Book United Flights With Aeroplan Points

If you have transferable points and want to fly on United for less, don’t assume you must move them into United MileagePlus. Air Canada’s Aeroplan is a Star Alliance partner and often lets you book United-operated flights for the same itineraries — sometimes for fewer points.

Why use Aeroplan for United flights

• Dynamic pricing applies: Both Aeroplan and MileagePlus now use dynamic pricing for many United-operated award seats, so prices change with demand. Use a comparison tool (for example Seats.aero) or search both sites to compare required points.
• Close-in, popular short-haul travel: When United’s own award prices spike around busy dates (Thanksgiving, holiday weekends), Aeroplan can occasionally be cheaper.
• Savings by routing: Nonstop United business-class awards to Europe often start around 80K points, but routing via a partner or a different gateway can lower the Aeroplan price (an example route: EWR–LIS via MAD can sometimes price lower on Aeroplan).
• Transfer bonuses: Periodic transfer bonuses to Aeroplan (for example promotional bonuses from Chase Ultimate Rewards) reduce the effective cost in your transferable currency.

How to book United flights with Aeroplan points

1. Search on aeroplan.com: Enter your origin, destination and dates and choose to book with Aeroplan points.
2. Review results: The site shows points required plus taxes/fees (displayed in Canadian dollars). Look for United-operated flights in the options.
3. Choose points vs. cash: Aeroplan often offers a points/cash split; pick the mix that gives the best value for you.
4. Complete payment: Pay taxes and fees with a credit card; the points will be deducted from your Aeroplan balance when you confirm the booking.

How to earn Aeroplan points

• Co-branded card: Chase Aeroplan® cards often have substantial welcome offers and cardholder benefits.
• Transfer partners (typically 1:1): American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One miles and Bilt Rewards can transfer to Aeroplan.
• Good transferable-card options: Cards like Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Preferred, and Amex premium cards frequently have large welcome bonuses that can be moved to Aeroplan.
• Occasional cardholder transfer bonuses: Aeroplan or card issuers sometimes run bonuses (for instance a small percentage bonus when transferring a minimum amount), which can boost value.

Things to keep in mind

• Not always cheaper: Aeroplan isn’t guaranteed to beat MileagePlus because both sell seats dynamically and United may limit partner inventory.
• Always compare: Check award prices on both Aeroplan and MileagePlus and factor any active transfer bonuses before moving points.
• Fees in CAD: Aeroplan shows taxes and fees in Canadian dollars — convert to your currency so you know the exact cash outlay.

Bottom line

Aeroplan can deliver meaningful savings on United flights in specific situations: close-in short-haul travel on peak dates, itineraries where a connection lowers the award price, or when transfer bonuses are available. Compare both programs before transferring points to maximize value.

Editorial note: The opinions here are the author’s alone and are not endorsed by any bank, card issuer, airline or hotel.