Use points or keep saving? What Canadians should know about the Aeroplan-Porter deal

Canadians with Aeroplan miles collected may be feeling pressure to spend points before several promised changes to the loyalty program kick in July 2020.

But rewards programs rules often change without much warning and Canadians shouldn’t act in haste, chief editor of website Pointshogger, Matthew Lau, explained to Global News.

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“There’s no way to predict it — what if the program becomes better in your favour or what if it becomes worse?” he asked.

“As you can see, loyalty companies can change their minds every two weeks, every day they can change their minds.”

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Lau added that his advice is to redeem points based on personal needs.

“If you see a reward that fits your need or your goal, just redeem it. I wouldn’t put that much effort trying to keep up with changes.”

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Aimia Inc., which runs Aeroplan Miles, announced Friday that Toronto-based Porter Airlines will become its preferred Canadian airline.

This follows the company’s rejection of an offer for Air Canada and its partners to buy the Aeroplan program and assume the responsibility for honouring about $2 billion worth of points that consumers have accumulated.

The switch will happen July 2020, as its current arrangement with Air Canada comes to an end.

Aeroplan used for any airline by July 2020

Friday’s announcement comes just after Aimia announced its plans to make Aeroplan points redeemable on any airline.

The company’s CEO, Jeremy Rabe, said in a press release Friday that plan is still in place.

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“We’ve committed to our five million members that they will be able to choose any seat on any airline, anywhere, any time, with the new Aeroplan program,” Rabe said.

The company’s website explained that includes any airline accredited by the International Air Transport Association.

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After the 2020 changes, round-trip flights in North America that are short-haul will be offered beginning at 15,000 aeroplan miles, while long-haul ones will begin at 25,000 miles.

Flights to Mexico and the Caribbean will be offered starting at 40,000 points. European flights will begin at 60,000 and Asia flights at 75,000.

What makes a preferred airline different?

What makes Porter different is that preferred airlines “will offer Aeroplan members even greater value on fares on the routes,” the company explained to Global News in an email.

Aimia has also been in discussions with the Oneworld airline alliance, whose members include British Airways, American Airlines and Cathay Pacific, for similar preferred agreements.

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In an email to Global News, Aimia said it is also in talks with other potential preferred partners and expects to make announcements soon.

What happens to Porter’s existing VIPorter loyalty program?

Porter’s existing VIPorter loyalty points will be converted into Aeroplan miles once the deal becomes effective in 2020.

Porter passengers will then earn and redeem Aeroplan miles instead, then be able to use them with Aeroplan travel partners.

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Lau explained this agreement is great news for frequent flyers of the airline.

“The problem with Porter before was the [points] were only for Porter — you earned and used on Porter. You had no access to any partners,” he said.

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“Now, even if you only fly on Porter, when you collect the points you can redeem on other airlines.”

How does this affect Air Canada flyers?

In an email to Global News, Aimica explained that miles will still be redeemable for Air Canada after 2020.

“Come July 2020, members will be able to redeem miles for Air Canada flights as well — similar to other travel loyalty programs today,” the email read.

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But its preferred relationship will be over.

“Aeroplan will not receive the same discounts from Air Canada as we do today once that contract expires,” the statement added.

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What happens to your credit card?

Aeroplan-affiliated cards from TD, CIBC and American Express will not need to be changed, Aeroplan explained on its website.

It noted that the cards remain “extremely popular.”

Shortly before announcing the Porter agreement, Aimia reported that spending on Aeroplan credit cards remained strong in the second quarter and the company is “making solid progress” on streamlining its business.