Last Updated: February 16, 2026 | Fact Checked by: James W.

Do Air Canada Aeroplan Points Expire? (2026 Policy)

Yes, Air Canada Aeroplan points expire.

Under standard rules, if your account has no activity for 18 consecutive months, you lose your entire balance.

However, Air Canada is currently running a massive exception policy that protects members until late 2025. Furthermore, holding the right credit card can make you completely immune to expiration rules forever.

This guide explains the "Inactivity Rule," the current suspension dates, and how to get your points back for free if you accidentally let them expire.

Important Update: The "Expiration Pause"

Air Canada has temporarily paused point expiration for all members.

  • Current Status: Points will NOT expire due to inactivity until November 30, 2025.
  • What this means: Even if you haven't flown since 2022, your points are safe right now.
  • The Warning: As soon as December 1, 2025 hits, the standard 18-month clock resumes. If you have been inactive for more than 18 months at that point, you could lose your points immediately.

The Standard Policy: 18 Months of Inactivity

Once the pause lifts, the rule is simple: You must earn, redeem, or transfer at least 1 point every 18 months.

Qualifying activity includes:

  • Flying on Air Canada or Star Alliance partners (United, Lufthansa, etc.).
  • Using an Aeroplan credit card.
  • Transferring points from Amex, Chase, Capital One, or Bilt.
  • Buying something through the Aeroplan eStore.
  • Donating points to charity.

What doesn't count?

  • Simply logging into your account.
  • Updating your profile preferences.

How to Make Your Points "Immune" (The Best Fix)

You can bypass the expiration rule entirely by becoming an Aeroplan Credit Cardholder.

If you are the primary cardholder of any Aeroplan co-branded credit card, your points never expire as long as your card account is open.

Eligible Cards Include:

  • USA: Chase Aeroplan® Card.
  • Canada: TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite, CIBC Aeroplan® Visa, Amex Aeroplan® Card.

Pro Tip: This benefit applies even if you don't use the card! Just having the account open protects your airline point balance.

How to Extend Your Points (Without a Credit Card)

If you don't want a credit card, you can reset your 18-month clock quickly using these methods:

1. The "1-Point Transfer" (Fastest)

Aeroplan is a partner of almost every major bank program. Transferring 1,000 points resets your expiry date instantly.

  • Partners: Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Miles, Bilt Rewards.

2. The "Uber" Hack

Link your Aeroplan account to your Uber/Uber Eats account.

  • Take one ride or order one meal (in Canada or the US).
  • You will earn Aeroplan points on the transaction, which resets your 18-month clock.

3. Donate Points

If you have a small balance and just want to keep it active, you can donate as few as 1,000 points to a charity via the Aeroplan Member Donation Program. This counts as "redemption activity" and resets the clock.

Can I Get Expired Points Back? (The "Free" Method)

Air Canada has one of the most generous reinstatement policies in the industry.

Scenario: You forgot to check your account, and your points expired.

Option 1: The "Fly to Save" Rule (Free) If you fly on a paid Air Canada ticket within 6 months of your points expiring, Air Canada will reinstate your entire lost balance for free.

  • Action: Book a flight, fly, and then call customer service to request reinstatement.

Option 2: The "Credit Card" Save (Free) If you open a new Aeroplan co-branded credit card within 6 months of expiration, your balance is reinstated for free.

Option 3: The "Pay to Save" (Expensive) If it has been longer than 6 months, you can pay a fee to reinstate them:

  • Fee: 1 cent per point + $30 admin fee.
  • Verdict: Rarely worth it unless you have a massive balance.

Summary Checklist

To ensure you never lose your Aeroplan points:

  • Check the Date: Mark Nov 30, 2025 on your calendar. That is when the safety net ends.
  • Get the Card: Consider the Chase Aeroplan card (US) or TD Aeroplan card (Canada) to permanently pause expiration.
  • Link Uber: Link your accounts to earn points passively on rides.
  • Don't Panic: If points expire, book a cheap Air Canada flight within 6 months to get them back.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Air Canada Aeroplan points expire?

Yes, normally points expire after 18 months of inactivity. However, Air Canada has currently paused expiration until November 30, 2025.

How do I stop Aeroplan points from expiring?

The easiest way is to hold an Aeroplan co-branded credit card (like the Chase Aeroplan card), which pauses expiration indefinitely. Alternatively, earn or redeem at least 1 point every 18 months via flights, Uber rides, or bank transfers.

Can I get expired Aeroplan points back?

Yes. If you fly with Air Canada or open an Aeroplan credit card within 6 months of your points expiring, your full balance can be reinstated for free.

Disclaimer: Program terms and conditions can change. Always verify the latest rules directly on the official Air Canada Aeroplan website.