Aeroplan: On My Way to Elite!

In January, I made a declaration that I would achieve “Elite status” with a frequent flyer rewards program at some point in 2014. At the time, I wasn’t sure what that would look like or how I’d get there. Would I focus my efforts on Aeroplan and increase my points there? Do I fast track to Star Alliance Gold via Aegean Airlines’ Miles & Bonus? And once I achieved some sort of status, what does that mean exactly?

The world of airline bonuses and frequent flyer rewards is a beast of a topic on its own, and I’m a beginner when it comes to the ins and outs of the so-called ‘travel hacking’ approach. Needless to say, less than 6 months later, I have reached the dSilver level of Aeroplan’s Distinction program! Weeeeeee! Thank you, Kevin O’Brien, for your email.

So what does this all mean? Good question. According to Aeroplan’s website, I can now use up to 20% fewer miles to redeem for Market Fare Flight Rewards. There are also lots of bonus mile offers and partner offers, as well as access to Distinction Flights. I don’t know what those are… but I now have access to it!! Give me more access!

To celebrate, I went ahead and booked a round-trip flight home to Toronto for only 38000 Aeroplan miles and paid 75 bucks in taxes. Not bad considering less than a year ago I had close to no Aeroplan points and no Distinction status… so in my mind, $75 for a trip home is not bad at all. Also, I’m less than 14000 points away from the dBlack level of Distinction, and I have 6 months to get there. Challenge accepted!

Author: rickohikes

Avid hiker, mountain lover and fitness enthusiast with insatiable wanderlust. Usually battling with an injury and my mental health, but I always persevere! View all posts by rickohikes