Sweet Spot Sunday: Book Low-Cost Flights to and Around Canada with Aeroplan

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Canada is one of my favorite countries to visit – largely because of how dynamic it is. You can experience European vibes in places like Quebec City and Montreal, or head to Banff National Park to experience Canada’s beautiful wildlife near the US border, however, despite it being so close to home, flights to Canada can be pricey. . Even short-haul flights like New York to Montreal can top $300 in economy during peak times for business and leisure travel. Additionally, flights within Canada can also be expensive, adding cost to a multitasking country tour. One of my favorite ways to save on flights to (and around) Canada is by booking with Air Canada Aeroplan points. Under the program, you can book flights for as little as 10,000 points one way – depending on when you travel. Why is it special? Private trips dynamically. In contrast, the price you’ll pay varies based on the route you book, when you travel and the date you book if you’re flying with Air Canada. There are plenty of excellent deals you can get though. On the low end, you can book flights of less than 500 miles for 6,000 Aeroplan points and C$47 (about $34) in one-way taxes and fees. This includes popular routes such as O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) to Montreal Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Plus the economy taxes and fees on partner airlines, which is still a solid bargain compared to the cost of cash flights during peak times. Unlike the British Airways Avios Awards, you will not pay more points for connecting tickets. Sometimes the prices for these tickets are a little lower than the award scheme price if you have an Air Canada operated leg. You often book fewer than 6,000 points one way, like the Toronto to Montreal ticket that costs 5,600 miles and CAD42 ($31) in one-way taxes and fees. Canadian cross-border and domestic flights – which can save you significant money on your next vacation. You might pay a little less on some routes when you book with Etihad Guest – one of Air Canada’s newest partners – but booking with Aeroplan gives you access to United-operated prizes from the US and low-cost, dynamic-fare prizes on Air Canada flights. Also, you may qualify for the preferred rate if you have an Air Canada elite status or an Aeroplan credit card. Look toward the middle of the page, and enter your desired itinerary. Make sure to select the ‘Reserve with Points’ option before searching. AIRCANADA.COM All available flights will appear in the middle of the screen. You can also display the lowest reward rate for the days surrounding your search at the top of the screen, which is useful if you have flexible plans. When you find a flight you like, click on its price and follow the onscreen instructions to book your reward ticket. Aeroplan credit card launched with Chase. Currently, the card offers 70,000 reward points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, it includes travel perks like a TSA PreCheck or Nexus membership credit, free checked baggage and 500 bonus points for every $2,000 you spend in a calendar month, up to 1,500 bonus points per month. American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points to Aeroplan at a 1:1 conversion rate, transfer instantly, and Marriott Bonvoy points convert to Aeroplan at a 3:1 ratio, with transfers up to 60,000 points to earn 5000 points bonus. If you’re under 5/24 and qualify to open a Chase credit card, you can consider one of these cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card – Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Ink Business Preferred Credit Card – Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening. After you’ve spent $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, or alternatively, consider opening an American Express card to top up Membership Rewards: American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after You spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Earn 4 points for every dollar on dining at restaurants, 4 points for every dollar at US supermarkets (up to $25,000 in a calendar year; then 1 point for every dollar), and 3 points for every dollar on airfare Purchased directly from airlines, 1 point for every dollar on all other purchases ($250 annual fee; see rates and fees). Platinum® Card from American Express: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $6,000 on card purchases in the first six months of card membership. Earn 5 points for every dollar on airline tickets purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), and 5 points for every dollar on prepaid hotel reservations with American Express Travel and Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases ($695 annual fees; see rates and fees). As a general rule, you should only transfer points once you have found the flight you want to book. Otherwise, you may be stuck at points you can’t use. On your next trip Bookmark this guide and come back to it the next time you need to book a cross-border or domestic Canadian flight. Oftentimes, you’ll save points for booking with another loyalty program — as well as keeping cash in your pocket for other expenses on your trip. For Platinum Card rates and fees, click here For Amex Gold Card rates and fees, click here.

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