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Articles by Jason Lee
Aeroplan Launches a 90-Day Status Challenge for World of Hyatt Elites
That means the two challenges can feed each other. A premium Aeroplan cardholder who reaches Explorist through 10 Hyatt nights, or Globalist through 20, would then hold the Hyatt status needed to register for the Aeroplan challenge. Is This Worth Chasing? For Globalists who already fly Air Canada regularly, absolutely. The 17,000 SQC needed for Aeroplan 50K is the target I'd focus on, since 50K brings Star Alliance Gold and lounge access, which 25K and 35K don't.
TD Aeroplan Visa Infinite Cardholders Are Being Upgraded to Visa Infinite+
Annual fee: $139First Year Rebate Welcome bonus50,000 Aeroplan points • Earn 10,000 points on first purchase • Earn 15,000 points upon spending $3,000 in the first 3 months • Earn 25,000 points on card anniversary upon spending $12,000 in the first 12 months Earning rates 1.5xGas1.5xTravel1.5xGroceries1xEverything Else Key perks Free first checked bag for cardholder + up to 8 companions 1,000 SQC per $20,000 spend toward Aeroplan Elite Status (up to 25,000 SQC/year) $100 NEXUS rebate every 48...
Norse Atlantic Quits New York as Cheap Europe Flights Vanish Again
On October 25, the last Norse Atlantic Airways Boeing 787 will push back from John F. Kennedy International Airport for the winter, and for the first time since the airline began flying in 2022, New York will have no Norse service at all until at least the end of March. The London Gatwick and Rome Fiumicino routes, each planned to run three times a week through the cold months, have quietly disappeared from the carrier's winter schedule.
Qantas Confirms Nonstop Sydney-New York Flights for 2028
Qantas has locked in the second destination for its long-promised Project Sunrise network, confirming that nonstop services between Sydney and New York will launch from mid-2028 as the first-ever nonstop commercial service between Australia and the city. Tickets for the inaugural route will go on sale in August 2027, about 11 months before the first flight takes off.
Air Canada Offers 4X Bonus Aeroplan Points on Flights to Select Destinations
Air Canada Vacations Packages Earn Too The flight portion of a new Air Canada Vacations package booked in the same window also qualifies, with a guaranteed minimum of 250 bonus points and up to 4X on top of the flight's base earning. Package flights don't earn on dollars spent the way a regular ticket does. They earn a fixed number of points based on the fare and destination, and the bonus multiplies that figure.
Get 20% More Value Redeeming Avion Points at RBC Direct Investing
Is This a Good Deal? The short answer is that it depends entirely on whether you'll fly. Redeemed against the Air Travel Redemption Schedule, Avion points stretch as far as 2.33 cents each. Holders of the RBC® Avion Visa Infinite Privilege† or a business Avion card also get a flat 2 cents per point on business and first class fares. Run the numbers on a 60,000-point balance and the gap is stark. Through this promotion, those points become a $600 contribution.
Huge News: Aeroplan and World of Hyatt Join Forces
Convert Points Between Aeroplan and World of Hyatt For the first time, points can move between the two programs in both directions, always at a 2:1 ratio. Any member can convert World of Hyatt points to Aeroplan points, starting at a minimum of 5,000 points and in 1,000-point increments thereafter. Converting 50,000 World of Hyatt points would net you 25,000 Aeroplan points. Going the other way is an exclusive perk for Aeroplan Elite Status members.
How Do Blue Rewards Card-Linked Offers Work?
You can also stack card-linked offers with the limited-time and seasonal promotions that Blue Rewards runs throughout the year. The program’s signature Shop the Block event, for instance, lets you earn bonus Blue Rewards points across a range of brands, and these promotions can usually be combined with the default card-linked offers to maximize your earning. Most of these special offers can be found in the Blue Rewards app, and many require you to opt in, so it’s worth checking in regularly.
Porter Airlines Expands Sun Network with Four New Destinations and Transat Packages
Annual fee: $199First Year Free Welcome bonus70,000 BMO Rewards points • Earn 20,000 points upon spending $5,000 in the first 4 months • Earn 20,000 points upon spending $9,000 in the first 6 months • Earn 30,000 points upon spending $18,000 in the first 12 months Earning rates 3xPorter2xTravel2xGroceries2xDining2xTravel1xEverything Else Key perks Automatic Porter Avid Traveller status Free first checked bag + carry-on for cardholder + up to 8 guests Complimentary PorterClassic seat selection...
