Aeroplan vs. Air Miles: Differences and Alternatives
‼️ Heads up: AIR MILES will become Blue Rewards in summer 2026. Until then, you can still sign up and collect Miles. When the transition happens, existing AIR MILES collectors will see their Miles automatically convert to Blue Points at the same value. Learn more about the Air Miles to Blue Rewards transition.
Aeroplan and AIR MILES are two of Canada’s most established travel loyalty programs. Which is better depends on how you earn and redeem points.
Aeroplan vs. Air Miles
BACK TO TOPUnderstanding the differences between Aeroplan and AIR MILES helps you choose the program that fits your rewards goals.
Aeroplan
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program. Points can be redeemed for flights on Air Canada and 50+ partner airlines worldwide, with all Air Canada seats eligible.
Points are earned via co-branded credit cards, flights, retail partners and the Aeroplan eStore, and can also be redeemed for travel extras and select non-travel rewards.
AIR MILES
Air Miles is a nationwide general loyalty program with travel and retail partners. As of January 2026, members earn a single type of Mile redeemable for all rewards.
AIR MILES will transition to BMO's new Blue Rewards in summer 2026. Miles earned before then will automatically convert to Blue Points at the same value.
There are, however, quite a few similarities between Aeroplan and Air Miles:
Travel flexibility: Both programs allow you to use your credit card points on dozens of airlines around the world in any seat class.
Dynamic pricing: Air Miles and Aeroplan set the cost of their flight redemptions on ticket prices. Generally speaking, the more expensive a ticket is, the more points it will cost.
Various redemption options: Beyond flights, both programs allow you to use your points for gift cards, car rentals, vacation packages and merchandise.
Many ways to earn: Both Air Miles and Aeroplan members can also earn points through co-branded credit cards, online and in-person retail partner purchases, contests and promotions.
Alternatives to Aeroplan and Air Miles
BACK TO TOPWhile Air Miles and Aeroplan are often compared to each other, there are other programs worth considering.
Avion, more commonly known as RBC Rewards, allows you to use your points on any flight on the RBC travel portal.
The average value of one Avion Rewards point is 1.16 cents, but varies by the redemption method you choose:
2 cents per point for Avion Elite travel redemptions.
1 cent per point for Avion Premium travel redemptions.
0.5 cents per point for Avion Select travel redemptions.
Avion Rewards points can be converted into Hudson’s Bay Rewards points, American Airline AAdvantage miles, British Airways Avios and WestJet dollars.
» MORE: Find the best RBC credit cards in Canada.
Aventura is CIBC’s rewards program. Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel purchases, merchandise, gift cards, statement credits and CIBC financial product contributions.
The average value of one Aventura Rewards point is 1.92 cents, but fluctuates by redemption method:
2-3 cents per point for travel redemptions.
0.8 cents per point for CIBC financial product contributions.
0.6 cents per point for statement credits.
Aventura points can be converted to Aeroplan points.
American Express Membership Rewards can be earned with select American Express credit cards and redeemed for travel purchases, merchandise, Amazon.ca purchases, PayPal purchases, statement credits, gift cards and charity donations.
The average value of one American Express Membership Rewards point is 2.84 cents, according to NerdWallet analysis, though points can be worth as much as 11.52 cents per point for hotel redemptions and as little as 0.65 cents per point for merchandise redemptions.
Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to over 20 transfer partners, including Aeroplan, Choice Privileges, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
Scene+ is the rewards program used by Scotiabank and several partner brands. Points can be redeemed for travel through Scene+ Travel, groceries at participating grocery stores, dining, entertainment, merchandise, gift cards and statement credits.
The average value of one Scene+ point is about 1 cent, but the value varies depending on how you redeem:
Scene+ points generally offer their best value when redeemed for travel or groceries, while merchandise and gift cards tend to provide lower value per point.
Scene+ points can be redeemed directly for travel, but cannot currently be transferred to airline or hotel loyalty programs.
How to choose the program that’s right for you
BACK TO TOPTo determine which rewards program is right for your lifestyle, reflect on your shopping habits and goals.
If you shop frequently with Air Miles retail partners, you may be able to quickly earn points by taking advantage of in-store promos and paying with a co-branded credit card.
If you’re a frequent Air Canada flyer, focusing on Aeroplan may be the way to go.
Before signing up for a rewards program or applying for a co-branded credit card, consider how each program aligns with your everyday spending habits and goals.
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Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell
Shannon Terrell