Start here: TPG details Air Canada's sweeping Aeroplan changes
Tuesday morning, Air Canada unveiled significant changes to its Aeroplan program — some redemptions will require more points, but the airline has largely added value to the program, at a time when many others are taking it away.
The new Aeroplan will appeal to a broad range of travelers, too — you can easily take advantage of redemptions and new perks, like Family Sharing and earning Everyday Status without being a frequent Air Canada flyer.
That's because Aeroplan partners with a handful of transferrable-points programs, so there's a good chance you already have a way to easily earn Aeroplan points. Points from Amex's Membership Rewards program transfer instantly at a 1:1 ratio, for example, and you can also boost your balance via Marriott Bonvoy and Capital One.
While we'd normally share program updates in a post or two, there's so much to cover here that we're breaking things up, in order to dive into certain elements with the level of detail you've come to expect from TPG. Be sure to bookmark this page, and check back for a closer look throughout the day and week.
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11 of the most innovative and exciting changes
The new Air Canada Aeroplan is loaded with exciting new features that make it one of the best loyalty programs in the business. Read more.
19 things you need to know about redeeming
Although the airline is maintaining the "Aeroplan" brand, there's a lot of change on the way. Read more.
How to earn Air Canada status without flying
Benefits include priority check-in, security and boarding, two Maple Leaf Lounge passes, eUpgrade credits, Star Alliance Silver benefits and more. Read more.
Why the promise to keep award charts is a big deal
Though the prices have changed, Aeroplan's committed to keeping award charts around — and being honest and upfront about pricing. Read more.
Pros and cons of the new loyalty program
While the cost of some awards has increased, the removal of high fuel surcharges and the addition of flexible stopovers makes Aeroplan points more versatile than ever before.
How Family Sharing lets you rack up rewards faster
A brand-new addition to Air Canada's loyalty program, Aeroplan Family Sharing allows members to more seamlessly earn and redeem points as a cohort.
Why the new stopover option adds more value to Amex cards
You can easily add in a side trip on the way to your final destination, and on the way back as well.
Why Aeroplan's higher rates may actually be a better deal
On the surface, a price jump would spell bad news — fortunately, that's not necessarily the case here.
How to earn miles with the new program
From transferrable points to non-travel partners, there are a ton of different ways to earn Aeroplan miles on your everyday purchases.
4 things you should know about the new credit cards
Buried amidst a transformed Aeroplan is the relaunch of the airline's new co-branded credit cards, also launching in Nov. 2020.
Earn 2,500 bonus miles after signing up
In order to earn the bonus, you have to register to become a member and earn one mile by Sept. 30.
The best ways to maximize the new Aeroplan program
Worried that you'll get less value from your rewards after the new program launches in November? There's still time to book before the changes kick in.
How Aeroplan compares to other Star Alliance programs
We help prepare you to snag new sweet spots (or look elsewhere) in order to make the most of your rewards.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.