Airlines (Reward Programs)

|

RBC 20% Transfer Bonus to American Airlines AAdvantage

ByMatt

RBC is once again offering its 20% conversion bonus to American Airlines AAdvantage miles. The bonus is applied for transfers between September 3, 2019 to September 30, 2019.

Normally, you can earn 7 miles for every 10 miles that you earn. With the 20% bonus, you can earn 8.4 miles for every 10 RBC Rewards points converted. There is a 5,000 RBC Rewards points minimum requirement transfer. But it is increments of 1 point thereafter. So 5,000 points will get you 4,200 miles (instead of 3,500).

Rundown of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan for Canadians (updated August 18, 2019)

ByMatt

It has been over a year since I last posted about Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan frequent flyer program. A few changes warrants an update.

Expiry Policy

Alaska Mileage Plan miles do not expire as long as you earn or redeem at least one mile every 24 months. If miles are deleted, you have up to 1 year to reinstate them for a fee by calling customer care.

However, as a Canadian, we do have options to keep our accounts active.

Rundown on American Airlines for Canadians (updated August 12, 2019)

ByMatt

I cannot believe how long it has been since I last updated this post. I have personally been loading up my American Airlines AAdvantage (AA) account, partially due to the uncertainty with Air Canada. Even though Air Canada’s loyalty does not seem up in the air as much anymore, it is still good to keep my portfolio diversified.

One AAs best value is that it is a member of Oneworld alliance, which means that you can earn and redeem miles with any of its member partners. Furthermore, if you redeem directly with American Airlines, the taxes and fees are fairly reasonable (especially compared to Aeroplan reward flight with Air Canada).

|

Aeroplan Back to School Promotion!

ByMatt

Aeroplan is currently offering up to bonus miles opportunities with Back to School promotions.
The good part about Air Canada buying Aeroplan out is that there is less uncertainty about our miles come June 2020. I still wish that Aeroplan was going to branch off from Air Canada and compete directly with them. But if the two can create more value by joining forces, then it might work out! 

I don’t know about you, but when I was young, I dreaded going back to school.

Thoughts on Air Canada / Aeroplan Changes Effective Today

ByMatt

Our buddy at DCTA already broke the news about some Air Canada and Aeroplan changes that are taking effect immediately.We expect to see more changes in the near future, ahead of the June 2020 full integration. I share most of the same sentiments as DCTA on the changes below, so below are some additional thoughts on each change.

| |

What I would like to see in the Air Canada Purchase of Air Transat

ByMatt

As you probably know, I have rarely written about Air Transat, due to a bad experience (which I got a lot of heat for). But a more relevant reason is because they do not have any loyalty programs associated with it. And the theme of our site is “maximizing rewards for Canadians”. All that may change once the full agreement passes. Until then, we can only speculate what will happen. I was actually quite surprised to find out that Air Canada wanted to purchase Air Transat, since Air Transat is considered more of a low cost, charter airline. So what value would it bring to Air Canada, other than buying out the competition, like how Air Canada bought out Canadian Airlines back in 2000. 

| | |

Transfer Bonuses This Month (June 2019)

ByMatt

There are two transfer bonuses in Canada that are ending this month to look out for.35% AeroplanThe first one is Air Canada’s 35% Aeroplan transfer bonus when you convert Marriott Bonvoy points to Aeroplan miles with an added bonus. Below is the earning potential, depending on whether you take advantage of the additional 5,000 transfer bonus. This offer ends on June 26, 2019.

Rundown of Aeroméxico Club Premier for Canadians (updated May 27, 2019)

ByMatt

It has been more than 2 years since I last updated this post, so I thought it was due for an update as there are quite a few changes. Canada and Mexico have continued to strength their relationship as they offer more direct flights between each country. Essentially by-passing the United States. This post focuses on Mexico’s larger airline Aeroméxico, which offers a frequent flyer program called Club Premier.This post focuses on Aeroméxico and Club Premier from a Canadian perspective.