For many years now I couldn’t see what benefit I was getting from Aeroplan miles. Every time I tried to use the miles to book a flight I wasn’t offered any decent connections, and I ended up just paying for flights that suited me better. Even having Air Canada elite status doesn’t seem to help. But, I found a way to deal with the problem that involves CostCo.
Years ago the situation was different. I was actually able to use Aeroplan miles for free flights. And this was back when the flight was actually free instead of having to pay various taxes and surcharges when redeeming miles. But I haven’t been able to use my miles for a flight for a long time now. I even let over 30,000 miles expire at one point because they seemed worthless.
Fortunately, there are options for using Aeroplan miles other than reduced-cost flights. Aeroplan offers a large number of goods and services in exchange for miles. Looking through the selection, I despaired of finding anything I wanted until I came across $100 CostCo gift cards for 13,500 miles.
I’ve already ordered 3 gift cards and they worked just fine at CostCo. So, now I can say that to me Aeroplan miles are worth about $7.40 per 1000 miles. And now I just pay for any flights I take, frequently on airlines other than Air Canada.
Worse, Air Canada made a recent change to Aeroplan points system that that they kept very quiet. Anybody flying Tango will soon be learning that they are only getting 1/2 points for these flights. If you want full points, you have to book a new more expensive fare called "Flex".
ReplyDeleteEven more reason to look elsewhere when booking flights.
This has always been the case
DeleteWhen was your last redemption? For quite some time, they have removed a lot of gift cards worth $100, including the Costco one. Now you can only redeem at 65000 pts level for 5 Costco cashcards worth $100 each. Or you could redeem for Costco membership at 6500 pts or 13000 pts level. The best so far seems to be the Esso $100 card for 13000 pts. Better get it while it's still available.
ReplyDelete@Kimberly: I redeemed my miles fro CostCo cards early in December 2012. Perhaps Aeroplan offerings change frequently.
DeleteMust have been a Christmas promotion thing. Good for you!
DeleteFlew round-trip direct to Sao Paulo for 60,000 Aeroplan miles. Base fare not including tax was $830.00. This is 7,229 miles per $100... Flying is a much better deal than gift cards!
ReplyDelete@David: I'm glad it worked out for you. I've tried several times over the last decade or so and was never able to use my miles for flying.
DeleteAeroplan has done a good job making more tickets available in recent years. You should investigate before your next trip.
ReplyDelete@David: I spent quite a long time investigating before I gave up on using Aeroplan miles for flights. How do you know they have "done a good job making more tickets available in recent years"? I'm happy for you that you found the flight you wanted, but that's just one data point, just as my inability to find flights is just a few data points.
DeleteI used to have the same problem. When I flew to Barbados in 2008, I had to book SIX MONTHS in advance if I wanted any hope of using Aeroplan miles. It was brutal. In contrast, my most recent trips were booked on short notice. I recently flew to Sao Paulo and obtained the tickets only a couple of weeks ahead... I was able to get direct flights both ways.
DeleteI can go to vegas for 25,000 points as long as a book 8 - 12 months in advance or take a milk run.
ReplyDelete@RBursell: That's one of my complaints about trying to use my miles. I really don't like milk runs. In addition to having to spend a lot more time in airports, it increases the odds that your luggage won't make it. That's less of an issue for a trip to Vegas, but it sucks to go on a golf trip without any clubs.
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