As the weather gets colder and winter starts to settle in, do you find yourself wishing for a break from the freezing temperatures.
You’re not alone.
Every year, countless Canadians feel the same urge to escape to sunny, warm beaches and locales.
The problem?
Figuring out the BEST way to get there without breaking the bank.
That’s where Aeroplan points come in.
With Air Canada’s expansive network to sunny destinations, escaping to a tropical paradise is easier than you think. With so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start – but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about redeeming Aeroplan points for Sun destination routes, and we’ll show you how to maximize them for your ultimate winter getaway.
Air Canada’s Sun Destination Routes
Air Canada has a robust lineup of flights from Canada to Sun destinations, giving you plenty of choices to enjoy the warmth and the vibrant cultures in an array of tropical countries.
With Air Canada’s winter schedule, you can fly directly from Canada to popular destinations like Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Barbados, just to name a few, with these routes acting as a lifeline for Canadians looking to escape the harsh winter chill.
Air Canada operates these routes with two distinct fleets: mainline Air Canada and its leisure-focused sibling, Air Canada Rouge.
The mainline fleet offers the more premium experience of the two options, providing premium economy and business class lie-flat seats options on select routes serviced by widebody aircraft.
Meanwhile, Air Canada Rouge is geared towards vacation-goers, providing more price-conscious options and a more budget-oriented in-flight experience.
Whether you fly Air Canada’s mainline service or its Air Canada Rouge service will depend on your destination, and you can confirm this information in your selected flight’s details.
Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Flights to Sun Destinations
Now that you’re at least a little bit excited at the possibility of ditching the winter cold, let’s dive into how you can actually redeem your Aeroplan points for a sunny getaway.
Aeroplan points are very useful for booking flights to this region, and with so many reward options available, it won’t be too hard to find a flight that works for you.
Air Canada’s three main airport hubs, Toronto (YYZ), Montreal (YUL), and Vancouver (YVR), each offer unique routes to destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico, making it easy to plan your sunny escape.
But before we dive into specific examples, let’s quickly recap how Aeroplan’s award pricing works, so you can better assess whether you’re getting a great deal on your flight searches.
Every Aeroplan redemption begins with the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart. For Sun destinations, you’ll be referencing the “Within North America” section, as these locations fall under that category.
Once you’ve chosen a destination, head over to the Aeroplan Points Predictor Tool to get an estimate of the number of Aeroplan points required for your route.
This tool uses the distance between your origin and destination to determine which band of the Flight Reward Chart your selected route falls within, saving you the trouble of determining the distance on your own and having to cross-reference the chart.
For instance, if you wanted to find out the range of points required for a flight from Toronto to Punta Cana, simply enter “Toronto (YYZ)” and “Punta Cana (PUJ)” into the tool, and it will display the point range as shown below.
As you can see in the image, the Points Predictor Tool gives us the following ranges, which line up with the third distance-band on the Flight Reward Chart:
- Economy: 12,500–17,500 points
- Premium economy: 20,000–35,00 points
- Business class: 25,000–60,000 points
You can use this information to get a rough estimate of how much your desired flight will cost.
For instance, running a sample search of Toronto to Punta Cana gives us redemption options of 14,100 Aeroplan points on Air Canada Rouge flights in economy, and 47,400 Aeroplan points on Air Canada mainline economy. (Note that these prices will fluctuate depending on the departure date and availability of the seats.)
The question is, are these prices a good deal?
Aeroplan uses a dynamic pricing model for Air Canada flights, so as a general rule, if you can book an Air Canada flight at the lower end of the dynamic pricing spectrum, or around the same cost as the fixed-price partner airline redemption rate, you’re getting solid value. However, if the points pricing is near or above the upper limit of the dynamic range, it’s likely not as favourable.
