Do Air Canada Miles Expire? Tips For Keeping Your Aeroplan Points Active [Updated On: September 2025]

Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity in your account. To avoid expiration, you must earn, redeem, donate, or transfer points. Aeroplan has extended the policy and paused point expiry until November 30, 2025. Any transaction keeps your account active and prevents points from expiring.

To keep your Aeroplan points active, consider a few tips. First, regularly use your Aeroplan account. Every eligible booking or purchase will reset the expiration clock. Second, pay attention to promotions that encourage activity. Occasionally, Air Canada offers promotions that allow you to earn bonus points. Lastly, consider utilizing partnerships; earn Aeroplan points through hotel stays, car rentals, or retail purchases with partner companies.

By taking these steps, you can ensure that your Air Canada miles remain intact.

Reading about the expiration of Aeroplan points highlights the importance of actively managing your account. Next, let’s delve deeper into effective strategies for maximizing your Aeroplan points. These strategies will help you get the most out of your loyalty program.

Table of Contents

Do Air Canada Aeroplan Miles Expire?

No, Air Canada Aeroplan miles do not expire as long as there is at least one account activity every 18 months.

Aeroplan miles can be maintained by completing qualifying transactions such as earning or redeeming miles, or transferring points. If there is no activity within the 18-month period, the miles will expire and be removed from the account. Members can check their account status regularly to ensure they engage in activities that qualify and thus keep their miles active.

What is the Current Expiration Policy for Aeroplan Miles?

Aeroplan Miles are loyalty points earned through Air Canada’s Aeroplan program, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. The current expiration policy states that Aeroplan Miles expire after 18 months of inactivity on an Aeroplan account.

According to Air Canada’s official Aeroplan website, this policy emphasizes the importance of maintaining activity in one’s account to prevent the loss of earned miles. Members must engage in some form of activity at least once every 18 months.

Activity can include earning, redeeming, or transferring Aeroplan Miles. Members can also keep their miles active by purchasing miles. Inactive accounts provide a warning before miles expire, allowing members an opportunity to maintain their balance.

The Aeroplan policy is similar to those of other frequent flyer programs, which typically feature expiration policies to encourage user engagement. For comparison, programs from companies like Delta Airlines also have similar inactivity terms.

Factors influencing this policy include the need for program sustainability and operational costs related to managing unused miles. The program aims to motivate members to utilize their miles actively, benefiting both the consumer and the airline.

In March 2021, a report indicated that over 90 million Aeroplan Miles were at risk of expiration due to inactivity, showcasing a significant potential loss for members. This trend poses a future challenge, where many members may unknowingly lose their miles.

The expiration of miles impacts traveler decisions and financial benefits associated with frequent flyer programs. Members may lose their accumulated rewards, reducing customer loyalty and satisfaction.

Addressing this issue involves educating members about maintaining account activity to avoid expiration. Organizations recommend regularly checking account status and utilizing miles to enhance engagement.

Strategies for mitigating expiration include setting reminders for account activity, participating in promotions, and exploring partnerships that offer earning opportunities and rewards. These practices can help users keep their miles active.

How is the Expiration Timeline Determined for Aeroplan Points?

The expiration timeline for Aeroplan points is determined by the account activity and specific program rules. Aeroplan points generally expire after 18 months of inactivity. This means that if you do not earn or redeem points within that period, your points may be forfeited. Account activity can include earning points through flights, spending points on rewards, or completing eligible transactions with Aeroplan’s partners. It is essential to remain active in your Aeroplan account to prevent expiration. Therefore, engaging with the program regularly will help maintain your points effectively.

What Causes Aeroplan Points to Expire?

Aeroplan points can expire due to inactivity over a specific period, usually 12 months. If there are no qualifying transactions within this timeframe, the points become invalid.

The main causes of Aeroplan points expiration are as follows:
1. Inactivity for 12 months
2. Account closure
3. Program changes or cancellations
4. Failure to use points in time

Inactivity for 12 months serves as the primary reason for point expiration, but additional factors can also contribute to this outcome.

Inactivity for 12 Months:
Inactivity for 12 months directly causes Aeroplan points to expire. Aeroplan has a policy that requires members to have at least one qualifying transaction within the year. Qualifying transactions can include earning or redeeming points. According to Aeroplan’s terms, if no transactions occur within the 12-month period, the points will be removed from the account.
Account Closure:
Account closure also leads to point expiration. When an Aeroplan account is closed, all accumulated points in that account are forfeited. This can happen if a member decides to stop participating in the program or if Aeroplan deems an account inactive for an extended period. For example, a member who has not logged in or engaged with their account for several years may face account closure, resulting in point loss.
Program Changes or Cancellations:
Program changes or cancellations can impact the status of Aeroplan points. If Aeroplan revises its terms, it may affect how points are earned or redeemed, causing points to expire if holders do not adjust their usage in accordance with new rules. Occasionally, loyalty programs undergo restructuring, which can also lead to the loss of points.
Failure to Use Points in Time:
Finally, failure to use points before end-of-life dates can result in expiration. Members may have a limited window to redeem points for flights or services. If they do not utilize their points before these deadlines, they risk losing worth, despite having been active in other ways during the year.

Members should remain vigilant about their Aeroplan accounts. Regularly engaging with the program through transactions or checking account status can help prevent unexpected point loss.

Does Inactivity Influence the Expiration of Aeroplan Miles?

Yes, inactivity can influence the expiration of Aeroplan miles. Aeroplan miles generally expire after 12 months of inactivity in the account.

Inactive miles expire because frequent usage encourages account engagement. Aeroplan implements this policy to motivate members to redeem miles or earn new ones regularly. If no qualifying transactions occur within a year, the program may remove the miles. Therefore, it is beneficial for members to remain active by flying, redeeming, or earning more miles to prevent expiration.

Which Activities Can Help Extend the Lifespan of Your Aeroplan Points?

To extend the lifespan of your Aeroplan points, you can engage in several activities that help keep your account active.

Make purchases through Aeroplan’s retail partners.
Use Aeroplan credit cards for everyday spending.
Book travel through Aeroplan partners.
Transfer points from hotel loyalty programs.
Participate in Aeroplan promotions.
Take advantage of regular account activity.

Engaging in these activities not only helps to keep your Aeroplan points from expiring but also allows you to accumulate more points over time.

Making Purchases through Aeroplan’s Retail Partners: Making purchases at Aeroplan’s retail partners can help maintain your points balance. Aeroplan has partnerships with various retailers where you can earn points on your shopping. This activity is beneficial because even minimal transactions can contribute to account activity.
Using Aeroplan Credit Cards for Everyday Spending: Using Aeroplan credit cards for daily purchases is a strategic way to keep your points active. Each purchase you make with your Aeroplan credit card typically earns you Aeroplan points. Regular usage ensures your account stays active and allows you to earn points faster.
Booking Travel through Aeroplan Partners: Booking flights, hotels, or car rentals via Aeroplan partners is another effective method to keep your points from expiring. Each booking generates points and recent activity in your account. This can also include travel-related expenses, which can significantly boost your points.
Transferring Points from Hotel Loyalty Programs: Transferring points from hotel loyalty programs into your Aeroplan account can also prevent expiration. Many hotel programs allow point transfers, and this provides an additional way to keep your Aeroplan account active, particularly if you’re a frequent traveler.
Participating in Aeroplan Promotions: Aeroplan often runs promotions that encourage members to earn or use points. Participating in these promotions can provide extra points and also help maintain account activity, which can prevent points from expiring.
Taking Advantage of Regular Account Activity: Regular activity within your account, such as logging in or checking your balance, can potentially contribute to keeping your points active. Even planned activities that do not result in purchases can be effective in showing your engagement with the Aeroplan program.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively extend the lifespan of your Aeroplan points and maximize your rewards.

How Can You Keep Your Aeroplan Miles Active?

To keep your Aeroplan miles active, regularly earn or redeem miles, engage with Aeroplan partners, and check your account status frequently.

