Can I Use Aeroplan Points To Upgrade To Business Class? | Points Power Play

Understanding Aeroplan Points and Upgrade Eligibility

Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, allowing members to earn and redeem points on flights, hotels, car rentals, and more. One of the most coveted uses of Aeroplan points is upgrading from economy or premium economy to business class. However, not all tickets qualify for an upgrade, and the number of points required varies widely.

Air Canada partners with several Star Alliance airlines, so upgrades can sometimes extend beyond Air Canada flights. But each partner airline has its own rules about which fare classes are eligible for upgrades. Typically, deeply discounted economy fares (such as basic economy) are excluded from upgrades. Understanding these restrictions is crucial before attempting to use Aeroplan points for a business class upgrade.

How Upgrades Work With Aeroplan Points

Using Aeroplan points to upgrade involves requesting an “upgrade award.” This differs from booking a flight outright with points. Instead of redeeming a full award ticket, you pay fewer points to move into a higher cabin on an existing paid ticket.

The process generally requires:

• Booking a qualifying fare class (often flexible or standard economy fares)
• Checking availability for upgrades on your flight
• Requesting the upgrade via Air Canada’s website or customer service
• Paying the required number of Aeroplan points plus any applicable taxes and fees

Upgrades are subject to inventory control, meaning that even if you have enough points, you might not secure an upgrade if seats aren’t available.

Eligible Fare Classes for Upgrades

Not every ticket can be upgraded. Here’s a quick summary of typical fare classes that allow upgrades on Air Canada flights:

• Economy: Y (Full), B, M fares usually qualify.
• Premium Economy: W fares often eligible.
• Basic Economy: Usually excluded from upgrades.

Always verify your fare code before attempting an upgrade request because ineligible fares will be denied.

The Number of Points Required for Upgrades

The number of Aeroplan points needed depends on several factors:

• The original fare class purchased
• The route flown (domestic vs. international)
• The cabin you wish to upgrade into (premium economy or business)
• The airline operating the flight (Air Canada vs. Star Alliance partner)

Here’s a breakdown table illustrating approximate point requirements for upgrading one-way flights within North America and internationally:

Route Type	Upgrade From Economy to Business Class (Points)	Upgrade From Premium Economy to Business Class (Points)
Domestic Canada/US	15,000 – 20,000	10,000 – 12,500
Transcontinental US-Canada (e.g., Toronto-Los Angeles)	25,000 – 30,000	15,000 – 18,000
International (North America-Europe/Asia)	40,000 – 60,000+	25,000 – 35,000+

These values fluctuate based on specific routes and fare classes. It’s wise to check your itinerary directly on the Aeroplan platform for exact requirements.

The Role of Upgrade Availability and Waitlists

Even with enough points in hand and an eligible ticket purchased, snagging an upgrade isn’t guaranteed. Airlines limit the number of seats available for upgrades due to revenue management strategies.

If no upgrade seats are available at booking time or close to departure, you might be placed on a waitlist. Waitlists prioritize passengers based on factors like elite status within Aeroplan or Star Alliance programs.

Patience often pays off as last-minute cancellations or no-shows can open up seats closer to departure day. However, relying solely on waitlists is risky if you have fixed travel plans.

Status Benefits Affecting Upgrades

Aeroplan elite members—such as those with Air Canada Altitude status—often enjoy enhanced chances for upgrades:

• Status priority: Higher-tier members get first dibs on waitlists.
• Loyalty perks: Complimentary or discounted upgrades may be offered.
• Easier processing: Dedicated customer service lines speed up requests.

If you fly frequently with Air Canada or partners and hold status within their program or Star Alliance Gold/Silver tiers, your odds improve significantly.

The Process: How to Use Aeroplan Points To Upgrade To Business Class?

• Select an Eligible Fare: Book a flight with a fare class that allows upgrades.
• Create Your Booking in Advance: Some airlines require advance purchase before requesting an upgrade.
• Check Upgrade Availability: Log into your Aeroplan account online or call customer service to verify if business class upgrades are open on your flight.
• Request the Upgrade Award: Submit your request through Air Canada’s website or by phone.
• Pay Required Points & Fees: Confirm payment of Aeroplan points plus any applicable surcharges.
• Acknowledge Confirmation or Waitlist Status:If confirmed immediately, great! Otherwise you’ll enter a waitlist until space opens up.

Act promptly once availability opens since many travelers compete for limited spots.

Aeroplan Partner Airlines: Using Points For Upgrades Beyond Air Canada Flights

Aeroplan’s Star Alliance membership means you can use points across many carriers like Lufthansa, United Airlines, ANA (All Nippon Airways), and more. However:

• Differing Rules Apply:

Each partner airline has its own policies governing which fare classes can be upgraded using Aeroplan points. Some may restrict upgrades strictly to full-fare tickets; others might allow more flexibility.