Rogers Red Mastercards to Introduce Annual Spending Caps on Accelerated Earn Rates
How the Caps Work On August 4, 2026, every cardholder's annual spend counter resets to zero. After that, the counter resets on either the anniversary of your account opening or, if you've done a product switch, the anniversary of that switch. Rogers defines "Annual Spend" as the total dollar amount of eligible purchases posted during each annual spend period, minus any credits applied during the same period.
United Airlines Introduces the Relax Row: Economy Seats That Convert into a Couch
United Airlines has announced the Relax Row, a new economy product that transforms a row of three seats into a flat, couch-like surface on long-haul international flights. It's the first product of its kind from a North American carrier, and it's set to debut in 2027 across United's Boeing 787 and 777 fleets. Air New Zealand has offered a similar concept called the Skycouch for years, so we have a good idea of what to expect on pricing. What Is the Relax Row? It's a simple concept.
YOTEL Joins Hilton Honors Through New Partnership
Hilton has announced a new agreement with YOTEL, making it the first hotel brand to join the newly created Select by Hilton framework. The deal brings YOTEL's 23 properties across 10 countries into the Hilton Honors ecosystem, giving nearly 250 million loyalty members access to a brand that's carved out a niche with its tech-forward, compact hotel concept. Here's what this means for travellers who collect Hilton Honors points.
First-Ever 25% Transfer Bonus: Amex MR to Flying Blue
American Express Canada is offering a 25% transfer bonus from Membership Rewards to Air France KLM Flying Blue — the first time this bonus has ever been offered in Canada. This comes on the heels of the permanent upgrade to a 1:1 transfer ratio that took effect in January 2026. With the 25% bonus on top, you're now looking at an effective rate of 1:1.25 — meaning every 1,000 MR points you transfer will yield 1,250 Flying Blue miles.
AIR MILES Travel Transitions to Expedia
As of March 16, 2026, AIR MILES has officially transitioned its travel booking platform to Expedia. All new travel bookings — flights, hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages — are now processed through the Expedia platform, marking the most significant operational change to the program since BMO completed its acquisition back in 2023.
KrisFlyer Global Redemption Sale: 20% Off Economy & Premium Economy Awards
Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer has launched another Global Redemption Sale, this time offering 20% off economy and premium economy award redemptions across its entire network. KrisFlyer members can take advantage of the discounted pricing for travel between May 1 and November 15, 2026, with a booking deadline of March 23, 2026. This is a broader but shallower discount than the monthly Spontaneous Escapes promotions, which offer 30% off but only on a handful of routes.
KrisFlyer and Accor Live Limitless Offering a Two-Way 50% Transfer Bonus
The Canadian Angle For Canadians, the picture is even less exciting. There are no Canadian credit cards that transfer to KrisFlyer, and none that transfer to Accor Live Limitless either. We don't really have a natural source of either currency. If you're looking to fly Singapore Airlines from Canada, Aeroplan remains the most practical path by far. You can book SQ flights as a Star Alliance partner using Aeroplan points earned from Amex MR, TD, or CIBC cards.
World of Hyatt Updates Its Award Chart for 2026
Hyatt has finally done the thing everyone hoped they wouldn’t: it’s keeping a published award chart, but stretching it enough that many top-end stays will cost significantly more points starting May 2026. The good news is that World of Hyatt isn’t going fully dynamic. The bad news is that on the most expensive nights, some awards will cost much more than they do today – and this matters if you’ve been hoarding Hyatt points for dream redemptions.
Flying Blue Simplifies Miles Expiry with Unified 24-Month Policy
Air France–KLM’s Flying Blue loyalty program is updating how miles expire, and this time the change is genuinely member-friendly. As of May 4, 2026, all Flying Blue miles will follow one unified 24-month expiry rule, and any eligible earning activity will extend the validity of your entire balance by another 24 months.
Etihad Guest Adds Hong Kong Airlines As Partner
Etihad Airways and Hong Kong Airlines have launched a reciprocal frequent flyer partnership, allowing members of Etihad Guest and Fortune Wings Club to earn and redeem across both carriers’ networks. For Canadians, this quietly opens up another path into Hong Kong and onward across Asia, especially if you already collect Etihad Guest miles or have a stash of American Express Membership Rewards points you can convert.
