Points via churning - is Aeroplan still worth it?
Mar 31, 2014, 12:20 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Toronto, Canada
Programs: Aeroplan
Posts: 300
Points via churning - is Aeroplan still worth it?
I've done pretty okay churning Aeroplan Plat and Amex Gold/Plat in canada into aeroplan points. However, I'm starting to think there has to be a better way, and maybe it's time to move away from Aeroplan. 
There is the Capital One Delta Skymiles Card, there is still the non-Aeroplan branded Amex cards, and there's BA via RBC. Anyone have suggestions or experience with their churning in Canada? I may have to stick with Aeroplan as there seems to be more options with it, despite devaluing their points.
Cheers.
There is the Capital One Delta Skymiles Card, there is still the non-Aeroplan branded Amex cards, and there's BA via RBC. Anyone have suggestions or experience with their churning in Canada? I may have to stick with Aeroplan as there seems to be more options with it, despite devaluing their points.
Cheers.
Last edited by TravellingBeard; Mar 31, 2014 at 2:21 pm
Mar 31, 2014, 12:25 pm
#2
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: YYZ
Posts: 595
We really don't have many good options for frequent flyer credit cards in Canada, and Aeroplan has the most options to earn/churn now that they partner with AMEX, CIBC, and TD.
I also find CIBC is by far the easiest bank in Canada to churn with, IMO.
I also find CIBC is by far the easiest bank in Canada to churn with, IMO.
Mar 31, 2014, 5:28 pm
#9
Join Date: Jul 2008
Programs: Via Preference Privilege, AC*A, Fairmont Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 1,334
Even though Mini-RTW continue to be devalued, they are still by far the most attractive FF award out there IMO. First is now probably too expensive to justify, but the cost of a Business reward is still doable via churning and spending within a couple years. Aeroplan did make some improvements as well, like one way rewards for 50% of the cost of r/t.
Mar 31, 2014, 6:30 pm
#11
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: YYZ (YUL/LHR)
Programs: AC - E50, CX - G, Accor Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 903
Don't overlook temporarily the crazy value of AP - US DM exchange via Point.com at 0.84 exchange rate. There are some insane sweet spots on their mileage chart which for sure is probably going to undergo revision before year's end, I only hope the follow UA and give decent notice when they do revise.
Eying up some CX F seas using US DM as I type!
Eying up some CX F seas using US DM as I type!
Mar 31, 2014, 6:37 pm
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Canada
Programs: UA*1K MM
Posts: 23,297
There is still lots of value in easily manufactured, near-zero cost Aeroplan points.
*IF* you know what you are doing.
Diversify, and make Aeorplan part of your mileage portfolio.
*IF* you know what you are doing.
Diversify, and make Aeorplan part of your mileage portfolio.
Mar 31, 2014, 7:32 pm
#13
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: YUL
Programs: ✈ AC 1MM / S100K - SPG Lifetime Platinum = BONVoY Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,496
I have over 900k amex points so this would seem attractive.
Mar 31, 2014, 9:08 pm
#14
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 6,385
? , if AA points are wanted or we wanted to fly AA, as perhaps you are mentioning above, In Canada, could we not churn Amex membership Rewards, then, convert to British Airways Avios, and then fly on AA for that 135k level?
I have over 900k amex points so this would seem attractive.
I have over 900k amex points so this would seem attractive.
ba prices per segment while aa doesn't.