Aeroplan redemption pricing update in June

Air Canada’s frequent flyer programme Aeroplan is one we talk about quite often: miles are relatively easy to acquire at a low cost, there are plenty of sweet spots for redemptions, and the programme is generally straightforward to use.

They’ve just officially announced that the award chart will be adjusted starting 1 June. Here is the current chart, and here is the new one. Do note that flights on Air Canada itself, as well as certain partners like United Airlines, Etihad Airways and Emirates use dynamic pricing, so the chart isn’t especially meaningful for those. Most other partners, however, still follow fixed pricing.

Some of the key changes:

Within Asia

• Under 1000 miles (Economy): 8,000 → 7,500
• Under 1000 miles (Business): 20,000 → 12,500
• 1,001–2,000 miles (Economy): 12,500 → 15,000
• 1,001–2,000 miles (Business): 30,000 → 22,500

Within Europe & Middle East

• Under 1,000 miles (Business): 15,000 → 12,500
• 1,001–2,000 miles (Business): 25,000 → 22,500
• 2,001–4,000 miles (Business): 45,000 → 40,000
• 2,001–4,000 miles (First): 65,000 → 70,000

Europe–Asia routes

• Under 2,500 miles (Business): 40,000 → 47,500
• Under 2,500 miles (First): 50,000 → 55,000
• 5,001–7,000 miles (Business): 80,000 → 92,500
• 5,001–7,000 miles (First): 100,000 → 120,000

In summary:

• Short- and medium-haul redemptions within Asia and Europe are unchanged or slightly cheaper
• Europe–Middle East routes see minimal impact
• Long-haul premium cabin redemptions between Europe and Asia see significant increases

Overall, the trend is still towards devaluation, but this round of changes from Aeroplan isn’t particularly aggressive. That said, if you have specific redemption plans, it may be worth locking them in sooner rather than later.