Neo Financial and United Airlines Partner to Launch New MileagePlus Credit Card in Canada!
Canadians are about to get a brand-new way to earn United miles on everyday spending, as Neo Financial and United Airlines prepare to launch the United® MileagePlus® Neo World Elite® Mastercard® in April 2026. United is one of the US “Big Three” carriers and a founding member of Star Alliance, with more than 4,500 daily flights to over 210 US destinations and 120-plus international destinations.
Hands-Free Travel: A Practical Guide to Luggage Storage Apps
One of the most annoying parts of travel isn’t the flight or the train ride; it’s the dead time in between. You’ve checked out, your next departure is hours away, and you’d like to explore a bit more, but your suitcase has other ideas. Luggage storage apps solve exactly that problem. For a small fee, you can drop your bags somewhere safe, enjoy a few extra hours of sightseeing, and pick them up on your way out of town.
Flights to Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara Disrupted Amid Jalisco Unrest
A major security operation in Mexico’s state of Jalisco has quickly turned into a serious travel disruption, especially for Canadians heading to sun destinations. Airports in Guadalajara (GDL) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) have been heavily affected, and several major airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, have cancelled or suspended flights as a precaution.
GHA Discovery Local Offers: How To Unlock Hotel Perks Without a Stay
Most hotel loyalty programs only come to mind when you are planning an overnight stay. No room, no reservation, no benefits. GHA Discovery takes a broader view with its Local Offers. Instead of limiting rewards to room nights, the program lets members access hotel experiences such as dining, spa visits, pool or gym access, and work-from-hotel packages, often without booking a stay at all.
Air Canada Partners With Pegasus Airlines For Easier Trips To Türkiye
Air Canada has struck a new interline partnership with Turkish low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines, making it easier for Canadian travellers to reach Türkiye’s most popular cities. Under the deal, you can book single-itinerary trips that combine Air Canada flights into Europe with Pegasus-operated segments to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) and Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB), with through-checked baggage and protected connections.
China Offers 30-Day Visa-Free Entry to Canadians Until End of 2026
China has just removed its biggest barrier for many visitors: the visa application. From February 17, 2026, to December 31, 2026 (Beijing time), citizens of Canada and the United Kingdom holding ordinary passports can enter China visa free for stays of up to 30 days. The policy covers trips for tourism, business, visiting friends or family, exchanges, and transit. If you do not meet those conditions or you need to stay longer than 30 days, you still need a visa as before.
ALL Accor+ Explorer: 2,000 Bonus Points on New Memberships
If you have even one Asia Pacific trip in the pipeline, ALL Accor+ Explorer is already an interesting way to squeeze more value out of your hotel stays, dinners, and staycations. Right now, there is a little sweetener on the table. New ALL Accor+ Explorer members who join by March 13, 2026, will get 2,000 bonus ALL Reward points, which works out to about €40 of value that you can put straight towards a future hotel bill.
Air Canada Grows Mexico Network with Montréal–Guadalajara Flight | Prince of Travel
Air Canada has announced a significant expansion of its services to Mexico, bringing more options for Canadian travellers this summer. This includes a brand-new non-stop route from Montréal (YUL) to Guadalajara (GDL), and the airline is also increasing its overall capacity to Mexico by a substantial 18 per cent. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for travel to Mexico. It also reinforces Air Canada’s commitment to strengthening trade and tourism ties between the two countries.
Air Canada Orders Airbus A350-1000 As Its Next Long-Haul Flagship
Air Canada has kicked off the next phase of its widebody fleet modernization with an order for the Airbus A350-1000. The airline has confirmed a firm order for eight aircraft, with rights to purchase eight more, and first deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2030. According to the airline, the A350-1000 will support international network growth, improve operating economics, and arrive with Air Canada’s new onboard cabin standard, which starts rolling out later this year.
I Tried Rove Miles For A Hilton Stay So You Don’t Have To
After writing my original guide on Rove Miles, I did not want to stop at “this sounds good in theory.” What really caught my eye was the loyalty eligible hotel angle, where you are supposed to get the best of both worlds: elite recognition and qualifying activity with the hotel, plus a stack of Rove Miles on top. That is the kind of thing you cannot fully judge from a press release. You need to actually check in somewhere and see what happens.
