Air Canada Aeroplan Revamps Award Chart: What Travelers Need to Know for 2025

Air Canada Aeroplan has announced upcoming changes to its award chart, shaking up how travelers can use points and miles starting March 25th, 2025. While the partner award chart will remain with its current fixed pricing, significant shifts are happening within the Air Canada and select partners’ categories. Key partners such as United, Emirates, Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Calm Air, Canadian North, and Provincial Airlines are now grouped under a newly dynamic chart alongside Air Canada flights. This new approach introduces “starting” and “median” award rates but notably omits maximum prices—potentially leading to significant variability, especially for flights outside North America and first-class offerings.

On the bright side, Aeroplan members are being given advance notice of nearly two months to adjust their plans accordingly. Moreover, Aeroplan aims to provide greater availability on select partner flights, with the significant boost of Etihad business class awards becoming accessible again. Elite Aeroplan members and Aeroplan® Credit Card holders will benefit from discounted redemption rates, enhancing the value proposition for loyal customers. However, the absence of a ceiling in dynamic pricing and the lack of transparency on specific international and first-class awards are causes for cautious optimism.

Our Take

We recognize that dynamic pricing often introduces challenges for those looking to maximize their travel rewards. Without a guaranteed maximum cost, predicting award flight expenses becomes less straightforward, potentially complicating budgeting for travelers. Particularly concerning is the lack of maximums for international and first-class travel, a move that could deter members from booking long-haul journeys without a clear understanding of potential costs. Yet, having median rates available for North American flights serves as a partial anchor, allowing travelers some sense of award value—though it suggests a potential upward trend in pricing compared to past ceilings on Air Canada awards.

Despite these concerns, the adjustments to the Aeroplan program are not all unfavorable. The provision for almost two months of advance notice is a considerate improvement over abrupt industry changes seen elsewhere. Additionally, the enhancements for cardholders and elite members could lower redemption costs, maintaining appeal for these groups. The promise of greater availability, especially with partners like United, adds positive potential. Ultimately, whether these changes will result in enhanced opportunities or more headaches for Aeroplan members remains to be seen.