Update as on 20210407 as posted on their website:
Flexible cancellation policy for Aeroplan flight rewards
Aeroplan flight rewards booked through May 31, 2021 can be changed or cancelled free of charge, at any time.
If you’d like to cancel any flight reward, the fastest way to do so is at aircanada.com.
– For changes, you’ll pay only the difference in points, or receive a partial refund if your new itinerary requires fewer points.
– For cancellations, you’ll receive all of your Aeroplan points back in your account, plus a full refund of any associated taxes, fees and surcharges on the unused value of your travel. (Note that refunds will not apply for previously-charged fees, including contact centre booking fees and change fees, or for government taxes and fees which are non-refundable by law.)
While being cognisant of the fact that travel is severely restricted still and for the foreseeable future, Air Canada has announced today several updates for Aeroplan Elite Status members to ensure their status remains in effect, to give them flexibility and certainty. This was to be expected as you wouldnt want to lose your loyal customer base to another airline and then try to gain them again especially after they revamped their program in November of last year and has been on a roll with offers, new non airline partners and new airlines in the fold with the latest one being Air Dolomiti.
So whats changed? Whats in it for me?
Below is a summary from their official media release.
Automatic extension of 2021 Aeroplan Elite Status
All Aeroplan Elite Status for 2021 will automatically be extended through to the end of 2022.
Priority Reward Vouchers also extended
Air Canada is also extending the validity of all unused Priority Reward vouchers issued in 2020 by one full year, making them valid for use until October 2022.
Elite Status Qualification Jumpstart for 2022
For Aeroplan members who earn any Elite Status through their 2021 flight activity, the Status Qualifying Miles, Segments, and Dollars earned in 2021 will be honoured the next year, jumpstarting their status qualification in the years to come.
Additionally:
Change or cancel Flight Rewards, free of charge
Aeroplan flight rewards booked through April 30, 2021 (for travel through April 2022) can be changed or cancelled free of charge, at any time. Members who opt to cancel will receive all of their Aeroplan points back in their account, plus a full refund of any associated taxes, fees and surcharges on the unused value of their travel.
Temporary pause to expiration of Aeroplan points
We have further paused expiry of Aeroplan points until January 31, 2022. This means that between now and January 30, 2022, any points which would have expired will not. Effective January 31, 2022, our recently improved expiration policy will apply, meaning that points will expire if an eligible transaction has not been completed prior to this date.
So! What are the key take-aways?
– Your current Aeroplan Elite Status for 2021 is now good to the end of 2022.
Your current status is good till end of 2022, or you may qualify for a higher status in 2021 based on activity this year.
– All unused Priority Reward vouchers issued in 2020 are valid for use until October 2022.
These wont expire immediately and are valid until October 2022.
– Any flight activity in 2021 will count towards re-qualification for 2022.
You may qualify for a higher status in 2022 based on combined activity of 2021 and 2022.
– Change or cancel Flight Rewards, free of charge – on bookings made by April 30, 2021 for travel through April 2022.
This is a great way to lock in several speculative bookings for later this year or early 2022. Revenge travel – here we come.
– Temporary pause to expiration of Aeroplan points from now till January 31, 2022.
Great news for those who do not have any travel lined up or any co-branded credit cards to keep points from expiring.
I must admit, I was expecting this and no less from Air Canada to support their customer base and reward them for their loyalty. Well done Air Canada and Aeroplan. We are pleased indeed.
Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.
Image photo courtesy of aircanada.com