Program Comparison
Air Canada Aeroplan vs United MileagePlus
A detailed, opinionated comparison to help you decide which program deserves your loyalty in 2026.
Last updated March 2026
TL;DR
Choosing between Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus? Both are major airline programs, but they optimize for different travelers. Air Canada Aeroplan averages 1.4¢ per point and is best for canadian travelers and those seeking star alliance partner awards. United MileagePlus averages 1.2¢ per point and is best for frequent domestic us travelers and star alliance flyers based at united hubs (ord, ewr, iah, sfo, den).
Key Takeaways
- Both programs are in the Star Alliance 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 canadian travelers and those seeking star alliance partner awards. Choose United MileagePlus if you frequent domestic us travelers and star alliance flyers based at united hubs (ord, ewr, iah, sfo, den).
Air Canada Aeroplan
Air Canada
United MileagePlus
United Airlines
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...
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...
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
MileIntelHave balances in both Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus? Let MileIntel tell you which to use.
The right program depends on your specific trips, balances, and upgrade instruments. MileIntel tracks both programs side by side and recommends the optimal move for each flight — whether that's using points, miles, or paying cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better in 2026, Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus?
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.
Do Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus points expire?
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.
Can I transfer points between Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus?
There is no direct transfer relationship between Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus. You would need to earn points separately in each program.
Which program has better elite status benefits?
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.
Should I use MileIntel to compare Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus?
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.
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