Thursday, April 30, 2020

April 30 Update: Mastercard pulls Foodora offer from their site, Coast Hotels providing Fort McMurray evacuee discounts and more elite status extensions


We haven't heard back from Mastercard Canada about the Foodora news we brought to you earlier this week but did see that as of today the offer has been pulled from Mastercard Canada's website. You can however still access the offer directly on Foodora's website here. Seeing that it is not on Mastercard Canada's website however leads me to believe this offer is being removed completely and won't be available to use with Foodora in other countries.
Image via Foodora


Coast Hotels is offering a special 50% off compassion rate at their Edmonton locations for Fort McMurray residents who have been affected by the flooding that city is experiencing. Find out more here.
Image via Coast Hotels


Travelzoo and Cape Mudge Resort on B.C.'s Quadra Island are selling discounted vouchers for future stays that are 100% fully refundable. You can buy vouchers for 2 night stays starting at $179 each for May 2021 or $229 each for summer stays in 2020 or 2021. Find out more here
Image via Travelzoo

More elite status extensions
Japan's two major airlines have both provided extensions for elite status. Current elite status members from ANA Mileage Club and JAL Mileage Bank will have their status extended through 2021. Meanwhile Spanish based Melia Hotels has extended the status of current Melia Rewards elite members by one year and elite members of Amtrak Guest Rewards will have their status extended to February 28, 2022. You can find all these details and links on our COVID-19 resource page.
 


Airline Schedule Updates
This will now be a standard feature for the foreseeable future in our daily update posts as we summarize Canadian operations based on data from RoutesOnline and other sources.

Sichuan Airlines is showing 1x weekly service between Vancouver and Chengdu starting on May 5 (Source RoutesOnline)

TAP Air Portugal is showing 1 weekly service between Toronto and Lisbon starting on May 22 and moving to 3x weekly as of July 1. The new Montreal to Lisbon route is showing 6x weekly starting on June 26. (Source RoutesOnline)

WestJet has further reduced and temporarily stopped select domestic routes from May 5 to June 4. Halifax to Montreal has been removed completely and there are now lower frequencies on the following:
Market  
Previous frequency  
Updated frequency 
Calgary-Lethbridge 
6x weekly 
3x weekly 
Calgary-Medicine Hat 
6x weekly 
3x weekly 
Calgary-Cranbrook 
6x weekly 
3x weekly 
Winnipeg-Saskatoon 
3x weekly 
2x weekly 
Winnipeg-Thunder Bay 
3x weekly 
2x weekly 



Remember to visit and bookmark our COVID-19 resource page where we are keeping you up to date with all the latest airline, hotel, lounges and loyalty program news, policies, closures and more.
Other resources on Rewards Canada to help you make the most of your points and miles right now:


Posts since our last update:

Deals:

Casper: Take 10% off a mattress with code GOODSNOOZ. Valid through 5/11.

Hello Fresh: save $65 in total, including free shipping on the first box! Find out more here.

Missfresh: Simplify your life with 45% off your first 2 consecutive orders with code SIMPLIFY45. Find out more here.

Enjoy up to 25% off for stays at Radisson Hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Find out more here Book by May 10 for stays June 10 – August 31, 20
Rewards Canada receives a small commission when you use any of the above offers. You don't have to chose to use our links but we thank you in advance if you do.


Canadian Bonus Offers

AIR MILES (Canada)
- 25 Bonus AIR MILES Rewards Miles when you spend $75 or more in one transaction at a participating airmilesshops.ca retailer. More... Until May 10, 20

Other Bonus Offers

Avianca LifeMiles
- Double LifeMiles when you rent with Thrifty in the Americas or Europe. More... Until Dec 31, 20

Etihad Guest
- Double Elite Tier Guest Miles on all Etihad flights. More... Until Jun 30, 20


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Wednesday, April 29, 2020

United MileagePlus does away with partner award chart for airlines like Air Canada - most awards have now increased in price



Back in November of 2019 United MileagePlus got rid of their published award charts for travel on their own metal and with that moved to dynamic award pricing. They did however retain the charts and award redemption requirements for their partner airlines like Air Canada, Lufthansa and so on. That all changed yesterday when United pulled their partner award chart and immediately seemed to start pricing award on partner airlines dynamically. According to One Mile at a Time many award flights jumped by 10% citing examples of Detroit to Frankfurt on Lufthansa and New York to Seoul on Asiana.

