Yes, you can use Aeroplan miles to book flights on United Airlines as both are Star Alliance partners, allowing seamless award redemptions.
Understanding the Aeroplan and United Airlines Partnership
Aeroplan is Air Canada’s loyalty program, and it has grown into one of the most versatile mileage programs available today. One of its biggest perks is the ability to redeem miles not just on Air Canada flights but also across a vast network of partner airlines. United Airlines, a major U.S. carrier, is part of the Star Alliance network — the same alliance that Air Canada belongs to. This partnership means you can use your Aeroplan miles to book flights on United Airlines.
This synergy between Aeroplan and United Airlines opens up a world of travel possibilities. You’re no longer confined to just Air Canada routes but can tap into United’s extensive domestic and international routes across the U.S., Asia, Europe, and beyond. It’s an excellent way to maximize your miles and enjoy more flexibility in your travel plans.
How Does Using Aeroplan Miles on United Work?
Booking a United flight with Aeroplan miles is straightforward but comes with some nuances worth noting. Since both airlines share the Star Alliance umbrella, award seats are generally available for redemption through Aeroplan’s booking platform.
When you search for flights on the Aeroplan website or app, you’ll see options for both Air Canada and partner airlines like United. If a United flight has award availability, you can select it and pay in Aeroplan miles plus any applicable taxes and fees.
One important point: award availability varies by airline and route. While United offers many seats for sale with miles, some premium cabins or popular routes might have limited availability or require more miles.
Benefits of Using Aeroplan Miles on United Airlines
Using your Aeroplan miles on United Airlines unlocks several benefits that make traveling easier and more rewarding:
- Expanded Route Options: Access thousands of destinations worldwide by combining Air Canada’s routes with United’s extensive network.
- Diverse Cabin Choices: Book economy, premium economy, business class, or first-class seats depending on availability.
- Star Alliance Perks: Earn elite status benefits such as priority boarding and lounge access when flying with either airline.
- Flexible Booking: Mix and match itineraries involving multiple Star Alliance carriers in one award ticket.
- No Fuel Surcharges: Aeroplan generally does not impose fuel surcharges on partner awards like United flights, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
These advantages make it easier to tailor trips exactly how you want them while stretching your miles further.
Aeroplan Award Chart vs. United Award Chart
One common question is about how many miles it costs to book a United flight using Aeroplan versus booking directly through United MileagePlus. The two programs have different award charts.
Aeroplan uses a zone-based award chart that prices awards based on distance flown between regions. Meanwhile, United MileagePlus employs dynamic pricing for most awards, which can fluctuate based on demand.
Generally speaking:
| Award Type | Aeroplan Approximate Mileage Cost | United MileagePlus Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Domestic US) | 7,500 – 12,500 miles one-way | Varies widely; often 10,000 – 15,000 miles |
| Business Class (Transcontinental US) | 25,000 – 30,000 miles one-way | Dynamic pricing; often 25,000+ miles |
| International Economy (North America to Europe) | 30,000 – 35,000 miles one-way | Variable; typically 30,000+ miles |
| International Business (North America to Europe) | 55,000 – 60,000 miles one-way | Dynamic pricing; can be 50,000+ miles or more |
Aeroplan’s fixed chart can provide better predictability in mileage costs compared to dynamic pricing models like MileagePlus.
The Booking Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Using Aeroplan Miles on United Airlines
Booking a flight using your Aeroplan miles on United is simple if you follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Log into Your Aeroplan Account
Head over to Aeroplan.com, sign in with your credentials so you can access your mileage balance and booking tools.
Step 2: Search for Flights Including Partners
Use the search tool to look for flights from your departure city to your destination. Make sure “Redeem Miles” is selected so only award flights show up.
Aeroplan automatically shows options from all Star Alliance partners including United if available.
Step 3: Filter Results & Select Your Preferred Flight(s)
Look through all available options. You can filter by airline if you want only United flights or mix carriers within an itinerary.
Pay attention to mileage cost displayed next to each flight option — this indicates how many points you’ll need for that segment.
Step 4: Review Taxes & Fees Before Confirming Booking
After selecting flights, review any additional charges like airport taxes or government fees. These must be paid separately using cash or credit card at booking time.
Step 5: Complete Your Booking & Receive Confirmation
Once everything looks good — confirm your itinerary by completing payment with your points plus any fees due. You’ll receive an email confirmation with ticket details shortly after.
This process lets you book seamless itineraries flying United with no need to call customer service unless special assistance is required.
