For Australian travellers who rely on frequent flyer programs to unlock better value on long-haul journeys, Air Canada’s Aeroplan has long been a hidden gem. But from 1 June 2026, Aeroplan is updating its award chart, and the changes amount to a devaluation for most travellers.
While some short-haul routes see slight reductions or no changes, premium cabins and long-haul flights (including those connecting Australia to Europe or North America via Asia) will soon cost more points. The airline is at least open about the changes, saying they are ‘necessary as our underlying costs rise.’
With access to Star Alliance partners such as Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways, and ANA, Aeroplan offers competitive redemption rates and the flexibility to add stopovers for just 5,000 points. If you look to Aeroplan as an alternate source of partner airline redemptions, here’s what you need to know.
What’s changing?
Here’s a summary of the changes within the three zones that will affect Australian readers the most. While some changes are modest, others tip the scales, with rates as much as 20% higher.
Within the Pacific zone
This includes popular redemptions between Australia and Asia that currently cost 45,000 Aeroplan Points in Business Class. These will increase to 52,500 points from 1 June 2026. Business Class flights up to 2,000 miles in length are not affected.
| Distance Band (miles) | Economy | Business |
|---|---|---|
| 0–1,000 | 8,000 (no change) | 20,000 (no change) |
| 1,001–2,000 | 12,500 → 15,000 (+2,500 / +20.0%) | 30,000 (no change) |
| 2,001–5,000 | 25,000 → 30,000 (+5,000 / +20.0%) | 45,000 → 52,500 (+7,500 / +16.7%) |
| 5,001–7,000 | 37,500 → 35,000 (-2,500 / -6.7%) | 60,000 → 72,500 (+12,500 / +20.8%) |
| 7,001+ | 55,000 → 50,000 (-5,000 / -9.1%) | 90,000 → 85,000 (-5,000 / -5.6%) |
Between the Pacific and North America zones
This includes partner airline flights between Australia and North America, such as to the United States with United. Note that Air Canada’s own flights to Vancouver are dynamically priced and will usually be higher than the numbers mentioned in the table.
| Distance Band (miles) | Economy | Premium Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-5,000 | 35,000 → 32,500 (-2,500 / -7.1%) | 45,000 (no change) | 55,000 (no change) | 90,000 (no change) |
| 5,001–7,000 | 50,000 (no change) | 60,000 (no change) | 75,000 → 85,000 (+10,000 / +13.3%) | 110,000 → 120,000 (+10,000 / +9.1%) |
| 7,501–11,000 | 60,000 → 65,000 (+5,000 / +8.3%) | 70,000 → 85,000 (+15,000 / +21.4%) | 87,500 → 102,500 (+15,000 / +17.1%) | 130,000 → 140,000 (+10,000 / +7.7%) |
| 11,001+ | 75,000 → 70,000 (-5,000 / -6.7%) | 80,000 → 95,000 (+15,000 / +18.8%) | 115,000 (no change) | 150,000 (no change) |
Between the Pacific and Atlantic zones
This includes partner airline flights between Australia and Europe.
| Distance Band (miles) | Economy | Business | First |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–2,500 | 20,000 (no change) | 40,000 → 47,500 (+7,500 / +18.8%) | 50,000 → 55,000 (+5,000 / +10.0%) |
| 2,501–5,000 | 30,000 → 40,000 (+10,000 / +33.3%) | 60,000 → 75,000 (+15,000 / +25.0%) | 80,000 → 95,000 (+15,000 / +18.8%) |
| 5,001–7,000 | 50,000 → 60,000 (+10,000 / +20.0%) | 80,000 → 92,500 (+12,500 / +15.6%) | 100,000 → 120,000 (+20,000 / +20.0%) |
| 7,001+ | 65,000 → 75,000 (+10,000 / +15.4%) | 110,000 → 130,000 (+20,000 / +18.2%) | 140,000 → 150,000 (+10,000 / +7.1%) |
See the Air Canada website for the full updated reward charts across other regions.
American Express Velocity Platinum
Offer ends: 30 Apr 2026
- Bonus points
- Up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹
- Annual fee
- $440 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Velocity Points earned per $1 on all eligible spend except for government bodies⁵. 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases⁵. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on Government spend⁵
American Express Velocity Platinum
Offer ends: 30 Apr 2026
- Bonus Points
- Up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $440 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Velocity Points earned per $1 on all eligible spend except for government bodies⁵. 2.25 Velocity Points per $1 spent on selected Virgin Australia purchases⁵. 0.5 Velocity Points per $1 on Government spend⁵
Earn up to 100,000 bonus Velocity Points¹. That’s 70,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online by 30 April 2026, are approved, and spend $5,000 on eligible purchases on your new American Express Velocity Platinum Card within the first 3 months. Plus, an additional 30,000 bonus Velocity Points when you spend a min of $1 on your Card within 90 days of paying your second year annual Card fee.
Summing up
Air Canada Aeroplan’s changes highlight the broader trend of frequent flyer programs tightening value as demand for premium travel rebounds. For Australians, buying Aeroplan Points remains one of the most popular ways to accrue them, given the limited earning opportunities down under.
While Aeroplan remains one of the more transparent programs – publishing its award chart and giving advance notice – these increases will sting for those eyeing Business Class seats on popular routes.
The silver lining is that Aeroplan still offers strong partner coverage and unique redemption opportunities not easily found through Qantas Frequent Flyer or Velocity. The popular redemption to Asia for 45,000 Aeroplan Points will still remain within reach, but at the higher target of 52,500 points.
If you’re sitting on a stack of Aeroplan Points, be sure to consider using them before 1 June 2026 to maximise their value.
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