We conducted our own quick search and sure enough Toronto-Frankfurt on Air Canada is pricing 10% higher now:

Here's Toronto to Calgary, showing a 10% increase for business class and a 12% jump for economy class:


The timing of this move doesn't make sense with the pandemic on hand and such little travel taking place now and for the immediate future. It works contrary to logical thinking when airlines will want to try to fill seats once travel resumes. Who knows maybe we can remain optimistic as we could all be jumping the gun right now (I'm not, but trying to stay as positive as possible here...) that there is the possibility that United has loaded new base mileage amounts at 10% to 12% higher as that seems to be the common denominator and will in due time implement dynamic pricing as has already been stated by United to several bloggers. That means we could see lower and higher mileage requirements and it wouldn't surprise me if the lower requirement typically ends up being 30K and 70K for the first example above. That is, the amount prior to the increase we are seeing as of today. It's kind of like those shady retailers who illegally raise prices right before a sale and then advertise a big sale..... although in the world of loyalty programs this move isn't illegal.

Tuesday, April 28, 2020

AIR MILES: 25 Bonus Reward Miles when you spend $75 or more via airmilessshops



A day after Aeroplan launched their online shopping bonus for Mother's Day we see AIR MILES reveal theirs. From now until May 10 you can earn 25 Bonus AIR MILES Reward Miles when you spend $75 or more in one transaction via airmilessshops.ca. Don't forget to add in your retail loyalty program details like HBC Rewards, Indigo Plum etc. to earn even more points.

Offer details:
25 Bonus AIR MILES Rewards Miles when you spend $75 or more in one transaction at a participating airmilesshops.ca retailer. Full details. Until May 10, 20



April 28 Update: Top 5 Mastercard Cards to use at Costco, Porter Airlines delays restart to June 29, Eurowings cans new Calgary-Frankfurt flight


We updated our 5+ year old feature on the Top 5 Mastercard Cards to use at Costco. Thing is, it will need to be updated again on June 2 when the Rogers Mastercard changes kick in. See the updated feautre here
Image via Costco Canada



Porter Airlines has pushed back the relaunch of their flights to June 29 from June 1. (Source Porter)
We are extending our temporary suspension of all flights due to COVID-19 until June 29. Porter temporarily suspended flying on March 21, as government-imposed travel restrictions and public health measures were increasing in North America.
Our initial restart date of June 1, was something we believed was reasonable at the time. While there are many promising signs about how COVID-19 is being contained, it is also clear that the current border restrictions, regional stay-at-home orders and limits on large gatherings will remain in place for many regions through much of May and into June. This makes it difficult for people to travel, so Porter will continue aligning its approach with the public health response.
Our return to flying will be done in a responsible manner, taking into account health and safety precautions.
To provide flexibility and give travelers peace of mind when purchasing for future travel, Porter is waiving change and cancellation fees on all fares booked by June 29. This also applies to Porter Escapes vacation packages. Tickets for travel beginning June 29 are available for purchase now.
Image via Porter
RBC Rewards has a limited time redemption option where you can send an Interac e-transfer with points until July 31. Find out more here
Image via RBC


Airline Schedule Updates
This will now be a standard feature for the foreseeable future in our daily update posts as we summarize Canadian operations based on data from RoutesOnline

The new Eurowings flight between Calgary and Frankfurt that was set to launch on June 1st has been cancelled (Source RoutesOnline)

Qatar Airways appears to be continuing with 4x weekly service between Montreal and Doha until the end of May (Source RoutesOnline)


Remember to visit and bookmark our COVID-19 resource page where we are keeping you up to date with all the latest airline, hotel, lounges and loyalty program news, policies, closures and more.
Other resources on Rewards Canada to help you make the most of your points and miles right now:


Posts since our last update:

Deals:

Casper: Take 10% off a mattress with code GOODSNOOZ. Valid through 5/11.

