Being an Aeroplan member opens up a ton of travel opportunities with Air Canada and its partners, but figuring out the best ways to use your points can feel tricky. Don’t stress, we’re here to help! In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you the best redemptions and sweet spots first, then walk you through exactly how to find them with AwardFares.

Important Notice (March 2025)

Service Disruption: Recent changes by Air Canada and Aeroplan mean AwardFares can’t currently show Aeroplan award availability. We are actively exploring solutions and apologize for the inconvenience. This guide remains valuable for understanding Aeroplan’s structure and sweet spots.

Key Takeaways

  • Top Sweet Spots: The best value redemptions are often Business Class flights from North America to Europe or Asia and certain intra-Asia routes.
  • New Partner Pricing: As of March 25, 2025, Aeroplan uses dynamic pricing for key partners like United and Emirates, which can affect point costs but may increase availability.
  • Key 2025 Perks: Members benefit from extended Elite Status, fast, free Wi-Fi on Air Canada flights, and eUpgrade credit rollovers.
  • Emirates is a Key Partner: You can use Aeroplan points to book Emirates flights, including their renowned Business and First Class cabins.
  • Finding Flights is Easy: Tools like AwardFares simplify the process of searching for award availability across multiple dates and airlines at once.

In This Guide

9 Aeroplan Sweet Spots for 2025

Aeroplan’s program offers incredible value if you know where to look. Here are nine of the best Aeroplan redemptions, also known as “sweet spots,” to maximize your points.

1. North America to Europe in Business Class

A classic sweet spot and one of the best ways to cross the Atlantic in style.
Why it’s a sweet spot:

  • Low Taxes & Fees: Fly on partners like SWISS or Turkish Airlines to avoid high carrier-imposed surcharges.
  • Premium Experience: Experience top-tier Business Class products for a very reasonable number of points.
  • Great Availability: A high-traffic region with many partner options increases your chances of finding a seat.
Aeroplan sweet spot: North America to Europe in Business Class.

2. North America to Deep South America

Redeeming points for flights to countries like Argentina, Brazil, and Chile offers great value, especially when flying in Business Class on long overnight flights.

North America Deep South America on Aeroplan (using AwardFares).

3. Intra-Asia Flights

Flights within Asia on partners like EVA Air or ANA can be an incredible deal. This sweet spot allows you to fly in premium cabins on shorter routes for a relatively low number of points, maximizing comfort while exploring the region.

Aeroplan sweet spot: Intra-Asia flights in a premium cabin.

4. North America to Australia or New Zealand

The ultimate redemption for many. While availability can be challenging, securing a Business or First Class seat to Oceania is one of the best uses of Aeroplan points.
Pro Tip: Be specific in your searches and set alerts on AwardFares for these high-demand routes to be notified as soon as a seat opens up.

North America to Australia or New Zealand on Aeroplan (using AwardFares).

5. North America to the Middle East or North Africa

With multiple Star Alliance partners flying to this region (like Turkish, SWISS, EgyptAir, and Etihad), you can often find good award availability to destinations like Dubai, Doha, or Cairo.

Aeroplan award flights from North America to the Middle East.

6. Domestic short-haul flights within Canada

Don’t overlook domestic flights! Using points for short hops, especially to remote destinations or when last-minute cash fares are expensive, can provide fantastic value.

7. Short-haul flights within Europe

We typically don’t recommend redeeming miles on short-haul flights, but there’s a key exception: during peak seasons (like summer holidays) when cash fares are sky-high, points can save you hundreds of dollars.

Short-haul flights within Europe on Aeroplan (using AwardFares).

8. Flights within North America

The distance-based award chart for flights within North America is reasonably priced, and availability has historically been good, making it a reliable option for getting a last-minute seat across the continent.

Intra North America Flights on Aeroplan (using AwardFares).

9. North America to Asia

Redeeming Aeroplan points for flights to Asia on top-tier carriers like ANA or EVA Air represents some of the best value in the entire program for both Business and First Class travel. This is a bucket-list redemption for many travel hackers.

Aeroplan sweet spot: North America to Asia in Business or First Class.

What’s New With Aeroplan in 2025?

Aeroplan continues to evolve. Here are the key updates for 2025 that every member should know about.

Dynamic Award Pricing for Select Partners

From March 25, 2025, Aeroplan will implement dynamic pricing for partners like United, Emirates, and Etihad. This may lead to fluctuating point requirements but promises increased award availability. Etihad Airways Business Class awards will also be reinstated. Learn more here.

Extended Elite Status Validity

Starting in 2025, Aeroplan Elite Status will be valid until January 31 of the following year (previously December 31), ensuring you keep your benefits through the busy holiday travel season.

Fast, Free Wi-Fi

Beginning in May 2025, Air Canada will roll out fast, free Wi-Fi across its entire fleet for all Aeroplan members. North and Central America flights will be first, with international long-haul to follow in 2026.

