Keep in mind that Aeroplan and Air Canada are still running their Travel at Home campaign, where you can fast track to Air Canada elite status.
For example, Aeroplan members who earn 50,000 miles, between April 20, 2020 and May 31, 2020, will receive an Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K status valid through 2021.
Today we are updating the current status of all the major Canadian based airlines. I keep wondering if all of them will survive past this pandemic.
Each airline have taken their own approach on how to handle the pandemic. Several airlines have completely halted all flights. Some airlines have minimal flights.
Note that we have a COVID-19 Updates page that is continually updated.
Aeroplan is offering a bonus promotion on its Buy/Gift Aeroplan Miles feature. Starting today (from May 7, 2020 until May 13, 2020) Aeroplan members will be able to buy miles and receive bonus miles on their purchase:
Receive 115% bonus for the first 10 million Aeroplan Miles sold
Receive 90% bonus for the next 100 million miles sold
Receive 65% bonus for all miles thereafter (until May 13, 2020)
Air Canada continued to operate two loyalty programs, but the integration is coming together. Basically, there is Air Canada Altitude, which is the elite status program, while Aeroplan is the miles collection. They used to be the same company, but then Air Canada sold off Aeroplan, and then bought it back.
Just setting up the context so that there is less confusion when I explain the promotion. So right now, Aeroplan has an offer starting today (April 20, 2020) that runs until May 31, 2020. Aeroplan members who earn 50,000 miles will receive an Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K status valid through 2021.
Starting tomorrow (April 20, 2020), Air Canada passengers will need to wear protective face-covering during various stages of their air travel journey as directed by Transport Canada.
You have probably read about different airlines and hotel chains extending their elite statuses. Now it is Air Canada’s turn. They are not only offering an elite status extension, but also the ability to gift your status to a family or friend. Below are the details of the initiatives.
Elite Status Extension
The 2020 Altitude status will automatically be extended through to the end of 2021.
A good friend of Pointshogger, Kathy Ye, went to the YVR Signature Suite unveiled on our behalf and shared her experience with us. Thank you so much Kathy for representing Pointshogger!
On March 14th, 2020, Air Canada unveiled its second Signature Suite at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Pointshogger had the opportunity to get a sneak peak of the lounge and enjoy the premium amenities before it is opened to the public.
Loyalty programs across the board have implemented temporary solutions to deal with any COVID-19 related matters. Below is a list of hyperlinks to useful information. I also included a small blurb for each company that may be more commonly relevant.
I tried to include companies more relevant to Canadians, but please let us know in the comment section below if you see any other links that we can add to the list (in alphabetical order).
Seems like coronavirus warning is increasing in Canada. So more precautions are being taken, such as Air Canada cancelling all flights to China through April 10, 2020 over fears of the outbreak.
Canadians are being told to prepare for a possible coronavirus pandemic.
Back in 2016, I began a new tradition of trying to predict the travel / rewards market in Canada. The first year was rough, but it got better over the years. How did it go this year though?
Below are my previous scores: