Air Canada’s Aeroplan program stands as a gateway to a world of travel possibilities, thanks to its extensive network of Aeroplan Partners. Since its inception as a founding member of Star Alliance in May 1997, Aeroplan has continually expanded its reach, offering members unparalleled access to destinations across the globe. Beyond the vast Star Alliance network, Air Canada strategically collaborates with numerous non-alliance airlines, further enriching the options available to Aeroplan members looking to redeem their points.
The 2020 overhaul of the Aeroplan program marked a significant leap forward, particularly in online functionality. Booking award flights and even incorporating stopovers online became remarkably user-friendly, empowering members to manage their travel plans with greater ease and flexibility. Today, the vast majority of Aeroplan’s aeroplan partners are bookable online, eliminating the need for time-consuming phone calls and streamlining the redemption process.
With access to flights on nearly 50 airlines, including Air Canada and its aeroplan partners, the sheer volume of redemption possibilities can be both exciting and potentially overwhelming. This guide delves into the comprehensive list of airlines where you can leverage your Aeroplan points, offering strategic insights to ensure you extract the maximum value from your hard-earned rewards.
Exploring Aeroplan’s Extensive Partner Network
Air Canada proudly lists over 50 aeroplan partners on its official website, a figure comprising 24 Star Alliance members and an impressive 27 non-alliance collaborators. While not every partner airline is available for point redemptions, Aeroplan opens doors to nearly 50 distinct airlines for award bookings. Let’s explore the breakdown of these aeroplan partners, categorizing them for clarity:
Star Alliance Airlines Redeemable with Aeroplan Points
Star Alliance forms the bedrock of Aeroplan’s global reach, providing access to a vast network of destinations and airlines. Here’s a table outlining Star Alliance aeroplan partners and their online booking availability through Aeroplan:
| Airline | Bookable Online? |
|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines | Yes |
| Air China | Yes |
| Air India | Yes |
| Air New Zealand | Yes |
| ANA | Yes, but calling recommended. |
| Asiana Airlines | Yes |
| Austrian Airlines | Yes |
| Avianca | Yes |
| Brussels Airlines | Yes |
| Copa Airlines | Yes |
| Croatia Airlines | No – Call Aeroplan to book. |
| EgyptAir | Yes |
| Ethiopian Airlines | Yes |
| EVA Air | Yes |
| LOT Polish Airlines | Yes |
| Lufthansa | Yes |
| Shenzhen Airlines | Yes, but calling recommended. |
| Singapore Airlines | Yes |
| South African Airways | Yes |
| SWISS | Yes |
| TAP Air Portugal | Yes |
| THAI | Yes |
| Turkish Airlines | Yes |
| United Airlines | Yes |
Credit: Star Alliance
Non-Alliance Aeroplan Partners: Expanding Your Horizons
Beyond Star Alliance, Aeroplan strategically partners with non-alliance airlines to further broaden its network and offer unique travel options. Below is a list of non-alliance aeroplan partners and their online booking status:
| Airline | Bookable Online? |
|---|---|
| Air Creebec | No – Call Aeroplan to book. |
| Air Dolomiti | Yes |
| Air Mauritius | Yes |
| Air Serbia | Yes |
| Azul Brazilian Airlines | Yes |
| Bamboo Airways | Yes |
| Calm Air | No – Call Aeroplan to book. |
| Canadian North | Yes |
| Cathay Pacific | Yes |
| Discover Airlines | Yes |
| Edelweiss Air | Yes |
| Emirates | Yes |
| Etihad Airways | Yes |
| Eurowings | Yes |
| FlyDubai | Yes |
| GOL | Yes |
| Gulf Air | Yes |
| Juneyao Airlines | No – Call Aeroplan to book. |
| Olympic Air | Yes |
| Oman Air | Yes |
| PAL Airlines | Yes |
| SunExpress | Yes |
| Virgin Australia | Yes |
| Vistara | Yes |
It’s important to note that a select few airlines are partners for earning Aeroplan points but not for redemptions. These include Aer Lingus, Central Mountain Air, Middle East Airlines, and SriLankan Airlines, where points earning is limited to specific flights with Air Canada flight numbers.