From the predictor tool mentioned earlier, we know that an economy flight on this route is listed with an expected price range of 12,500 to 17,500 points. With that in mind, the two Air Canada Rouge flights priced at 14,100 points represent good deals, while the mainline option at 47,400 points is far less attractive, as it’s well beyond the high end of the related dynamic pricing range.
It’s always a good idea to use the Flight Reward Chart or Points Predictor Tool as a reference point to help you evaluate whether you’re getting good value on your flight redemptions.
Additionally, in the following examples, we’ll take the idea of “a good deal” a bit further by comparing the value of the cost in points to the value of the cost in dollars to help you determine if redeeming points offers better value compared to paying cash.
Redemptions from Toronto
If you’re flying out of Toronto, you’re in luck. Being Air Canada’s largest hub, it has the most extensive selection of flights to warm weather destinations.
From Toronto Pearson airport, you’ll find non-stop routes to sunny destinations like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. Plus, there are premium cabin redemptions available on certain routes, letting you travel with a little extra luxury and style.
Now, let’s dive into some redemption examples.
Toronto to Cancún
We can’t talk about Sun destinations without mentioning Cancún, can we?
As one of the most popular vacation spots for Canadians, Cancún offers an extensive network of hotels, resorts, and all-inclusive options that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape or a budget-friendly stay, Cancún has it all.
With multiple daily flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Cancún (CUN), it shouldn’t be too difficult to redeem Aeroplan points on a schedule that suits you.
As an example, looking at a recent search, you could book a one-way direct economy flight from Toronto to Cancún for 16,100 Aeroplan points and $126 (all figures in CAD) in taxes and fees.
This means your next escape from the coldest month of the year could be as close as 16,100 Aeroplan points away!
But is this redemption a good value? Looking at the cash fare, the exact same flight as above comes in at $354.
To determine the value of the 16,100-point redemption, we take the flight’s cash fare minus the taxes and fees ($354 – $126 = $228) and divide it by the cost in points ($228 / 16,100 = $0.0142).
This equation lets us know that if we were to redeem 16,100 Aeroplan points for this flight, we would be getting a value of 1.42 cents per point. Since we value Aeroplan points at 2.1 cents each, this redemption comes in a little low, but still represents a decent value and would be a perfectly nice way to use some points for a sunny break during the winter months.
When it comes to determining whether to use your Aeroplan points or to spend cash on a flight, the decision ultimately comes down to your personal priorities and preferences, so as long as you’re happy with the redemption, that’s all that really matters.
Toronto to Dominican Republic
If Cancún feels too ordinary or you’re not a fan of crowded destinations, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic might just be the perfect alternative.
It’s been gaining popularity as a top winter escape, offering everything from stunning white sand beaches to lush resorts, all with a more laid-back vibe.
Flights from Toronto (YYZ) to Punta Cana (PUJ) are an excellent way to use your Aeroplan points, and thanks to the frequent flights available on this route, planning your tropical getaway is a breeze.
For this route, let’s look at an example of a one-way, direct economy flight from Toronto to Punta Cana that comes in at 14,100 Aeroplan points and $140 in taxes and fees.
The cash fare for this flight is $345, which means the redemption value is a solid 1.45 cents per point. While this is still below our valuation of 2.1 cents per Aeroplan point, it’s not a bad way to redeem if you’re looking for a winter escape.
Also, in the screenshots above, you can see an example of a decent business class redemption for this route on the 4:20pm departure.
For 63,000 Aeroplan points and $140 in taxes and fees, you can snag a business class seat, which would otherwise set you back $1,102 in cash (giving a redemption value of 1.53 cents per point).
However, with this redemption it’s important to keep in mind that this is an Air Canada Rouge flight, so you won’t get the fancy lie-flat seat. In fact, Air Canada Rouge’s business class is much more akin to premium economy, though you’ll likely get airport lounge access and priority services with this booking.
Given this, for most people, the extra 48,900 Aeroplan points needed to book the business class seat over the economy class seat might not be worth it — that is, unless you’re traveling with a newborn or just really need that extra legroom and personal space.
