Episode 38 – Miles & Points News + Listener Questions
In Episode 38 of Miles Ahead: The Canadian Points Podcast, Daniel, Jeff, and Josh from FrugalFlyer.ca discuss Air Canada’s new Aeroplan partner award chart effective June 2026 and review several new credit card offers and FlyerFunds Rebates for May 2026. They cover the latest developments in fuel surcharges across the industry, in addition to airlines that have increased baggage fees.
Several new developments in the world of miles, points, and travel include Air Canada taking delivery of its first A321XLR, the new Tangerine Rewards World Elite Mastercard, Hawaiian Airlines joining oneworld, an Air France Canadian bonus points promotion, Flying Blue status match opportunities, Hyatt award category changes, and the new United MileagePlus Neo World Elite Mastercard.
The episode wraps up with two listener questions, where the team addresses a question about a points roadmap for a young student and whether the United Airlines MileagePlus status and/or program makes more sense to pursue versus Aeroplan.
(00:35) Jeff’s China & Taiwan Trip
Jeff just returned from an international trip to China and Taiwan, and he recaps some of his trip. Keep an eye on Frugal Flyer for hotel reviews from his trip in the coming months!
(02:48) Toronto Points Travel Festival Recap
Josh, Daniel, Reed, Andy, and Kirin all attended the Points Travel Festival in Toronto. Daniel and Josh recap their experiences from that weekend.
(03:59) Aeroplan Award Chart Update For June 2026
The Aeroplan award chart is changing as of June 2026, and the new award chart was leaked early. Redemptions are getting more expensive, and there are a few significant devaluations that will impact previously desirable sweetspots.
(10:02) New Credit Card & FlyerFunds Rebate Offers For May 2026
May is looking to be a great month to add a new credit card to your wallet! There is an elevated rebate and Frugal Flyer gift card giveaway on the BMO VIPorter World Elite Mastercard, an exclusive offer and elevated rebate on the BMO eclipse Visa Infinite Card, and a new offer on the Scotiabank Momentum Visa Infinite+ Card.
(13:32) Increasing Fuel Surcharges & Bag Fees
Fuel surcharges continue to increase across airlines as the cost of jet fuel is not showing any signs of letting up. Quite a few airlines have recently increased their baggage fees as well.
(18:26) Air Canada A321XLR Delivery
Air Canada has taken delivery of their first A321XLR aircraft, which is a narrow-body plane that features lie-flat seats.
(20:12) Tangerine Rewards World Elite Mastercard Launch
Tangerine has launched its new credit card, the Tangerine® Rewards World Elite®* Mastercard®*.
(24:50) Hawaiian Airlines Joins oneworld Airline Alliance
While not surprising, Hawaiian Airlines has officially joined the oneworld alliance.
(26:55) Air France Bonus Promotion for Canadians
Canadians who book a one-way Canada to Europe economy flight on Air France or KLM can earn 10,000 Flying Blue Miles. Must book by May 3rd and travel before September 30, 2026.
(28:50) National Car Rental Promotion
National Car Rental is running a promotion where you can receive a free promotional day, which can be useful if you are looking to book a one-way car rental.
(30:20) Flying Blue Status Match for Canadians
Flying Blue has a paid status matching opportunity to Flying Blue Silver and Flying Blue Gold for Canadians who hold status with another eligible airline frequent flyer program.
(33:45) World of Hyatt Award Chart Shift & Category Changes
The World of Hyatt new award chart is officially launching on May 20th, 2026. Many hotels are also changing categories, with many of the movements resulting in an increase in redemption pricing. If you were planning to make a reservation, book your stay before May 20th to lock in pricing.
(36:37) The United® MileagePlus® Neo World Elite® Mastercard Has Launched
Neo Financial has launched the newest co-branded credit card in Canada, the United® MileagePlus® Neo World Elite® Mastercard.
(41:07) Listener Question: Student Points Roadmap
Kellen asks a question about how he, as a student, can continue to grow his knowledge (and points balances) in the world of miles and points.
(47:08) Listener Question: United Airlines vs. Air Canada Aeroplan
Mike asks if it is worth switching his focus to United Airlines MileagePlus as opposed to sticking with Air Canada Aeroplan.
(53:45) Conclusion
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