What To Know
- Make it a habit to use your miles for flights or other rewards to keep them active.
- Aeroplan miles expire after 12-24 months of inactivity, depending on the source of the miles.
- To prevent your miles from expiring, book flights, redeem miles, use an Air Canada-affiliated credit card, or transfer miles to another Aeroplan member.
The question of whether Air Canada miles expire is a common concern among frequent flyers. The answer is both yes and no, depending on the type of miles you have.
Types of Air Canada Miles
Air Canada offers two main types of miles:
- Aeroplan Miles: These are the standard miles earned through flights, credit card spending, and other activities.
- Elite Status Miles: These are earned based on your flight activity and determine your elite status level.
Expiration Rules for Aeroplan Miles
Aeroplan miles do expire after a certain period of inactivity. The expiration timeline is as follows:
- Miles earned from flights: Expire after 12 months of inactivity.
- Miles earned from credit card spending: Expire after 18 months of inactivity.
- Miles earned from other activities (e.g., partner redemptions): Expire after 24 months of inactivity.
Inactivity refers to any activity that earns or redeems Aeroplan miles.
Expiration Rules for Elite Status Miles
Elite Status Miles do not expire as long as you maintain your elite status. However, if you lose your elite status, your Elite Status Miles will expire after 12 months.
How to Keep Your Miles from Expiring
To prevent your Aeroplan miles from expiring, you can:
- Book flights: Any flight booked with Air Canada or its partners will reset the expiration timer for all your Aeroplan miles.
- Redeem miles: Using your miles for flights, upgrades, or other rewards will also reset the expiration timer.
- Earn miles through credit card spending: Using an Air Canada-affiliated credit card for everyday purchases will earn you miles and reset the expiration timer.
- Transfer miles: Transferring miles to another Aeroplan member will reset the expiration timer for both accounts.
What Happens to Expired Miles?
If your Aeroplan miles expire, they will be permanently removed from your account. You will not be able to recover them.
Strategies for Managing Miles Expiration
To avoid losing your miles, consider the following strategies:
- Track your miles: Use the Air Canada website or mobile app to monitor your miles balance and expiration dates.
- Set reminders: Set reminders to book flights or redeem miles before they expire.
- Use miles regularly: Make it a habit to use your miles for flights or other rewards to keep them active.
- Consider elite status: Achieving elite status can extend the expiration timeline for your Aeroplan miles.
Final Thoughts: Navigating Miles Expiration with Confidence
Understanding the expiration rules for Air Canada miles is crucial for maximizing the value of your rewards. By following these tips and strategies, you can keep your miles active and enjoy the benefits they offer. Remember, the key is to stay informed, track your miles, and take proactive steps to prevent them from expiring.
Popular Questions
Q: How long do Aeroplan miles last if I don’t use them?
A: Aeroplan miles expire after 12-24 months of inactivity, depending on the source of the miles.
Q: What activities count as “inactivity” for Aeroplan miles?
A: Inactivity refers to any activity that does not earn or redeem Aeroplan miles. This includes not booking flights, redeeming miles, using an Air Canada-affiliated credit card, or transferring miles.
Q: Can I extend the expiration date of my Aeroplan miles?
A: No, the expiration date of Aeroplan miles cannot be extended. However, you can reset the expiration timer by earning or redeeming miles.
Q: What happens if my Aeroplan miles expire?
A: Expired Aeroplan miles are permanently removed from your account and cannot be recovered.
Q: How can I prevent my Aeroplan miles from expiring?
A: To prevent your miles from expiring, book flights, redeem miles, use an Air Canada-affiliated credit card, or transfer miles to another Aeroplan member.
