My friends always joke that Aeroplan and I are the same person, and they’re only half right! I’m also a huge fan of mixing up my points and credit strategies. During our 7-week family award trip across South Pacific and Asia, I had to make a last-minute change to our Southeast Asia plans.
I know making sudden changes can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re traveling with a family of four. Here’s how we adjusted our Southeast Asia itinerary:
- We canceled our trip to Vietnam.
- My partner Benny and I flew to Thailand for four days.
- Our two kids stayed with their aunt in Hong Kong a bit longer.
- We all reunited at Taipei Airport — Benny and I flew in from Bangkok, while the kids arrived from Hong Kong.
I get that last-minute changes can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry! I’m here to share three easy ways you can boost your confidence and tackle those travel tweaks like a pro.
#1: Avios Came To The Rescue
I can’t stress enough how handy Avios points can be. When I was searching for flights from Hong Kong to Bangkok, my initial thought was to book with Cathay Pacific. But hold on! Sometimes, convenience can come with a hefty price tag. Cathay Pacific wanted 28,000 miles plus US$68 one way for one person.
So, I decided to explore Star Alliance carriers since Air Canada Aeroplan has over 50 partners. Aeroplan’s extensive network, including Emirates, Thai Airways, Ethiopian Airlines and Cathay Pacific, meant more options – 14 daily flights operated by more than 4 strategic partners airlines. Searching through Air Canada’s Aeroplan, the redemption was even higher – 30,000 miles for business class because of the 1,049-mile distance, which falls into the 1,000 ~ 2,000-mile band. See below.
In the article about our 7-week award family trip in Summer 2024, I talked about using Qatar Airways Avios for our Hong Kong – Ho Chi Minh City flights because of the great redemption rate. I decided to check Qatar Airways’ program again. For the 1,149-mile flight from Hong Kong to Bangkok, Qatar Airways program required only 16,500 Avios, saving me almost 45% of my points.
In the end, I scored a Cathay Pacific ticket with Qatar Airways Avios and got to re-enjoy my favorite airline’s welcome drink – Cathay Delights.
🔥🔥Pro Tip (Latest): From now through September 30, 2024, take advantage of the following Avios transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards (MR):
- 30% British Airways transfer bonus
- Avios is mileage currency of British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Vueling and Aer Lingus
Avios are transferable between participated programs at 1:1 ratio, so each Avios is worth the same across the board. If you collect Avios with any of participated airlines, you can use them with Qatar Airways or any of the others. For example, the ticket from Hong Kong to Bangkok that I redeemed through Qatar Airways program only cost me 13,000 Avios, thanks to a 30% bonus.
👉 Further reading: How To Best Use Avios To Book The Reward Flights
👉 Further reading: 5 Sweet Spots You Need To Know About Avios – Save Enough For A Business Class Round Trip To South America
#2: Take Advantage Of Bonus Points And Sales
When we decided to change our plans, two key events helped us save money and make the most of our points:
- A 20% Air Canada Aeroplan transfer bonus from Chase
- A 125% bonus on buying Air Canada Aeroplan points promotion (Air Canada Aeroplan 40th anniversary offers)
For instance, our Bangkok to Taipei business class ticket initially required 30,000 miles one way. With the bonus, it dropped to 24,000 points per person. The revenue ticket for this route was about $600 one way in the middle of Summer 2024.
With the 125% points sale, the cost was even reduced to just 1.14 cents per point, bringing the total to only $275 per way. This significant slashed the cost nearly 50%, and also let me enjoy Thai Airways’ business class lounges, their “Royal Silk” dedicated check-in service, and business class perks.
👉 Further reading: DIY Hacks To Best Maximize Air Canada Aeroplan For Your Dream Trips
#3: Use Air Canada Aeroplan’s 8K Short Haul Option
The distance between Hong Kong and Taipei is under 1,000 miles. It needed 8,000 one-way per person on EVA Air economy class. Thanks to a 20% transfer bonus from Chase, the cost dropped to just 5,000 points. Since this was a last-minute change and our flight back to San Francisco started from Taipei anyway, I redeemed for the kids with the lowest cost option for EVA Air tickets.
How Easy To Earn Avios?
Credit cards are a great way to earn Avios. Currently, major US banks offer two types of Avios-earning credit cards:
Co-Branded Credit Cards:
This includes Chase’s British Airways Visa and Chase Iberia Visa, both with a $95 annual fee and a welcome offer of 75,000 Avios (after spending $5,000 within three months).
Flexible Points Credit Cards:
Almost any US credit card with flexible points can transfer points to Avios program. This opens up many avenues to earn Avios! Nearly any points-earning credit card can accumulate Avios.Here are some great sign-up bonuses you can take advantage of:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, but with a $50 annual credit, it effectively costs $45 to earn 60,000 UR points, which equals to 65,000 Avios.
- Amex Gold offers a welcome offer of 60,000 MR points, which equals to 60,000 Avios. Despite the $325 annual fee, it includes up to $424 annual credit, making this card be worth to have for long term.
How To Earn Air Canada Aeroplan Points
Co-Branded Credit Card
Air Canada has co-branded cards in the U.S. and Canada. In the U.S., Air Canada partners with Chase to issue the Aeroplan Credit Card. New cardholders can earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Flexible Points Through Transfer Partners
Avios Air Canada Aeroplan also partners with four major U.S. transferrable point programs. Earning flexible points with their credit cards is another wise and easy way to collect Aeroplan:
- American Express Membership Rewards: 1 Membership Rewards point to 1 Aeroplan point
- Recommended: American Express Platinum
- Capital One Miles: 1 Capital One mile to 1 Aeroplan point
- Recommended: Capital One Venture (Limited Time Sign-up Bonus: 75,000 points with $250 travel credit)
- Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1 Ultimate Rewards point to 1 Aeroplan point
- Recommended: Chase Ink Business Preferred (Limited Time Sign-up Bonus:120,000 Points), Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Marriott Bonvoy: 3 Marriott Bonvoy points to 1 Aeroplan point, plus a 5,000-points bonus for transferring every 60,000 points
- Recommended: Amex Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant
Now its’s Your Turn!
I get it, making last-minute travel changes can be intimidating. But don’t let hesitation keep you from seizing great award opportunities and enjoying new travel experiences. Embracing points and credit diversity can unlock incredible travel potential and help you achieve your biggest travel goals. I truly believe that no single point program fits everyone, so I hope these tips help you feel confident about handling any last-minute travel changes with your family.
