Use Less Miles On Aeroplan Market Fare Flights

It’s been a long, winding road with Air Canada acquiring Aeroplan.

Back in January 2020, the takeover was finally approved, and since then we’ve seen some positive announcements, such as Amex continuing to be a partner after the changeover date, and a new hotel and car rental booking tool.

Now, we have our first major deal, and with it a sign that everything may be alright after all.

Related: Aeroplan News: Changes To Flight Reward Refunds, Changes, And More

Market Fare Flights: More specials with fewer miles

Last week, Air Canada announced changes to Market Fare flights happening now – no need to wait ’til July 2020 for these benefits.

If you’re already an Aeroplan member, you probably got this email from Air Canada:

The big announcement is for Market Fare flights, where there’ll be more Market Fare promotions. You’ll require 15% less miles for a redemption on average with more great deal fares as well (a great deal is defined as requiring fewer miles than a Fixed Mileage flight).

On the whole, this is great news. In our Aeroplan guide, we looked at Market Fare redemptions, and for North American flights had an average of 1.48 cents (including the rest of the world, the value was 1.30 cents).

And while that’s the lowest average value amongst North American flights, Market Fares offer better flexibility and schedules, as you can use your miles to book any available Air Canada seat. They also have lower taxes and fees, as they waive fuel surcharges for flights within Canada and the Continental United States.

So these changes will only increase the value you could get for your miles.

You’ll also need fewer miles to redeem for Air Canada gift certificates.

Example of deals

So, what are some Market Fare deals currently available? Here are a few deals we looked at, to give you an idea of what’s out there.

Toronto to Fort Lauderdale – 21,000 miles

Here’s a good deal from Toronto to Fort Lauderdale. Save 3,900 miles over the Fixed Mileage equivalent, and only pay $71 in taxes and fees as well, over the usual $199.

These flights cost $415, giving this redemption a value of 1.63 cents per mile, better than our average market fare redemption.

Vancouver to Miami – 24,900 miles

While it doesn’t have the mileage savings our previous flight had, this one still offers great value for your miles.

You’ll only save 100 miles over a Fixed Mileage redemption, but flights to Miami on these dates cost $722. With the low taxes and fees charged, this gave a great value of 2.6 cents per mile, a little better than our overall Aeroplan mile valuation of 2.5 cents each.