For the first time since the launch of the revamped Aeroplan program in 2020, the award charts are changing. The bad news leaked out on this beautiful spring weekend and was officially confirmed to us by the Air Canada team. It’s not surprising; it was long overdue, unfortunately. But it’s still unpleasant, of course.
The guaranteed fixed prices set by the Aeroplan award charts are the reason why all travel rewards pros know to redeem their precious Aeroplan points on the 40+ partner airlines, and not on Air Canada!
If you didn’t know that basic tip, you should explore our content. Flytrippers helps you travel for less with its free newsletter specifically about travel rewards, its ranking of the best current deals, and its infographic that summarizes all the basics.
Here’s what you need to know about the changes to Aeroplan award charts in 2026.
Why are there changes to the Aeroplan award charts?
On partner airlines, flight prices in Aeroplan points are fixed guaranteed prices based on distance. No matter the price in cash.
That’s amazing. That’s why the value of Aeroplan points is literally unlimited.
The guaranteed fixed price is set by the Aeroplan award charts. Our article on the subject explains all the basics of how it works.
But governments are always spending more and more all over the world, so inflation affects everything… and cash prices for flights go up.
So it’s normal for the award charts to be adjusted from time to time. All programs have to do it. It’s logical, even if you don’t like it. Basic math.
That’s the reality of having great guaranteed fixed prices that aren’t tied to cash price. And no changes in nearly 6 years is objectively very good on Aeroplan’s part.
Plus, the first 5 years of the revamped Aeroplan program (and thus the new Aeroplan award charts) also turned out to be 5 of the worst years for inflation.
Sadly, most people haven’t understood the importance of welcome bonuses and therefore earn most of their points based on the amount spent (5 points per $ with the Amex Cobalt Card, for example). And inflation means they’re accumulating more points automatically, so award charts prices need to be adjusted.
So, it was overdue.
And now, with the current rise in jet fuel prices, it’s the perfect timing for them to make the adjustment from a public relations perspective.
It’s always a shame to see prices go up, of course. But you also have to be rational and keep in mind that the program is still the one that gives you the most value!!!
That’s what matters. Constantly dwelling on the past is frankly stupid. Right now, rewards of the more lucrative type like Aeroplan still offer the most value. And it’s not even close; even with these changes (which also include some price drops, by the way).
Rewards of the more simple type (including the very worst that exists; cash back) are much worse in terms of changes! The value of the points is fixed, at 1¢/pt for example, and 1¢ today is worth far less than 1¢ was worth 6 years ago. It’s been devalued much more consistently; it’s just that you don’t realize it if you don’t think about it properly.
When do the changes to the Aeroplan award charts take effect?
The new Aeroplan reward charts take effect on June 1, 2026.
Absolutely nothing changes before then.
Flytrippers will help you book as many flights as possible before then.
It’s also good that they give advance notice; some programs (we’re looking at you, Avios!) like to adjust prices with immediate effect, which doesn’t let you take advantage of prices before they go up.
Are the changes to the Aeroplan reward charts positive or negative?
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that airfare prices have been significantly driven up by the conflict in the Middle East this year.
And with 5 years of no price changes on top of that, unsurprisingly, most of the changes are price hikes. But there are also decreases in some cases.
Long-distance flights in luxurious business class are the best deal in the entire travel world as we often tell you, and so they’re the most affected by price hikes.
For example, there’s an increase for my favorite program sweet spot, the one I just took advantage of in March (and last winter): 75,000 points to fly to Asia in business class from the West Coast. No change for my other one, Montreal–Europe for 60,000 points in business class, as I did in May (among my 9 business class flights in 2025).
Flytrippers will, of course, share a more detailed analysis of these first changes in 5 years (and a more visual breakdown); join the 150,000+ savvy Canadian travelers who receive our free newsletter.
But it’s Sunday, so I’ll just list the changes for today.
What are the changes to the Aeroplan award charts?
Here are the changes for the guaranteed fixed prices on partner airlines (with the increase/decrease in parentheses).
I am completely ignoring the prices on Air Canada and the few special partners because the pricing is dynamic and not fixed (the chart isn’t very useful for them).
North America-Atlantic
North America–Pacific
Atlantic–Atlantic
Pacific–Pacific
Atlantic–Pacific
Other regions: no changes
North America-North America
North America-South America
South America-South America
Atlantic-South America
Pacific-South America
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Summary
Aeroplan award charts are changing for the first time since 2020. The guaranteed fixed prices are increasing in many cases (especially for the best value, long-distance flights in luxurious business class), but they are decreasing in some cases. More details to come.
What would you like to know about the changes to Aeroplan award charts? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: My Lufthansa business class flight booked with Aeroplan points (photo credit: Andrew D’Amours/Flytrippers)
