Aeroplan has just announced a host of positive changes at the start of 2021.
The best one revolves around cancellations.
You can use your Aeroplan points to book with confidence – Aeroplan has extended Canada’s most flexible change policy for flight rewards. All Aeroplan flight rewards booked through February 28, 2021 can be changed or cancelled free of charge, at any time before departure.
This means any flight rewards booked through February 28, 2021 for any date even beyond February 28, 2021 can be cancelled at any time before departure. However, if the reward booking was made over the phone, the booking fees of $30 plus taxes is not refundable along with a select few government taxes and fees.
Note that even the agents at the Aeroplan call centre are not very clear about this rule and when I called on January 7, 2021 to book a not so complex partner airline itinerary, they were not well versed and thought that the free cancellations apply only till February 28, 2021.
Additionally, note that you still have access to the “One free change” within the same time frame as above which includes changes such as changing a date, changing the route i.e. add/remove a stopover etc. You will need to call in for this and if the agent argues that you need to pay the change fee, simply HUCA.
The next one is related to expiry of Aeroplan points.
There is a temporary pause on the expiry of Aeroplan points, from now until June 29, 2021. Before then, just earn or redeem a single point, and you’ll keep your account active for another 18 months. The easiest way is to buy something for atleast $2 at Home Hardware.
The third one is tied to your Elite Status.
Recognizing that we are not travelling as much as we used to, Aeroplan has extended our 2020 Aeroplan Elite Status through the end of 2021. So, you will continue to enjoy the Elite Status you held last year through the end of 2021, unless ofcourse you progess to a higher elite status.
Additionally, more details will released shortly in the nest few weeks on how to qualify with more ease, perhaps through less SQM, SQS and SQD in 2021 or multiplier rates for SQM, SQS and SQD for an elite status in 2022.
So, this is a great way to make some speculative reward bookings for 2021 with the ability to make one free change or even cancel. Having said that, the team here at CanadaPointsGuy.com advocates safe and responsible travel and highly recommend that you follow all government and health guidelines.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.