The Fine Print: Restrictions & Important Considerations When Using Aeroplan Miles on United Airlines
While redeeming Aeroplan points on United offers great value and flexibility, there are some caveats worth noting:
- Award Availability Can Vary: Popular routes may have limited seats available for redemption at lower mileage levels.
- No Upgrades Using Miles from Partner Flights: You generally cannot upgrade paid tickets on United using Aeroplan points; upgrades must be booked as awards upfront.
- Cancellations & Changes: Policies differ slightly when booking partner awards; some may incur fees or restrictions depending on fare class.
- Mileage Expiration Rules: Ensure your account remains active by earning or redeeming points every 18 months; otherwise points may expire.
- Aeroplan Fees: Some bookings might include carrier-imposed surcharges or processing fees—though fuel surcharges are minimal compared to other programs.
- Mileage Pooling Not Allowed Between Programs: You cannot transfer points directly between MileagePlus and Aeroplan accounts despite partnership status.
- Baggage Allowance Differences:Baggage policies vary between airlines; check specific rules for carry-on/check-in allowances when flying partner segments booked through Aeroplan.
Knowing these details upfront prevents surprises during redemption and helps plan trips smoothly.
The Perks of Star Alliance Status When Flying With United Using Aeroplan Miles
If you hold elite status within either Air Canada’s Altitude program or United’s MileagePlus elite tiers (Silver+, Gold+, Platinum+), flying partner airlines booked through Aeroplan still grants access to many benefits tied to your status level.
These perks include priority check-in counters at airports worldwide alongside priority boarding privileges that make getting settled easier. Lounge access is also extended when flying business class award tickets booked via partners such as United if eligibility criteria are met under Star Alliance Gold rules.
This means that even though you’re redeeming through a separate program (Aeroplan), recognition of elite status carries over seamlessly across Star Alliance carriers including United Airlines — enhancing comfort throughout the journey.
Simplifying Travel Planning: Combining Multiple Star Alliance Partners With One Award Ticket Using Aeroplan Miles
One standout feature of using Aeroplan is its generous routing rules allowing travelers to combine multiple Star Alliance carriers within a single itinerary without extra mileage penalties beyond zone-based pricing limits.
For example:
- You could fly from New York (JFK) → Toronto (YYZ) via Air Canada → then connect Toronto → London Heathrow (LHR) via Air Canada → then continue London → Frankfurt (FRA) via Lufthansa → finally Frankfurt → Chicago O’Hare (ORD) via United Airlines—all booked under one award ticket using only one set of Aeroplan points.
This flexibility opens doors for complex routing options that maximize stopovers or open jaws without paying extra points per segment individually—a huge advantage over some other loyalty programs that charge per leg separately.
Key Takeaways: Can I Use Aeroplan On United Airlines?
➤ Aeroplan miles can be used to book United Airlines flights.
➤ United is a Star Alliance partner of Aeroplan.
➤ Booking through Aeroplan may offer better award availability.
➤ Fees and surcharges vary depending on the route and class.
➤ Check Aeroplan’s site for the latest United flight options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Aeroplan miles to book flights on United Airlines?
Yes, you can use Aeroplan miles to book flights on United Airlines. Both airlines are part of the Star Alliance network, allowing you to redeem your Aeroplan miles for award seats on United flights through the Aeroplan booking platform.
How does using Aeroplan on United Airlines work for award bookings?
When searching for flights on the Aeroplan website or app, you can select United Airlines flights if award seats are available. You pay with Aeroplan miles plus any applicable taxes and fees. Availability and mileage requirements may vary depending on the route and cabin class.
Are there any benefits of using Aeroplan miles on United Airlines?
Using Aeroplan miles on United Airlines offers expanded route options, access to multiple cabin classes, and Star Alliance perks like priority boarding and lounge access. It also provides flexible booking options, allowing you to combine multiple Star Alliance carriers in one itinerary.
Can I mix Air Canada and United Airlines flights using Aeroplan miles?
Yes, you can mix Air Canada and United Airlines flights in a single award booking with Aeroplan miles. This flexibility lets you create itineraries that include multiple Star Alliance partners, maximizing your travel options and mileage value.
Are there any restrictions when using Aeroplan miles on United Airlines?
Award availability varies by route and cabin class, so some popular or premium seats may be limited or require more miles. Additionally, taxes and fees apply separately. It’s important to check availability early to secure your preferred United flight using Aeroplan miles.