award charts — at least, for some of its partner redemptions. Instead, the program now operates using a dynamic pricing model for select Star Alliance partners, such as United Airlines.
With this new award chart, prices for select partner airlines feature a "Starting at" range and a new median amount. Therefore, when you're looking to redeem Aeroplan points with partner airlines, the cost has become a little less predictable — and from what TPG has seen, more expensive.
Here's what you need to know about booking redemptions with partner airlines, including United Airlines, with your Aeroplan points.
Related: How to redeem Aeroplan points for maximum value
Aeroplan launches dynamic award pricing for select partners
As of March 25, Aeroplan now uses dynamic award pricing for the following partner airlines:
- United
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
- Flydubai
- Regional partners: Calm Air, Canadian North and PAL Airlines
We knew this was coming. Air Canada announced plans to abolish its fixed award charts for select airlines and switch to a dynamic pricing model, and now that day has come. As you can see in the North America award chart below, you'll notice "Starting at" price points and a median price point.
The median price point is meant to give Aeroplan members a possible estimate of the redemption cost based on previous data. Note that the median amounts will only be displayed in award charts for flights originating or ending in North America. Additionally, the median amount will be updated quarterly, with price points reflecting the previous four quarters.
Aeroplan partner award prices have increased
Switching to dynamic pricing is almost never a good thing, and this change seems to be no exception. We looked at a variety of United award tickets bookable through Aeroplan and saw a price increase across the board.
Among the hardest-hit awards are short-haul domestic flights under 500 miles, which used to cost only 6,000 points each way in economy with Aeroplan’s old award chart. We’re now seeing consistent prices of 10,000 points for these, a jump of 67%.
We’ve seen similar price spikes on longer routes, ranging from 11% to 50%:
| Flight distance | Price before March 25 | Price after March 25 | Percent change | Sample flights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
0 to 500 miles | 6,000 points | 10,000 points | 67% | Los Angeles to Las Vegas, Chicago to Toronto |
501 to 1,500 miles | 10,000 points | 15,000 points | 50% | Denver to San Francisco, Los Angeles to Seattle, Houston to Mexico City |
1,501 to 2,750 miles | 12,500 points | 15,000 points | 20% | Chicago to San Francisco, Dallas to Panama City, Los Angeles to Honolulu |
2,751 or more miles | 22,500 points | 25,000 points | 11% | Denver to Honolulu |
Of course, with no more fixed award charts for these partner airlines, these numbers are subject to fluctuation. However, this is what we’re seeing on a variety of sample flights, so going forward, you should expect to pay more for these partner award flights booked through Aeroplan.
Hard-to-find business-class fares aren’t immune either, but so far, these devaluations are less consistent. We checked the following international business-class tickets on multiple dates, and some dates saw an increase in price while others stayed the same:
- From Washington, D.C.’s Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Frankfurt Airport (FRA): Was 70,000 points each way, now 70,000 or 80,000 points depending on dates.
- From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to London’s Heathrow Airport (LHR): Was 60,000 points each way, now 60,000 or 80,000 points depending on dates.
None of our sample flights decreased in price, but a handful stayed constant — at least for now. These include the following one-way international routes:
- From Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Sydney Airport (SYD): 60,000 points in economy class
- From Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria (LOS): 40,000 points in economy class
- From IAD to Frankfurt Airport (FRA): 40,000 points in economy class, 70,000 in business class
- From San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport (HND): 60,000 points in economy class
- From Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Dubai International Airport (DXB): 55,000 points in economy class
- From Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to Sao Paulo/Guarulhos-Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport (GRU): 40,000 points in economy class, 60,000 points in business class
- From EWR to O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) in Johannesburg: 90,000 points in business class
If these prices hold, these could still be sweet spots in the Aeroplan program. However, it’s possible Aeroplan hasn’t finished rolling out its new pricing scheme and these will soon be devalued as well. Until then, now is a great time to book one of the above award tickets.
Plus, if you have status with Aeroplan or are a credit card holder, you can save on award redemptions. Alongside the new reward chart, Aeroplan announced that if you have status with the loyalty program or have an Aeroplan card, such as the Aeroplan® Credit Card (see rates and fees) you'll have access to reduced award fares.
Related: The complete guide to Aeroplan’s stopover and routing rules
Bottom line
Air Canada’s Aeroplan still offers good value on partner flights, especially longer domestic and international routes, which we've found have had the lowest devaluations — and in some cases, no change. However, shorter routes are trending toward consistently costing far more Aeroplan points.
Aeroplan used to be a reliable way to book United award flights for fewer points than on United’s website, but that may no longer be the case. Now, we’d advise checking multiple airlines’ sites to find the best rates.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.