VIA Rail’s Preference Points will No Longer Expire

You probably received an email a few days ago from VIA Rail with a few upcoming changes that will take effect on December 5, 2019.

Below are some of the notable changes.

No more points expiry

VIA Préférence points no longer expire on a set date. Previously, all points expired on a specific date that was regularly extended.

This is a key change. Now we do not have to keep wondering about when the program will be extended, seems like they have solidified their position on points expiry. This is definitely a positive change. My only hope that is that it will not lead to a huge devaluation in the reward redemption schedule.

Updated earning and redemption grids

This is the earning schedule, it is pretty straightforward:

CLASSES	ECONOMY			BUSINESS
FARES	Escape	Economy	Economy Plus	Business	Business Plus
TOTAL POINTS	100%	125%	150%	100%	150%

Note that elite status members earn more points per dollar:

	PRÉFÉRENCE	PRIVILÈGE	PREMIER
Points per dollar spent	1	2	3

The redemption schedule is pretty clear now, if you click around the routes, you should be able to find what you are looking for.

Conclusion

All in all, not too many drastic changes, but still positive.