When people think of Aeroplan, many are unaware of the wide range of flight options beyond domestic and international flights to and from Canada.
As Air Canada’s loyalty program, it’s easy to assume its focus is limited to these routes, overlooking the variety of opportunities available in other regions.
However, Aeroplan’s regional award charts offer exciting possibilities all over the world. From short-haul flights in North America to adventures in South America, the Atlantic, and the Pacific, there’s much more to explore if you take a closer look.
In this article, we’ll break down Aeroplan award charts for within each region to highlight some of the interesting options that are often overlooked. Whether you’re looking to redeem points for unique destinations or stretch your miles for greater value, Aeroplan offers plenty of opportunities.
Exploring Aeroplan’s Within North America Chart
The North America region includes Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. There are four distance bands within this region that determine how many points you’ll need for a flight. Airlines serving this zone include Air Canada and its Star Alliance partners, such as United Airlines and Copa Airlines, along with select non-alliance partners like Air Creebec and Air Inuit, which service more remote destinations.
While many North Americans may think domestic travel within this region lacks excitement, there are some truly unique destinations that are worth considering:
Explore the Arctic: Ottawa to Iqaluit
Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut, is a remote Arctic destination offering a unique cultural experience. Located on Baffin Island, it’s known for its vibrant Inuit culture, stunning Arctic scenery, and the chance to witness the northern lights. Despite its remoteness, Iqaluit is accessible through Air Canada’s partner airline, Canadian North, and you can book this route using Aeroplan points.
For just 10,000 Aeroplan points and approximately $90 (all figures in CAD) in taxes and fees, you can fly from Ottawa to Iqaluit in economy class.
Since this route is operated by a partner airline, it follows Aeroplan’s fixed points pricing in the reward chart. With a flight distance of 1,281 miles, it falls into the second distance band, making it an excellent redemption at 10,000 points.
Given that cash fares for this route typically hover around $888, you’re redeeming your points at over 8 cents per point – an incredible value for such a unique adventure in the Arctic.
With its remote location and cultural significance, Iqaluit is a perfect example of how Aeroplan points can unlock extraordinary experiences that not many consider.
Now, let’s head west to explore another hidden gem: Haida Gwaii.
Explore Haida Gwaii
Haida Gwaii is a remote archipelago off the northern coast of British Columbia, often referred to as the “Galápagos of the North.” Known for its rugged natural beauty, ancient rainforests, and rich Indigenous culture, it is the ancestral homeland of the Haida Nation.
You can explore the UNESCO-designated Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, view centuries-old totem poles, and immerse themselves in the unique blend of history, art, and untouched wilderness that defines this extraordinary destination.
A non-stop flight from Vancouver to Haida Gwaii typically costs 17,600 Aeroplan points and $16 in taxes and fees.
With cash fares hovering around $310, this redemption offers a solid value of 1.67 cents per point, making it a great use of your Aeroplan points for exploring this remote and stunning destination.
After exploring the remote beauty of Haida Gwaii, let’s head south to discover some exciting redemption opportunities in South America
Exploring Aeroplan’s Within South America Chart
The South America chart covers the entire continent, from Colombia and Venezuela in the north to the southern tip of Argentina. With just two distance bands in this region, planning your redemptions is straightforward and simple.
Aeroplan partners like Avianca, GOL, and Copa Airlines dominate the skies in South America, providing excellent coverage and convenient connections across the continent. Whether you’re flying between major cities or heading to more remote areas, Aeroplan points can unlock a wide range of travel opportunities in this diverse and vibrant region.
Discover Evolution’s Playground: Quito to the Galapagos Islands
The Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are famous for their extraordinary wildlife and stunning natural landscapes. This remote archipelago, located off the coast of Ecuador, offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore unique ecosystems that inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
There are only two flight routes to the Galapagos Islands: from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, or from Guayaquil. Both routes are operated by Aeroplan partner Avianca, and at just under 1,000 miles, fall into the first distance band of Aeroplan’s South America reward chart. This means you can book an economy class ticket for just 10,000 Aeroplan points.
Cash fares from Quito to the Galapagos typically range from $161 to $342. If you manage to book at the lower end of that range, you might question whether redeeming points is worth it.
However, it’s important to note that fares at this price are often for basic economy, which doesn’t include carry-on or checked baggage. For example, adding a carry-on will cost an additional $29 (USD), and checked luggage will cost $27 (USD).
On the other hand, Aeroplan bookings include both carry-on and checked luggage, offering added value. For travellers with baggage, this added convenience makes redeeming points a great option.
With the Galapagos Islands ticked off your bucket list, let’s head further south to explore another exciting route in South America.
Enjoy an Airline Choice Dilemma Between Buenos Aires and São Paulo
Flying between Buenos Aires and São Paulo offers not just a quick hop between two vibrant cities, but also a unique opportunity to experience a variety of airlines, thanks to several fifth-freedom routes.
On this route, you’ll find Air Canada, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Swiss, giving you plenty of options—whether you’re flying economy or treating yourself to a business class cabin.
Seriously, how often do we get the luxury of choosing from so many airlines for a flight in business class?
Whether you’re a fan of Turkish Airlines’s excellent service or want to stay loyal to Air Canada, the decision is entirely yours. The variety of options makes this route a fun dilemma for any traveler looking to upgrade their experience.
