Your Credit Card Points Are About to Lose Value on This Popular Airline
If you've spent any time in the world of points and miles, you've likely heard about the "Air Canada trick." For years, savvy travelers have used the airline's Aeroplan program as a secret weapon, transferring points from cards like Amex or Chase to snag luxury seats on partner airlines like SWISS or Lufthansa for a fraction of the usual cost. But if you've been sitting on a stash of points for a smarter splurge to Europe or Asia, it's time to move-fast.
Air Canada has quietly posted an ominous note on its website: "As of June 1, 2026, we're making a few changes to the number of points you may need to redeem for a reward." While this isn't a total "points-pocalypse," it is a classic devaluation that will hit the most popular bucket-list routes the hardest.
Related: The Secret to Choosing the Best Airline Loyalty Program
Where the Points Hike Hurts Most
The real bread and butter of the Aeroplan program is using points to book partner airlines within the Star Alliance. Unfortunately, according to the Thrifty Traveler, that's exactly where the biggest price jumps are happening:
- The Europe Business Class Shuffle: Popular business class flights to Europe (think TAP Air Portugal or Austrian Airlines) are jumping from 70,000 to 75,000 miles each way.
- The First Class Premium: If you were eyeing a seat in the world-famous Lufthansa First Class, get ready to dig deeper. Those redemptions are soaring from 100,000 to 120,000 points.
- The Asia Stretch: Long-haul flights to Asia are seeing an 8% to 13% increase, meaning a 75,000-point business class seat will soon set you back 85,000 points.
Related: The Easiest Airline Status to Chase in 2026, According to the Points Guy (Exclusive)
Where You Still Win
It's not all bad news. In a surprising twist, Air Canada is actually making some short-haul travel a bit cheaper to help balance the scales. The shortest partner-redemption economy flights to Europe are dropping by about 7%, and some intra-Europe business class hops are also seeing a price dip. Plus, if you're flying out of East Coast hubs like Boston or New York, many of those 60,000-point sweet spots to Europe are staying exactly where they are.
How to Outsmart the Price Hikes
If you have a trip in mind, the best move is to book before the June 1 deadline. Even if you aren't 100% sure of your dates, locking in the current rates now can save you tens of thousands of points per person. Air Canada's program remains one of the most flexible out there because they don't pass on those massive fuel surcharges that other airlines do-so even with a small price hike, it's still a powerhouse for the savvy traveler looking to see the world on a budget.
Related: How to Book a Quick, Last-Minute 'Points-Cation' Without Getting Burned
Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
This story was originally published April 30, 2026 at 7:10 AM.