Air Canada and Emirates launch a new partnership to expand where you can fly on a single ticket
Airline partnerships enable people to fly from point A to point B and then onward to point C on a single ticket, even if one airline doesn't serve all of those destinations. A new partnership between Air Canada and Emirates seeks to accomplish just that — adding access to more destinations for flyers on both airlines.
Let's look at what this can mean for flyers, elite members and those with miles in both loyalty programs by analyzing what we do and don't know about this new Air Canada-Emirates partnership.
Air Canada and Emirates partnership details
Air Canada and Dubai-based Emirates plan to launch a new partnership later this year, according to a press release issued July 12. This new strategic partnership will offer codeshare flights between the two airlines and was first reported by One Mile at a Time.
Codeshare flights allow passengers to buy a single ticket that can include flights on two different, sometimes unaffiliated, airlines. The goal is to expand access to where passengers can travel without the need to buy separate tickets or complete a new check-in at the airport. Codeshare operations also help airlines financially since they can sell tickets to more destinations. The airlines can do all this without having to fly their planes to more destinations, thanks to partnerships.
At present, Emirates flies between its hub at Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) five days per week. Air Canada also serves this route five days per week. However, Air Canada does not presently offer flights beyond Dubai for its own passengers. Likewise, Emirates does not offer flights to other points in Canada.
This new partnership between Air Canada and Emirates will allow passengers from Canada to fly beyond Dubai on a single ticket. It will also offer Emirates passengers the ability to fly beyond Toronto to other points in Canada — all on a single ticket.
The press release states that reciprocal benefits for elite members in Emirates Skywards and Air Canada's Aeroplan program are forthcoming.
Related: What are codeshare flights and how do they work?
What we still don't know
While the press release mentions reciprocal benefits for elite members coming in the future, there is no specific date for when these benefits will go live. The press release also doesn't mention a start date for the upcoming codeshare flights.
Moreover, there is no mention of the ability to redeem Emirates Skywards miles for Air Canada flights or Aeroplan points for Emirates flights. When (or if) this will be possible is not mentioned.
If it becomes possible to redeem points and miles on the other partner airline, several questions immediately come to mind. First, will the heavy fees commonly associated with Emirates awards be levied on Aeroplan bookings — since Aeroplan typically doesn't charge these? And will Aeroplan award bookings have access to Emirates first class, now that other partners lost access to these bookings? We'll have to wait and see.
Bottom line
New partnerships beyond airline alliances are interesting and present unique travel opportunities. Air Canada (a Star Alliance member) and Emirates (a non-alliance airline) have announced plans for a strategic partnership that will begin offering codeshare flights later this year. The specifics of routes and dates are unknown, but this partnership should enable flyers on both airlines to access additional flights and destinations.
What this partnership means for elite members and those with miles in either program remains to be seen. As we learn more about the partnership, we will be sure to share updates.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.