Update 5/7/20: This has been pushed back to Q4 2020. Key points:
- Will have a dynamic redemption structure, but also a published chart for partner flights
- Aeroplan 2.0 will also bring back the ability to make more than one stop-over on a return flight, which was removed in September 2019.
Original post: In 2002 Air Canada spun off their loyalty program ‘Aeroplan’ as it’s own separate entity. Air Canada eventually bought Aeroplan back at the start of 2019, but they still plan to launch a new loyalty program to replace Aeroplan. We have yet to hear any specific details, but we do have some more information thanks to a chat that blogger Prince of Travel had with Mark Nasr, Vice President of Loyalty & E-Commerce at Air Canada. Here is the key points:
- New program aims to launch in Q3 2020.
- Full details of the new program will be given ‘many months in advance’ leaving no room for surprises
- intra-North America flights will likely move to a dynamic redemption system (every seat available at different price points)
- Partner redemptions to remain fixed
- Ability to add a second stopover on round-trip Aeropaln redemptions has only been temporarily disabled and will be returning under the new program
- New products and offers will be available from all three card issuers (TD, CIBC, and Amex).
I assume the card issuer news is Canada specific as TD discontinued the U.S. card late last year.
Hat tip to AnHeroicHippo
AIMIA actually lucked out with the coerced aeroplan sale. The value of the program would have taken a nosedive given COVID19.
Do we know who the partners are for redemption?
Not sure why it wouldn’t be the same Star Alliance partners Aeroplan can book now.
Will AMEX remain a partner is most important question.
I’d be astonished if they weren’t, especially for Amex Canada.
The bigger question is what the new redemption chart will look like. I’ve got 57,500 miles stranded there from a cancelled trip, so I’m not looking forward or a devaluation that will bring the new program’s chart more into line with Lifemiles and United’s pricing especially for business class to Europe.
I’m in the same boat but for 200k as I had to change to a different carrier a while back.
Can anyone get Aeroplan search to work at all right now? Most routes just error out.
YES. I get a successful search about 1 in 10 times. I’m surprised there isnt more uproar since this has been happening for weeks. Anyone else?
Been having exact same thing since over a week. 9 out 10 times it just returns error for flight search.
you need to use UA site now and then call to book because AC has serious IT issues ever since they moved to Amadeus.
You may want to check Flyertalk Air Canada forum for the website issues.