Success! Dusit Gold Status Match To Platinum: My First Impressions
Hotel status matches are fun in theory, but the real question is always the same: what actually happens when you show up at the hotel with your new shiny status? After writing about the Dusit Gold status match, I’ve now had my match approved to Platinum, stayed at Dusit Thani Pattaya, and gathered a few more data points on which other hotel elites are landing Dusit’s top tier. Here’s how it all played out, and whether I’d call it a success.
Marriott Bonvoy Spring 2026 Global Promotion
Marriott Bonvoy puts on rotating promotions throughout the year, and has finally launched its first global promotion of 2026. In past years, we saw Spring promos announced in late January with double elite nights on every stay. This time, Marriott not only was delayed but also instead of a blanket double-night offer, we get a more modest structure with 2,500 bonus points per stay and one bonus elite night per brand.
WestJet Adds New Domestic Routes for Summer 2026
WestJet is padding out its summer 2026 schedule with four new domestic routes and a sizeable bump in east–west capacity across Canada, giving smaller communities better access to its hubs – and to the rest of the world. The latest announcement centres on new non-stop flights from Calgary (YYC) to Sault Ste. Marie (YAM), North Bay (YYV), and Campbell River (YBL), plus a new link between Edmonton (YEG) and Terrace (YXT).
Aeroplan Adds ITA Airways as New Redemption Partner
Aeroplan has quietly flipped the switch on redemptions with ITA Airways, Italy’s flag carrier and soon-to-be Star Alliance member. This is now fully live and confirmed by Aeroplan: you can redeem Aeroplan points for ITA-operated flights across the carrier’s network of 70+ destinations, either as standalone itineraries or mixed with Air Canada and other Aeroplan partners on a single booking. For now, it’s a redemption-only partnership.
Porter Airlines Launches Montreal–Nassau Flights for Winter Getaways | Prince of Travel
Porter Airlines has launched a new nonstop route between Montréal–Trudeau International Airport (YUL) and Nassau, The Bahamas (NAS), marking the carrier’s first Caribbean service from Montreal. The winter seasonal service begins February 5, 2026, and operates up to three times weekly. The new route complements Porter’s existing Nassau flights from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) and Ottawa (YOW), unlocking three Eastern Canadian gateways to The Bahamas.
Review: The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok (2026)
I’ve been to Thailand more times than I can count, and Bangkok almost feels like a second home by now. One thing that never changes, though, is how many hotel options you have here; no matter how often you visit, there’s always another place to try. On this trip, I decided it was finally time to stay at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.
Boost British Airways Avios by 500%
The British Airways Club has rolled out a limited-time Balance Boost promo that lets you pay cash to multiply many of the Avios you earned in 2025 and early 2026 by up to 500%. At the best Balance Boost pricing, you’re effectively buying Avios for around 1.22–1.25 cents per point (USD), or roughly 1.6–1.7 cents per point (CAD). That’s a big step down from the usual about 2.3 cents per point (USD), which is roughly 43 Avios per US dollar when you buy Avios outright.
Etihad Launches First-Ever Nonstop Flights Between Abu Dhabi and Calgary
Etihad Airways has announced a new nonstop route between Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Calgary (YYC), marking the first-ever direct air link between the UAE and Calgary – and the only nonstop connection between the Middle East and Western Canada. Service is set to begin on November 3, 2026, operating four times weekly with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. For Canadians based in Calgary, this finally adds a Gulf carrier and a one-stop connection to much of Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Review: Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
The Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Privilege* Card is Scotiabank’s top-tier travel card, aimed squarely at frequent travellers who value comfort and convenience as much as points. You’re looking at a generous welcome bonus, no foreign transaction fees, 10 annual lounge visits, and a $250 annual travel credit, all wrapped into one metal Visa Infinite Privilege product.
Air Canada Adds Quito, Extends Europe Routes, and Brings More Sun Flights for Winter 2026–27 | Prince of Travel
Air Canada has announced another chunky update to its Winter 2026–27 schedule, with new routes, earlier restarts, and a bit more love for Western Canada. The headline additions are: new service to Quito (UIO), year-round Toronto flights to Manchester (MAN) and Copenhagen (CPH) starting late October 2026, and new Calgary non-stops to Cancun (CUN) and Puerto Vallarta (PVR) beginning in December 2026.
