Air Transat to Launch a New Loyalty Program Later This Year — Here’s What We Know So Far

Air Transat, the Quebec-based airline with an extensive route map, has announced plans for a new loyalty program. While details are still scarce, this upcoming program, launched in conjunction with Canadian financial services company Desjardins Group, could be a nice addition for Canadian flyers.

Here’s what we know so far.

Air Transat to Launch a New Loyalty Program in 2026

Air Transat suspended its previous loyalty program, BonBon, in 2025 — and it's been without a loyalty program ever since. That program faced ongoing issues tied to its former bank-issued credit card and customer service challenges. But now, the airline has shared a few early details about its coming replacement.

The new partnership with Desjardins Group will include forthcoming Visa credit cards. According to Xavier Szwengler, Vice President of Marketing and Distribution at Transat:

“This new loyalty program will enrich the Air Transat experience, voted World's Best Leisure Airline by Skytrax seven times, through a modern, simple, and flexible approach. Alongside Desjardins and Visa, we are taking a new step toward offering even more to our loyal customers at every moment of their travel experience.”

Credit: Air Transat

What this will mean in practice for Air Transat customers is still somewhat vague, but the return of a loyalty program and the introduction of co-branded credit cards should be a positive development. Air Transat appears to be building on its profitability in 2025 as it looks to compete more directly with other Canadian carriers, including Air Canada and Porter Airlines.

The airline says the new program is expected to launch in the second half of 2026.

What the New Program Could Mean for Air Transat Redemptions via Partners

If you want to book an Air Transat flight with points, you don’t necessarily have to wait for the airline’s new loyalty program to roll out. For now, Air Transat’s partnership with Porter Airlines allows travelers to book Air Transat flights through the VIPorter program.

This Montreal (YUL) to Paris (CDG) route is just one example.

Booking Air Transit through Porter Airlines. Credit: Porter Airlines.

However, it remains to be seen whether this relationship will continue once Air Transat launches its new program, and how redemption rates will compare between the two airlines. It's possible Porter could end these redemptions entirely, or Air Transat could reciprocate and launch Porter redemptions on its own site. Time will tell.

Bottom Line

There are still plenty of unknowns surrounding Air Transat’s upcoming loyalty program. How will points be earned? What will award redemptions look like? What benefits will frequent flyers receive? Until those details are finalized, it’s difficult to determine whether this program will compete with Air Canada Aeroplan, WestJet Rewards, VIPorter, and others.

That said, for Canadians who fly Air Transat regularly or hope to take advantage of the new Desjardins partnership, it’s a development worth keeping an eye on. We’ll share more details as they emerge.

AwardWallet Tip of The Day

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