Regularly earn miles: You can keep your Aeroplan miles active by earning new miles through flights or purchases. Each flight taken with Air Canada or its partners will contribute new miles to your account. Similarly, buying products or services from Aeroplan partners, including hotels, car rentals, and retailers, helps accumulate miles and resets the expiry clock.
Redeem miles: Another effective way to maintain your Aeroplan balance is to redeem miles for flights, upgrades, or other rewards. Even if you redeem a small number of miles, such as for merchandise or experiences, this action keeps your account active and prevents expiry.
Engage with Aeroplan partners: Participating in promotions or special offers from Aeroplan partners can also help. This might include hotel bookings, shopping, or dining programs. By engaging with these partners, you can earn additional miles, prolonging the life of your accumulated points.
Check your account status: Monitor your Aeroplan account regularly. You can do this by logging into your account online or through the Aeroplan app. Keeping an eye on your balance and expiry dates allows you to plan accordingly and ensure no miles lapse.

Using these strategies ensures that your Aeroplan miles remain active, allowing you to fully utilize your loyalty rewards for future travel and experiences.

What Strategies Can You Use to Earn Aeroplan Miles Frequently?

To earn Aeroplan miles frequently, you can utilize various strategies. These include maximizing credit card rewards, booking flights with Aeroplan partners, participating in promotions, shopping through Aeroplan’s retail partners, and staying at hotels that offer Aeroplan miles.

Maximize credit card rewards
Book flights with Aeroplan partners
Participate in promotions
Shop through Aeroplan’s retail partners
Stay at hotels that offer Aeroplan miles

These strategies can help you earn miles effectively and can be tailored to your individual preferences and spending habits.

Maximize Credit Card Rewards: Maximizing credit card rewards involves using a credit card that offers Aeroplan miles for every purchase. This strategy allows you to accumulate miles on everyday expenses, such as groceries and gas. Many credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that can significantly boost your Aeroplan balance. For example, a card may provide 30,000 Aeroplan miles upon spending a certain amount within the first few months. This approach not only enhances your earning potential but also allows you to make the most of your financial transactions.
Book Flights with Aeroplan Partners: Booking flights with Aeroplan partners enables you to earn miles even when flying with other airlines. Aeroplan has a vast network of airline partners, including United Airlines and Air China. When you book flights with these partners, you can still collect Aeroplan miles on eligible flights. This gives travelers more options and the ability to earn miles while using different airlines. The SkyTeam and Star Alliance partnerships exemplify how Aeroplan expands its reach.
Participate in Promotions: Participating in promotional offers provides opportunities to earn bonus Aeroplan miles. Aeroplan frequently runs limited-time promotions that encourage members to engage with specific partners or services. For instance, during holiday seasons or special events, Aeroplan may offer double miles for flights booked or purchases made with specific retailers. Keeping an eye on such promotions ensures that you maximize your miles when they are available.
Shop through Aeroplan’s Retail Partners: Shopping through Aeroplan’s retail partners allows you to earn miles on everyday purchases. Aeroplan has numerous retail partners, including well-known brands and online retailers. By shopping through Aeroplan’s online portal, members can earn miles for each purchase. This approach transforms regular shopping into a means of accumulating miles, effectively turning spending into savings.
Stay at Hotels that Offer Aeroplan Miles: Staying at hotels affiliated with Aeroplan can yield additional miles. Many hotel chains partner with Aeroplan to offer rewards for bookings made through their websites or loyalty programs. By selecting participating hotels, travelers can earn Aeroplan miles during their stays. This strategy adds a layer of financial benefit to travel, as customers receive miles for accommodation expenses.

By employing these strategies, frequent travelers can build a substantial Aeroplan account, leading to potential rewards such as free flights, upgrades, and other benefits.

How Can You Redeem Your Aeroplan Points to Prevent Expiration?

You can redeem your Aeroplan points to prevent expiration by making eligible purchases, converting points, or engaging in promotions that breathe new life into your rewards.

Making eligible purchases: To keep your Aeroplan points active, you can make purchases with Aeroplan partners or use an Aeroplan-affiliated credit card. This includes booking flights, renting cars, or staying in hotels that collaborate with Aeroplan. A single eligible transaction can extend your point validity by 18 months from the date of the transaction.

Converting points: Converting points from other loyalty programs into your Aeroplan account also prevents your points from expiring. Many hotel and credit card programs allow transfers to Aeroplan. This conversion resets the expiration clock on your Aeroplan points.

Engaging in promotions: Aeroplan frequently runs promotional campaigns that reward members with additional points or offers that can extend the validity of existing points. Participating in such promotions increases your point balance and thus keeps your points active.

