MileIntelKey Takeaways
- Both programs are in Star Alliance, so partner airline options overlap significantly.
- Air Canada Aeroplan delivers higher average redemption value (1.4¢ vs. 1.2¢ per point), but raw value isn't everything — earning velocity and award availability matter too.
- Air Canada Aeroplan offers 5 elite tiers (Aeroplan 25K, Aeroplan 35K, Aeroplan 50K); United MileagePlus offers 5 (Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum).
- Air Canada Aeroplan has 3 transfer partners; United MileagePlus has 2. Check which credit card programs feed each.
- Choose Air Canada Aeroplan if you're among Canadian travelers and those seeking Star Alliance partner awards. Choose United MileagePlus if you're among frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN).
Quick comparison
| Category | Air Canada AeroplanAir Canada | United MileagePlusUnited Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Alliance | Star Alliance | Star Alliance |
| Currency | points | miles |
| Earn Rate | Up to 4 SQC per dollar on eligible Air Canada fares. Up to 25,000 SQC from credit card spending and 25,000 SQC from partner activity | 5 base miles per $1 on eligible United flights. Elite bonuses: Silver +40%, Gold +60%, Platinum +80%, 1K +100% |
| Avg Value | 1.4¢ per pointWinner | 1.2¢ per mile |
| Elite TiersTie | Aeroplan 25K, Aeroplan 35K, Aeroplan 50K, Aeroplan 75K, Aeroplan Super Elite | Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Global Services |
| Expiration | Points expiry suspended until November 2026. Standard policy: points expire after 18 months of inactivity. Elite members and credit card holders are exempt | Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standingWinner |
| Transfer PartnersTie | Amex MR, Chase UR, Capital One Miles | Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards |
| Best For | Canadian travelers and those seeking Star Alliance partner awards | Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN) |
Elite Qualification Comparison
Air Canada Aeroplan
Aeroplan 25K: 25,000 Status Qualifying Credits (SQC)
Aeroplan 35K: 30,000 SQC
Aeroplan 50K: 50,000 SQC
Aeroplan 75K: 75,000 SQC
Aeroplan Super Elite: 125,000 SQC
United MileagePlus
United uses PQF (flights) + PQP (spend), or PQP-only. The dual path matters: if you fly 60+ segments a year, you only need $22,000 PQP for 1K instead of $28,000 PQP-only. That's a $6,000 difference.
Credit card spend contributes PQP: the United Explorer card earns 500 PQP per $12,000 spend. The United Club Infinite card is better at 1,000 PQP per $12,000 spend. The United Quest card earns 500 PQP per $12,000 spent. Stack multiple cards to accelerate qualification.
Choose Air Canada Aeroplan if you...
- Avg Value
- 1.4¢
- Elite Tiers
- 5
Canadian travelers and those seeking Star Alliance partner awards. Air Canada's loyalty program using Status Qualifying Credits (SQC) for elite qualification. Offers strong Star Alliance redemptions and free stopovers on round-trip bookings.
Choose United MileagePlus if you...
- Avg Value
- 1.2¢
- Elite Tiers
- 5
Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN). United Airlines' loyalty program offering miles for flights, upgrades, and partner purchases across the Star Alliance network.
Skip if:Travelers who fly primarily Delta or American routes — status on your most-flown carrier always beats cross-carrier optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your travel patterns and home airport. Air Canada Aeroplan is best for Canadian travelers and those seeking Star Alliance partner awards. United MileagePlus is best for frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN). The right program is the one that matches your most-flown routes and travel style.
Air Canada Aeroplan: Points expiry suspended until November 2026. Standard policy: points expire after 18 months of inactivity. Elite members and credit card holders are exempt. United MileagePlus: Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.
There is no direct transfer relationship between Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus. You would need to earn points separately in each program.
Air Canada Aeroplan offers 5 tiers (Aeroplan 25K, Aeroplan 35K, Aeroplan 50K, Aeroplan 75K, Aeroplan Super Elite). United MileagePlus offers 5 tiers (Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Global Services). The comparison depends on which benefits matter most to you — read the detailed tier breakdown above.
Yes — if you have balances in both programs, MileIntel can track them side by side and recommend which program's miles to use for each specific trip. The right program can change based on your route, cabin, and what upgrade instruments you have available.
MileIntel is an independent tool and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any airline or loyalty program mentioned on this page. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
