Did your credit card points just get more valuable? Air Canada and Emirates expand partnership
There's big news today from Air Canada's points currency Aeroplan about its highly anticipated partnership with Emirates.
After teasing the partnership in July, Aeroplan and Emirates Skywards members can now enjoy reciprocal earning, redeeming and lounge access at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ).
There's a lot to be excited about, particularly since Aeroplan's flexible rules, including 5,000-point stopovers, apply to Emirates award redemptions.
Let’s look at what this means for Aeroplan members and how this could increase the options for your transferable credit card points.
Reciprocal award redemptions
First and foremost, we're most excited about redeeming Aeroplan points on Emirates flights.
Earlier this year, Emirates increased fuel surcharges on its flights. If you use Emirates Skywards to book premium cabin flights, it's not uncommon to find one-way U.S. awards to Dubai with more than $1,000 in taxes and fees. Aeroplan has promised that Emirates flights won't have carrier surcharges — you'll have to pay the 39 Canadian dollar (about $28) redemption fee that applies to all Aeroplan partner award bookings, plus applicable taxes and fees.
Unfortunately, Emirates flights won't be available at the same appealing award rates as other Aeroplan award flights. In a statement, Scott O'Leary, Air Canada's vice president of loyalty and product, said, "As you might suspect, our arrangement with Emirates is very unique, and as a result, our Emirates redemptions will have their own dedicated chart."
Here's how many Aeroplan points you should expect to redeem for Emirates flights:
Distance (miles) | Economy | Business | First (available early 2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
Up to 2,000. | 15,000 to 35,000 points. | 30,000 to 77,500 points. | 65,000 to 175,000 points. |
2,001 to 5,000. | 21,000 to 65,000 points. | 45,000 to 140,000 points. | 110,000 to 325,000 points. |
5,001 to 9,000. | 40,000 to 85,000 points. | 80,000 to 185,000 points. | 225,000 to 475,000 points. |
9,001 to 12,000. | 60,000 to 110,000 points. | 120,000 to 225,000 points. | 300,000 to 600,000 points. |
12,001 or more. | 85,000 to 150,000 points. | 180,000 to 300,000 points. | 400,000 to 750,000 points. |
Aeroplan told TPG that Emirates awards might resemble standard partner award rates for the next couple of weeks, potentially requiring far fewer points than the award chart prices above. "This is because the Emirates chart pricing isn’t loaded yet in our systems. It was more important to us to give our members the earliest possible access to these rewards," according to Aeroplan.
All Emirates flights from North America to Dubai clock in between 5,001 and 9,000 miles. So, once the above Emirates award rates are uploaded to Aeroplan, a one-way flight to Dubai will fall between the following award pricing bands:
- Economy class: 40,000 to 85,000 points.
- Business class: 80,000 to 185,000 points.
- First class: 225,000 to 475,000 points.
As previously mentioned, you can use the Aeroplan stopover perk on Emirates awards. Additionally, you can combine Emirates redemptions with Aeroplan's more than 45 airline partners.
You can book Emirates flights online at aircanada.com, through the Air Canada mobile app or via Aeroplan’s contact center.
Related: Flying in style: The best programs for booking Emirates awards
Lounge access in Dubai and Toronto
Mid and upper-tier Aeroplan and Skywards elite members also now enjoy lounge access on economy tickets in Toronto and Dubai. Here's what you need to know about lounge access:
- Dubai: Aeroplan Elite 50K, 75K and Super Elite members traveling with Emirates in economy class have complimentary access to the Emirates Business Class lounge. You can bring up to one guest. When Air Canada relocates to Dubai's Terminal 3 in 2023, eligible Aeroplan Elite members can use this benefit on departing Air Canada flights. Until then, eligible Aeroplan Elite members can access lounges in Terminal 1.
- Toronto: Emirates Skywards Gold and Platinum members traveling with Air Canada or Emirates in economy class have complimentary access to Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Café. You can bring up to one guest. Additionally, on Emirates' Toronto departures, business-class passengers can access Maple Leaf Lounges and the Air Canada Café, while first-class passengers (and up to one guest on the same flight) can access the Air Canada Signature Suite.
Related: Going for gold: A review of Emirates' new premium economy cabin on the Airbus A380
Reciprocal mileage earning
Finally, Aeroplan members can earn Aeroplan points on all paid Emirates flights. Note, though, that Emirates flights won't get you closer to Aeroplan elite status since Emirates flights don't earn Status Qualifying Miles, Segments or Dollars.
Here's what you'll earn on paid Emirates tickets:
| Class of service | Fare class | Aeroplan point credit |
|---|---|---|
First flex. | F, A. | 150%. |
Business flex and business saver. | J, C, I, O. | 125%. |
Business special. | H. | 110%. |
Premium economy. | W, E. | 110%. |
Economy flex +. | R, Y, P. | 100%. |
Economy flex. | U, B, M, K. | 50%. |
Economy saver. | G, T, L, Q. | 15%. |
Economy special and other ineligible classes. | V, X, S, N, D, Z. | N/A. |
Related: How to earn points with the Aeroplan program without flying to Canada
Bottom line
Since Alaska Airlines and Emirates parted ways, booking Emirates award flights has been difficult. Fortunately, Aeroplan members can now earn and redeem points on Emirates flights. Additionally, mid and upper-tier Air Canada and Emirates elite members enjoy more access to lounges.
A couple of months after Air Canada and Emirates announced their partnership, United Airlines and Emirates followed suit. As a frequent United flyer, I hope the United and Emirates partnership will closely resemble Air Canada's.
In the meantime, now could be a good time to start searching for Emirates award space with Aeroplan before the inflated redemption prices are loaded into Aeroplan's systems.
As a reminder, if you want to top off your Aeroplan account, you can transfer at a 1:1 ratio from American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One and Chase Ultimate Rewards. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Aeroplan at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points you transfer.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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.