Aeroplan members can now earn and redeem points with two new airline partners.

There’s a lot to appreciate about Air Canada's Aeroplan program. It features fairly reasonable award charts, avoids fuel surcharges, and includes unique options like family points sharing. Additionally, it boasts an impressive lineup of over 45 partner airlines.

In addition to the Star Alliance network, Aeroplan collaborates with several non-alliance carriers such as Etihad, Azul, and Gulf Air. Now, two more airlines have joined this exclusive list.

Oman Air and Air Mauritius are the latest non-alliance carriers to team up with Aeroplan. Travelers can now earn Aeroplan points with Oman Air. Currently, points can only be redeemed with Air Mauritius, but the ability to earn points on Air Mauritius is expected to be available by early 2022.

Here’s what we currently know about these exciting new partnerships.

Accumulating Aeroplan points with Oman Air

Aeroplan members traveling on Oman Air can now accumulate Aeroplan points by including their Aeroplan frequent-flyer number when booking. However, it's important to note that Oman Air flights do not contribute towards qualifying for Aeroplan elite status.

Here’s a breakdown of how many points you can earn, depending on your booking class:

As previously mentioned, the ability to earn Aeroplan points with Air Mauritius will not begin until early 2022. Currently, the earning rates for these flights remain unknown.

Using Aeroplan points on Oman Air and Air Mauritius

You can use your Aeroplan points to book flights on Oman Air and Air Mauritius just like you would with any other partner airline. These flights are available online and priced according to Aeroplan's hybrid distance- and region-based award chart. Additionally, you'll incur the usual CA$39 ($30) fee per person for partner bookings on these awards.

For reference, a flight from London (LHR) to Muscat (MCT), which is Oman Air's hub, covers 3,629 flight miles. Since this distance is under 4,000 miles and falls within the 'Atlantic Zone,' the Aeroplan chart states that a one-way ticket costs 25,000 points in economy, 45,000 in business class, or 65,000 in first class. While Oman Air and Air Mauritius don't have direct flights to North America, you can combine their services with those of Air Canada or its international partners.

Although not all Aeroplan partners permit first-class award bookings, Air Canada has confirmed that such options will be available for Oman Air flights. However, with Air Mauritius, you can only redeem points for economy or business class since they do not offer a first-class service.

The addition of these airlines is thrilling, especially since booking award flights with them has historically been challenging. Previously, the only feasible method to secure award tickets on Oman Air was through Etihad Guest, which does not allow first-class redemptions. Meanwhile, awards for Air Mauritius could only be booked via Air France/KLM Flying Blue or Emirates Skywards.

Increasing your Aeroplan points balance

If you're planning to book an award and find yourself short on Aeroplan points, it's quite simple to refill your account.

To begin with, if you have a travel rewards card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the new Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, you can transfer points to Aeroplan at the following rates:

• American Express Membership Rewards: 1:1
• Chase Ultimate Rewards: 1:1
• Capital One miles: 1:1
• Marriott Bonvoy: 3:1 (plus a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 points transferred)

Moreover, Chase has recently introduced the new Aeroplan Credit Card for U.S. customers. This card offers excellent earning potential, providing 3 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on groceries, dining, and purchases made directly with Air Canada, while earning 1 point per dollar on all other transactions. New cardholders can earn 75,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of opening their account, and an additional 25,000 points after spending $20,000 in the first 12 months.

You can also accumulate Aeroplan points by crediting flights from partner airlines to Air Canada, buying points during a buy-miles promotion, or utilizing the airline's online shopping portal. Additionally, Aeroplan allows you to combine points with family members, linking up to eight Aeroplan accounts to share points for award redemptions.

In summary

While it was known that Oman Air would be joining Aeroplan as a partner, specifics were limited, and the addition of Air Mauritius was not previously disclosed. Although neither airline provides direct flights to the U.S., their inclusion is still significant, especially given the historically limited redemption options with these carriers.

Oman Air and Air Mauritius are the ninth and tenth new partners added to Aeroplan in just the past two years, highlighting the program's ongoing dedication to enhancing value for its members. Recent non-alliance additions also include Gulf Air and Virgin Australia.