Aeroplan- Better than Ever
Written: Oct 25 '04 (Updated Oct 25 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: More and More Sponsors, Many options to earn miles fast
Cons: Not the best program for US citizens, Air Canada Service on Airplanes isn't the best
The Bottom Line: If you live in Canada and need a good reward program, come and join it
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| can_of_beans's Full Review: Air Canada Aeroplan |
Preface
Before I write this review, people should know about a few things. Air Canada has always been in scrutiny for service and lately financially. In fact making fun of Air Canada is probably another favorite pass time in Canada second to Hockey. In many reviews I've looked at so far paints pictures which have shown Air Canada prior to restructuring which is irrelevant to it today. Also some scrutinize the Aeroplan program for things which aren't true like the only way is to earn through flying (but isn't that what a FREQUENT FLYER PROGRAM is for?). Maybe I'm just lucky or maybe it was way different before I joined, but Aeroplan has got to be my favorite reward program.
Earning Capabilities
There are many ways to earn miles. Of course flying with Air Canada will yield miles. But Air Canada also has an extensive partner list. As a member of Star Alliance, I can earn miles on many airlines (United, Lufthansa, ANA, Air NZ etc.). Also many small commuter airlines (in Canada) offer Aeroplan miles for it's flyers. These include Air North, Central Mountain Air, Bearskin Airlines etc. Miles earned depend on the airline, origin & destination, and fare (most by distance).
Another great way to earn miles is through financial services. CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) offers many ways to earn miles. The two credit cards Aerogold and Aeroclassic are created to fit the two different financial needs of rich people and the average joe. Aerogold ($120 CDN Annual) offers 1 mile per $1CDN spent. Aeroclassic ($29 CDN Annual but first year is free!) offers 1 mile per $2 spent. I personally have a Aeroclassic Visa and I can earn miles at even sponsorers. Lately, AMEX has started their cards so there has been specials offered by both companies to win business. Another great tool is the Aeromortgage. I just bought my first house. I received a 10000 mile sign-up bonus and I receive 1 aeroplan mile for every $1 in interest I pay. CIBC is one of Aeroplan's best partners.
The last main sponsor I use often is ESSO (ESSO is the same as Exxon, only in Canada). I earn 1 mile per $3 on fuel and concession. I can even get miles with the speedpass. Not only that, the miles are credited almost automatically so no waiting. If you signup for speedpass and try it for the first time, you receive a bonus 200 miles.
There are many sponsorers, but these are my favorite. A list of all sponsorers are available on the bottom of this review.
Rewards
There are many rewards than just flying so you open to many options. Flying rewards can be redeemed for as little as 15,000 miles for a short haul flight in Canada. The largest Air Canada ticket is the Canada to Australia flights via Honolulu (YVR-HNL-SYD & YYZ-HNL-MEL) for 65,000 miles. You can also redeem for flights on all Star Alliance members. Most of the time, me and my friends requests were granted.
Lately, Aeroplan is also offering Future Shop (Electronics Chain in Canada) has offered even prizes such as a computer mouse (8500 miles) to even a large screen tv (100,000 miles). Delivery in Canada is free, but I think it will cost money for US customers.
Hotel rewards start at 10000 miles for Best Western and Delta Hotels (currently there's a special and it is at 7000 miles).
My favorite rewards are in the YourStyle reward catalogue which offer things from free dinner to a Ski & Golf resort vacation. The list of the YourStyle awards is bracketed off by provinces so you can choose ones closest to you. I am planning to redeem miles for a skiing trip in Banff and the aeroplan staff have already worked out the things for me (86,000 miles)
Service
It used to be worse (but not bad) I will say, but they have improved extremely. Each operator has a good knowledge (so far) of the program and what to do when there is trouble. There isn't a long wait on the line (like Northwest WorldPerks) and was easy to connect to the operator. Most of the time they were able to help with my questions and to get my redemption of miles processed. Overall, I'm satisfied with the service.
Fees
No Fees whatsoever, unless your getting a Credit Card (which then of course!)I'm only mentioning this because Air New Zealand customers have to pay $50 NZD to joins their program.
Status
Air Canada offers 3 levels of status above basic membership. There is Prestige, Elite and Super Elite. Prestige only needs 15,000 status-miles (flown on Air Canada or a partner airline) to receive this lever which also works as Star Alliance Silver. It gives it's members free upgrade certificates and lounge passes. It also gives preffered seating, priority list and checking in etc. If you attain Elite and Super Elite, you can get unlimited access to Maple Leaf lounges and other Star Alliance lounges. If your a frequent flyer like me, you are recognized well.