Hello Fresh: save $65 in total, including free shipping on the first box! Find out more here.

Missfresh: Simplify your life with 45% off your first 2 consecutive orders with code SIMPLIFY45. Find out more here.

Rewards Canada receives a small commission when you use any of the above offers. You don't have to chose to use our links but we thank you in advance if you do.


Canadian Bonus Offers

Air Canada Aeroplan
- Receive Air Canada Altitude 25K status when you earn 50,000 Aeroplan Miles (by almost any method) by May 31. Existing elite members can also boost their status. More... Until May 31, 20
- Earn up to 7x Aeroplan Miles for shopping at select retailers online via the Aeroplan eStore shopping portal. More... Until May 3, 20

Other Bonus Offers

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
- Double Mileage Plan when you rent for 2+ days on a weekly or weekend rental at participating Hertz locations in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. More... Until Jun 30, 20

ALL Accor Live Limitless
- Triple ALL Rewards Points when you book an event, meeting or conference at participating Accor Hotels Worldiwde. More... Until Dec 31, 20

American AAdvantage
- Double AAdvantage Miles when you rent for 2+ days on a weekly or weekend rental at participating Hertz locations in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. More... Until Jun 30, 20

Amtrak Guest Rewards
- Double Guest Rewards Points when you rent for 2+ days on a weekly or weekend rental at participating Hertz locations in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. More... Until Jun 30, 20

IHG Rewards Club
- Double HG Rewards Club Bonus points for stays at select New IHG hotels in Southeast Asia More... Until Dec 30, 20

Marriott Bonvoy
- 3,000 Bonus Bonvoy Points for stays in a suite at the The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician, a Luxury Collection Resort, Scottsdale. More... Until May 31, 20
- 10,000 Bonus Bonvoy Points for stays of 2+nights at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows. More... Until May 15, 20
- 2,000 Bonus Bonvoy Points PER NIGHT at the New Orleans Marriott or the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. More... Until Jun 23, 20


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Well that didn't last long - Mastercard World & World Elite cards may lose Foodora benefit



At the beginning of the month we let you  know about the new benefits that Mastarcard Canada added to all World and World Elite Mastercards in Canada. The primary new benefits were free global Wi-Fi with Boingo and credits for using Foodora and Ritual. News broke yesterday via CTV News that Foodora will be exiting the Canadian market on May 11.  This news has been confirmed on Foodora Canada's Twitter account:

Image via Twitter
Recommended reading:  A look at the new benefits that have been added to all World & World Elite Mastercards in Canada


At the time of posting there is no mention of this news on Mastercard Canada's website and the offer with Foodora appears to still be valid as they haven't shut down yet. This means you should be able to utilize at least part of the offer of earning up to $30 in credits if use Foodora up to May 10. The offer is $15 off your first order of $30 or more and then $5 off every third order for three orders. The latter is in the form of a voucher awarded after your second order and with less than two weeks before shutdown I wouldn't put my money on receiving those vouchers in time to use them.

It is entirely possible this offer may remain if you use your eligible Mastercard for Foodora purchases outside of Canada as the terms and conditions of the offer doesn't  explicitly state that your order has to be made in Canada. I have reached out to Mastercard if this will be the case but I find it unlikely that the benefit will continue to be offered after May 11.

Hopefully Mastercard Canada is already working behind the scenes to add another benefit that will be of more value to their Canadian cardholders.

Title image via Foodora


Aeroplan further extends reward flight flexible cancellation policy & pausing of mileage expiration


Aeroplan sent us an email this morning to pass along the news that they have further extended several policies this morning in regards the to their response for the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cancellation Policy
They have now further updated the flexible change and cancellation policy for Aeroplan flight rewards. The date you can change or cancel flight rewards with no charge has now been extended to June 30. If you cancel by that time you will  receive all of your Aeroplan Miles back in your account, plus a full refund of any associated taxes, fees and surcharges on the unused value of your travel.

