Even though Air Canada is the nation’s largest airline, there are destinations that they don’t serve.
Fortunately, Air Canada partners with an extensive network of airlines, including dozens of Star Alliance carriers like United, Lufthansa, and ANA. So, if Air Canada can’t get you to your destination, there’s a good chance that one of their partners can fly you there.
Let’s dive into the details of who these partners are and how they work – plus check out some credit cards that can earn you Aeroplan points to redeem for free flights.
Key Takeaways
- Air Canada is a founding member of the Star Alliance, which boasts 26 member airlines.
- Air Canada also partners with non-Star Alliance airlines to offer even more flights and destinations.
- Members can earn Aeroplan points for booking eligible flights through Air Canada’s partners.
- Aeroplan members can redeem points on qualifying flights serviced by Air Canada partners.
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Who are Air Canada’s partners?
Air Canada is a member of one of the 3 major worldwide air alliances: Star Alliance. In fact, Air Canada was one of the 5 founding members when Star Alliance was launched in 1997.
It’s also the only Canadian carrier that is part of one of the 3 major airline alliances.
Star Alliance includes 26 members from all over the world, though Air Canada doesn’t codeshare with all of them.
Star Alliance partners
Star Alliance members operate internationally so the odds are good that you’ll be able to find service anywhere you need to go through one of Air Canada’s partners.
| Destination | Partner |
|---|---|
| North America | * United * Lufthansa Group * Avianca Airline |
| South America | * Avianca Airline * Copa Airlines |
| Europe | * Lufthansa Group * Austrian Airways * Aegean Airlines * Croatia Airlines * LOT Polish Airlines * TAP Air Portugal |
| Asia | * Air China * Air India * All Nippon Airways (ANA) * Thai Airways * Asiana Airlines * Singapore Airlines * EVA air * Juneyao Airlines * Shenzhen Airlines |
| Middle East | * Turkish Airlines |
| Africa | * United * Lufthansa Group * South African Airways * Egyptair * Ethiopian Airlines |
| Australia and New Zealand | * Air New Zealand |
Flying with other Star Alliance carriers has its benefits. Flying between members on one reservation is a seamless experience. You get all your boarding passes at check-in, and any checked bags are tagged all the way through to your final destination.
Note: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) was a founding member of the Star Alliance, offering flights from Canada to Europe. However, SAS announced it will leave the Star Alliance on August 31, 2024.
Non-Star Alliance partners
If you’re flying somewhere that’s not serviced by Air Canada or one of its Star Alliance partners, you still have options.
Air Canada has a code-sharing agreement with dozens of smaller airlines, allowing travelers to book flights with the following partners through Air Canada:
| Destination | Partner |
|---|---|
| North America | * Central Mountain Air * Canadian North * Calm Air |
| South America | * Azul Linhas Aereas Brasileiras * GOL |
| Europe | * Aer Lingus * Air Dolomiti * Edelweiss Air * Eurowings * Air Serbia * Olympic Air |
| Asia | * Cathay Pacific * SriLankan Airlines * Vistara * Bamboo Airways |
| Middle East | * Emirates * Etihad Airways * Flydubai * Middle East Airlines * Oman Air |
| Africa | * Air Mauritius |
| Australia and New Zealand | * Virgin Australia |
Can you earn points with Air Canada partners?
There’s good news and less-good news: you can earn Aeroplan points, but the amount you earn and whether or not you accumulate Status Qualifying Miles depends on the fare class you purchase, the flight distance, and the current earning rate.
If you book a flight through a non-Star Alliance partner, you will earn Aeroplan points but might not earn Status Qualifying Miles.
To give you an idea of how many points you can earn through flights and travel, take a look at the following table:
| Purchase | Points earn rate |
|---|---|
| Business fare | 1.5x number of miles flown |
| Premium economy and Latitude fares | 1.25x number of miles flown |
| Comfort fare | 1.15x number of miles flown |
| Flex fare | 1x number of miles flown |
| Standard Air Canada flight from Canada to US or International | 0.5x number of miles flown |
| Standard within Canada | 0.25x number of miles flown |
| Basic between Canada or US | 0.25x number of miles flown |
| Basic within Canada | 0.1x number of miles flown |
| Airline partner flight | Depends on the partner |
| In-flight food or drink purchases | * 25 points per $10–$19.99 purchase * 50 points per $20+ purchase |
To find out if your flight with a non-Star Alliance partner will earn you Aeroplan points, just select the partner on Air Canada’s website and review the details. You’ll see exactly how many Aeroplan points you could earn based on the specific flight fare – plus whether you’ll earn Status Qualifying Miles.
How to redeem points with Air Canada partner airlines
You’ll typically get the most value from your points by booking flights rather than redeeming them for upgrades, hotels, or other perks. Fortunately, Air Canada allows you to use Aeroplan points when booking with Air Canada partners.
Here’s how you do it:
- Sign in to your Aeroplan account and search for flights
- Select the box that says "Book with Aeroplan points"
- Fill in your travel destination, dates, and passenger info
- Choose "Search flights" to see the available flight details – each flight will list the operating airline or partner
When you find a flight you’d like to book, you’ll see purchase options. You can buy the flight entirely with Aeroplan points or you may be able to supplement your points with cash if you’re short.
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure where you want to fly with your Aeroplan points, Air Canada offers a handy Points Finder tool. Enter your departing location to instantly see where your points can take you!
How to fly for free with Aeroplan points
Opting for an Aeroplan credit card will help you earn Aeroplan points faster – and get you on that free flight sooner.
