Many travelers automatically think of United MileagePlus when they have flexible points and miles and dream of flying United. But a surprising secret exists: Air Canada’s Aeroplan program can often unlock the same United flights for *fewer* points.
Both programs now use dynamic pricing, meaning award costs fluctuate with demand. This makes direct comparison crucial. A tool like Seats.aero can quickly reveal which program offers the better deal for your specific flight.
Consider short, last-minute flights, especially around holidays. United’s MileagePlus often inflates prices during peak times, while Aeroplan can remain surprisingly reasonable. This is where the savings begin to appear.
Long-haul flights also present opportunities. While direct United Polaris business class to Europe might cost 80,000 points either way, Aeroplan allows for strategic connections. A flight from Newark to Lisbon, routed through Madrid, could drop the price to just 60,000 points.
Keep an eye out for transfer bonuses. Credit card rewards programs frequently offer limited-time boosts when you move points to airline partners. A recent offer provided up to a 25% bonus when transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards to Aeroplan, effectively reducing the number of Chase points needed.
Booking through Aeroplan is straightforward. Simply visit their website, enter your travel details, and select “Book with Aeroplan points.” The site displays both points and cash costs, listed in Canadian dollars.
You have the flexibility to pay with a combination of points and cash. Choosing the optimal balance, often displayed in the initial search results, maximizes your points’ value. Taxes and fees are paid separately with a credit card.
Earning Aeroplan points is also accessible. New credit card applicants can earn substantial welcome bonuses, and several major credit card rewards programs offer a 1:1 transfer ratio to Aeroplan. This includes American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One miles, and Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Certain credit cards even offer bonus points when transferring to Aeroplan. For example, Aeroplan Credit Card holders can receive a 10% bonus on transfers of 50,000 or more Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
Aeroplan isn’t always cheaper, and United doesn’t share all award availability with partners. However, the potential for savings is significant. Before finalizing any United award booking, always compare prices in both MileagePlus and Aeroplan, factoring in any active transfer bonuses.
Strategic flexibility and a little research can unlock remarkable value, turning your points and miles into unforgettable travel experiences.