Related: The Complete Guide to the Air Canada Aeroplan Program
Understanding Aeroplan’s Hybrid Award Charts for Partner Bookings
Aeroplan’s award charts, revamped in 2020, utilize a hybrid zone-and-distance system to calculate redemption costs. Instead of a purely zone-based structure, the system incorporates flight distance into the point calculation, offering a more nuanced approach to award pricing. Air Canada initially released 10 distinct award charts, later consolidated, to illustrate point requirements between different geographical regions.
Aeroplan award chart zones
These charts are categorized by origin region, simplifying the process of determining point costs. For example, the chart for flights originating in North America outlines redemption rates when traveling from North America to other zones.
Here’s a glimpse into the award chart for flights starting in the Atlantic zone:
Aeroplan redemption pricing starting in or flying within the Atlantic zone
And here’s the award chart for flights originating from the Pacific zone:
Aeroplan redemption pricing starting in or flying within the Pacific zone
Notably, Emirates and FlyDubai have a separate, 11th award chart due to their dynamic pricing model, which we’ll discuss further below.
Air Canada Flights with Aeroplan Points: Flexibility and Dynamic Pricing
A key change in the Aeroplan program refresh was making every Air Canada seat redeemable with points. While this expands redemption opportunities, it also introduced dynamic pricing for Air Canada flights. Award prices can fluctuate, sometimes significantly, based on demand and other factors. Aeroplan’s award charts for Air Canada flights reflect this dynamic pricing with point ranges.
For intra-North America travel on Air Canada, award pricing starts at a competitive 6,000 points each way for short-haul flights.
Credit: Air Canada
However, it’s crucial to be aware that award costs can vary widely depending on factors such as distance, cabin class, and demand, which is a characteristic of dynamic pricing.
Flight award result – YVR to HKG bookable with Aeroplan points.
While Air Canada provides extensive availability, it isn’t always the most point-efficient option. Partner awards often require fewer Aeroplan points, making it a best practice to compare costs before booking. Unless you specifically desire to fly Air Canada, exploring aeroplan partners can often yield better value.
Related: Secret Sweet Spots of Aeroplan Awards
Maximizing Your Aeroplan Points with Star Alliance Partners
Star Alliance aeroplan partners offer a diverse range of destinations and flight experiences. Let’s explore some key partners and redemption strategies:
Aegean Airlines
The largest airline in Greece, Aegean Airlines, primarily serves European destinations, with some routes extending to North Africa and the Middle East. Flights solely on Aegean Airlines operate within Aeroplan’s “Atlantic” award region. Short routes like Athens (ATH) to Mykonos (JMK) can be redeemed for as low as 7,500 points.
Credit: Air Canada
Air China
Air China, a major Chinese carrier within Star Alliance, offers an extensive network from Beijing. Destinations include numerous domestic Chinese cities and international routes, including some US and Canadian gateways. Availability, especially in premium cabins, can be challenging to find.
Flight award result – SFO to PEK bookable with Aeroplan points.
Air India
India’s national carrier, Air India, based in New Delhi, serves a vast network of domestic and international destinations, including several in North America. While convenient for travel to India, comparing redemption costs with other Star Alliance aeroplan partners is recommended for optimal point usage.
Credit: Air Canada
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand unlocks destinations throughout the South Pacific, including islands like Fiji and Cook Islands. They also offer flights to several North American gateway cities. Flights across the International Date Line can create unique “time travel” experiences.
Flight award result – IAH to AKL bookable with Aeroplan points.
ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA, a highly-regarded Japanese airline, features a strong domestic network within Japan and international flights to North America, Europe, and Hawaii. ANA’s premium cabin products are highly sought after, but award availability through Aeroplan can be limited. Calling Aeroplan to inquire about availability seen on partner sites like United MileagePlus may be beneficial.