Regular account activity: Regularly checking your account and ensuring you perform at least one qualifying action within a 12-month period can prevent your points from expiring.

By actively managing and redeeming your Aeroplan points through these methods, you can effectively prolong their life and enjoy your rewards for a longer time.

What Are Your Options If Your Aeroplan Miles Have Expired?

If your Aeroplan miles have expired, you have several options to consider.

Reactivate Miles
Use a Co-Branded Credit Card
Purchase Miles
Contact Aeroplan Customer Service
Transfer Points from Partners

Each of these options allows for different strategies to regain or leverage your miles. Depending on your situation, one option may be more beneficial than the others.

Reactivate Miles:
Reactivate miles directly involves Aeroplan’s policies for reviving expired miles. Aeroplan may offer a grace period or a fee to renew your expired miles. Keeping track of expiration dates helps manage this.
Use a Co-Branded Credit Card:
Utilizing a co-branded credit card, like the Aeroplan Credit Card, can help you earn and extend your miles. Regular purchases with this card may allow you to add new miles, which can reset your expiration timeline.
Purchase Miles:
You can purchase Aeroplan miles directly through the Aeroplan website. This option might be beneficial if you are close to achieving a reward level or if your miles are about to expire.
Contact Aeroplan Customer Service:
Contacting Aeroplan’s customer service may reveal additional options or personal assistance in managing your miles. They can provide information about any ongoing promotions that might extend or reactivate your miles.
Transfer Points from Partners:
Several hotel and loyalty programs partner with Aeroplan allowing for points transfers. Transferring points from these programs can enhance your Aeroplan balance and potentially prevent expiration.

Using these options effectively can help manage your Aeroplan miles. Staying proactive with your account can lead to better outcomes and rewards.

Can You Recover Expired Aeroplan Miles?

No, you cannot recover expired Aeroplan miles. Once Aeroplan miles expire, they are permanently lost.

Aeroplan miles typically expire after a period of inactivity, which means if there are no qualifying transactions on your account, the miles will not remain usable. This policy is put in place to encourage members to engage with the program regularly. Members can keep their miles active by earning new miles or redeeming existing ones within a specified timeframe. Staying informed about your account status and actively using your miles can help prevent expiration.

What Alternative Options Exist for Expired Aeroplan Points?

Expired Aeroplan points can still be utilized through various alternative options. These options may vary depending on the individual’s preferences and associated policies.

Renewing expired points.
Transferring points to family or friends.
Using a points redemption service.
Donating points to charity.
Redeeming points for travel rewards or experiences through partners.
Contacting Aeroplan customer service for options.
Purchasing additional points to renew.
Subscribing to Aeroplan communications for promotional offers.

To further explore these alternatives, let’s delve into the specifics of each option.

Renewing expired points: Renewing expired Aeroplan points is often possible for a fee. This option allows members to regain their expired points directly through the Aeroplan website or customer service.
Transferring points to family or friends: Members can transfer Aeroplan points to other account holders. This option is beneficial for consolidating points for a larger reward, subject to transfer limits and fees.
Using a points redemption service: Third-party services exist to assist members in redeeming their points. These services may offer different travel arrangements, accommodations, or experiences using expired points.
Donating points to charity: Members can choose to donate their Aeroplan points to charitable organizations. Aeroplan partners with various charities, allowing members to contribute their points to support good causes.
Redeeming points for travel rewards or experiences through partners: Expired points may still be redeemable through airline and hotel partnerships. Many travel service providers accept Aeroplan points for bookings, extending their usability.
Contacting Aeroplan customer service for options: Aeroplan’s customer service can provide members with guidance on available alternatives for expired points. They may offer unique solutions tailored to specific situations.
Purchasing additional points to renew: Members can buy extra points to reactivate expired points, ensuring continuity in accumulating rewards for future travel or experiences.
Subscribing to Aeroplan communications for promotional offers: Members can benefit from exclusive promotions and offers by subscribing to Aeroplan updates. These offers may include temporary extensions on points validity or bonus point opportunities.

Each of these options provides unique ways for members to leverage their expired Aeroplan points. Members should assess which alternative best aligns with their travel goals and personal circumstances.

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