Buying Air Canada Aeroplan points

[MEL_Traveller]

Up to a 90% bonus for me too, if buying 50k+ points.

I don't really work on c/pt but moreso how much the equivalent cash fare is.

For me, if the overall cost (of buying points whilst on special then immediately redeeming seats) is ~50% of what the cash fare would be, that's enough for me.

A few months ago I spent $1.2k (buying points and getting bonus) for a $3.5k seat - that's enough value in it for me instead of counting cents per point.

Agree… I don’t use any ‘valuations’ by blogs in making my decision… only the cents per point to work out the value of the award

Both asia and europe are still worthwhile… while you can get it for around the same price to europe using the ME3 from asia, it’s often either economy to asia or having to overnight. For a through-fare Aeroplan is still almost unbeatable.

 

[RooFlyer]

For me, if the overall cost (of buying points whilst on special then immediately redeeming seats) is ~50% of what the cash fare would be, that's enough for me.

Agree. I've used Aeroplan points to get a J flight for 1/3 of the cash cost.

But these days, can't find flights I want!!

 

[MelbFlyer]

Agree. I've used Aeroplan points to get a J flight for 1/3 of the cash cost.

But these days, can't find flights I want!!

It was good whilst it lasted.

While there are still some business reward seats out there, there's definitely less now due to higher demand on Asian carriers as people avoid the Middle East.

 

[Matty F]

I don't really work on c/pt but moreso comparing to how much the equivalent cash fare is.

typically I don't factor in the equivalent cash fare - why let the airline's pricing impact your valuation of what a seat is worth?

I'll roughly go off how much I'm happy to pay, which is ~100-150 AUD per flying hour

the cash fare is still good to know, especially when you manage to grab a business seat for less than the price of economy on the same flight

 

[mel-world]

110% today for me but having just got Business fares to Asia for about 50% of the cash fare, I'm not needing more points at the moment. Availablity is there, you just have to be patient and a bit flexible.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

It was good whilst it lasted.

While there are still some business reward seats out there, there's definitely less now due to higher demand on Asian carriers as people avoid the Middle East.

That’s the thing… if you’re willing to fly via the ME availability is pretty much wide open for Oman Air, Virgin Australia (to DOH), Oman Air and Egyptair (for connections to/from DOH), ITA airways for connections to/from DXB (with flat beds), SQ for travel all the way to/from Australia (if you can book once the window opens), and other airlines too.

Certainly a lot more options than OW, or for QF, flying EK.

 

[goldenhorn]

Is the AC buy points page timing out for anyone else? I tried several times to see what my bonus is, but the page won't load. Maybe they're getting slammed. ..

 

[Bofter]

Is the AC buy points page timing out for anyone else? I tried several times to see what my bonus is, but the page won't load. Maybe they're getting slammed. ..

Worked for me, for my first ever AC points purchase (using the 110% offer).

 

[goldenhorn]

Worked for me, for my first ever AC points purchase (using the 110% offer).

was that in the last 15 min?

 

[Bofter]

was that in the last 15 min?

Maybe 1 - 1.5 hours ago. Haven't received the promised confirmation email, but can see the miles in my account and took a screenshot to make sure I would have a record.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Maybe 1 - 1.5 hours ago. Haven't received the promised confirmation email, but can see the miles in my account and took a screenshot to make sure I would have a record.

If you got the miles in your count nothing to worry about!

The confirmation email usually comes pretty quick. But superfluous if the mikes have hit.

 

[goldenhorn]

OK, finally go on the site. I have the 110% bonus. Looking at options to Europe next year. Will have to decide soon.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

OK, finally go on the site. I have the 110% bonus. Looking at options to Europe next year. Will have to decide soon.

You should have plenty options. The only minor snag with Singapore Airlines is that it often wants to route you via Brisbane or Adelaide rather than non-stop to Singapore… although from Syndey WSI has opened up.

But aeroplan gives you the connecting VA flight anyway, so it’s just a case of an extra fright.