Archived Newsletters

June 2026
img
img

Air Canada Aeroplan

On April 26, 2026, Aeroplan announced its first chart-wide pricing update since the relaunch of the Flight Reward Chart in March 2025. The new pricing applies to all bookings made on or after June 1, 2026.

The bulk of the changes are increases, with most premium cabin pricing bands rising by 5,000 to 40,000 points depending on the route. Transatlantic business class between 4,001 and 6,000 miles now costs 75,000 points (up from 70,000), while ultra-long-haul Atlantic-Pacific business class on Air Canada metal jumps from 60,000 to 100,000 points.

First class on those same long-haul routes also moves up substantially, with several bands rising by 20,000 to 30,000 points.

There are a handful of bright spots, mainly on the lower end of the chart. Short-haul economy redemptions to the Atlantic and within North America drop by 2,500 points, and intra-Europe business class on the shortest distance band falls from 15,000 to 12,500 points.

The everyday Canadian use -  North American economy, transcontinental business class, or short-haul Star Alliance partner flights – is largely unaffected. Most of the pain is concentrated at the top end of the chart, where premium cabin redemptions on long international routes were already the most aspirational pieces of the program.

Aeroplan remains one of the most rewarding loyalty programs available to Canadians, and the multitude of credit card earning options, plus the strong Star Alliance partner roster, continues to set it apart.

 

img

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)

CBSA has issued a critical travel advisory warning that criminal organizations are actively using unwitting passengers leaving Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ) as international drug mules. Corrupt airport baggage handlers are swapping legitimate travellers' luggage tags with bags containing heavy loads of illicit narcotics.

To protect yourself from being implicated in international drug smuggling when travelling through Toronto:

Photograph Your Bags: Take clear, timestamped photos of your packed luggage and the specific baggage tag at the check-in counter.

Pack In Carry-On: Whenever possible, use carry-on luggage to prevent unauthorized tampering.

Protect Your Tag: Keep your luggage claim stickers in a secure place and monitor your luggage closely on airport carousels.

 

For your prescription medications when traveling to or from the city:

Original Packaging: Keep all medications in their original, pharmacy-issued containers with the prescription label clearly visible.

Carry a Prescription: Always carry a printed copy of your prescription and a doctor's note for any controlled substances.

Know the Limits: Ensure you only bring the amount necessary for your trip plus a small buffer, as excessive quantities may raise red flags.

For comprehensive information regarding travelling with medications,Click here

 

img

Updates from WestJet Airlines

Gate-closure and domestic check-in closure times

To support more consistent, on-time departures and a smoother airport experience for passengers,  WestJet has updated their gate-closure timing and domestic check-in cut off times.

Effective immediately, gate-closure timing on the 737 and Q400 fleets moved from 10 minutes to 15 minutes before departure.

Effective May 1, 2026,  domestic check-in and checked baggage cut-off times moved from 45 minutes to 60 minutes before departure.

Please note: There is no change to the international check-in close time.

 

Partnership with Petro-Canada

WestJet and Petro-Canada announced a new loyalty program partnership that will give Canadians more value, options and flexibility when fuelling and flying. 

This partnership links the WestJet Rewards and Petro-Points accounts, giving members access to enhanced earning opportunities and exclusive promotions. It will allow you to unlock more value – turning everyday fuel purchases at the more than 1,500 Petro-Canada retail locations into savings for your next getaway or WestJet points into fuel savings. 

Members with linked accounts can look forward to: 

  • The ability to earn their preferred loyalty currency on fuel, car wash and convenience store purchases. 
  • Earning 20 per cent more Petro-Points on purchases at Petro-Canada. 
  • Redeeming WestJet points at Petro-Canada for eligible purchases, including car washes, convenience store items and fuel. 
  • The flexibility to convert points, beginning with Petro-Points to WestJet points.  
  • Exclusive contests and promotional offers, including chances to win WestJet vacation packages and flights.  

Stay tuned for more details about the partnership which is expected to launch in early 2027.