Mileage Expiry
Previously set at May 14, Aeroplan has now paused the expiration of miles until June 29. 
"This means that between now and June 29, if a members' miles were to have expired, they will not. Effective June 30, our normal expiration policy will once again apply, meaning that miles will expire if an eligible transaction has not been completed prior to this date" 
Remember all it takes is earning or redeeming one mile in a 12 month period to keep your Aeroplan account active.

June 29 is an interesting pick for a date to extend it to - one may ask why not June 30? My one guess is that it will allow Air Canada to expire some miles on June 30 and account for liability drop in their Q2 numbers.

Recommended reading:  Receive Air Canada Altitude Prestige 25K status when you earn 50,000 Aeroplan Miles via everyday activities 

Finally a reminder that there are only 2 days left to donate Aeroplan Miles to a COVID-19 charity and earn Altitude qualifying miles for doing so. You'll earn 1 AQM for every 5 Aeroplan miles donated. Since the initiative launched Aeroplan members have donated more than 52 million miles.

Learn more about these Aeroplan updates here

Image via Air Canada

Monday, April 27, 2020

Earn up to 7x Aeroplan Miles for online shopping with the Aeroplan eStore Mother's Day Event

https://www.aeroplan.com/estore/mother-s-day-event/cmothersdayevent-p1.html

A new bonus offer event launched today via Aeroplan's online shopping portal. To celebrate Mother's Day they are offering up to 7x Aeroplan Miles for shopping at select retailers. Going through the list I only saw two 7x miles retailers Aveda and Dyson while the majority of retailers participating are at 3 to 5x miles. The bonus runs from today to May 3 and remember that Air Canada Aeroplan has their Travel from Home promotion running right now where you can earn Altitude Status just by earning 50,000 miles so any and all of these purchases can count towards achieving that status. If you happen to have the Platinum Card from American Express I would use that for any of these purchases as it will earn 2 points per dollar spent which equates to 2 Aeroplan Miles per dollar spent. Finally don't forget to add in your retail loyalty program details like HBC Rewards, Indigo Plum etc. to earn even more points.

A small example of the retailers and bonuses available:


Offer details:
Earn up to 7x Aeroplan Miles for shopping at select retailers online via the Aeroplan eStore shopping portal. Full details. Until May 3, 20

Image via Aeroplan

Friday, April 24, 2020

April 24 Update: Platinum Card offer added to various Rewards Canada features, PC Optimum Bonus Redemption Event, NEXUS interviews postponed further


We have updated some features on the Rewards Canada site to reflect the latest limited time offer of double points and double redemption value for the Platinum Card from American Express. The following have been updated:
The Platinum Card is by far he number one card to have in Canada right now and we have confirmed with Amex that the double points double redemption is not only for existing cardmembers but also for new cardholders.


PC Optimum is offering their bonus redemption event for the next six days. This is where you can get more value out of your points when you redeem them at for shopping in store or online with Shoppers Drug Mart. You can get $65 off when you redeem 50,000 points (Reg. $50), $140 off for 100,000 points (Reg. $100) or $300 off for 200,000 points (Reg $200). This offer runs until April 29! Find out more here.
Image via Shoppers Drug Mart



If you were thinking of applying for NEXUS during this down time you'll have to wait to get it as the U.S. CBP who conducts the interviews for NEXUS and Global Entry have extended the closure of enrollment centres to June 1. (Source Doctor of Credit) 
Image via US CBP


American Airlines has raised the amount you'll have to pay for your first checked bag on flights to Europe and Africa. The new rate is now an insane $75 each way on basic economy fares. (Source Award Wallet)
Image via AA

Hotel occupancy rates in Canada remained below 15% for another week. According to HNN occupancy rates in Canada for the week of April 11 to 18 were 12.8%. Compare this to 77.7% for the same period last year. Once again Quebec was in the 6% range.



