JetBlue Coming to Canada?
Looks like there are plans in the works to expand JetBlue into Canada.
U.S. airline JetBlue expands into Canada for the 1st time
JetBlue expanding into Canada, ‘high-fare’ incumbents on notice
Airlines (Reward Programs)
Air Canada and Air Transat Terminate Acquisition
Air Canada’s acquisition of Air Transat has been in the works for almost 2 years. After all the hurdles that they had to go through to get to this point, only to end in a cancellation of the buyout.
The agreement required various regulatory authority approvals. It got stuck at the European Commission (“EC”). In short, the EC will not approve the acquisition for several reasons including negatively impacting customers.
Earn Aeroplan Points at Starbucks Canada
Air Canada’s frequent flyer program, Aeroplan, has launched a partnership with Starbucks Canada that enables Aeroplan members to earn and redeem points on Starbucks (e.g. beverages and snacks).
Link Accounts
Members need to go to aircanada.com/starbucks to link their Aeroplan and Starbucks Rewards accounts together.
Air Canada Another Step Closer to Purchasing Air Transat
In what looks like a very long and drawn out takeover (merger, buyout), however you want to call it, the Air Canada purchase of Air Transat took another step towards reality. Our first post about this topic was back in the spring of 2019. Two years later, it looks like this is finally becoming a reality with the Federal Government approval.
The reason I am writing this post today was because I wanted to share my thoughts on takeovers that decrease the competition in Canada.
Earn 100 Aeroplan Points for Entering a Contest!
Aeroplan launched the: The Aeroplan Explore For More Contest. By entering the contest, you can earn 100 Aeroplan points, which is a great way to keep your account active.
Members must enter the contest by February 14, 2021 and prizes will be drawn on February 24, 2021.
Air Canada Teams up with Virgin Australia
Air Canada is already a member of Star Alliance. However, on the side, they have been adding other code-share partners. Just in 2020, they launched 4 new partnerships: Etihad, Azul, Vistara, and Air Serbia.
Now in 2021, they are continuing this momentum. On January 19, 2021, they will start the year by adding Virgin Australia (VA) to the roster of partners (outside of Star Alliance). VA operates a loyalty program called Velocity. You will already see Air Canada listed as partner on VA’s website.
[READER QUESTION] Thoughts on Airline Cash Refunds (Props to Flair Airlines)
Today’s post was inspired by one of our readers who suggested that we write more posts regarding the following idea: “Let’s get a bit bold and post articles making airlines accountable for their actions”. This seems like an interesting idea, thanks for your suggestion Ismail!
No Refunds, Credits Only?
Air Miles (Bank of Montreal) | Capital One | Flair Airlines | PC Optimum (Loblaw) | Reader Question | Scene+ (Cineplex/Scotiabank)
My 2021 Predictions for the Miles and Points World
Back in 2016, I began a 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 in 2020?
Below are my previous scores:
Redeem Aeroplan Points for In-Flight Wi-Fi!
Effective December 14, 2020, members have been able to redeem their Aeroplan points for single use Wi-Fi pass on board all Gogo equipped aircrafts on all routes.
Passes are available starting as low as 850 points for select flights under 2 hours. Below are some of the other sample prices:
[PROMOTION] Last Chance for Aeroplan Black Friday Bonus Opportunities
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is offering a wide variety of Black Friday bonuses. This is a great way to rack up more points for things that you plan on purchasing anyway. In some cases, you may want to advance your purchase that you were planning to take advantage of the offers available. Furthermore, there are discounts to reward redemptions too.
The promotion period started on November 19, 2020 and runs until tomorrow, November 29, 2020. So this is the last chance to take advantage.
Below are some of the offers to look forward to: