Sobeys chooses to go with Air Miles in Western Canada, Club Sobeys to be wound down

When the parent company of Sobeys announced they were buying Safeway Canada the one question many points collectors had was "who will Sobeys go with Aeroplan or Air Miles" since Sobeys in the West offers Aeroplan Miles via the Club Sobeys program while Safeway and Sobeys in Atlantic Canada offers Air Miles. We have the answer now, truth be told the answer came out on June 24th and somehow we missed it so we are bringing this news to you a bit late!

Sobeys has decided to go with Air Miles for the stores in Western Canada which of course is good news for Air Miles members but not so good news for Aeroplan members. Sobeys will actually be winding down their Club Sobeys program for their Sobeys and Thrifty Food stores in the West as they move to only awarding Air Miles. The change will take place on September 15th when they will no longer be an Aeroplan partner. However for those of you in Ontario, Club Sobeys will continue as is so you will still be able to earn Aeroplan miles shopping at Sobeys Ontario locations.

For me I am little disappointed as I am primarily an Aeroplan earner and my grocery store of convenience is Sobeys (only 2 minutes from my house) but I do value convenience so I only assume that my Air Miles balance will start growing as there won't be any grocery options for earning Aeroplan miles in Calgary. When the program winds down out West here this September I'll have earned close to or may even reach 80,000 Aeroplan miles by shopping at Sobeys

We'd love to hear your comments on Sobeys choice to go with the Air Miles program. Are you going to switch grocery stores or are you going to be like me and more than likely start increasing your Air Miles balance?

Air Miles introduces a new Elite Status level: Onyx

Perhaps as a reaction to Aeroplan's Distinction program, Air Miles soft launched a new elite status level earlier this week. Called Onyx, the new level is the highest elite level Air Miles members will be able to achieve. For years Air Miles has had only one elite level, Gold which offered those who reached it discounted flight reward offers and other benefits. This new level promises even more than Gold and while it adds a few more 'travel' benefits the majority additional benefits it has over Gold tend to be shopping and experience related. Granted the number one benefit I see from this new level is the promise of "Greater access to airline seats" which hopefully doesn't mean more seats at more miles like we tend to see from many frequent flyer programs.  Good news for those of you who hold the American Express Air Miles Reserve card, you'll automatically get this elite status without having to meet the 6,000 miles earned in a calendar year requirement!

I reached out to Air Miles for more details and here is what they passed on to me:

Onyx is a new way to reward our best Collectors with exclusive benefits, such as discounts on flight and merchandise rewards, as well as priority customer service.  Here’s a summary of some of the benefits Onyx offers:

Travel & Merchandise Perks

• Greater access to airline seats
• Book select flights using up to 40% fewer reward miles
• Preferential pricing on cruises and vacation packages
• Merchandise for up to 50% fewer reward miles

Top Service

• Priority service at the Call Centre

Personal Shopper Service

• A team dedicated to finding and getting a variety of rewards outside of the online Catalogue
• Get requested items using reward miles from your Dream balance

Unforgettable Events & Contests

• 20% fewer reward miles on seasonal activities and dining
• Invitations to Exclusive Onyx-inspired gatherings
• Free movie passes to select films
• Bonus offers into Meet & Greet Contests
• Special monthly Giveaways

 

A Collector can become an Onyx member by earning 6,000 AIR MILES reward miles during one calendar year (from January 1 - December 31) or by having an American Express AIR MILES Reserve credit card. A full list of the exclusive benefits associated with Onyx status can be found at www.airmiles.ca/onyx. As part of the soft launch, we’re still ironing out some of the technical details....

Nice to see Air Miles adding this new elite level to the program as they have been kind of quiet over the past 12-18 months in terms of the changing or enhancing the program and seemed to be falling behind other loyalty programs in Canada in remaining dynamic.

What are your thoughts of this new addition to the Air Miles program?

July 9 Update: Hilton Systemwide offer of up to 3x points, 5,000 bonus Aeroplan miles for International flights, Wyndham bonuses

Middle of the week is pretty much all bonus offers!