Airline Schedule Updates
This will now be a standard feature for the foreseeable future in our daily update posts as we summarize Canadian operations based on data from RoutesOnline

EVA Air is showing 3x weekly service between Toronto and Tapei for May as well as 3x weekly service from Vancouver starting on May 20 (Source RoutesOnline)

Turkish Airlines new Vancouver to Istanbul route has had its launch date further pushed back to July 16. (Source RoutesOnline)


Remember to visit and bookmark our COVID-19 resource page where we are keeping you up to date with all the latest airline, hotel, lounges and loyalty program news, policies, closures and more.
Other resources on Rewards Canada to help you make the most of your points and miles right now:


Posts since our last update:

Deals:

Casper: Take 10% off a mattress with code GOODSNOOZ. Valid through 5/11.

Hello Fresh: save $65 in total, including free shipping on the first box! Find out more here.

Missfresh: Simplify your life with 45% off your first 2 consecutive orders with code SIMPLIFY45. Find out more here.

Enjoy up to 25% off for stays at Radisson Hotels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific. Find out more here Book by May 10 for stays June 10 – August 31, 20
 
Rewards Canada receives a small commission when you use any of the above offers. You don't have to chose to use our links but we thank you in advance if you do.


Canadian Bonus Offers

N/A

Other Bonus Offers

No new bonus offers added today







Follow Rewards Canada:
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Thursday, April 23, 2020

One week left to grab the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard with up to 3,000 bonus miles + 1st year free


BMO tends to not change up the welcome bonus offers on their credit cards as frequently as other card issuers so we have become accustomed to the current offer on this and other BMO cards. The current welcome bonus on the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard has actually been around since April 1, 2019!


We now know the next offer for the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard won't be as rich as this offer that ends on April 30. It'll be decent but not as decent as the current bonus of up to 3,000 AIR MILES Rewards Miles with the first year annual fee waived.  The bonus is broken down as 1,000 miles on your first purchase followed by 2,000 more miles when you spend $3,000 on the card within the first three months of having it. This offer is the richest AIR MILES credit card offer in market right now and in fact has been one of the Top 5 cards for welcome bonuses for months on end as that 3,000 miles with no annual fee is worth no less than $330 towards travel or about $315 in cash if your AIR MILES account is set to earn Cash Miles.  As we recommend right now from our article Shifting your loyalty program strategy to help during these trying and tough financial times we think your best bet is shifting your AIR MILES earn to 100% Cash Miles right now instead of Dream Miles to help supplement current financial situations. Of course if you don't need a financial boost this could be a proactive decision on your part to get the card to fund your future travel once the world gets back to some sort of normalcy.

Not only does the card provide this very rich bonus at no cost other than your spend in those first three months it also has a strong insurance and benefits package, provides discounts on AIR MILES flights in North American and provides all the new and existing Mastercard World Elite benefits like free global Wi-Fi from Boingo, Foodora and Ritual credits and more.

You can learn more about and apply for the BMO AIR MILES World Elite Mastercard here.

The following is the most current offer for this card and may not represent the discussion above:

Summary of global hotel systemwide bonus points promotions – April Edition


Here is your monthly update of all the global hotel bonus points promotions that are available! One of the easiest ways to rack up lots of hotel points is to take advantage of these systemwide bonuses that come from many of the big chain programs and also from the lesser known programs. In fact, right now it should be rare for you NOT to earn a bonus. Unless you are staying at a boutique hotel or perhaps an independent hotel most other hotels out there have a bonus. So take advantage of it! These systemwide bonuses simply require you to register beforehand and they do not affect hotel pricing as long as you book a point eligible rate which are most rates out there. Of course booking through a third party site like Expedia or Rocketmiles does not count as most chains only award points on bookings that are made directly with them. Without further ado here are all the current promotions that are available to everyone:

