Air Canada adopts dynamic pricing for Aeroplan partner awards including United

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Air Canada adopts dynamic pricing for Aeroplan partner awards including United

Research

Erica Silverstein Managing editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Feb 6, 2025

Air Canada is set to introduce dynamic award pricing for Aeroplan loyalty program redemptions on several partner airlines, including United Airlines and Emirates. This shift will replace the current fixed partner award chart with a model that aligns more closely with Air Canada's own dynamic pricing strategy.

Starting March 25, passengers using Aeroplan points for flights on United, Emirates, Etihad Airways, and other selected partners may require more points than before. The change affects those planning significant redemptions in 2025, prompting them to book sooner rather than later.

Air Canada currently employs a dynamic award pricing system based on flight distance for its flights but maintains a fixed award table for partner airlines. For instance, a short domestic flight on United can be booked for as little as 6,000 points one-way under the existing setup.

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The upcoming changes mean that starting March 25, award tickets on Air Canada’s partners such as United and Emirates will follow the same dynamic approach used for its own flights. This includes regional partners like Calm Air and PAL Airlines.

Aeroplan has provided an example of how this might affect North American flights within different distance zones. While the exact impact remains uncertain until the changes take effect, it is anticipated that many flights could see increased point requirements.

Despite potential increases in redemption rates under the new model, there could be benefits in terms of greater availability of reward seats across these airlines. Air Canada stated: "While the redemption rates under this chart can be higher than our fixed partner award chart and can vary from one itinerary to another, these changes will enable greater availability for reward seats on these airlines than before."

Furthermore, starting March 25, Etihad business-class awards will return to Aeroplan under this new pricing model.

Travelers are advised to consider booking soon if they have accumulated Aeroplan points or plan transfers from programs like American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards.