Air Canada Aeroplan Adds Virgin Australia as Travel Partner
Air Canada’s Aeroplan loyalty program has a new addition. Virgin Australia will become an Air Canada Aeroplan partner starting January 19, 2021. The two airlines already have already a codeshare agreement, but the new partnership will add more options for earning and redeeming points for customers. The new revamped Aeroplan program was jut launched recently.
With the new partnership, miles will be earned based on distance flown and fare class. Here’s the chart:
Passengers can also earn towards elite status when flying on Virgin Australia, but in limited scenarios. Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), as well as Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) can be earned on segments wholly operated within Australia and ticketed by Air Canada.
As for redemptions, Virgin Australia awards will follow Aeroplan’s standard partner award pricing chart. Aeroplan members will be able to book Virgin Australia flights online at aircanada.com, or via the call center Virgin Australia flights starting on January 19. Virgin Australia flights can be combined with Air Canada and flights from other international airline partners. There will be no carrier imposed surcharges, but you will have to pay the $39 CAD partner booking fee.
Air Canada Aeroplan is a transfer partner of the American Express Membership Rewards program and Capital One. Later this year it will be added as a partner for Chase Ultimate Rewards as well. So it should be easy to get additional Aeroplan miles if you need to book award flights with Air Canada or other travel partners.
