Have you been earning AIR MILES rewards but unsure how to cash them in? We’re answering all of your frequently asked questions so you can use your AIR MILES for travel to go further. From the number of miles that are needed for cross-Canada journeys, to ways to redeem AIR MILES for travel and much more.
How to Use AIR MILES for Travel
What determines how many miles travellers need for flights?
The mileage portion of your flight covers the base fare for your route, as well as the fuel surcharge that may apply (for flights within Canada and to the US, Mexico, and the Caribbean). All additional charges, taxes, and fees (including fuel surcharge on international routes) are payable by cash. The number of Miles needed also depends on whether it’s a Regular Flight Reward or Additional Flight Reward.
What is the difference between Regular Flight Rewards and Additional Flight Rewards?
Regular Flight Rewards are the standard offer from AIR MILES for fixed mileage by zone and season on any of their Partner airlines. Whereas Additional Flight Rewards are the additional seats offered when Regular Flight Rewards seats are unavailable. These are priced according to the current fare provided by airlines and fluctuate depending on the airline, route, date, and time.
How far in advance can travel be booked?
Flights can be booked with AIR MILES up to eleven months in advance of your next trip. Each Travel Partner has different requirements, but the majority of flights must be booked a minimum of 2 days before travel but some carriers required 7 days notice.
Further reading: The best travel insurance for Canadians.
Where can I travel with 40,000 Dream Miles?
With 40,000 Dream Miles, Collectors are able to explore the world. Travellers can redeem them for a number of routes including:
- Four round-trips from Toronto to Orlando;
- Four round-trips from Calgary to Hawaii;
- Two round-trips from Montreal to Auckland; or
- Two round-trips from Toronto to Hong Kong.
How many miles do you need to travel from Toronto to Vancouver?
A round-trip from Toronto to Vancouver starts from 3600 Dream Miles + taxes and fees. Different flight specials can also be applied here, like the Gold and Onyx flight discounts or the BMO® AIR MILES®† World Elite® Mastercard® flight discount.
There is also a calculator on the AIR MILES website that allows travellers to determine where they can fly in the world during high and low seasons booking through AIR MILES airline Partners.
How to Redeem AIR MILES for Travel
Can you book a First Class or Business Class ticket with AIR MILES?
AIR MILES only offer Economy cabin seats through the AIR MILES Reward Program. However, if you have the American Express®* AIR MILES® Reserve Credit Card, you have access to Business Class through the online travel tool, and access to any ticket, in any cabin using the FlexFly Benefit.
Can I use my AIR MILES to travel to the United States?
Flights originating in the U.S. can be booked, so long as the arrival destination is in Canada. Flights between two cities in the U.S. are not offered through the AIR MILES Reward Program.
Are there charges for booking flights with AIR MILES?
Yes. There are booking fees for travel reservations and can range from $10 – $50/person plus applicable taxes. You most economical option is to book online however the same offerings are available by phone.
How can you purchase travel insurance for my AIR MILES bookings?
Travel insurance can be added to flights, car rentals or hotels booked at airmiles.ca by visiting AIR MILES® Travel Insurance. AIR MILES Travel Insurance does not cover Package Vacation bookings. If you reside in the following provinces or territories, you can add AIR MILES Travel Insurance by calling 1-844-807-0759.
- Nova Scotia
- New Brunswick
- Prince Edward Island
- Québec
- Saskatchewan
- Yukon
Still unsure about where you can fly with your AIR MILES®? Try their trip planner here!
How do you use AIR MILES Cash?
AIR MILES Cash lets you use your Cash Account in-store at participating retailers that can be used at the checkout in $10 increments up to $750/per Collector Cash Account, per day. $10 is equal to 95 Cash Miles and transactions must exclude gift cards and near-cash products like pre-paid credit cards. To set your preference, click here.
Where Can I Find Other AIR MILES Rewards?
- In-Store – with Partners
- Online -with airmilesshops.ca
- On All Purchases – with our financial partners
- Remember to check back regularly to take advantage of all the great offers to get even more Miles. For a shortcut to the ‘Get Miles’ page click here.
What’s the Difference Between AIR MILES and Aeroplan?
AIR MILES and Aeroplan are commonly confused for one another because they both are a mile based reward program that customers can redeem for travel. However, one of the main differences between them is how you accumulate and redeem points. With AIR MILES, you have the option to redeem both in-store with AIR MILES partners and online. Meanwhile, with Aeroplan, you can purchase products or redeem miles for travel only online in the e-store.