News, Tips & Tricks
Today is a bonus offer day! Some really great new offers were added to our bonus offer section. From the Air Canada flight bonus to many destinations in the U.S, Europe an Asia to the Hilton Triple Your Triple Promotion there is almost something for everyone today!

Air Canada will be launching a new 3 times weekly service between Toronto and Panama City this winter. The flights are scheduled to start on Dec 17. (Source Airlineroute.net)

Don't forget to enter our contest!
Aeroplan is turning is 30 later this week and to celebrate Rewards Canada has teamed up with Aeroplan to giveaway 30,000 Aeroplan miles! Find out how you can enter the contest here! You have until this Saturday to enter.


Bonus Offers
Air Canada Aeroplan
- Earn up to 5,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for round-trips between Canada and select Air Canada destinations Worldwide. More... Register and book between July 8 and August 26 for travel until Oct 31, 14

airberlin topbonus
- 5x topbonus Miles for every qualifying Choice Hotels stay at participating locations worldwide. More... Until Sep 30, 14

Hilton HHonors
- Triple Your Trip: Earn Triple HHonors Points on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights, and Double HHonors Points on Monday through Thursday nights for stays at any participating hotel or resort in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio. More... Aug 1 - Oct 31, 14

Qantas Frequent Flyer
- Triple Frequent Flyer Points when you stay at properties within the Hilton HHonors™ portfolio Worldwide. More... Until Sep 30, 14

Qatar Airways Privilege Club
- Double QMiles on Rocketmiles hotel bookings and stays in Tokyo. More... Until Sep 15, 14

Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- Double Miles&Smiles Miles for stays at Best Western Hotels in Turkey. More... Until Aug 31, 14

Virgin America Elevate (on FrequentFlyerBonuses.com only)
- Earn up 8,000 Bonus Elevate Points when you join Virgin America Elevate and complete your first flight. More... Until Dec 31, 14
- Earn up 7,500 Bonus Elevate Points when you refer a friend to the Virgin America Elevate program and they complete their first flight. More... Until Dec 31, 14

Wyndham Rewards
- 5,000 Bonus Wyndham Rewards Points when you book a stay to arrive Sunday - Thursday at any participating Wyndham Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Sep 2, 14
- 2,000 Bonus Wyndham Rewards Points, Free Breakfast, Free Internet for stays at participating Wyndham Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Sep 2, 14

Today's Daily Update has been brought to you by

Air Canada: Earn up to 5,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles on flights between Canada and select U.S., European & Asian destinations

Air Canada and Aeroplan are sure starting to pump out the flight bonus offers! First we had the large London bonus come out a few weeks ago, then the Switzerland bonus from last week and now this offer for dozens of Air Canada's flights to the U.S., Europe and Asia. As always it only counts for a bonus if you booked from yesterday on but nonetheless it is great to see this many flight offers being released from Aeroplan! It appears that most fare classes are included in this bonus (see below for a listing)


Offer Details
Earn up to 5,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for round-trips between Canada and select Air Canada destinations Worldwide. Register Online (Registration is required) Register and book between July 8 and August 26 for travel until Oct 31, 14

• Earn 2,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for every round-trip between Canada and select U.S. destinations Plus, you will also receive an extra 777 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for each round-trip to Las Vegas with Air Canada rouge.
• Earn 5,000 Bonus Aeroplan Miles for every round-trip between Canada and select Asia and Europe destinations

To qualify, the round-trip or two one-way flight segments must be travelled in the eligible fare options (booking classes) within Canada and between Canada and the USA: Tango (S,T,L,A,K,F); Flex (M,U,H,Q,V,W,G); Latitude (Y,B); Premium Economy Lowest (E,N), Premium Economy Flexible (O), Premium rouge (J,C,D,Z,P), Business Class Lowest (D,Z,P); Business Class Flexible (J,C); between Canada and Europe: Tango (W,S,T,L,K,F); Flex (M,U,H,Q,V); Latitude (Y,B); Premium Economy Lowest (E,N), Premium Economy Flexible (O), Premium rouge (O,E,N), Business Class Lowest (C,D,Z,P); Business Class Flexible (J); between Canada and Asia: Tango (W,G,S,T,L,A,K); Flex (M,U,H,Q,V); Latitude (Y,B); Premium Economy Lowest (E,N); Premium Economy Flexible (O); Business Class Lowest (C,D,Z,P); Business Class Flexible (J).

