Air Canada is its nation’s largest carrier – and a proud member of the Star Alliance. The airline recently touted a transformation and relaunch of the Aeroplan program sometime in late 2020. Now, new details are beginning to emerge, including changes to Air Canada Aeroplan miles expiration. Here’s what you need to know.
Aeroplan Extending Shelf-Life of Miles
Air Canada Aeroplan miles previously expired after 12 months of inactivity on the member’s account. Effective immediately, members will now have 18 months to use their miles before they expire.
This expiration extension places Air Canada on par with many other members of the Star Alliance, but still behind other leading carriers like Delta Air Lines – whose miles never expire.
Miles Won’t Expire (for Some)
Air Canada Aeroplan miles will no longer expire. However, this will only be the case if you have an Air Canada Aeroplan credit card. Currently, there is only one Aeroplan credit card for U.S. consumers: the TD Aeroplan Visa Signature® Credit Card.
Get Aeroplan Miles Reinstated (At a Cost)
The Canadian carrier is also making it easier for rewards members to reinstate miles that expire. Again, however, this comes with a catch. Within six months of miles expiration, Aeroplan members can get their miles restored through one of two methods:
- Fly on an eligible Air Canada ticket
- Receive an Aeroplan credit card
There is also a third option: have miles reinstated for a fee. This third alternative isn’t a new feature, but it is available for those who can’t fly and don’t want a new credit card, but who do want to retain their frequent flyer miles.
Other (simpler) options for keeping miles active include:
- Shopping online with over 150 retail partners
- Redeeming for gift cards and merchandise
- Donating miles to a participating charity
- Buying miles
Get Miles Reinstated Due to COVID-19
Air Canada is also responding to the travel difficulties of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any program member who purchased an Air Canada trip set to depart since January 2020 and had to cancel their reservation can have their miles reinstated – free of charge.
Summing It Up
Ultimately, the changes to Air Canada’s Aeroplan miles expiration are something of a letdown. The extension of the expiration to 18 months is a plus – but still below what customers can expect from American Airlines, Delta, or JetBlue.
The easiest way to ensure miles never expire is by getting TD Bank’s Aeroplan credit card. The TD Aeroplan Visa Signature® Credit Card offers 2X miles on Air Canada flights and a single mile for every other dollar spent on the card. Bear in mind that the card charges an annual fee after the first year, however.
Related Article: The Ultimate Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Guide
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