Provider
Offer
Validity Date
ALL Accor Live Limitless 2,000 bonus Rewards points when you complete two stays at participating Accor Hotels Worldwide. Full details, online registration & booking. (Registration is required) Register and book by May 4 for stays until Sep 30, 20
For a complete listing of all ALL Accor Live Limitlessbonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's ALL Accor Live Limitless page
Best Western Rewards No Offers at this time
--
For a complete listing of all Best Western Rewards bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Best Western page
Choice Hotels Privileges Earn up to 8,000 Bonus Privileges Points after every two separate qualifying stays at participating Choice Hotels Worldwide. Full details, online registration & booking (Registration is required)
For residents of the U.S. and Canada only
Registered members will be awarded a minimum of 5,000 to a maximum of 8,000 bonus points after the second qualifying stay. The number of bonus points awarded depends on the number of base points earned from the two separate qualifying stays, with points varying by hotel. The total of base points plus bonus points awarded, however, will be at least 8,000 points, which is the number of points required for a future free night at over 1,000 Choice® hotels worldwide

Mar 7 - Apr 26, 20
For a complete listing of all Choice Privileges bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Choice page
GHA Discovery No Offers at this time
--
For a complete listing of all GHA Discovery bonus offers please visit Rewards Canada's GHA page
Hilton Earn 2,000 Bonus Honors points per stay at Hilton Hotels worldwide plus 10,000 bonus points for every 10 nights stayed. Full details, online registration & booking (Registration is required ) Until May 31, 20
For a complete listing of all Hilton HHonors bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Hilton page
Hyatt Double World of Hyatt Points with each stay starting with your second qualifying stay at over 1,000 participating Hyatt Hotels worldwide. Hyatt credit card holders will earn an extra 1,500 Bonus Points with each qualifying stay, starting with the second, that includes a Friday, Saturday or Sunday night. This offer is now closed for registration but stays until May 15 will count Register by Mar 31 for stays Feb 15 – May 15, 20
For a complete listing of all Hyatt Gold Passport bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Hyatt page
InterContinental Hotels Group Earn up to 4x IHG Rewards Club Points for stays at participating IHG Hotels Worldwide. This offer is now closed for registration but stays until May 15 will count
Earn 1,000 points on your 1st night
Double Points for nights 2-5
Triple Points for nights 6-14
Quadruple points for night 15+
Register by Apr 15 for stays until May 15, 20 
For a complete listing of all IHG Priority Club bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's IHG page
Marriott 2,000 Bonus Bonvoy Points on each stay starting with your second stay at over 7,200 Marriott Hotels worldwide. Full details, online registration & booking. (Registration is required) Register by May 31 for stays Mar 17 – Jun 14, 20
For a complete listing of all Marriott Rewards bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Marriott page
Millennium Hotels My Millennium 2,000 Bonus My Millennium Points + 10% off + complimentary upgrade for stays of 2 or more night at participating Millennium Hotels Worldwide. Full details & online booking. Book by Jun 30 for stays until Dec 31, 20
For a complete listing of all Millennium Hotels My Millennium bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's My Millennium page
Preferred Hotel Group iPrefer No offers at this time --
For a complete listing of all Preferred Hotel Group iPrefer bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's iPrefer page
Radisson Rewards No offers at this time --
For a complete listing of all Radisson Rewards bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Radisson Rewards page
Red Roof Inns RediRewards No offers at this time --
For a complete listing of all Red Roof bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's RediRewards page
Shangri-La Golden Circle No offers at this time --
For a complete listing of all Shangria-La bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Golden Circle page
Sonesta Hotels Travel Pass No offers at this time --
For a complete listing of all Sonesta Hotels bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Travel Pass page
Voila Hotel Rewards 30% Bonus VHR Points for each stay at any participating VOILÀ hotel Worldwide. Full details & online registration (Registration is required) Until Jun 30, 20
For a complete listing of all Voila Hotel Rewards bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's VHR page
WorldHotels Rewards Quadruple Rewards Points for stays at all participating WorldHotels locations Worldwide. Full details & online booking
Until Apr 30, 20
For a complete listing of all Wyndham Rewards bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's WorldHotels page
Wyndham Rewards Earn 5,500 Bonus Wyndham Rewards Points  when you complete 2 separate stays at Wyndham Hotels Worldwide. Full details, online registration & booking. (Registration is required) Register and book by Apr 26 for stays until May 21, 20
For a complete listing of all Wyndham Rewards bonus point offers please visit Rewards Canada's Wyndham page