Shell Canada to Partner with Scene+
Starting March 3, 2026 in Alberta and May 26, 2026 across the rest of Canada, you’ll earn and redeem Scene+ points at participating Shell gas stations on fuel, car washes, and eligible convenience purchases. AIR MILES earning and redemption at Shell will end the day before those dates, with no conversion of miles to Scene+ points.
AIR MILES Is Becoming Blue Rewards
After 34 years in the Canadian market, AIR MILES is about to go through its biggest makeover yet. Starting in summer 2026, the program will rebrand as Blue Rewards. In a landscape where some loyalty programs lean into premium travel and others focus on everyday value, Blue Rewards is aiming for a middle ground.
What Is ALL Accor+ Explorer?
ALL Accor+ Explorer is Accor’s paid subscription that bundles hotel discounts, dining savings (in Asia-Pacific), and an instant status boost into one annual membership. It used to have several different types of subscription and price points depending on where you lived, but as of October 1, 2025, Accor unified those into a single membership called ALL Accor+ Explorer, which replaced prior Accor Plus membership types.
Air Canada Launches First-Ever Nonstop Flights to Sapporo
Air Canada is expanding its Japan network once again, this time with a route that winter travellers have been quietly hoping for. Starting in December 2026, the airline will operate the only nonstop flights linking North America with Sapporo (CTS), flying three times weekly from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The new service connects Vancouver directly with Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport (CTS), opening up faster access to Hokkaido during peak winter season.
Dusit Gold Status Match: An Easy Elite Play Beyond the Big Hotel Chains
Hotel status matches remain one of the simplest ways to access elite perks without committing to a full year of stays. While most people immediately think of the big global chains, smaller programs can sometimes offer better recognition, fewer hoops, and more tangible benefits. One such opportunity comes from Dusit International, through its hotel loyalty program, Dusit Gold, which is currently offering a straightforward status match.
WestJet Launches Calgary–São Paulo Flights, Its 100th Non-Stop Destination | Prince of Travel
WestJet has announced a new non-stop route between Calgary (YYC) and São Paulo (GRU), a headline-grabbing move that marks both a milestone and a meaningful network expansion. Starting in November 2026, WestJet will operate the only non-stop flight between Western Canada and South America, flying three times weekly between Calgary and São Paulo–Guarulhos International Airport.
Air Transat to Launch a New Loyalty Program
Air Transat has announced that it will launch a new loyalty program in the second half of 2026, in partnership with Desjardins Group and Visa Canada. The program is billed as offering “accessible and personalized benefits” and an “enriched experience” throughout the customer journey. According to the joint announcement, the initiative brings together Air Transat and Desjardins, two Quebec based institutions, with Visa providing the payment network and technology piece in the background.
Hilton Dine Like a Member: Up to 25% Off Hotel Dining in Asia Pacific
If you like hotel restaurants but not hotel restaurant prices, Hilton’s Dine Like a Member offer is one of those things you should quietly add to your playbook. From February 1 to December 31, 2026, Hilton Honors members can save up to 25% on food and drinks at participating restaurants and bars across Asia Pacific, with a side of 500 bonus points on qualifying bills. The best part is that you do not need to be staying at the hotel.
A Digestible Guide to Air Canada’s Revenue-Based Aeroplan Program (2026)
Air Canada’s Aeroplan program has officially shifted to a revenue-based earning model for flights as of January 1, 2026. Instead of awarding points based on distance flown and fare class, Aeroplan now calculates points based on how much you spend on your ticket. This change impacts all Aeroplan members, with varying results depending on your fare, route, and Elite Status.
Hilton Status Match Returns with Lower Requirements
Hilton has been offering a status match for several years now, letting travellers with elite status from a competing hotel chain match into the Hilton Honors program—without needing to meet the usual qualification thresholds. If you’re approved, you’ll receive Hilton Gold status for 90 days, giving you access to meaningful perks right away.
Huge Upgrade: American Express Canada Boosts MR to Flying Blue Transfers to 1:1
As of January 3, 2026, American Express Canada quietly made a very loud change: Membership Rewards now transfer to Flying Blue at 1:1. That means 1,000 MR points = 1,000 Flying Blue miles, instead of the long-standing 1,000 MR = 750 miles. Flying Blue has been an MR transfer partner in Canada since August 2021, and it’s been useful even at the old ratio. The difference now is that it’s useful without the mental gymnastics.
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