Air Canada has announced upcoming changes to its Aeroplan loyalty program, with new award pricing set to take effect on June 1, 2026. While the program has long been a favorite among travelers for its extensive partner network and predictable pricing, these updates represent a general devaluation of points, particularly for premium cabin redemptions.
Understanding the Shift
Aeroplan justifies these changes by citing rising underlying costs. In the world of frequent flyer programs, “devaluation” occurs when the cost of a flight in points increases, meaning each point you earn is worth slightly less than before.
These changes will impact:
– Partner airlines with fixed pricing models.
– Air Canada flights (serving as the new baseline for variable pricing).
Because Aeroplan uses a mix of zone-based and distance-based pricing, the impact will vary significantly depending on your travel patterns.
Key Pricing Changes by Region
The updates are not uniform; while some economy-class short-haul flights will become cheaper, many long-haul and premium awards are seeing significant increases.
🌎 North America to Atlantic Region
The most notable shifts occur in long-distance travel. While very short economy flights see a minor decrease, the costs for premium travel are climbing:
– Long-haul (8,001+ miles): First class sees a massive jump from 140,000 to 165,000 points.
– Mid-range (4,001–6,000 miles): Business class increases by 5,000 points, and First class jumps by 20,000 points.
🌏 North America to Pacific Region
Travelers heading to Asia will face higher costs for premium experiences:
– Mid-range (7,501–11,000 miles): Business class rises from 87,500 to 102,500 points, and Premium Economy increases by 15,000 points.
– Ultra long-haul (11,001+ miles): While Economy sees a slight decrease, Premium Economy and Business class see significant hikes.
🇪🇺 Within the Atlantic & Pacific Regions
Regional travel sees a “see-saw” effect:
– Atlantic Region: Short-haul Business class (up to 1,000 miles) actually becomes cheaper, dropping from 15,000 to 12,500 points. However, mid-range First class sees a 15,000-point increase.
– Pacific Region: Prices are mixed, with some economy tiers decreasing while Business class sees increases of up to 12,500 points.
🗺️ Between Atlantic and Pacific Regions
This category—often used for complex, multi-leg journeys—sees some of the most aggressive increases:
– Mid-range (2,501–5,000 miles): Business class increases by 15,000 points.
– Long-haul (7,001+ miles): First class increases by 10,000 points, and Business class jumps by 20,000 points.
What This Means for You
The “winner” and “loser” of this update depends entirely on how you use your points.
- The Good News: If you frequently book short-haul Business class within Europe, your redemptions will actually become more efficient, costing 2,500 fewer points per flight.
- The Bad News: If you are a premium traveler looking to fly Business or First class on long-haul routes (such as US to Europe or US to Asia), you will need to hoard significantly more points to secure the same seats.
Summary
While the Aeroplan update is a net devaluation for many, particularly in premium cabins, the program remains highly competitive due to its vast partner ecosystem.
Conclusion: Travelers should prepare for higher point requirements for long-haul and premium flights starting June 2026, while those focusing on short-distance regional travel may see slight benefits.
