Airlines (Reward Programs)

Rundown of Asia Miles for Canadians (updated January 6, 2020)

ByMatt

The frequent flyer program, Asia Miles, made a significant change to its expiry policy this year. This change has increased the value of its program and I think it’s worth a deeper look. Furthermore, it’s been a while since I last updated this post, so it was due for one.

Expiry Policy

In the past, Asia Miles has a frustrating expiry policy whereby your miles expire within 36 months after they are deposited, regardless of activity. Effective January 1, 2020, there is a new expiry policy, but there is a transition period.

Rundown of WestJet Rewards (updated January 3, 2020)

ByMatt

It has been almost a year since we last updated the WestJet Rewards rundown post. One of my family member has been using WestJet more extensively, which means I did a little more deeper research about their rewards program. Furthermore, several changes were made (mostly positive) to its elite status program, so this is a good a time as any to provide an updated post.

Also note the RBC WestJet World Elite MasterCard is offering a higher ($350 instead of $250) sign up bonus that expires on January 6, 2020, which I will provide more details below.

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My 2020 Predictions for the Miles and Points World

ByMatt

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:

Rundown of United Airlines’ MileagePlus for Canadians (updated December 30, 2019)

ByMatt

I was waiting for a few more updates before working on this post. But it has been long enough, especially with their change in expiry policy. With the uncertainty surrounding Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, I’m sure that I am not the only Canadian considering switching to another Star Alliance program to bank my miles to.

That being said, if you are a Canadian considering MileagePlus, I would consider the highlights below to help you optimize the program.

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Aeroplan Black Friday Promotions

ByMatt

Aeroplan is offering several bonus offers, including up to 10x the bonus miles on the eStore in celebration of Black Friday. Even though there is no Black Friday in Canada, many countries have hopped on the bandwagon. I cannot complain if it results is extra bonus opportunities. 

Below are some of the key offers to watch out for.

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RBC 50% Transfer Bonus to British Airways

ByMatt

Royal Bank is offering a generous 50% transfer bonus to British Airways Executive Club between November 1, 2019 to December 15, 2019.

There is a 10,000 RBC Rewards points minimum requirement at a 1 to 1 transfer ratio. But it is increments of 1 point thereafter. So 10,000 points will get you 15,000 Avios (instead of 10,000).

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[PROMOTION] 30% Transfer bonus to Aeroplan

ByMatt

Seems like I am almost writing daily about Air Canada’s Aeroplan lately. They seem to be on a roll in terms of offering bonus miles. The latest promotion is the conversion bonus from hotel loyalty programs to Aeroplan, which runs from September 9, 2019 to September 22, 2019. 

During this promotion, Aeroplan members can earn 30% bonus miles with the following chains: 

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[PROMOTION] Air Canada: Earn Your Wings

ByMatt

Starting today (September 9, 2019) until November 29, 2019, Air Canada is once again running it’s Earn Your Wings campaign. This is where Air Canada Altitude members can participate in a number of travel-related challenges in order to earn Wings and Badges that translate into bonus Aeroplan miles.