Exploring Aeroplan’s Within Atlantic Zone Chart
The Atlantic zone covers a diverse range of countries, spanning Europe, Africa, and Central Asia. With carriers like Turkish Airlines, South African Airways, and EgyptAir, this region offers a wide range of redemption opportunities.
Luxury for Less: Flying from Johannesburg to Mauritius
Mauritius is known for its crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts, and rich cultural heritage. Flying from Johannesburg to Mauritius offers a fantastic redemption value on Aeroplan.
Whether you choose South African Airways or Air Mauritius, you can fly from Johannesburg to Mauritius in business class for just 20,000 Aeroplan points and $82 in taxes and fees.
With business class cash fares for this route typically around $800, you’re getting a redemption value of over 3.5 cents per point, making this an incredible deal for a luxurious getaway to the Indian Ocean.
Journey to the Pamir Highway: Fly from Istanbul to Dushanbe
Tajikistan is an off-the-beaten-path travel destination known for its stunning mountainous landscapes. The country is home to the Pamir Mountains, often referred to as the “Roof of the World”, making it a bucket list destination for adventure travellers and hikers.
You can redeem Aeroplan points to fly from Istanbul to Dushanbe, the gateway to this Pamir Highway adventure.
While the redemption value for this flight may not be the highest, the incredible experiences that await in Tajikistan make it well worth the points.
You can fly from Istanbul to Dushanbe in economy class for 25,000 Aeroplan points and $95 in taxes and fees. Or if you wish to spoil yourself, you can enjoy Turkish Airlines’s renowned inflight dining and service in business class for 45,000 Aeroplan points.
The Pamir Highway can be a challenging journey, so investing in a more comfortable flight might be a wise decision before undertaking this epic adventure.
Exploring Aeroplan’s Within Pacific Zone Chart
The Pacific Zone is expansive and diverse, with China and Myanmar marking the westernmost points of the region.
This zone covers Australia, New Zealand, Polynesia, Asia, and Southeast Asia, and is divided into five distance bands. Therefore it offers countless redemption opportunities for both short and long-haul redemptions.
With top-tier airlines like Singapore Airlines, ANA, and Virgin Australia in the mix, the pacific zone delivers excellent value. Whether you’re exploring the vibrant street food scene in Southeast Asia or venturing to the islands of Polynesia, there’s no shortage of exciting destinations to unlock with your Aeroplan points.
Let’s take a look at some redemption opportunities.
Experience Singapore Airlines’s Finest: Auckland to Singapore in Business Class
One exceptional option is Auckland to Singapore in business class with Singapore Airlines. This world-renowned airline is celebrated for its impeccable service, and using Aeroplan points to book a long-haul flight in business class is an incredible value.
The flight is operated on the Airbus A350-900, meaning you get to enjoy a lie-flat seat, gourmet meals, and renowned service.
This 11-hour flight costs 60,000 Aeroplan points and $83 in taxes and fees. If you’re looking to try something different, Air New Zealand is also available on this route for the same cost.
So, if you’ve already experienced Singapore Airlines’s service, you can opt for Air New Zealand and enjoy a new airline experience.
Cash fares for business class on both airlines are typically around $2,639, making this a fantastic redemption value of 4.26 cents per point, an excellent deal for such a premium flight experience.
Stretch Your Points to Samoa: Tropical Escape with Air New Zealand
For those looking to explore beautiful Polynesia, the Auckland to Samoa route with Air New Zealand is a great example of how far Aeroplan points can take you. Samoa, known for its pristine beaches and vibrant culture, offers a tropical experience in the southern hemisphere that’s distinctly different from the more familiar Caribbean scenery.
You can fly from Auckland to Samoa with Air New Zealand for just 12,500 Aeroplan points and $81 in taxes and fees in economy class. If you’re looking for something different from the familiar Caribbean scenery, Samoa’s unique landscapes and cultural heritage make it a perfect destination.
How to Earn Aeroplan Points
There are many ways to earn Aeroplan points to subsidize these regional adventures. You can earn points through co-branded Aeroplan credit cards, by flying with Air Canada or Star Alliance partners, or by shopping through Aeroplan’s eStore.
Additionally, points can be transferred from flexible points programs like American Express Membership Rewards, making it easy to boost your balance.
- Earn 10,000 Aeroplan points† upon first purchase†
- Plus, earn 15,000 Aeroplan points† upon spending $7,500 in the first 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points† on renewal when you spend $12,000 within 12 months of account opening†
- Earn 1.5x Aeroplan points† on eligible gas, groceries, and Air Canada® purchases, including Air Canada Vacations®†
- Preferred Aeroplan pricing and free checked bag on Air Canada® flights†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139 (rebated for the first year)
- Application must be approved by January 6, 2025 to receive this offer
Conclusion
Exploring Aeroplan’s regional award charts opens up a world of possibilities, no matter which continent you’re on. Flights within each region demonstrate the strength of Aeroplan points, showing just how far you can stretch your balance for unique and rewarding experiences.
Whether it’s a unique short-haul trip or a luxurious long-haul journey, Aeroplan’s regional charts provide excellent value for your points, making it easier than ever to unlock incredible travel opportunities.
If you’d like to learn more about maximizing your Aeroplan points and discovering these unique travel opportunities, consider joining our Prince of Travel community membership. Gain access to expert tips, in-depth guides, and a community of like-minded travellers to take your adventures to the next level.