Aeroplan vs. Air Miles: Differences and Alternatives
Dec 11, 2024Aeroplan is an ideal choice for those who fly Air Canada, while Air Miles is more of a generalist rewards program with travel benefits.
When it comes to travel loyalty programs in Canada, Aeroplan vs. Air Miles are two of the most popular options, with decades of history and millions of members.
Whether Aeroplan or Air Miles is better for you will depend a lot on how you spend money and plan to redeem points, so you’ll want to understand both programs before you sign up and start earning points.
What is Aeroplan?
Aeroplan Rewards is Air Canada’s loyalty program. While it’s specific to Air Canada, members can redeem points for flights with more than 50 of the program’s partner airlines. Since Air Canada is the country’s flagship carrier, you can fly just about anywhere in its network.
You can earn Aeroplan points with a co-branded credit card, on Air Canada flights, through retail partners, via the Aeroplan eStore and more.
Every seat on all Air Canada flights is eligible for redemption, along with eligible seats on partner airlines. You can also redeem Aeroplan points on vacation packages, hotels, car rentals, gift cards and merchandise.
What is Air Miles?
Air Miles is a general loyalty rewards program with travel options and many retail partners throughout the country.
There are two types of Air Miles points:
Cash Rewards, which allow you to redeem 95 Air Miles at partner retailers for a $10 instant credit towards online or in-store purchases.
Dream Rewards, which you can use for various perks, such as travel, merchandise and tickets to various attractions and events, all with different redemption values.
You can log into your account and choose which you’d like to earn.
Aeroplan vs. Air Miles
When comparing Aeroplan vs. Air Miles, investigating the nuances of each program will help you determine which one is ideal for your lifestyle and rewards goals.
Similarities
There are quite a few similarities between Aeroplan and Air Miles:
Travel flexibility: Both programs allow you to use your credit card points on dozens of airlines around the world in any seat class.
Dynamic pricing: Air Miles and Aeroplan set the cost of their flight redemptions on ticket prices. Generally speaking, the more expensive a ticket is, the more points it will cost.
Various redemption options: Beyond flights, both programs allow you to use your points for gift cards, car rentals, vacation packages and merchandise.
Many ways to earn: Both Air Miles and Aeroplan members can also earn points through co-branded credit cards, online and in-person retail partner purchases, contests and promotions.
Comparing Aeroplan and Air Miles
Aeroplan | Air Miles | |
|---|---|---|
Earn rate | Varies by co-branded credit card. | Varies by co-branded credit card. |
Rate of return | 1.60 cents per point, on average. |
|
Redemption options | Flights, vacation packages, hotels, cruises, car rentals, gift cards and merchandise. | Flights, vacation packages, hotels, cruises, car rentals, gift cards, merchandise, events and attraction tickets. |
Ways to earn | Co-branded credit cards, Air Canada flights, retail partners, eStore merchants, car rentals, hotel stays, contests and promotions. | Co-branded credit and debit cards, linked Canadian Mastercards, retail partners, online portal merchants, online surveys, eligible grocery store receipts and promotions. |
Co-branded credit cards | More than 10 co-branded credit cards are offered by American Express, CIBC and TD Bank. | Six credit cards are available exclusively with BMO. |
Perks of co-branded credit cards | Air Canada benefits, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, lounge access, eUpgrades and more. | 25% discount on flights (conditions apply), discounted airport lounge access, free Boingo Wi-Fi around the world and more. |
Transfer partners |
| No transfer partners. |
Alternatives to Aeroplan and Air Miles
While Air Miles and Aeroplan are often compared to each other, there are other travel programs worth considering.
RBC Avion
Avion, more commonly known as RBC Rewards, allows you to use your points on any flight on the RBC travel portal.
The average value of one Avion Rewards point is 1.16 cents, but varies by the redemption method you choose:
2 cents per point for Avion Elite travel redemptions.
1 cent per point for Avion Premium travel redemptions.
0.5 cents per point for Avion Select travel redemptions.
Avion Rewards points can be converted into Hudson’s Bay Rewards points, American Airline AAdvantage miles, British Airways Avios and WestJet dollars.
» MORE: Find the best RBC credit cards in Canada.
CIBC Aventura
Aventura is CIBC’s rewards program. Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel purchases, merchandise, gift cards, statement credits and CIBC financial product contributions.
The average value of one Aventura Rewards point is 1.92 cents, but fluctuates by redemption method:
2-3 cents per point for travel redemptions.
0.8 cents per point for CIBC financial product contributions.
0.6 cents per point for statement credits.
Aventura points can be converted to Aeroplan points.
American Express Membership Rewards
American Express Membership Rewards can be earned with select American Express credit cards and redeemed for travel purchases, merchandise, Amazon.ca purchases, PayPal purchases, statement credits, gift cards and charity donations.
The average value of one American Express Membership Rewards point is 2.84 cents, according to NerdWallet analysis, though points can be worth as much as 11.52 cents per point for hotel redemptions and as little as 0.65 cents per point for merchandise redemptions.
Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to over 20 transfer partners, including Aeroplan, Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
How to choose the travel loyalty program that’s right for you
To determine which rewards program is right for your lifestyle, reflect on your shopping habits and goals.
If you shop frequently with Air Miles retail partners, you may be able to quickly earn points by taking advantage of in-store promos and paying with a co-branded credit card.
If you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer, focusing on Aeroplan may be the way to go.
Before signing up for a rewards program or applying for a co-branded credit card, consider how each program aligns with your everyday spending habits and goals.
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Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell