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Update: Air Canada has officially launched dynamic pricing for select Aeroplan partners. Click here to read about the full scope of the changes.
We've covered a lot of award chart changes recently here at AwardWallet, and there's another notable one on the way. Aeroplan — Air Canada’s loyalty program — announced updates to its award chart set to take effect on March 25, 2025.
While award chart changes are rarely good news for frequent flyers, this one isn’t entirely negative. Here’s what’s happening.
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Some Aeroplan Partners Will Move to Dynamic Pricing
Aeroplan currently prices award flights based on distance and the geographic zones you fly between (or within). The program utilizes dynamic pricing for Air Canada-operated flights and static pricing for all but two of its other 40+ airline partners.
However, starting March 25, 2025, the number of airlines subject to dynamic pricing will increase. Aeroplan intends to expand dynamic pricing to include the following carriers:
- United Airlines
- Etihad Airways
- Calm Air
- Canadian North
- PAL Airlines
Additionally, Emirates and Flydubai will now fall under this new structure rather than having their own separate range- and distance-based charts. It seems Emirates was a test run for Aeroplan, who's now rolling out the same model to other partners… with a key change.
Related: How Much You Can Expect to Pay When Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Emirates Flights
Aeroplan Award Pricing Is Getting More Complicated
Aeroplan is rolling out a new award chart structure that will include a floor price (the lowest possible redemption rate for a route) and a median price — based on historical member redemptions. The median price will be updated quarterly.
But what’s missing? A maximum price. Unlike the current pricing methodology, Aeroplan will no longer provide a ceiling for award rates on Air Canada and its newly-dynamic partners.
This means award rates could fluctuate even more widely, with no cap on how high they can go. Under the new award chart, other partners not included in the “select partners” list will continue to have static pricing, as shown in the example table below:
Potential Upsides for Aeroplan Members
While award pricing may become less predictable, there are a few silver linings. Award availability should increase for the newly dynamic partners, which could make it easier to book flights with points.
And in a welcome development, Etihad business class will once again be bookable with Aeroplan points, something that hasn’t been possible for a while. Unfortunately, Etihad first class still won’t be available.
For travelers who rely on Canadian regional airlines, these changes might also open up more redemption options. And while higher award prices aren’t ideal, they’re arguably better than a chart full of low-priced awards that never have availability.
Related: How To Use Points and Miles To Book First Class Award Flights
Final Thoughts
Award chart changes are rarely cause for celebration, and the impending Aeroplan ones are no different. While increased partner availability and the return of Etihad business class are positives, the shift toward more dynamic pricing likely means higher redemption rates for many awards.
Without a maximum price clearly spelled out, it’s hard to predict just how expensive some Aeroplan awards might become. And that's cause for concern.
If you're sitting on a lot of Aeroplan points and prefer to use them to book awards on any of the carriers that'll soon be subject to new pricing, you should consider spending some points before March 25, 2025. That way, you can lock in the current rates before the changes roll out.
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