Aeroplan turns 30 years old - tell us about your favourite redemption for a chance to win 30,000 Aeroplan Miles!

Contest is now closed!!

This coming Saturday, a program we cover frequently here on Rewards Canada turns 30! That's right Aeroplan, one of Canada's first loyalty programs will be 30 years old and to celebrate we have joined forces with Aeroplan to giveaway 30,000 Aeroplan Miles to one of our Twitter followers!

Here are some Aeroplan highlights from the past 30 years

• 2014: Aeroplan launches its Distinction program, a new tiered recognition program that rewards top accumulating members, based on total Aeroplan Miles earned across all coalition partners, with preferential mileage levels for redemption, bonus mile offers and exclusive privileges
• 2006: Launched the Beyond Miles Program that enables Aeroplan Members to donate miles to ten charitable organizations
• 2005: Completed Initial Public Offering for world’s first publicly traded loyalty program, Aeroplan Income Fund
• 2002: Aeroplan was spun off as a wholly owned subsidiary of Air Canada
• 2001: Completed the integration of Canadian Plus members into Aeroplan
• 1985: More than 100,000 frequent flyers enrolled in the program
• 1984: Aeroplan began as a promotional tool for Air Canada’s business travellers

Personally I have been a member of Aeroplan since 1988 and my favourite redemption over the years was for a trip for my family of four to San Diego from Calgary. It may not seem like much nor was an amazing business class redemption giving the best return on the miles but it is a good example of how redemptions don't have to be about achieving the best value out of a reward. The trip took place in 2008 and was only the second time my kids set foot on a plane. What made this trip memorable may not be something people find joy in but it was the issues that surrounded our flights on United. The first leg of Calgary to Denver went without a hitch however the second leg between Denver and San Diego saw the San Diego airport close down due to weather (a rarity in its own right) and as we circled above Palm Springs waiting for the airport the reopen the plane ran low on fuel and had to divert to Las Vegas. On the ground in LAS for over an hour we received word that San Diego had reopened and we needed to get off the ground fast as the storm that closed SAN was approaching Las Vegas. The take off was rough in high winds and the turbulence on climb out was the worst I had ever encountered, many people were white knuckled on the flight but my youngest daughter slept through it while my older one was squealing "Weeee, it's like a roller coaster!" Suffice the say the flight made it to San Diego a few hours late but we were safe and sound. After an amazing vacation in the San Diego area we made our return to YYC via San Francisco. The SAN-SFO flight was normal but once on the plane taking us to YYC we were delayed again because a valve on the APU would not operate properly and they had to replace it causing another delayed flight with us on board for nearly an hour before it was fixed. Once again another adventure for us but we weren't complaining as we were in Economy Plus on the CRJ taking us to YYC so we had lots of leg room and were able to enjoy the flight once it got off the ground. Was it a dream redemption? No but it is one of my favourites because to this day we still talk about our adventure of the not so normal flights getting to and from San Diego.

That is the long version of my favourite redemption and we want to hear from you what your favourite redemption has been over the past 30 years! Since it is on Twitter we don't expect a long story like ours but fit in what you can, from where to where, what year and perhaps what class of service! Whatever you like as long as you include @RewardsCanada AND @Aeroplan along with the hashtag #AeroplanTurns30 in your tweet. One lucky person will win 30,000 Aeroplan Miles for telling us their favourite redemption!

Contest Details:
Follow @RewardsCanada AND @Aeroplan on Twitter and tweet to both us what you favourite Aeroplan redemption has been from the past 30 years.  You must also include the hashtag #AeroplanTurns30 in your tweet.

To make it easier you can copy, paste and complete the following into twitter:

@RewardsCanada My favourite @Aeroplan redemption is [INSERT FAVOURITE REDEMPTION HERE] #AeroplanTurns30

The contest closes on Saturday July 12th, 2014 at 12:00om NOON MST! Limit 1 entry per person Winner will be determined by random draw from all eligible entries received. Open to Canadian residents over the age of majority. Void where prohibited.  No purchase necessary.  Winner will be required to answer a skill testing question.