Redemptions from Montreal
For those of you looking to fly out of Montreal, you’re in for a treat as well. Air Canada has you covered with some fantastic options!
With direct flights to popular spots like the Bahamas, Barbados, and Costa Rica, you can escape the winter chill without much fuss.
We’ve listed two redemption examples below, so you can grab your Aeroplan points and get ready to swap your winter jacket for a swimsuit.
Montreal to the Bahamas
If you’re dreaming of turquoise waters and some serious fun in the sun, the Bahamas could be calling your name.
Beyond its stunning beaches, Nassau is also home to the famous Atlantis Paradise Island Resort, where you’ll find the world famous Aquaventure Water Park.
It’s an absolute must-visit for thrill-seekers and families alike.
With multiple flights every week making it easy to find a schedule that works for you, the Montreal (YUL) to the Bahamas (NAS) route is a fantastic way to redeem your Aeroplan points.
Looking at an example redemption we found, you can see a one-way, direct economy flight for 11,300 Aeroplan points and $82 in taxes and fees.
The same flight has a cash fare of $295, so this redemption gives you a value of 1.88 cents per point, which is close to our valuation of 2.1 cents per point, thus offering solid value for your points.
Montreal to Barbados
If you’re looking for a tropical escape with a bit of a cultural twist, Barbados offers a stunning mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant local culture, and a rich history.
Whether you want to dive into the local food scene, explore a UNESCO World Heritage site, or simply relax by the water, Bridgetown has it all.
Flights from Montreal (YUL) to Bridgetown (BGI) provide an excellent opportunity to redeem your Aeroplan points. As a redemption example, you could book a one-way, direct economy flight for just 14,400 Aeroplan points and $83 in taxes and fees.
With the revenue fare for the same flight coming in at $289, this gives you a redemption value of 1.43 cents per point, which, as we mentioned earlier, is considered a moderate value.
Redemptions from Vancouver
For those of you that call the West Coast home, your flight options might not be as extensive as those available from Montreal or Toronto, but Vancouver still serves as a gateway to sunny destinations on both of Mexico’s coasts.
Plus, in addition to this handful of direct flights to Mexico, you can also score fantastic value by taking advantage of the Aeroplan stopover program, which allows for a multi-day stopover in a connecting city.
So with these options in mind, get ready to trade in those rain showers for some tropical sunshine.
Vancouver to San José del Cabo
If you’re seeking a slice of paradise, San José del Cabo (or Cabo San Lucas) is a fantastic option to escape the rainy gloom of Vancouver.
San José del Cabo offers stunning beaches, a vibrant art scene, and delicious local cuisine. It’s a fantastic spot for a relaxing beach vacation or a cultural escape.
With multiple non-stop flights each week from Vancouver (YVR) to San José del Cabo (SJD), planning your trip with Aeroplan points is quite flexible.
To give an example of an available redemption, you could book a one-way economy flight for 20,000 Aeroplan points and $112 in taxes and fees.
With the cash fare for this flight coming in at $365, that’s around 1.27 cents per point, which is a decent return on your points and a pleasant way to ditch the winter chill.
Vancouver to Panama with a Stopover in Mexico City
When booking sunny redemptions out of Vancouver, don’t let the lack of direct flight options hold you back – instead, use it as an opportunity to get creative with your travel plans.
If you’re both a city lover and a beach enthusiast, why not enjoy the best of both worlds?
Consider flying from Vancouver to Panama with a stopover in Mexico City, taking advantage of Aeroplan’s 5,000-point stopover feature.
Before you head to Panama’s stunning beaches like Bocas del Toro or Playa Blanca, take some time to soak up the vibrant city life of Mexico City. Dive into its diverse food scene, explore historic neighbourhoods, and sip coffee in chic cafés. With so much to see and do, this stopover is a fantastic way to make the most of your trip.
