Air Canada’s Aeroplan frequent flyer program is one of my favorites due to reasonable award pricing and the large number of partners. However, Air Canada appears to be preparing to implement dynamic pricing for some of its partner carriers.
This announcement is somewhat of a mixed bag. I’ll reserve my judgement until I see the full rollout but there are pros and cons with this change. Air Canada has always used dynamic pricing for its own awards and, in recent years, has expanded this to select partners including Emirates and FlyDubai.
Now, the airline is introducing dynamic pricing for more carriers, some more obscure than others. As of March 25, 2025, Air Canada Aeroplan will introduce dynamic pricing on Etihad Airways and United Airlines. Air Canada will also introduce dynamic pricing on flights by Calm Air, Canadian North, and PAL (Provincial Airlines), which are all regional partners of Air Canada.
The new dynamic pricing can be significantly higher than many travelers are used to. I have redeemed Air Canada Aeroplan points for business class seats on multiple Star Alliance carriers between the United States and Europe with tickets clocking in around 70,000 points.
While a move to dynamic pricing is never a good sign, there is a silver lining here. Etihad business class awards can once again be booked using Air Canada Aeroplan miles. Mrs. ATX and I took full advantage of this on our honeymoon so I’m happy to see it return.
Starting prices on United and Etihad awards are expected to remain the same however, expect them to have higher pricing depending on the demand for the route. Sor now, unless you’re waiting to book Etihad business class, I’d recommend earning and redeeming Aeroplan points as usual.
Personally, I just booked flights for my parents on United between Newark and Lisbon using Air Canada Aeroplan points which I believe was a great use of miles. We’ll have to wait and see how things play out after the changes go into effect.
Summary
As of March 25, 2025, Air Canada will introduce dynamic pricing for passengers booking its Aeroplan loyalty program. Dynamic pricing will be in effect on United and Etihad bookings via the airline.
While the addition of dynamic pricing is never fun for points and miles enthusiasts, at least we have regained access to Etihad Business Class award space as part of this change.