How to Use Aeroplan Points for Free Flights from Canada in 2026
What is Aeroplan?
Aeroplan is Air Canada's frequent flyer program. You earn points by flying with Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, using Aeroplan-linked credit cards, and shopping with Aeroplan partners. Points can then be redeemed for flights, hotels, car rentals, and merchandise.
Since Air Canada revamped Aeroplan in 2020, the program has become significantly more flexible and valuable — no more fixed award charts, more partner airlines, and better redemption options.
How to Earn Aeroplan Points Fast
1. Credit Cards (Fastest Method)
The fastest way to accumulate Aeroplan points is through credit card spending. Cards like the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite and American Express Cobalt (which transfers to Aeroplan) can earn you tens of thousands of points per year just from everyday purchases.
2. Flying with Air Canada
Every flight with Air Canada earns Aeroplan points based on the fare paid and your status level. Economy tickets earn around 25% of the base fare in points, while higher fare classes earn more.
3. Aeroplan eStore
The Aeroplan eStore lets you earn bonus points when shopping at hundreds of online retailers. Before any online purchase, check if the retailer is in the eStore — you can earn 5x to 20x points on purchases you'd make anyway.
How Many Points for a Free Flight?
| Route | Points Needed | Approximate Value |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Montreal (one way) | 6,000 pts | ~$150 CAD |
| Toronto → Vancouver (one way) | 12,500 pts | ~$250 CAD |
| Toronto → New York (one way) | 6,000 pts | ~$120 CAD |
| Toronto → London (round trip) | 35,000 pts | ~$700 CAD |
| Toronto → Paris (round trip) | 35,000 pts | ~$750 CAD |
| Toronto → Tokyo (round trip) | 55,000 pts | ~$1,200 CAD |
• Book during Aeroplan's "Reward Zone" promotions for 30-50% off points needed
• Use points for long-haul business class — the value per point is dramatically higher
• Combine cash and points ("Points + Money") when you don't have enough for a full redemption
• Book early — the best award seats go fast, especially for summer travel
• Check partner airline availability — sometimes you can get a better seat on Lufthansa or Singapore Airlines using Aeroplan points
Common Aeroplan Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't let points expire — Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity
- Don't redeem for merchandise — terrible value compared to flights
- Don't book last minute for awards — the best seats are gone weeks in advance
- Don't ignore transfer partners — Amex and other cards can boost your Aeroplan balance
- Don't pay for checked bags if your card waives them on Air Canada
Find Your Next Aeroplan Flight
Search Air Canada and partner flights from all Canadian airports on FlightDay.
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