Can't make use of this promotion? Be sure to check out our Aeroplan Bonus Miles page for many more offers!

Hilton HHonors Triple Your Trip: Up to Triple Points for Hilton Stays Worldwide (Aug 1 - Oct 31, 14)

Hilton HHonors has released the details and registration of their next systemwide promotion that will kick in on August 1st after the completion of the current Earn Twice the Rewards promotion. This one offers bonus points on any night of the week and has no minimum length of stays requirement (ie 1 night is all that is required). Of course it looks at filling hotels that are typically less busy on weekends by offering a larger Triple Points bonus on Weekend Stays versus the Double Points on Weekday stays. Still for the road warrior who has HHonors as their primary program the Double Points is better than no bonus points. Once again there will be a list of non-participating hotels but that list is not available yet. One can assume based on past HHonors promotions that the majority of non-participating hotels will be in the U.S.


Offer Details
Triple Your Trip: Earn Triple HHonors Points on Friday, Saturday or Sunday nights, and Double HHonors Points on Monday through Thursday nights for stays at any participating hotel or resort in the Hilton Worldwide portfolio. Full Details, Online Registration and Booking  (Registration is required)  Aug 1 - Oct 31, 14
For a list of hotels that are not participating please click here. 

Can't make use of this promotion? Be sure to check out our HHonors Bonus Points page for many more offers!

July 8 Update: WestJet confirms Wide-Body jet service, US Airways buy miles bonus is back but is targeted this time

Here is what Tuesday July 8th offers:

News, Tips & Tricks
WestJet has confirmed they will begin flying wide-body jets. In a press release yesterday they stated their initial plans are for four aircraft to enter service in Fall of 2015 between Alberta and Hawaii. Our assumption is that those planes will then be potentially used on European routes in the summer but this has not been mentioned by WestJet as they simple state "Further announcements regarding WestJet's wide-body schedule for the 2016 summer season will be released at a later date, as the airline looks to expand its operation into overseas markets." (Source WestJet)

Don't forget to enter our contest!
Aeroplan is turning is 30 later this week and to celebrate Rewards Canada has teamed up with Aeroplan to giveaway 30,000 Aeroplan miles! Find out how you can enter the contest here! You have until this Saturday to enter.



Travel Deals
Air France has matched their partner airline's seat sale with this fall offer for fall travel to Europe and beyond from Canada. Fares are low as $899 all in for travel between Sep 11 and Oct 15 and must be booked by Jul 13. Book online at airfrance.ca

Bonus Offers
Air France KLM Flying Blue
- Double Flying Blue Miles for stays at Best Western hotels in France and the Netherlands. More... Until Aug 31, 14
- Double Flying Blue Miles for stays aat any GHA hotel worldwide. More... Until Aug 31, 14

airberlin topbonus
- Double topbonus Miles for stays at any participating Dorint Hotel in Europe. More... Until Aug 31, 14
- Triple topbonus Miles on all Hertz rentals Worldwide. More... Book by Sep 30 for rentals until Dec 31, 14

Avianca LifeMiles
- Quadruple LifeMiles on Hertz rentals of one or more days in Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Luxemburg, Mexico, Netherlands, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States. More... Until Sep 30, 14s

Hainan Airlines Fortune Wings
- Earn up to Triple Fortune Wings Miles when you stay at properties within the Hilton HHonors™ portfolio Worldwide. More... Until Sep 30, 14

US Airways Dividend Miles
- Earn up to 100% Bonus Dividend Miles when you buy Dividend Miles. More... Until Jul 31, 14 Targeted offer - may not work for everyone

Today's Daily Update has been brought to you by

July 7 Update: Win 30,000 Aeroplan Miles, Air France Seat Sale, 10,000 Bonus Miles for Radisson Stays in Canada

Nothing like a great contest to start the week off!

News, Tips & Tricks
Aeroplan is turning is 30 later this week and to celebrate Rewards Canada has teamed up with Aeroplan to giveaway 30,000 Aeroplan miles! Find out how you can enter the contest here! You have until this Saturday to enter.

