Aeroplan 2026: A Practical Guide for Travel Agents and Business Travellers

Loyalty programs have always influenced how travellers book flights — but in 2026, that influence is stronger and more complex than ever.

With recent changes to Aeroplan, both leisure and business travellers are making booking decisions based not just on price or schedule, but on how much long-term value a ticket delivers. For travel agents and agencies, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

This guide breaks down what Aeroplan 2026 really means, why it matters for managed and corporate travel, and how travel professionals can stay in control as loyalty becomes a bigger part of the booking conversation.

Why Aeroplan’s 2026 Changes Matter to Travel Agents and Agencies

Aeroplan has evolved far beyond a traditional frequent-flyer program. In 2026, it plays a direct role in how travellers evaluate airfare, choose airlines, and even decide where to book.

For travel agents and agencies, these changes matter because:

• Clients are more informed — and more opinionated — about loyalty
• Travellers increasingly ask about points value, not just ticket price
• Loyalty can pull bookings away from managed channels if not handled correctly

Ignoring Aeroplan isn’t an option anymore. Understanding how it works allows agents to guide clients confidently, protect booking visibility, and reinforce the value of professional travel management.

From Distance to Spend: How Aeroplan Earning Is Changing in 2026

One of the most important shifts in Aeroplan is its continued move toward spend-based earning.

In simple terms, travellers now earn Aeroplan points primarily based on:

• How much they spend on airfare
• The type of fare they book
• Their elite status with Aeroplan

This means:

• Premium cabins and flexible fares earn significantly more points
• Cheap, long-haul economy tickets may earn fewer points than clients expect
• Travellers are more likely to justify higher fares if the loyalty return feels worthwhile

For agents, this changes the booking conversation. Clients aren’t just asking “What’s the cheapest flight?” — they’re asking “Which option gives me the most value overall?”

What Aeroplan 2026 Means for Business and Corporate Travellers

Business travellers have always cared about loyalty, but Aeroplan 2026 makes it even more central to their decision-making.

Corporate and SME travellers are now weighing:

• Company policy vs. personal Aeroplan earning
• Economy vs. premium economy or business class
• Airline preference vs. routing efficiency

This can create friction if loyalty considerations push travellers to book outside approved channels or bypass agency support altogether.

For corporate travel programs, the risk isn’t just cost — it’s:

• Loss of booking visibility
• Incomplete reporting
• Reduced duty of care
• Fragmented traveller data

Agencies that understand Aeroplan can help balance loyalty benefits with policy compliance, positioning themselves as partners rather than obstacles.

The Growing Role of Travel Agents in a Loyalty-Driven Booking Environment

As loyalty programs grow more complex, the role of the travel agent becomes more valuable — not less.

In 2026, clients increasingly expect agents to:

• Explain why one fare offers better long-term value than another
• Help them understand trade-offs between price, flexibility, and points
• Prevent poor booking decisions driven solely by loyalty assumptions

This shifts the agent’s role from order-taker to advisor. The ability to confidently explain Aeroplan’s impact on fares, cabins, and airline choice builds trust and reinforces why working with a professional matters — especially for frequent and business travellers.

How Aeroplan Changes Are Influencing Airline Choice and Booking Behaviour

Aeroplan’s structure naturally encourages stronger preference toward Air Canada and its partner network. In 2026, this influence is more pronounced.

Travellers may:

• Choose slightly longer routings to stay within preferred airlines
• Opt for higher fare families to earn more points
• Avoid non-partner carriers even when cheaper options exist

For agencies managing diverse client profiles — leisure, SME, and corporate — this behaviour adds complexity. Agents need access to comprehensive air content and the ability to compare options clearly, without losing efficiency or control.

Managing Aeroplan-Savvy Clients Without Losing Control

One of the biggest challenges agencies face in 2026 is keeping loyalty-focused clients booking through the agency, rather than around it.

Clients will always chase value — but value doesn’t have to mean unmanaged bookings.

With the right booking infrastructure, agencies can:

• Support loyalty preferences while maintaining visibility
• Keep air bookings within approved workflows
• Preserve reporting, traveller tracking, and duty of care
• Serve both leisure and corporate clients from a single platform

This is where modern, professional booking technology becomes essential. Loyalty isn’t just a traveller issue anymore — it’s an operational one.

What Travel Agents Should Be Communicating to Clients About Aeroplan 2026

Clear communication helps prevent frustration and poor booking decisions. Agents should proactively explain:

• That points earning now depends heavily on spend, not distance
• Why the cheapest fare isn’t always the best long-term option
• When Aeroplan should influence decisions — and when it shouldn’t
• How booking through an agent protects both value and flexibility

Clients don’t need every detail of the program. They need confidence that their agent understands it and has their interests covered.

Final Thoughts: Aeroplan 2026 Rewards Expertise, Not Guesswork

Aeroplan isn’t disappearing — it’s becoming more influential, more complex, and more intertwined with how people travel for work and leisure.

In 2026, the travellers who benefit most are those guided by expertise, not assumptions. The same is true for agencies.

Travel agents who understand Aeroplan can:

• Strengthen relationships with business travellers
• Support corporate clients without losing control
• Justify professional service fees with real value
• Position themselves as essential partners in a loyalty-driven world

With the right knowledge and the right technology, Aeroplan 2026 becomes an advantage — not a disruption.

Want to see how agencies manage modern air bookings while supporting loyalty-driven clients?

Book a demo with ORX Travel and discover how professional booking tools help travel agencies stay in control in 2026 and beyond.