There are 2 sub-types of cards to consider:
- Aeroplan-branded cards: These are branded with the Aeroplan name and include benefits specific to Air Canada – just note that most of the benefits won't extend to other Star Alliance carriers.
- Cards with points that transfer to Aeroplan: Amex Membership Rewards credit cards also make terrific non-official Aeroplan credit cards. You can transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to Aeroplan – and while you won’t get any Air Canada benefits, these cards generally earn more rewards on purchases.
Here's an overview of the best Aeroplan credit cards.
| Credit card | Welcome bonus | Earn rates | Annual fee, income requirements | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Cobalt Card | Up to 15,000 bonus points (terms) | * 5 points per $1 spent on eligible groceries and restaurants * 3 points per $1 spent on eligible streaming services * 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, transit, and ride share purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on foreign currency purchases * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | * $155.88 * None | Apply now |
| TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card | Up to 45,000 bonus points (terms) | Up to 45,000 bonus points (terms) | * $139 * $60,000 personal or $100,000 household | Apply now |
| American Express Aeroplan Card | Up to 40,000 bonus points (terms) | * 2 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 1.5 points per $1 spent on restaurants * 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases | * $120 * None | Apply now |
| American Express Green Card | 10,000 bonus points (terms) | * 1 point per $1 spent on all purchases | * $0 * None | Apply now |
| American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card | Up to 85,000 bonus points (terms) | * 3 points per $1 spent on Air Canada * 2 points per $1 spent on dining and food delivery purchases in Canada * 1.25 points per $1 spent on all other purchases | * $599 * None | Apply now |
1. American Express Cobalt Card
You may be surprised, but the best Aeroplan card doesn’t have the word "Aeroplan" in it. It’s the best credit card in Canada overall – the American Express Cobalt® Card – and it outearns the Aeroplan-branded cards by a wide margin.
×8 Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
8x Award winner Transfer points to Aeroplan and 7 other travel partners with Canada's #1 credit card.*
Why we love it:
- Earns up to 5 points per $1 spent
- Transfers points 1:1 to Aeroplan program
- Uses AMEX’s Fixed Points Travel Program
- Option to transfer points to hotel rewards like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors
- No income requirements
Things to note:
- Doesn’t include Air Canada benefits
- Not accepted everywhere as an Amex card
2. TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card
For a non-AMEX option, the TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Card offers valuable Air Canada benefits and a low annual rate. While you won’t earn points as quickly, the TD card allows you to steadily grow your Aeroplan bank everywhere you shop – and it includes unique rewards.
Why we love it:
- Earns 1.5 points per $1 spent on gas, groceries, and Air Canada and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
- Potential for anniversary bonus points
- Bonus Starbucks stars
- 12 types of insurance included
- Wider acceptance than Amex cards
Things to note:
- High income requirements of either $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
3. American Express Aeroplan Card
The American Express® Aeroplan®* Card makes it easy to earn points for flights and everyday purchases – but where the card really shines is in its perks. This Aeroplan card comes with Air Canada benefits like travel insurance, a free first checked bag, preferred pricing on reward flights, and the ability to earn up to 1,000 Elite Qualifying Miles for every $10,000 spent annually.
Why we love it:
- Earns up to 2 points per $1 spent on purchases
- Bonus of up to 30000, 10000 Aeroplan points
- Valuable benefits when travelling with Air Canada
- 8 types of insurance coverage
Things to note:
- Lower acceptance as an Amex card
- Lackluster earn rates compared to other Aeroplan cards
- Best for cardholders who spend with Air Canada and at restaurants
4. American Express Green Card
Want to earn Aeroplan points for no annual fee? The American Express® Green Card is your best bet. You can reliably earn points on all purchases without paying an annual fee. And while you have options to transfer your points, take note that you won’t get to enjoy the extra perks or Air Canada benefits that come with Aeroplan-branded cards.
Why we love it:
- No annual fee
- Earns 1 point for every $1 spent on purchases
- Up to 10,000 bonus points
- Airline loyalty program transfer options
Things to note:
- Lower acceptance as an Amex card.
5. American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card
Want a VIP experience while flying with Air Canada? Having a premium Aeroplan-branded card like the American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Card will do that for you! It’s like being an Elite member without the official status.
Why we love it:
- Earns up to 3 points on purchases and flights
- Get to 60000, 25000welcome bonus points
- Free checked bags when flying with Air Canada
- 11 types of insurance included
- Preferred pricing on reward flights
- Unlimited access to Maple Leaf Lounges when flying with Air Canada
Things to note:
- One of the highest annual fees at $599
- Amex is less widely accepted than Visa and Mastercard
Have you flown with an Air Canada partner?
Given that Air Canada partners with so many airlines, you may have flown with a partner in the past, especially if you took an international flight.
Have you ever flown with an Air Canada partner? Tell us about your experiences in the comments below.
FAQ
Who is part of Star Alliance?
Star Alliance is made up of 26 member airlines, with Air Canada being one of the founding members. The alliance is a mixture of international and regional carriers that form a network to provide global flights.
Can I use an Air Canada credit with airline partners?
You can use future and electronic travel credits with Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, and Air Canada Express. To use an AC wallet credit, log in to your Aeroplan account and search for eligible flights. You’ll be able to use your credit even if another airline operates the flight.
Can I redeem Aeroplan points on other airlines?
You can redeem your Aeroplan points if you book with an Air Canada partner airline. Search for qualifying flights on the Air Canada website or use the company’s Points Finder Tool.
Can I earn United Miles on Air Canada?
If you’re a MileagePlus member, you can earn miles and qualifying credits on eligible Air Canada flights. When you book the reservation, show your MileagePlus number (and double-check that it’s on your boarding pass when you check in).
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