There is a heavy Canadian presence in the bonus offers section today with two new Aeroplan offers from Accor Hotels and Avis, the Jet Airways double miles offer we mentioned late last week and a great multiple night stays offer from Club Carlson! If you are planning any weekend stays in Canada this is an offer you may want to check out as it awards 10,000 bonus Gold Points for weekend stays of 2 or more nights at participating Radisson Hotels in Canada.

Travel Deals
Air France has matched their partner airline's seat sale with this fall offer for fall travel to Europe and beyond from Canada. Fares are low as $899 all in for travel between Sep 11 and Oct 15 and must be booked by Jul 13. Book online at airfrance.ca

Bonus Offers
Air Canada Aeroplan
- Triple Aeroplan Miles for stays at any participating Accor Hotel Worldwide. More... Until Dec 31, 14
- Triple Aeroplan Miles on weekly or weekend rentals of Intermediate (Group C) and above vehicles at participating Avis locations in Canada and the U.S. More... Until Sep 30, 14

Air France KLM Flying Blue
- Triple Flying Blue Miles for stays at participating Mandarin Oriental Hotels Worldwide. More... Until Aug 31, 14
- 5x Flying Blue Miles on purchases at any of the nine Chic Outlet Shopping® Villages in Europe. More... Until Aug 15, 14

British Airways Executive Club
- 1,500 Bonus Avios for stays at any Sofitel, Pullman, MGallery, Novotel, Mercure or Adagio Hotel Worldwide. More... Until Sep 30, 14

Carlson Hotels Club Carlson
- 10,000 Bonus Gold Points when you stay at least two weekend nights at participating Radisson® hotels in Canada. More... Until Aug 31, 14

Japan Airlines Mileage Bank
- Earn up to Triple Mileage Bank Miles when you stay at properties within the Hilton HHonors™ portfolio Worldwide. More... Until Sep 30, 14

Jet Airways JetPrivilege
- Double JetPrivilege Miles when you fly on Jet Airways in Premiere Class between Newark or Toronto and Delhi. More... Until Sep 30, 14

Today's Daily Update has been brought to you by:

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. 

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card - Sign up bonus doubled to 30,000 points

On June 30th the offer of 15,000 bonus points and first year annual fee was removed from the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card to be replaced with this new offer. The offer is for 30,000 points with your first purchase on the card but you will have to pay the $99 annual fee. How does this offer compare to the previous one? It is actually slightly better than it as the value of those 30,000 points is $300 versus the previous offer of $249 ($150 in points +$99 annual fee waiver). This offer is scheduled to run until October 31, 2014

This card ranked third in the Travel Points Card with annual fee category in our 2014 Top Travel Rewards Credit card rankings. Here are some details on the card:

Scotiabank Gold American Express Card
4 points for every dollar spent on the card at gas stations, grocery stores and on dining and entertainment, 1 point for all other purchases with the card
No blackouts, no points expiry, no seat restrictions and no booking fees
Travel service with access to global concierge specialists
Ability to redeem points at or after booking for travel including airfare, hotel, car rental, cruise and vacation packages. Points can also be redeemed for merchandise and credits to Scotiabank investment and credit products
Highly competitive insurance benefits, such as Travel Emergency Medical (including travelers age 65+) and Rental Car Collision insurance
$99 annual fee (among the most competitive fee for a premium travel reward card currently on the market). Additional card annual fee is $29 and the interest rates are 19.99% on purchases and 21.99% on cash advances, balance transfers and Scotia Credit Card cheques.

For more details or to apply for the card please see here.

Jet Airways: Double JetPrivilege Miles between Toronto and Delhi in Premiere Class

Is India in your sites this summer? Then this bonus offer may appeal to you as Jet Airways has released this promotion for flying between Toronto and Delhi in their Premiere Class. Always good to get more miles on your flights when you can!

Offer details
Double JetPrivilege Miles when you fly on Jet Airways in Premiere Class between Toronto and Delhi. Full details Until Sep 30, 14

Can't make use of this offer? Be sure to check out our JetPrivilege Bonus Miles page for many more bonuses!