US citizens
Unless you fly United, US Airwys, Air Canada, or any other Star Alliance partner, this maynot be your program. MBNA Bank offers a Mastercard for Aeroplan Miles. I'm not sure how it works, but if you go to the Aeroplan website or MBNA's they should be able to answer it. But your better off joining United Mileage Plus or US Airways Dividend Miles if your flying Air Canada or any Star ALliance partner.
Mile Rules
Miles do not expire...as long as you use your account within 2 years since the last credit of miles. Status miles only last 1 year. But 2 years is quite a long time especially if you can earn miles other ways.
Points.com
Air Canada is a member of Points.com which allows you to convert miles from one program to another. I don't use this but some do. The only thing is I wouldn't bother because it yields the user very little miles half the time.
Transfers and Mile Purchase
You can transfer miles to another account for 2¢ a mile. And if you want to top off your account, you can purchase (10,000 max per year) miles for 4¢ a mile. I've never done this so if someone knows can you tell me how it went?
Summary
Overall, I am completely satisfied with Aeroplan. As Air Canada is the only major airline, Aeroplan has been able to take control of the market and offer more sponsorers. Although they face competition with Air Miles (a program offered by a private company unrelated to an airline) , Aeroplan has been quite competitive. There are talks for more sponsorers so hope we get even better rewards and mile earning oppurtunities. Below is a list of partners. For more extensive info, visit http://www.aeroplan.com. Also visit http://www.staralliance.com
Masterlist of Partners
Air Canada
Air Canada Jazz
Air Creebec
Air Georgian Limited
(doing business as Air Alliance)
Air New Zealand
Air One
ANA
Asiana Airlines
Austrian Airlines
Austrian arrows
Bearskin Airlines
Blue 1
bmi
Calm Air
Canadian North
First Air
Keewatin Air
Lauda Air
Lufthansa
SAS Scandinavian Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Spanair
South African Airways (Not yet)
THAI
United
US Airways
VARIG
ZIP
FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Aeroplan Platinum Plus MasterCard credit card
(for U.S. residents only)
American Express AeroplanPlus Card
American Express AeroplanPlus Corporate Card
American Express AeroplanPlus Gold Card
American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Card
CIBC Aero Classic VISA Card
CIBC Aero Classic VISA Card for Business
CIBC AeroCorporate VISA card
CIBC Aerogold VISA card
CIBC Aerogold ADVANTEX Benefit Program
CIBC AeroMortgage
SPECIALTY PARTNERS
Aéroports de Montréal — ECONOPARC and VALETPARC
Air Canada Vacations
All-Purpose Realty
Atlas Van Lines
Carnival Cruise Lines
Destina.ca
Esso
FloraWorld
FTD.COM
Gryphon Golf & Spa Experiences
Park & Jet — Calgary
Park'N Fly
points.com
Resort Reservations Network — Mont Tremblant and Whistler Blackcomb
TravelMedisys
Vancouver International Airport — YVR Parking
VOXCOM Security Systems
TELECOMMUNICATIONS PARTNERS
Primus Canada
Roadpost Inc.
HOTEL PARTNERS
AmeriHost
Best Western International
Clarion
Comfort Inn
Comfort Suites
Conrad
Courtyard by Marriott
Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts
Days Inn
Delta Hotels
Doubletree
Econo Lodge
Embassy Suites Hotels
Fairfield Inn by Marriott
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts
Four Points by Sheraton
Gouverneur Hotels
Hampton Inn
Hampton Inn Suites
Hilton
Hilton Garden Inn
Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Hotels and Resorts
Homewood Suites by Hilton
Howard Johnson Canada
Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
InterContinental Hotels and Resorts
Knights Inn
MainStay Suites
Marriott Hotels, Resorts and Suites
Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts
Quality
Radisson Hotels & Resorts
Ramada Canada
Renaissance Hotels, Resorts and Suites
Residence Inn by Marriott
Rodd Hotels & Resorts — Signature Properties
Rodeway Inn
Scandic hotels
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts
Sheraton Hotels & Resorts
Sleep Inn
SpringHill Suites by Marriott
St. Regis
Staybridge Suites by Holiday Inn
Summerfield Suites by Wyndham
Super 8
The Luxury Collection
TownePlace Suites by Marriott
Traders Hotels
Travelodge
Villager
W Hotels
Westin Hotels & Resorts
Wingate Inns
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts
CAR RENTAL PARTNERS
Alamo Rent A Car
Avis
Budget
Hertz
National Car Rental
Thrifty Car Rental
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
can_of_beans
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Reviews written: 12
Trusted by: 1 member
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