Big Changes Coming to Aeroplan in 2014

Aeroplan has been in the news a lot this summer!  And for good reason, they have a lot of great things coming for members!

Aeroplan, Canada’s premier coalition loyalty program, recently announced groundbreaking enhancements to the program that will be implemented on January 1, 2014, including:

• The launch of Distinction, a new tiered recognition program that rewards top accumulating members, based on total Aeroplan Miles earned across all coalition partners, with preferential mileage levels for redemption, bonus mile offers and exclusive privileges;
• New Market Fare Flight Rewards to replace ClassicPlus Flight Rewards, offering significantly improved value, with all members having access to mileage levels reduced by up to 20%, and Distinction members enjoying reductions of up to 50%; and
• The cancellation of the seven-year mileage redemption policy, with Aeroplan Miles no longer expiring for members active in the program each year.

Distinction is a unique member recognition program independent from Air Canada’s Altitude program. Distinction levels are achieved based on miles earned across all coalition partners including airline, travel, retail and financial card partners.

The Distinction qualification period begins on January 1st of each calendar year and ends on December 31st of the same year. For this special launch year, if members reach Distinction status by December 31, 2013, their benefits will take effect on January 1, 2014 and last until December 31, 2014. After 2013, benefits will start as soon as a member successfully reaches a Distinction level, and will last until the end of the following calendar year.

Market Fare Flight Rewards

As of January 1, 2014, new Market Fare Flight Rewards will replace ClassicPlus Flight Rewards, offering members significantly improved value, starting at up to 20% fewer miles required for redemption, with Distinction members enjoying reductions of up to 50%. Market Fare Flight Rewards’ access to every available seat on flights operated by Air Canada, at variable mileage levels derived from fares at time of booking, will be unrivalled in the industry and will offer fantastic value to members.

Cancellation of the Seven-year Mileage Redemption Policy

Aeroplan has announced the cancellation of its seven-year mileage redemption policy. Prior to this announcement, miles unredeemed seven years following their accumulation date would have been removed from member accounts starting January 1, 2014. As a result, miles will not expire as long as members stay active in the program by having at least one accumulation or redemption activity every 12 months. To find out more, please visit: www.aeroplan.com/7year or www.aeroplan.com/FAQ.

Additional Changes to Mileage Levels for Flight Rewards

As of January 1, 2014, mileage levels for one-way flight rewards will decrease and require only 50%of the miles needed for a round-trip flight. For example, North American one way long haul fares in economy will be reduced from 17,000 miles to 12,500 miles and European one way fares will go from 40,000 miles to 30,000 miles starting January 1st.

New Credit Card Partner

Aeroplan just announced last week that TD Bank is the new Aeroplan credit card partner!  Starting January 2014!  If you’re a current CIBC credit card customer in the program, there’s still some discussion being held on current customer’s status.  Follow http://www.aeroplan.com/new for more information.

Are you an Aeroplan member?  What do you think of these changes?  If you’re not a member, do these changes make you more interested in the program?  I love rewards programs, as my readers know, and I appreciate when programs work with members to make their rewards better and more customer-friendly.  Many programs seem to reduce rewards and pull-back over the years.  I think the Aeroplan changes look positive for members, especially the cancellation of the seven-year mileage redemption policy!