United MileagePlus Vs. Air Canada Aeroplan Redemption Rates

United MileagePlus vs. Air Canada Aeroplan Redemption Rates: A Comparison

For frequent travelers, loyalty programs are a great way to earn rewards and benefits while flying. Two popular loyalty programs in the airline industry are United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan. Both programs offer various perks, but one of the most important factors to consider is the redemption rates for flights. In this article, we will compare the redemption rates of United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan to help you make an informed decision.

United MileagePlus:

United MileagePlus is the loyalty program of United Airlines. It offers a wide range of benefits, including flight upgrades, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. When it comes to redemption rates, United MileagePlus operates on a dynamic pricing model. This means that the number of miles required for a flight can vary depending on factors such as demand, destination, and class of service.

Air Canada Aeroplan:

Air Canada Aeroplan is the loyalty program of Air Canada, offering various benefits to its members. You can earn Aeroplan Miles through various means, such as flying with Air Canada or its partner airlines, staying at partner hotels, shopping, and even using an Air Canada Aeroplan credit card for your everyday purchases. These earned Aeroplan Miles can be redeemed for flight upgrades, access to airport lounges, and other travel-related rewards. Similar to other loyalty programs like United MileagePlus, Aeroplan provides a range of perks that enhance your travel experience.

One notable distinction between Aeroplan and United MileagePlus is the redemption model. Unlike United MileagePlus, which can have varying redemption rates based on demand and destination, Aeroplan operates on a fixed redemption rate model. This means that the number of Aeroplan Miles required for a flight is determined primarily by the distance flown and the class of service. This provides a transparent and consistent way to calculate the miles needed for your desired flight, regardless of factors like demand or destination. The availability of such a straightforward redemption system is a key advantage for travelers who appreciate clear and predictable reward options.

Domestic flights: 

Domestic flights on United were not affected by the recent devaluations. Therefore, you can still use as few as 15,000 United miles for economy class and 30,000 miles for business class for a transcontinental flight with the lowest-level award space.

Currently, there are economy-class awards available for under 5,000 United miles on short-haul routes, such as from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Booking United flights through Aeroplan requires a certain number of miles depending on the route and class of service. For short-haul routes under 500 miles, it will cost you 6,000 miles in economy. On transcontinental flights, the cost is 12,500 miles in economy and 25,000 miles in business class.

Flights to Asia:

United Airlines has updated its mileage prices for flights to Asia. In economy class, it will now cost 55,000 miles each way, and in business class, it will cost 100,000 miles each way for flights operated by United Airlines. For flights operated by partner airlines like All Nippon Airways, the prices are slightly higher at 60,400 miles each way in economy and 110,000 miles in business class.

Aeroplan's award chart for flights between North America and the "Pacific" (including all of Asia) has different point charges depending on the distance of the journey. For shorter journeys, such as from the West Coast of the United States to Japan, the point charges are 50,000/75,000 for economy/business class. For longer journeys, such as from the U.S. East Coast to Singapore Changi Airport (SIN), the point charges are 60,000/87,500. These point charges apply to flights operated by partner airlines like United, Asiana Airlines, and ANA.

The pricing for flights operated by Air Canada varies depending on the distance and class of travel. For shorter journeys in economy or business, prices start at 45,000/75,000 points, while for longer journeys, prices start at 50,000/85,000 points. Prices may increase significantly based on demand.

Flights to Australia:

The Saver awards for travel between the U.S. and Australia used to start at 40,000 United miles in economy and 80,000 miles in business class. However, due to a recent devaluation, they now cost 55,000 miles in economy and 100,000 miles in business class. The premium economy can be booked for 70,000 miles.

According to Aeroplan's award chart, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia are grouped in the same zone. As a result, the prices for most itineraries are 60,000 points in economy class and 87,500 points in business class. If you happen to find first-class availability, you'll need 110,000 points for most routes.

The longest itineraries from the East Coast of North America to the West Coast of Australia may fall into the highest bracket of the Aeroplan award chart. Economy class would be priced at 75,000 points each way, while business class would cost 115,000 points.

Comparison of Redemption Rates:

When comparing the redemption rates of United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan, it's important to consider your travel preferences and goals. If you value flexibility and are willing to pay more miles for a flight during peak travel periods, then United MileagePlus might be a better option for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a fixed redemption rate that allows you to plan your trips, then Air Canada Aeroplan might be more suitable.

It's worth noting that both programs have their partnerships and alliances, which can affect the availability of flights and redemption rates. For example, United MileagePlus is a member of the Star Alliance, while Air Canada Aeroplan is part of the Oneworld alliance. Therefore, it's important to research and compare the availability of flights and redemption options for your desired destinations.

Choosing between United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan redemption rates ultimately depends on your travel preferences and goals. If you prefer flexibility and are willing to pay more miles for flights during peak periods, then United MileagePlus might be the better choice. However, if you prefer a fixed redemption rate and the ability to plan your trips, then Air Canada Aeroplan might be more suitable.

Regardless of which program you choose, both United MileagePlus and Air Canada Aeroplan offer valuable rewards and benefits for frequent travelers. It's important to evaluate your travel patterns and goals to determine which program aligns best with your needs. Happy flying!