New promos for Aeroplan members

Aeroplan and Air Canada seem to be in overdrive in trying to push promos out the door to entice travellers to travel domestically with their latest promo. This is a three pronged offer with discounts on air fare, a free night stay and discount on rental car.

But are the discounts real? Lets analyse..

So, the first is:
20% off on all Air Canada Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class base fares for flights within Canada. Book by June 16, 2020 for travel between June 15, 2020 and May 15, 2021.

I did a quick check for a flight from Toronto to Vancouver on February 1, 2020 and there is a discount but under 20% on the overall price as the discount is only on the base fare.

The regular price is at $1353 for the lowest in Business Class

While it is $1166 after the discount – which is only about 14% of the overall fare as they do have a fine-print saying that the discount is on the base fare only.
Just to validate, I did look at the break down of the fare and it worked out correctly to 20% of the base fare.

The second is:
One complimentary night for every night booked during the same stay with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts in Canada. Book by June 16, 2020 for travel until June 30, 2021. 

A one night prepaid fully-refundable deposit is required. Note, you may also use your complimentary night as a second room on the same night. In order to do this, you need to book a two night stay and then you must call the hotel directly to amend the reservation. The reservation will be amended to have two rooms in the same room category for the price of one for one night.

And the third is:
Save 20% on base rates with Avis and Budget car rentals in Canada. Book by June 16, 2020 and check out by June 16, 2021. 

There seems to be too many restrictions to list here though. Discount of 20% applies to Avis and Budget base rates and is applicable only to the time and mileage charges of the rental, at participating Avis and Budget locations in Canada. Discounts are not applicable on pre-pay rates. Offer does not apply to car group X. Weekly rates require a minimum 5 day rental period.

Its not really enticing – as Air Canada seems to simply want to drive in sales and rules regarding refunds may change post sales.
For rules on updated refund policies, please read my earlier post here.

Personally, I would not book anything speculatively until its clear what borders are open for tourists and what the rules are on quarantine. Also, the only reason I would consider is if I need some extra Aeroplan miles, then its cheaper to cancel and get the bonus miles. Most importantly, we need to excercise responsible travel.

So, it this going to make you want to book and travel? Please comment below with why or why not.

Written by Dominic Fernandes aka CanadaPointsGuy.

Image courtesy of aircanada.com