Flight award result – JFK to TYO bookable with United miles.
Asiana Airlines
South Korea’s Asiana Airlines connects passengers to numerous Asian destinations, as well as cities in Europe and North America. Within Asia, Asiana can provide good value, especially on routes where full-service cash fares are high.
Credit: Air Canada
Austrian Airlines
Austrian Airlines, based in Vienna, offers extensive European connectivity and transatlantic flights to several North American cities. Even shorter transatlantic routes on Austrian can fall into higher Aeroplan award price bands due to distance.
Flight award result – ORD to VIE bookable with Aeroplan points.
Avianca
Avianca, a leading Latin American Star Alliance carrier, serves destinations throughout the Americas and Europe. With hubs in Bogotá and San Salvador, Avianca is ideal for intra-Latin America travel.
Credit: Air Canada
Brussels Airlines
Brussels Airlines, based in Brussels, provides European routes and select destinations in Africa and North America. Transatlantic routes on Brussels Airlines can require fewer Aeroplan points compared to other European carriers due to shorter distances.
Flight award result – BRU to ABJ bookable with Aeroplan points.
Copa Airlines
Copa Airlines, based in Panama City, connects North, Central, and South America, and the Caribbean. With a broad route network, Copa offers extensive travel options within the Americas, often at competitive Aeroplan point prices.
Credit: Air Canada
Croatia Airlines
Croatia Airlines, Croatia’s flag carrier, focuses on European routes, many of which are seasonal. Economy redemptions start at just 7,500 Aeroplan points. Booking may require calling Aeroplan, despite availability showing on partner sites like United.
Flight award result – ZAG to MUC bookable with United miles.
EgyptAir
EgyptAir, Egypt’s flag carrier, operates from Cairo to destinations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Direct flights to Cairo are available from several North American cities.
Credit: Air Canada
Ethiopian Airlines
Ethiopian Airlines, headquartered in Addis Ababa, boasts the most extensive African network within Star Alliance. They also serve destinations in North America, Asia, and Europe. Long-haul flights like Addis Ababa to Washington, D.C., are available.
Flight award result – ADD to EWR bookable with Aeroplan points.
EVA Air
EVA Air, based in Taipei, Taiwan, serves destinations throughout Asia, Oceania, Europe, and North America. Flights to North America can be point-intensive due to distance, so considering positioning flights to West Coast gateways may reduce point costs.
Credit: Air Canada
LOT Polish Airlines
LOT Polish Airlines, based in Warsaw, primarily serves European destinations, with some routes to Asia and North America. They also operate a fifth-freedom route between Budapest and Seoul. Award space is generally good, including on the fifth-freedom route.
Flight award result – ORD to WAW bookable with Aeroplan points.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa offers a vast global network, serving destinations across five continents. While Lufthansa award tickets are often associated with high surcharges, Aeroplan does not levy these surcharges, making Lufthansa redemptions more attractive.
Credit: Air Canada
Related: How To Book Lufthansa First Class Using Miles
Shenzhen Airlines
Shenzhen Airlines, operating from Shenzhen, China, mainly serves domestic and regional Asian destinations, with limited long-haul routes to Europe. Booking may require calling Aeroplan after finding availability on United’s website.
Flight award result – SZX to LHR bookable with United miles.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines, consistently ranked among the world’s best, offers a global network from its Singapore hub. While Singapore Suites (first class) availability is often restricted, Aeroplan frequently has excellent business class availability on Singapore Airlines.
Credit: Air Canada
South African Airways
South African Airways (SAA) primarily operates within Africa post-COVID-19. For intra-Africa travel, SAA can be a valuable aeroplan partner option.
Flight award result – JNB to LUN bookable with Aeroplan points.
SWISS
SWISS, or Swiss International Air Lines, connects Switzerland to Europe, North and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia from its Zurich hub. Shorter transatlantic routes from East Coast North American cities can lead to lower Aeroplan point redemptions.