Other Enhancements
  • eUpgrade Credit Rollover: A one-time rollover of up to 50 unused eUpgrade credits will occur by March 31, 2025, for premium credit cardholders.
  • Economy Class Perks: Free beer, wine, and premium snacks on flights within Canada and to the U.S. continue into 2025.
  • New Airline Partnerships: The 2024 partnership with Emirates continues to provide expanded travel options.
  • Lounge and Cabin Upgrades: Progressive upgrades to lounges and aircraft cabins are ongoing.
  • Points Expiry: The pause on points expiry has ended. Ensure your account remains active to prevent expiration.

How To Find Aeroplan Award Flights (Step-by-Step)

Now that you’re inspired by the possibilities, here’s how you can use AwardFares to quickly perform an Aeroplan award search and find these flights.

Search Smarter

Pro Tip: Search across entire metropolitan areas at once by using airport codes like YTO (Toronto), YVR (Vancouver), or NYC (New York). This can reveal hidden availability from nearby airports.

1. Visit AwardFares

Creating a free account is optional but gives you access to more features.

2. Select the Frequent Flyer Program

In the Frequent Flyer Program picker, choose Aeroplan.

Select Aeroplan in the Frequent Flyer Program Picker.

3. Add a Route

Enter your departure and arrival airports.

Select the origin and destination city in AwardFares.

4. Explore Dates with the Timeline View

For flexible travel dates, use the Timeline View. This award calendar shows you availability across multiple weeks at a glance. It’s the easiest way to spot open award seats.

Aeroplan award availability calendar view in AwardFares.

5. Sort by Price to Find the Cheapest Seats

Click on the Eco, Prem, Biz, or First class headers to find the lowest-priced redemptions instantly.

Find the cheapest Aeroplan award seats by sorting by price.

6. Book on Air Canada’s Website

Once you’ve found your ideal flight, click the Book button. AwardFares redirects you to Air Canada’s website with your flight details pre-filled to complete the booking.

AwardFares redirects you to Air Canada's website to book Aeroplan award flights.

When Does Aeroplan Release Award Seats?

Air Canada typically releases its own award seats 356 days in advance. Partner airlines release their seats according to their own schedules, usually between 330 and 361 days out. We keep a master list of these dates to help you book first.

Check All Release Dates

Bonus: How to Find Emirates Awards on Aeroplan

Emirates became an Aeroplan partner in 2022, and it remains one of the most exciting redemption options. Despite dynamic pricing, there are still amazing deals to be found, such as flights to Dubai or Asia in their world-class premium cabins.

With AwardFares, you can easily find Emirates award availability. Simply filter by Program: Aeroplan, Airline: Emirates, and your desired cabin. You will see all available seats in seconds.

Find Emirates award availability using Aeroplan points on AwardFares.

Understanding the Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart in 2025

Aeroplan’s award chart is zone-based and distance-based. However, big changes are here.

Deep Dive: The New Dynamic Pricing

Until March 25, 2025, you can find the current version Aeroplan’s award chart on their website.

Aeroplan Flight Reward Chart in 2025. Aeroplan Flight Reward Zones in 2025.
Aeroplan's flight reward chart is based on zones and distance flown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions Answered

What are the best Aeroplan sweet spots?

The most valuable Aeroplan redemptions, or “sweet spots,” are typically for long-haul international flights in premium cabins. Top examples include Business Class from North America to Europe on partners like SWISS, Business or First Class to Asia on ANA or EVA Air, and flights on Emirates.

How do I search for Aeroplan award availability?

The easiest way is to use an award search tool like AwardFares. You can select “Aeroplan” as your program and see available seats across all partners and multiple dates at once using the Timeline View (award calendar). This saves you from having to search day-by-day on the Air Canada website.

Did the price of Aeroplan award flights change?

Yes. Starting March 25, 2025, Aeroplan is introducing dynamic pricing for several key partner airlines, including Emirates, United, and Etihad. This means the number of points required can vary. Flights on Air Canada itself already use dynamic pricing.

Can I use Aeroplan points to book Emirates flights?

Yes, absolutely. Emirates is a non-alliance partner of Aeroplan. You can find and book Emirates award flights using your Aeroplan points, which is a great way to experience their premium cabins.

When does Aeroplan release award seats?

Air Canada releases its own award seats 356 days in advance. Partner airlines follow their own schedules, typically 330-361 days out. To get the best seats, you should search as early as possible.

Maximize Your Aeroplan Points with AwardFares

Ready to find your own Aeroplan sweet spots? Try AwardFares for free and use our powerful tools to simplify your award travel planning. To supercharge your search, upgrade to our Gold or Diamond tiers and unlock features like:

  • Unlimited daily searches – Explore all your options.
  • Custom alerts – Get notified the moment your dream seat becomes available.
  • Detailed seat maps – Choose the best spot on the plane.
  • Comprehensive flight schedules – Plan with confidence.

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