Aeroplan Partners Change the Game with Dynamic Pricing
Unless you’ve just awoken from a long nap beneath a rock, you’ve likely heard of Air Canada Aeroplan. It’s long been a darling in the frequent flyer community. Think of it as the Swiss Army knife of loyalty programs– handy, with a use for every occasion. But hold that applause, because, much to our collective chagrin, it just turned a bit duller.
Recently, Aeroplan dropped a bombshell, announcing adjustments to their award chart that, spoiler alert, are no one’s idea of a party. These changes have officially strut into town, and they’re a hard pill to swallow. In fact, they’re tougher than a $5 steak at a gas station diner.
New “Air Canada and Select Partners” Award Chart
Aeroplan’s award menu has been set up in zones, like little imaginary territories on a map with prices to match. Everything’s been cheesecake smooth until now, with partner airlines providing predictable pricing outside the rollercoaster ride of Emirates and FlyDubai. Well, the rollercoaster’s grown, folks.
As of March 2025, Aeroplan’s expanded its dynamic pricing to include three new players: Etihad, United, and some regional Canadians like Calm Air and PAL. The idea? More availability, but with costs jumping around like a cat on a hot tin roof.
- Etihad and United now join the dynamic pricing brigade.
- Canada’s local stars, Calm Air, Canadian North, and PAL, are also in on the shakeup.
The new style shows a range of prices versus fixed costs, in a trade-off of sorts people are still trying to figure out. If availability is your jam, prepare to pour a thick slice, but be ready to pay for it.
To illustrate the madness, you can now snag Etihad business class spots again, though first class remains an elusive unicorn.
The median pricing strategy, based on past ticket grabs, strives to stabilize your sense of shock when you hit that checkout button. It’s like trying to predict the weather — sometimes it’s right, sometimes you’re drenched without an umbrella.
- For those adventuring beyond North America, the pricing becomes as consistent as my New Year’s resolutions.
- Each quarter, you’ll see updates to reflect the erstwhile usage plans.
Aeroplan’s Updates Are a Tough Nut to Crack
Now that we’re in the thick of it, it’s clear we weren’t completely prepared. Here’s the lineup:
- Etihad business class tickets were as rare as hen’s teeth with Aeroplan. Any access, even at a steeper price, is a plus.
- United, another passenger on the dynamic train, leaves us wondering if prized saver level seats are now off limits or just more expensive, like going from a dollar menu to fine dining.
- Canadian partners? They’re offering more choices but with higher stakes.
Are we happy? Nope, not by a long shot. The grim reality? Higher award costs without the candy-coated bonus of more availability. Air travel has become pricey in more ways than one.
Picture this: a short hop from LA to SF. Yesterday’s fantasy cost 6,000 in economy or 15,000 in business — a steal! Today’s reality: 10,000 or 30,000 respectively. Somebody pass me the aspirin.
If you’re jonesing for a transatlantic adventure, consider this. Newark to London used to set you back 35,000 in economy and 60,000 for some business sass. Fast forward to now—it’s 40,000 and 80,000. Breathtaking, and not in a good way.
We haven’t forgotten you, South America. A Houston to Buenos Aires jaunt was 43,000 in economy, 60,000 in business. Today? Look for 45,000 or why not a cool round 100,000.
Etihad’s the wild card. Sure, you can buckle up in their business class, but expect to shell out 117,300 points for a seat that once cost 42,500 miles via an American partner. Ouch doesn’t cover it.
This United fiasco feels like the rug’s been yanked out, leaving Aeroplan fans grasping for balance. Meanwhile, Etihad’s a mixed bag: a costly venture, yet at least more seats are within reach.
But why the upheaval, you ask? Could United have driven up costs to Aeroplan, leaving them with no choice but to pass it on to us—the relentless travelers? Your guess is as good as mine, as the backstage dealings of airlines are wrapped in more mystery than a thriller novel.
Bottom Line
Changes, they say, are inevitable, but brace yourselves—this is a doozy. Aeroplan’s award dance has evolved into something altogether different, and not necessarily for the better.
The bad news? United’s back in the spotlight, minus the thrill of new seating options, but with a dramatically increased bill. Meanwhile, Etihad’s premium offers have returned, yet they’re more akin to a high-budget sequel nobody asked for.
In a world where air miles are becoming less and less of a guarantee, what’s your take on Aeroplan’s new flight path? Could it be the herald of tougher skies for points chasers everywhere?
For a distraction, why not dream of the slopes of Val Seny ski resort? Their charm might offer some solace from these travel woes.