• Award Charts Vary:

Point costs differ depending on the carrier and route flown — they might not mirror Air Canada’s pricing exactly.

• Aeroplan Booking Platform Limitations:

Some partner airline upgrades cannot be requested directly online through Aeroplan; instead they require phone calls or even contacting the airline itself.

If planning multi-carrier itineraries involving partners where you hope to use Aeroplan points for upgrades — always research each segment carefully beforehand.

The Impact of COVID-19 Changes on Upgrade Policies

Since early 2020, airlines including Air Canada have adapted their loyalty program rules due to fluctuating travel demand:

• Cancellations and rescheduling flexibility have improved.

• Aeroplan introduced temporary changes allowing easier point redeployment between bookings.

• The availability of upgrade awards has sometimes been more generous during low travel periods but tightened during peak seasons as flights fill again.

Staying updated by regularly consulting official Air Canada/Aeroplan announcements remains essential for accurate expectations around using points for business class upgrades.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Using Points For Upgrades

Even experienced travelers run into snags when upgrading with Aeroplan points:

• No Upgrade Inventory Available:

If no seats show up as available online despite eligibility — try calling customer service directly; agents sometimes see additional inventory not visible online.

• Mismatched Fare Classes:

Double-check your booking’s fare code; even minor differences can disqualify a ticket from being upgraded using points.

• Lack of Elite Status Priority:

Without elite status benefits, expect longer wait times or lower chances when competing against other travelers’ upgrade requests.

• Error Messages During Booking Attempts:

Technical glitches occasionally occur; clearing browser cache or using different devices may help during online requests.

Persistence and patience pay off when navigating these challenges successfully.

The Value Proposition: Is Using Aeroplan Points To Upgrade To Business Class Worth It?

Deciding whether upgrading with Aeroplan points makes sense depends on multiple factors:

• Your original ticket price versus cost in points plus fees;

Your personal comfort preferences;

The length and nature of your flight;

Your elite status level;

Business class offers significantly enhanced comfort: lie-flat seats on many international routes; premium meal service; lounge access; priority boarding — all valuable perks especially on long-haul journeys.

However, sometimes outright booking a business class award ticket via full redemption may offer better value than upgrading from economy with extra point payments plus surcharges. Running numbers before committing helps maximize benefits from your hard-earned miles.

Aeroplan Points Expiry & Transfer Considerations Related To Upgrades

Remember that Aeroplan points expire after inactivity—typically after two years without earning or redeeming miles—so timely use is important if planning an upgrade soon. Also consider transferring credit card rewards from programs like American Express Membership Rewards into Aeroplan accounts when topping up balances needed specifically for upgrades.

Transfers usually take between instant and several days depending on the partner program involved — plan accordingly so your balance reflects accurately when requesting an upgrade award close to departure dates.

User Experience: Real-World Tips From Frequent Flyers Using Aeroplan For Upgrades

Frequent flyers share these nuggets based on experience:

Earliest possible requests increase chances;

If waitlisted early enough before departure day — keep checking back regularly;

Loyalty status dramatically improves success rates;

Savvy travelers combine cash + point bookings strategically;

Certain routes consistently release more upgrade inventory than others;

These insights highlight how knowledge combined with timing can unlock significant value from your Aeroplan balance beyond just standard award bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Aeroplan points to upgrade to business class on all Air Canada flights?

Yes, you can use Aeroplan points to upgrade to business class on Air Canada flights, but only certain fare classes qualify. Typically, full economy fares like Y, B, and M are eligible, while deeply discounted fares such as basic economy are excluded.

How do I request an upgrade to business class using Aeroplan points?

To request an upgrade with Aeroplan points, you must have a qualifying paid ticket. Then, check upgrade availability and submit your request through Air Canada’s website or customer service. You will pay the required points plus any applicable taxes and fees.

Are Aeroplan points upgrades available on Star Alliance partner airlines?

Aeroplan points can sometimes be used for upgrades on Star Alliance partner airlines. However, each partner has its own rules regarding eligible fare classes and upgrade availability, so it’s important to verify restrictions before attempting an upgrade.

How many Aeroplan points are needed to upgrade to business class?

The number of points required varies depending on factors like the original fare class, route flown, and airline operating the flight. International routes and certain fare classes typically require more points for an upgrade than domestic or flexible fares.

What happens if there are no available seats for an Aeroplan upgrade to business class?

Upgrades using Aeroplan points are subject to seat availability. Even if you have enough points, you may not secure an upgrade if business class seats are fully booked or restricted by inventory controls. It’s best to check availability early when booking.