Time flies, doesn’t it? In the blink of an eye, there’s only one more month to go until the new Aeroplan launches on November 8.
In this video, let’s talk about the best strategies for taking action to optimally position yourself before the new program’s launch, from booking flights under the current program before the November 8 deadline to looking ahead at the new Aeroplan credit cards that are about to drop.
Whether you’re looking to redeem Aeroplan points for a flight or nab a new credit card signup bonus, does it make sense to act now or wait for the launch?
Without further ado, you can watch the video below. And then be sure to let me know what your strategy will be in the comments.
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Thanks for the add. We are planning a trip to Europe September 2021 (for a cancelled trip this fall). We will fly Calgary to Naples, Italy. Then alternative travel to Budapest. Travel Budapest to Manchester and then Manchester back to Calgary. My thoughts are to book it now as it will be 110,000 points each for the round trip (business/first class) plus about $1100.00 in surcharges and taxes. I was trying to figure this out with the new Aeroplan and if my calculations are correct, the points for a round trip will increase substantially. I do not know what the taxes will be. Can you please assist me? Thank you so much.
My brother and I might go to Tahita from YWG in 2021. Does YWG count as “western Canada” and will the price drop after November 8?
The sweet spot of 55,000 points only really works from Vancouver. From Winnipeg, it’ll be 75,000 points in business class, which is still cheaper than it is today (80,000 miles).
Hi Ricky
Besides the details that have already been unveiled, there is no mention of potential hotels benefits for the high fee premium cards. If the current pale Visa Luxury Collection benefits were to be extended as they are now, I personally believe that the Amex platinum fee of CAD499 (after deducting the CADS200 travel credit) could be largely justified for a lot of travelers because of the exceptional perks offered by the American Express Fine Hotels & Resort, to mention this benefit only. What are your thoughts on that?
I agree with your assessment. You can find a more detailed comparison of the new Aeroplan premium cards vis-à-vis the Amex Platinum here: https://wp.princeoftravel.com/blog/head-to-head-amex-platinum-card-vs-new-premium-aeroplan-cards/
I assume that when you say the last day we can book under the current program is October 28, 2001, you mean that the return travel must be completed by that date. Is that correct?
Yes. To be more precise, October 28, 2021 is the last date on which travel can take place for any bookings made under the current Aeroplan rules.
Wife and I need to visit Goa, India (GOI) in early 2021 and cannot decide weather to use Etihad credit (form a previous cancellation) or use our stash of 300K Aeroplan miles in business class.- Which will go up significantly after Nov 8th. Only downside is due to limited vacatison will not be able to maximise the value with Stop-vers (SO) or long Layovers (LL). Currently exploring this trip YYZ-ORD (LL)-IST-DEL-GOI (Destination)-BOM(LL)-IST-LIS (SO)-YYZ. Not sure if the current rules will allow for a SO on outbound too (either in IST or DEL). Open to any other alternate return routing and stop overs. Any thoughts or suggestion much appreciated.
Thank you Alice. I appreciate you taking the time to help me. Have a great day and stay safe.
Looking at the charts you’ve provided – and knowing that your focus is Canada for obvious reasons, I am looking at booking a first-class YYC-LAX OR SFO-NRT OR HND on ANA for March of 2022. Technically, it’s not that far off as availability should open up by March/April of next year and I need to be hot on the button to get two seats for myself and my boyfriend.
That being said, while Calgary is in the “sweet spot” previously mentioned in your past posts, the “sweet spot” would be lost based on flying out of either LAX or SFO, correct? I’m actually working on the theory that heading south changes the distance from the 0 – 5,000 table to 5,001 – 7,500 table, and I should be looking at about 110,000 PP/One-Way, correct?
Correct, only Calgary-Tokyo direct is the sweet spot, as it falls under 5,000 miles. Any connections would bump you up into the next distance band, as you’ve surmised.
You mentioned to just book all possible bookings for 2021, even to the slightest chance to taking the trip. It might be very important to also mention the cancellation policy/fee if unable to take the trip.
Strong duckface game
Thanks I’ve been practicing 🤔🤔🤔
Just watched your video. How do you sign up for the American Express “wait list”? Dave
Follow the link from Ricky’s blog here: https://wp.princeoftravel.com/blog/coming-soon-new-aeroplan-cards-by-american-express/
J to akl or syd i am all over that, big sigh on expectations of availability tho
Beggars can’t be choosers. You’re asking to have things spelled out for you like a toddler when it’s all very clearly laid out. You clearly haven’t read the blog, there’s articles that answer all your questions already (including covering “abbreviations”, outlining the specific routes and prices, etc).
Hi Ricky,
I believe I know the answer to the following but I would like to hear from you as to my assumption. I am looking at the following trip(s) next September (if my current Italy/UK/QM2 transatlantic in May does not fall apart like it did this fall).
Current Aeroplan (I believe this is the better deal)
YYC-YVR AC
YVR-IST. TURKISH
LAYOVER
IST-TLV TURKISH
LAYOVER
TLV-IST TURKISH
IST-SFO TURKISH
SFO-YYC AC
cost 202.85 (including 30.00 surcharge) + 165,000 points
Would this trip be a better deal under the new Aeroplan?
I assume the above itinerary is a stopover in IST and destination is TLV. The current program is a slightly better deal. In the new program, it will cost you 190k + $39 partner booking fee based on this itinerary. And that is based on the your first direction not exceeding 8k miles. Otherwise, the cost will be 205k under the new program.
If you can find the flights and itinerary that works for you before the new program, I say go for it. If you need to make changes after Nov 8 you will be subject to the new program anyways, so no downside to booking now. Only downside is you will need to complete travel within one year from the date of booking.
Can you further discuss how those of us living in Vancouver BENEFIT from the new aeroplan rules? What routes would you day add the most value to your Vancouver readers?
The following redemptions from Vancouver are getting cheaper after November 8:
– Vancouver to Hawaii will now cost 12,500 Aeroplan points in economy class or 25,000 Aeroplan points in business class.
– Vancouver to Tokyo will now cost 35,000 Aeroplan points in economy class or 55,000 Aeroplan points in business class.
– Vancouver to Auckland will now cost 75,000 Aeroplan points in business class.
– Vancouver to Brisbane will now cost 75,000 Aeroplan points in business class.
Check out this post for a more detailed old vs. new comparison.
Thank you Ricky, most helpful and appreciative.
Previous posts hint at these, but they all point to trans-pacific locations (NZ being one that comes to mind under the new program)
Whats NZ? We need specific routes that we can use and the points associated with those routes. No abriviations or industry terms straight english please for normal readers.
“No abriviations or industry terms straight english please for normal readers.”
NZ is pretty obvious, although J is hard to get. Y is available but who wants that. 😉 That’s not how this game works buddy. If you don’t put in the work, you don’t get the reward.
Who are you? Who asked you buddy? If I wanted to do the work I wouldn’t be reading blogs who do post regularly. For most of us who don’t know J or Y or NZ we rely on information blogs like this for answers. If you are proud of being a travel nerd who knows this stuff already good for you, for the normal people out there we need more explanations thank you.
You will need to put in some effort (work) into this. Lots and lots of reading. Ricky has a helpful post on The Lingo you can read. The blogs are helpful but at the end of the day, you need to learn how the miles and points game benefits your travel style, no one can help you with that. The more work you put into it and understand the nooks and crannies, the less frustration you will experience.
ya Im in van too
Woah woah woah fellas, if you’re going to resort to personal insults, let’s keep things abriviated.
LOL at Steve