This itinerary not only gives you a taste of both vibrant city life and tropical paradise but also maximizes the value of your Aeroplan points.
As an example, using Aeroplan’s stopover feature, which allows you to enjoy an extended stay in a connecting city on the way to your final destination, you could book a one-way economy flight from Vancouver (YUL) to Panama (PTY) with a three-day stopover in Mexico City (MEX) for just 27,500 Aeroplan points and $253 in taxes and fees.
If you were to book this exact same journey as a cash fare, it would cost $1,250. This means that this redemption option gives you about 3.6 cents per point, which is an excellent value!
Which Credit Cards Should You Use to Book Air Canada Flights?
Once you’ve got a flight redemption in your mind, you might be wondering… “Is there anything else I should consider before finalizing my booking?”
Absolutely.
Choosing the right credit card to pay for your flight can not only help you earn more points, but it can also give you peace of mind with valuable benefits like trip interruption insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
When booking Air Canada flights or redeeming Aeroplan points, an Aeroplan co-branded card is your best bet. These cards not only maximize the number of points you earn, but they also provide insurance coverage, even if you’re using points for your flight – just as long as you charge the associated taxes and fees to the card.
Here are three excellent credit cards to consider:
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
When it comes to maximizing earnings on Air Canada flights, the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is the clear winner. It offers an impressive 3 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases, which is the highest earning rate in this category among all Aeroplan co-branded cards.
As a premium cardholder, you’ll benefit from the lowest Aeroplan award ticket prices, and you’ll enjoy premium airport perks like priority check-in and boarding. Additionally, the card provides a comprehensive suite of travel insurance to ensure you’re covered throughout your journey.
Key Perks:
- Priority Check-in & Priority Zone 2 Boarding (for you and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation)
- Access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Cafés (for yourself and one additional guest)
- Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights (for you and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation)
- Annual Companion Pass (earned after spending $25,000 in net purchases within the membership year)
- Extended eUpgrade validity of two years from the time of earning
- Rollover benefits
- Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance
- Flight Delay Insurance
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Out of Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance
American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express Aeroplan Card is perfect for casual travelers who still want to earn Aeroplan points efficiently without paying a hefty annual fee.
While it lacks some premium perks such as Maple Leaf Lounge access and priority check-in, it still offers essential benefits like one free first checked bag and extensive travel insurance.
With an earning rate of 2 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations, it’s a solid option for those seeking a balance between affordability and benefits.
Key Perks:
- Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights (for you and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation)
- Flight Delay Insurance
- Baggage Delay Insurance
- Travel Accident Insurance
- Earn 30,000 Aeroplan points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $1,000 in month 13
- Always earn 2x Aeroplan points on Air Canada purchases
- Aeroplan preferred pricing, free checked bag on Air Canada flights
- Bonus Aeroplan points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
The TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card is a solid entry-level card for those looking to earn Aeroplan points. Plus, this card often includes a first-year annual fee rebate, allowing you to experience the card’s benefits without an upfront cost.
With an earning rate of 1.5 Aeroplan points per dollar spent on Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations purchases, it’s a solid choice for accumulating points.
Plus, travel perks like a free first checked bag and comprehensive travel insurance make this card a great companion for your Air Canada flights, offering peace of mind while you travel.
Key Perks:
- Free first checked bag on Air Canada flights (for you and up to eight other passengers on the same reservation)
- Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance
- Flight Delay Insurance
- Delayed/Lost Baggage Insurance
- NEXUS application fee rebate (up to $100)
- Mobile Device Insurance
Conclusion
Escaping the cold winter is on every Canadians’ bucket list. Luckily, with Aeroplan offering so many incredible destinations to choose from, it’s super easy to book your sun destination getaway.
Whether you’re flying out of Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver, there are plenty of opportunities to trade the winter chill for sunny beaches.
Just remember to choose the right credit card to not only maximize your points but to also ensure you’re covered with essential travel insurance.