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Air Canada's Aeroplan loyalty program is already the world's most-connected airline program with over 40 airline partners. However, it seems Aeroplan isn't done adding partners! Aeroplan has added Sun Express to its network of airline partners.
Aeroplan members can now redeem their points for flights on the European holiday carrier. However, Aeroplan members can't yet earn points for flights on Sun Express flights.
What is Sun Express?
Sun Express is a joint venture project between Turkish Airlines and Lufthansa. The airline's primary goal is to service Turkish sun holiday destinations with European travelers. At the same time, it is not a low-cost carrier per se. Sun Express operates an all-economy fleet with a limited service onboard.
Aeroplan – Sun Express Partnership Overview
Through this new partnership with Sun Express, Aeroplan members can now do the following:
- Book Sun Express flights directly via the Air Canada app, website, or contact center.
- Redeem their points for flights on Sun Express.
Keep in mind that at this time, Aeroplan members cannot earn points for flights on Sun Express.
Is it Worth Redeeming Aeroplan Points for Sun Express?
Sadly, in almost every situation, the answer is no. When you take into account the following:
- Most routes within Europe to and from Turkey are between 1,000 and 2,000 miles distance. As a result, these routes will cost you 12,500 points plus the partner booking fee.
- Air Canada levies a C$39/~US$29 partner booking fee.
Sun Express fare pricing can vary widely, depending on the time of year. Keeping in mind most of its pricing is aimed at the European sun holiday market.
Take, for instance, a one-way flight from London Gatwick (LGW) to Antalya (AYT). This would set you back 12,500 points plus taxes n fees and a$29 partner booking fee. Booking the flight in January 2023 will set you back about $72 (at the time of writing).
Obviously, using points and miles for this flight is not worth it, and you are better off adding $43 to the $29 booking fee and paying for your flight cash.
What About High Season?
While January is the low season, things are not much better in the height of summer. When flights are much more expensive, the same flight in August 2023 will set you back around $410.
At this much higher price, redeeming points can be a much better deal. Using 12,500 points would work out as a value of 3.28 cents per point. That's better than the average redemption value of Aeroplan points for economy award flights (1.27¢ in recent AwardWallet user redemptions). However, that's assuming that you can find award availability for these in-demand flights.
Our Take
Signing up an all-economy airline designed to serve sun destinations for European holidaymakers is a bold and exciting choice by Aeroplan.
On the one hand, it is hard to see how many Aeroplan members based in North America can benefit from the partnership. Those members based in Europe may choose to use their accumulated points for their summer vacations.
In either case, the addition is welcome news since more options to use your points is always excellent news!
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