Credit: Air Canada
TAP Air Portugal
TAP Air Portugal, Portugal’s Star Alliance carrier, serves European, African, and American destinations from its Lisbon hub. TAP offers unique destinations like the Azores islands.
Flight award result – YYZ to PDL bookable with Aeroplan points.
THAI (Thai Airways)
THAI, operating from Bangkok, offers routes across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the South Pacific. While THAI no longer serves North America directly, it provides excellent connectivity within Asia and to Europe.
Credit: Air Canada
Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines, Turkey’s flag carrier, boasts a vast global network from its Istanbul hub, connecting virtually every corner of the earth. Transatlantic routes to far-west North American cities can require more Aeroplan points due to distance.
Flight award result – IST to SEA bookable with Aeroplan points.
United Airlines
United Airlines, another Star Alliance founding member, offers an extensive domestic US network and global destinations. United’s award search engine is a valuable tool for finding Star Alliance award availability, often mirroring Aeroplan’s online availability. However, calling Aeroplan may be necessary for awards seen on United but not Aeroplan’s website.
Credit: Air Canada
Related: 600+ United Award Routes That You Can Book for Just 6,000 Aeroplan Points
Exploring Non-Alliance Aeroplan Partners for Unique Travel
Aeroplan’s non-alliance aeroplan partners open doors to niche destinations and unique travel experiences:
Air Creebec
Air Creebec serves destinations within Ontario and Quebec, Canada, primarily north of Montreal. Booking requires calling Aeroplan.
Air Dolomiti
Air Dolomiti, a European regional carrier, serves destinations within Europe from its Frankfurt hub. All flights within Europe are redeemable at 7,500 points each way in economy.
Flight award result – FRA to KLR bookable with Aeroplan points.
Air Mauritius
Air Mauritius, the flag carrier of Mauritius, operates regional flights from Mauritius and long-haul routes to Asia and Europe. Routes to India are under 4,000 miles and priced lower on the Aeroplan chart.
Credit: Air Canada
Air Serbia
Air Serbia, Serbia’s flag carrier, serves European, Middle Eastern, and some long-haul destinations including New York and Chicago. Intra-Europe flights start at 7,500 Aeroplan points.
Flight award result – BEG to VIE bookable with Aeroplan points.
Azul Brazilian Airlines
Azul Brazilian Airlines primarily serves domestic Brazilian and South American cities, with select routes to the US and Europe. Intra-Brazil flights should be compared with cash fares before redeeming points.
Credit: Air Canada
Bamboo Airways
Bamboo Airways, based in Vietnam, serves Vietnamese destinations. Short flights within Vietnam can be redeemed for 8,000 points, but consider low-cost carrier competition in the region.
Flight award result – SGN to HAN bookable with Aeroplan points.
Calm Air
Calm Air operates within Manitoba and Nunavut provinces in Canada. Booking requires calling Aeroplan.
Canadian North
Canadian North serves western Canada, primarily the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. While some routes overlap with Air Canada, Canadian North expands redemption options.
Credit: Air Canada
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific, a Oneworld alliance member, offers a limited selection of regional Asian flights bookable with Aeroplan points, primarily between Hong Kong and nearby destinations.
Flight award result – HKG to MNL bookable with Aeroplan points.
Discover Airlines
Discover Airlines, owned by Lufthansa Group, focuses on leisure destinations worldwide. Award availability is generally good.
Credit: Air Canada
Edelweiss Air
Edelweiss Air, a leisure-focused airline owned by SWISS, connects to 65+ destinations from Zurich. Despite the SWISS branding in booking results, in-flight products differ from SWISS.
Flight award result – ZRH to ZNZ bookable with Aeroplan points.
Emirates
Emirates, known for luxury, offers a global network from Dubai. First Class redemptions are very point-intensive due to dynamic pricing.
