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Program Comparison

Air Canada Aeroplan vs United MileagePlus

A detailed comparison of Air Canada Aeroplan and United MileagePlus to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

Air Canada Aeroplan

Air Canada

United MileagePlus

United Airlines

Star Alliance
Alliance
Star Alliance
points
Currency
miles
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
Earn Rate
5 base miles per $1 on eligible United flights. Elite bonuses: Silver +40%, Gold +60%, Platinum +80%, 1K +100%
1.4¢ per point
Avg Value
1.2¢ per mile
Aeroplan 25K, Aeroplan 35K, Aeroplan 50K, Aeroplan 75K, Aeroplan Super Elite
Elite Tiers
Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Global Services
Points expiry suspended until November 2026. Standard policy: points expire after 18 months of inactivity. Elite members and credit card holders are exempt
Expiration
Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing
Amex MR, Chase UR, Capital One Miles
Transfer Partners
Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards
Canadian travelers and those seeking Star Alliance partner awards
Best For
Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN)

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus?

It depends on your travel patterns. 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). Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do Air Canada Aeroplan or United MileagePlus miles 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.

Air Canada Aeroplan Guide →United MileagePlus Guide →All Comparisons →