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Air Canada Aeroplan increased its network of airline partners yet again with the addition of Vietnam-based Bamboo Airways. The move took place immediately at the time of announcement. Air Canada Aeroplan members can now earn and redeem points for flights on Bamboo Airways.
About Bamboo Airways
Bamboo Airways is a relative newcomer to the airline world. Founded in 2017, the airline operates out of two hubs: one in Hanoi and one in Ho Chi Minh City. The airline operates and range of aircraft, including several widebodied jets. While most of the fleet is narrowbody jets (like the Airbus 320) the airline also operates several Boeing 787 Dreamliner on its long-haul routes.
The airline has expanded significantly since its founding and currently serves 16 international destinations. However, the airline is expected to grow rapidly and aims to serve 50 international routes by 2025!
Earning Aeroplan Points with Bamboo Airways
Earning Aeroplan points for flight on Bamboo-operated flights varies by class. You will earn 25% of miles flown at the lower end of the spectrum. On the other hand, at the top end, you earn 125% of miles flown when booking premium cabins. You earn points according to the chart below.
Keep in mind that certain booking classes, J, C, U, V, A, G, D, and P, earn no Aeroplan points at all. In addition, you will not earn Status Qualifying Miles SQM when flying Bamboo Airways. That means you won't earn any credit toward Aeroplan elite status — just redeemable Aeroplan points.
Aeroplan Bamboo Sweet spots
Booking partner awards on Bamboo Airways opens up a few more sweet spots in the Aeroplan award chart. This is especially true if you are interested in heading down under. Flights from Hanoi to Sydney or Melbourne come in just shy of 5,000 miles flown.
For flights under 5,000 within the Pacific zone, Aeroplan offers a great value:
- Business class awards will set you back 45,000 points plus taxes and fees one way.
- Economy awards will set you back 25,000 points plus taxes and fees one way.
There is also some excellent value if you are touring Asia and want to head over to Bali (DPS). However, you will need to depart from Ho Chi Minh airport (SGN), not Hanoi. Leaving from Ho Chi Minh to Bali, the journey is under 2,000 miles — hitting another Aeroplan sweet spot within the Pacific:
- Business class awards will set you back 30,000 points plus taxes and fees one way.
- Economy awards will set you back 12,500 points plus taxes and fees one way.
If you are looking to head over to Vietnam from the west coast of the US, you have a couple of options on Bamboo Airways. The company operates flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The route from Hanoi to San Francisco is a great sweet spot since it comes in just under 7,500 miles.
For travel under 7,500 miles from North America to the Pacific region, awards are priced as follows:
- Business class awards will set you back 75,000 points plus taxes and fees one way.
- Economy awards will set you back 50,000 points plus taxes and fees one way.
Our take
More options to earn and burn points is excellent news, and this addition by Aeroplan is no exception. The fact that Aeroplan now offers even more redemption sweet spots — particularly around Southeast Asia — is the icing on the cake.
Will you be redeeming Aeroplan points for a flight on Bamboo Airways? Let us know in the comments below!
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Bamboos 787’s are nice with lie flats. The rest of the fleet is normal. Service up front is good.
The fact that Aeroplan no offers — now*?
Thanks Keith. We’ve made that fix.