Aeroplan has rolled out its latest redemption opportunity for members, as it’s now possible for Aeroplan Elite Status holders to convert Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio.
This adds another layer of flexibility for Aeroplan members to redeem their points for outsized value for flights, hotel stays, and more.
Aeroplan Elite Status Members Can Convert Aeroplan Points to Marriott Bonvoy Points
Aeroplan has unveiled its newest redemption opportunity for members with Aeroplan Elite Status.
As of today, anyone with Aeroplan Elite Status (25K, 35K, 50K, 75K, or Super Elite) can choose to convert their Aeroplan points into Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio.
As per the terms and conditions, you must have an active membership with Marriott Bonvoy and any tier of Aeroplan Elite Status to be eligible. The names on both the Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy account must match.
The conversion could take up to eight weeks, but in practice it happens instantly, based on a test transfer performed today (September 5, 2024) by yours truly.
You must convert a minimum of 500 Aeroplan points, up to a maximum of 100,000 Aeroplan points per day, but not to exceed 250,000 Aeroplan points per week.
If you’d like to convert Aeroplan points into Marriott Bonvoy points, you’ll need to head to the dedicated landing page, sign in to your Aeroplan account, and provide your Marriott Bonvoy number.
Then, enter in the amount of Aeroplan points you wish to transfer to Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio. The number of Marriott Bonvoy points you’ll receive, as well as the remaining balance in your Aeroplan account, are displayed.
Then, there’s one last screen, and you’ll need to accept the terms and conditions before completing the transaction.
Another Redemption Opportunity for Aeroplan Members
Before discussing the value proposition here, it’s worth mentioning that Aeroplan has been very innovative in its approach to what you can redeem points for. Not everyone wants to redeem points for flights, and flexibility with redemption options is one of the factors that makes Aeroplan such a dynamic program with wide appeal.
In addition to redeeming Aeroplan points for flights, including Air Canada, Star Alliance airlines, and non-alliance partners, you can redeem Aeroplan points for hotel stays, car rentals, Wi-Fi, upgrades, merchandise, gift cards, vacation packages, and activities.
Plus, in the United States, there’s also the opportunity to redeem Aeroplan points against any statement credit at a value of 1.25 cents per point (USD) with the Pay with Points feature on the Chase Aeroplan Card.
It’s not often that you see a loyalty program roll out so many redemption opportunities for members, and Aeroplan has certainly been active with expanding these options for members.
For what it’s worth, Canadian-issued American Express Membership Rewards points transfer to Aeroplan at a 1:1 ratio, and to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1.2 ratio.
In terms of the value proposition, we value Aeroplan points at 2.1 cents per point (CAD) and Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents per point (CAD). Generally speaking, it’s likely that you’ll get better value by redeeming your Aeroplan points for flights instead of converting them to Marriott Bonvoy.
However, there are many opportunities to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for outsized value (especially with aspirational hotel stays and even Marriott Bonvoy Moments), just as there are many opportunities to redeem Aeroplan points for outsized value (especially with flights in premium cabins).
Alternatively, if you’re sitting on a tidy sum of Aeroplan points, you could consider converting Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy, and then converting Marriott Bonvoy points into airline miles with 38 other airlines at the ideal ratio of 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points = 25,000 miles with most of its airline partners.
Or, if you need a top-up to your United MileagePlus account, you could convert Aeroplan points into Marriott Bonvoy points, and then convert your Marriott Bonvoy points into United miles at an effective 2:1 ratio.
If you don’t otherwise have the means to boost your Marriott Bonvoy balance with a transferable points currency, or if the price for buying points outright is high, then it’s worth considering converting your Aeroplan points to Marriott Bonvoy with a specific, high-value redemption in mind.
Again, what’s most interesting here is that Aeroplan points are now even more flexible, and I’m sure that some members with Aeroplan Elite Status will find value with this new partnership.
In fact, Aeroplan is innovative in its approach to offering more options to its elite members, which increases the overall appeal of its status program.
Conclusion
Aeroplan Elite Status members can now choose to convert their Aeroplan points into Marriott Bonvoy points at a 1:1 ratio.
This marks the latest innovation by Aeroplan to provide members with more options for redeeming points.
While this may not be the most valuable redemption opportunity for Aeroplan points, it gives members more flexibility with how they choose to redeem their points, .