Aeroplan

Aeroplan originated as a frequent flyer program for Air Canada. Over the years this has evolved to be one of Canada's most popular loyalty programs. It now covers much more than frequent flyer points, with partners in numerous sectors.

Aeroplan benefits from the spread between how much it charges to sell miles to its business partners and how much it costs to purchase a product or service from those partners.

Last year, Aeroplan's revenue totaled nearly $700-million. Financial services partners accounted for 63% of this total, Air Canada 27%, other travel services 8% and consumer products partners for 2%.

The average cost to Aeroplan for purchasing a reward from one of its partners is around 1 cent a mile. Based on a 15,000 mile trip, for instance, that works out to an average cost of $148.29, covering the range of rewards such as electronics, vacations, and flights. Air travel was the most popular choice last year, with 90 per cent of consumers choosing flights.

Air Canada Enterprises is currently in the process of spinning off this highly lucrative business into an income trust.

Partners

You can find a complete list of partners here. Aeroplan has 60 partners representing more than 100 brands.

There are 18 airlines in the Star Alliance network, where you can earn and redeem Aeroplan Miles: Air Canada, Air New Zealand, ANA, Austrian, Asiana Airlines, bmi, Lot Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss, Tap Portugal, THAI, United, US Airways and VARIG.

There are also a few small Canadian airlines that offer Aeroplan Miles.

Concerns

One of the major concerns regarding redemption of miles for travel is the difficulty in finding a seat on a flight when you would like to redeem your miles. There are numerous blackouts and restrictions with this program.

If you are inactive for 36 consecutive months then your account will expire.

Membership Tiers

Certain flights offer Aeroplan Status Miles. Collecting enough will allow you to move to Air Canada Prestige, Air Canada Elite, or Air Canada Super Elite status.

1. Prestige--requires 18,000 or 30 one-way segments flown within a calender year
2. Elite--requires 35,000 or 60 one-way segments flown with in a calender year
3. Super Elite--requires 100,000 or 150 one-way segments flown within a calender year

Affiliated Credit Cards

CIBC's Aerogold Visa is one of the most popular credit cards in the country.

Forum Discussion

You may create or join a discussion of this program here.