Credit: Air Canada
Emirates and FlyDubai share a unique, dynamically priced award chart with wide point ranges:
Aeroplan award chart for Emirates and FlyDubai
Related: Here’s How Much You’ll Pay When Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Emirates Flights
Etihad Airways
Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, provides global connectivity. Economy awards are more readily available than premium cabin awards with Aeroplan.
Credit: Air Canada
Related: Etihad Still Restricting Awards With Partner Airlines
Eurowings
Eurowings, a Lufthansa Group budget airline, serves 150+ destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Compare cash prices to point redemptions as Eurowings flights are often inexpensive.
DUS to VIE bookable via Aeroplan.
FlyDubai
FlyDubai, closely related to Emirates, operates an extensive network across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Like Emirates, FlyDubai awards are dynamically priced and can be expensive.
Credit: Air Canada
GOL
GOL, a Brazilian carrier, serves domestic Brazil and South American destinations, as well as select US and Caribbean routes. Compare cash fares with point redemptions as cash fares can be competitive.
Flight award result – MIA to BSB bookable with Aeroplan points.
Gulf Air
Gulf Air, based in Bahrain, serves destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and Indian subcontinent, and some further destinations. Business class on Gulf Air offers good value for points.
Credit: Air Canada
Juneyao Airlines
Juneyao Airlines, a Star Alliance Connecting Partner, operates from Shanghai to destinations in Asia and Helsinki. Booking requires calling Aeroplan after finding availability via United.
Flight award result – PVG to HEL bookable with United miles.
Olympic Air
Olympic Air, a subsidiary of Aegean Airlines, operates solely within Greece. Consider cash fares as they can be affordable, potentially offering better point value elsewhere.
Credit: Air Canada
Oman Air
Oman Air, set to join Oneworld, remains an Aeroplan partner. They serve destinations in the Middle East, Europe, India, and Southeast Asia. Finding award space can be challenging.
Flight award result – FRA to MCT bookable with Aeroplan points.
PAL Airlines
PAL Airlines serves eastern Canada. Booking for smaller airports may require calling Aeroplan. Flights to smaller airports can offer better point value.
Credit: Air Canada
SunExpress
SunExpress, a joint venture of Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, serves destinations in Europe and the Middle East via Turkey. Finding awards online can be unreliable.
Flight award result – AYT to WAW bookable with Aeroplan points.
Virgin Australia
Virgin Australia’s network currently focuses on domestic Australia, New Zealand, Bali, Tokyo, Fiji, Samoa, and Vanuatu. Award availability is generally good. Compare mileage costs with cash fares.
Credit: Air Canada
Building Your Aeroplan Points Balance for Partner Redemptions
Aeroplan points can be accumulated through various avenues, including co-branded credit cards and transfer partnerships.
Aeroplan offers co-branded credit cards in Canada and the U.S., such as the Aeroplan® Credit Card from Chase.
Points transfers are also a valuable method to bolster your Aeroplan balance:
| From | To | Transfer Ratio | Min.Transfer | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amex (Membership Rewards) United States | Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 1,000:1,000 | – | Immediate |
| Capital One | Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 100:100 | 1,000 | Immediate |
| Chase (Ultimate Rewards) | Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 1,000:1,000 | – | 47 minutes |
| Marriott Bonvoy | Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 3:1 | 3,000 | 4 days – 5 days |
| BarclaycardArrival Plus cardholders | Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 8,500:5,000 | – | Unknown |
| Bilt Rewards | Air Canada (Aeroplan) | 1,000:1,000 | 2,000 | Unknown |
Related: Do Air Canada Aeroplan Points Expire?
Final Thoughts on Aeroplan Partners
Aeroplan’s extensive network of nearly 50 aeroplan partners provides unparalleled global travel redemption opportunities. Whether you aim to explore remote corners of the world or travel popular routes, Aeroplan points and its diverse partner airlines can get you there. While many partners are bookable online, some require phone bookings. For phone assistance in the U.S., contact 888-247-2262.
Remember to assess the value of your Aeroplan points and compare redemption costs with cash fares and other frequent flyer programs to ensure you secure the best possible value for your travel goals.
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