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Air Canada Aeroplan Increases Most Award Levels

April 19, 2011
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2 min read
Air Canada Aeroplan Increases Most Award Levels
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In February I wrote a post about my twenty favorite airline awards and Air Canada Aeroplan showed up on that list four times. I've always liked most awards on their Star Alliance Award chart, but unfortunately all of them are going up in price on July 15, 2011.

The four I had highlighted were:

1) 100,000 miles for North America to Australia/New Zealand. As of July 15 that award increases to 135,000 miles, on par with most, 15k less than Delta

2) 80,000 miles for North America to Western Europe. As of July 15, 2011 that award increases to 90k, still 10-15k lower than other airlines

3) 100,000 miles for North America to Asia 1 in Business class. As of July 15, 2011 that award increases to 125k, 5-25k higher than other airlines

4) 120,000 miles for North America to Asia 1 in First Class, but built as a mini round-the-world with a stop in Europe. As of July 15, 2011 that award increases to 175k, 25-50k higher than other airlines. However, they still have industry leading routing flexibility and the mini round-the-world itineraries are safe - for now.

So the bad news is that there are 12.5 - 46% increases across the board. The good news is that we have until July 15, 2011 to book at the current lower levels. The other good news is that some awards are being brought down. These include mostly India, Middle East and Africa awards, which I've always thought were grossly overpriced.

You may be thinking to yourself, "Whatever, I don't fly Air Canada so this doesn't affect me." Well, if you have American Express Membership Rewards points or hotel points (like Starwood), Aeroplan is an excellent transfer partner option if you want to book Star Alliance travel. Especially for Amex, since after September 30, 2011 Aeroplan and ANA will be the only Star Alliance transfer partners, so we will need to leverage these partnerships more than before (don't worry, there will be more dedicated posts to this subject).

United/Continental and Delta have both made adjustments to their award charts recently and in my opinion, we've been spared (except for those who like to upgrade with United/Continental and Delta flyers who like Asia awards). I'm hoping this recent spate of changes does not encourage American or US Airways to make unfriendly changes.

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at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.