How Not to Get Dinged by Air Canada on Aeroplan Rewards Flights
/Avoid Aeroplan Carrier Surcharges
First Published Date: April 10, 2016
A lot of us avoid collecting and utilizing Aeroplan miles because of the many horror stories that lead us to believe that it’s not worth going through all the hassle to pay hefty carrier charges (also known as fuel surcharges or taxes, fees and surcharges) to enjoy what are supposed to be free rewards flights.
However, this fear (paying hefty charges) should not stop you from enjoying free flights, especially on business class. With a few tips and careful planning you can fight back against Air Canada and other airlines that charge you fees on Aeroplan rewards flights.
There are some airlines that charge nothing to enjoy your rewards flights, some that charge skyrocketing surcharges, and some that charge little surcharges. Before you book your next reward flights, keep this list handy and avoid those airlines that charge you.
Avoid – Skyrocketing Surcharges
Air Canada, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Lufthansa, Thai Airways
Little Surcharges
Air New Zealand, LOT, TAP
No Surcharges
Aegean, Air China, Air India, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa, Croatia, EgyptAir, Ethiopian Airlines, Eva Air, SAS, Shenzhen, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Swiss, TACA, Turkish Airlines, United
Here is an example to illustrate. I searched today, April 3, 2016, for a business class one-way flight from Toronto to Singapore on November 1, 2016. This journey is covered by Air Canada and Thai Airways, requiring 77,500 Aeroplan miles. Because both of these airlines charge surcharges, this free flight is going to cost you a staggering $943.06 to pay surcharges.
Now, if you have taken the same trip on Turkish Airlines, which does not charge surcharges, your cost will be only $61.56.
If you have taken the same trip covered by Air Canada and Singapore Airlines, your cost will be $583.86 because Singapore does not charge anything for its portion, but Air Canada is charging its fees.
So there is no reason to avoid the Aeroplan rewards program. All you need to do is know how this program works and use careful planning to get the most out of it.
