The time has arrived—sort of. Air Canada’s next-generation Aeroplan is here as teams worked to transition members points one-to-one to the new program. For those who have been a part of massive IT upgrades and migrations, this is never an easy task.
The past week was filled with transition, varied cut-off dates to get reservations and transfers done in the old program, but as Aeroplan worked to make a seamless transitions, the initial launch date of Nov. 8, 2020 was ultimately moved to Nov. 9 to provide “adequate testing with partners (both current and new).” The less-than-24-hour move of the website’s launch did not affect the new co-branded credit cards.
This means Aeroplan.com and its respective app have now been decommissioned, and all functions have transitioned within aircanada.com/aeroplan and the Air Canada mobile app.
Available Nov. 8, however, were the launches of and details surrounding Aeroplan’s new co-branded credit card suite refreshed with TD, American Express, and CIBC, including welcome bonuses and Buddy Pass perk.
Also available to credit card holders Sunday are enhanced perks including:
- Free first checked bag
- Priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding
- Maple Leaf Lounge access
- Priority airport standby and upgrades
Jump to section
- Buddy Pass Details
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite
- TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
- American Express Aeroplan Card
- American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Platinum
- CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege
Buddy Pass Details
The banks have offered an addition to traditional welcome bonus points in the form of a Buddy Pass—a perk Air Canada hopes will get passengers back in the air soon.
According to the airline, this offers eligible cardholders who hit the target a buy-one-get-one Buddy Pass.
“This first-of-its kind offer is an incredible value, with eligible cardholders only paying the taxes and third-party charges on a second ticket anywhere Air Canada flies in North America – including Mexico and Hawaii.”
As the Primary cardholder, log into aircanada.com/myaeroplan and select the Buddy Pass. Confirm the flight and pay the fare, then enjoy a $0 fare for a companion – only paying the taxes and third-party charges on the second ticket.
The Buddy Pass is valid for travel any time for any economy fare, including fares on sale. No blackouts. Changes or cancellations are allowed, according to the fare rules of the economy fare purchased for the primary traveller.
If a member using the Buddy Pass is an Aeroplan Elite Status Member, their benefits and ability to upgrade are applicable, depending on status level, and if the fare purchased allows for them.
TD welcome bonuses
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite highlights – $139/year
- 10,000 Aeroplan points on first purchase
- Buddy Pass when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening
- In Quebec, minimum spend is not required, but account must be open, active and in good standing for 90 days
- First Year Annual Fee Rebate on card activation and first purchase within first 3 months of account opening
TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum highlights – $89/year
- 10,000 Aeroplan points on first purchase
- In Quebec, minimum spend is not required, but account must be open, active and in good standing for 90 days
- First Year Annual Fee Rebate on card activation and first purchase within first 3 months of account opening
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege highlights – $599/year
- 20,000 Aeroplan points on first purchase
- 30,000 Aeroplan points and a Buddy Pass bonus when you spend $1,000 within 90 days of account opening
- In Quebec, minimum spend is not required, but account must be open, active and in good standing for 90 days
Accelerated earning at Starbucks
Aeroplan members will earn 50% more Aeroplan points on Starbucks purchases charged to their TD Aeroplan credit card for one year effective Nov. 8. All purchases made through the Starbucks app or in-store at participating Starbucks locations will be eligible for the exclusive credit card accelerator and, together with base earn, will receive:
- TD Aeroplan Visa Platinum: 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite: 1.5 Aeroplan points per $1 spent
- TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege: 2.25 Aeroplan points per $1 spent
American Express welcome bonuses
American Express Aeroplan Card highlights – $120/year
- Bonus of up to 15,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan points and an Air Canada bonus Buddy Pass
- 9,000 Welcome Bonus points with $1,500 in spend
- 1,000 points/month with $500 spend monthly in the first six months
- Air Canada bonus Buddy Pass with $1,500 spend in the first three months to bring along a friend to anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, including Hawaii and Mexico. (taxes and third-party charges will apply)
- Those who joined the waitlist are eligible to earn an extra 5,000 bonus Aeroplan points upon approval, for a total of up to 20,000 points
American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card highlights – $599/year
- Bonus of up to 65,000 Aeroplan points and a $100 statement credit
- 35,000 Welcome Bonus points with $3,000 in spend within the first three months
- 5,000 points/month with $1,000 spend monthly in the first six months
- $100 statement credit with $3,000 in spend within the first three months
- Those who joined the waitlist are eligible to earn an extra 10,000 bonus Aeroplan points upon approval, for a total of up to 75,000 points
- Prospects who prefer a welcome offer where they can earn an Air Canada bonus Buddy Pass + up to 40,000 Welcome Bonus points + a $100 statement credit, can call 1-800-567-2639 to learn more or apply via phone.
CIBC welcome bonuses
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite – $139/year
- 10,000 Aeroplan points on first purchase
- Buddy Pass when you spend $3,000 within first four months
- First Year Annual Fee Rebate for Primary and up to 3 Authorized Users
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Platinum – $0/year
- 10,000 Aeroplan points on first purchase
CIBC Aeroplan Visa Infinite Privilege – $599/year
- 20,000 Aeroplan points on first purchase
- Buddy Pass when you spend $3,000 within first four months
