If you are sitting on a stash of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you are currently holding a lottery ticket that expires in less than a week. The current transfer bonus to Air Canada Aeroplan—offering up to a massive 35% boost—is one of the most aggressive redemption windows we have seen in 2025.
For veteran travel hackers, Aeroplan is already the most functional Star Alliance program. It has no fuel surcharges on most partners, a user-friendly search engine, and the ability to add a stopover for just 5,000 points. When you layer a 35% transfer bonus on top of that, the math becomes undeniable.
But the clock stops on January 5, 2026. If you miss this window, you are effectively agreeing to pay 35% more for your next vacation. Here is the complete breakdown of the math, the tiered structure, and the exact routes you should book immediately.
The Math: How to Unlock the Full 35%
This isn’t a simple flat bonus for everyone. Chase has structured this as a tiered incentive, and understanding the fine print is critical to getting the full value.
In 2025, we are seeing more “stackable” bonuses. Here is how your transfer calculates out:
| Transfer Amount | Base Bonus | Aeroplan Cardholder Bonus | Total Potential Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000 – 74,000 Points | 15% | +10% | 25% |
| 75,000 – 174,000 Points | 20% | +10% | 30% |
| 175,000+ Points | 25% | +10% | 35% |
The “Stack” Explained: The base transfer bonus (15-25%) posts instantly from Chase. However, if you hold the Chase Aeroplan® Card, you receive an additional 10% bonus on top. This secondary bonus usually posts within 72 hours, though data points from late 2025 suggest it is often faster.
Even if you don’t have the card, a 25% bonus on large transfers is exceptional. It lowers the cost of a Star Alliance Business Class ticket significantly below market rates.
3 Sweet Spots You Must Book Now
Transferring speculatively is usually risky (see our guide on Points vs. Cash Calculator logic), but Aeroplan is stable enough to justify the risk. Here are the three redemptions that offer the highest Return on Investment (ROI) right now.
1. The Return of Etihad Business Class
One of the biggest wins of 2025 was Aeroplan reintegrating Etihad premium cabins. You can now book Etihad’s stunning Business Studio from the US East Coast (JFK/IAD) to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
- Standard Cost: ~87,500 Aeroplan Points (Distance-based).
- With 35% Bonus: You transfer ~65,000 Chase Points.
- Cash Price: $6,200+.
- Value: 9.5 cents per point.
This route connects seamlessly to the Maldives or India. Combining this with a stopover in Abu Dhabi makes it one of the best “single ticket” vacations available.
2. Lufthansa First Class (Last Minute)
Lufthansa generally releases First Class space to partners like Aeroplan only 14 days before departure. With the bonus ending Jan 5, this is the perfect time to snipe a seat for a mid-January trip.
- Route: Chicago (ORD) or New York (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA).
- Standard Cost: 100,000 Aeroplan Points.
- With 35% Bonus: You transfer ~74,000 Chase Points.
- The Experience: Caviar service, the First Class Terminal in Frankfurt, and a Porsche transfer to your plane.
For comparison, LifeMiles charges fewer points on paper, but their cancellation fees are brutal. Aeroplan offers peace of mind.
3. Pacific Hop: Seattle to Tokyo
ANA availability has been tight in 2025, but close-in space still appears. The distance band from Seattle (SEA) or Vancouver (YVR) to Tokyo is just under 5,000 miles, keeping the price low.
- Standard Cost: 55,000 Aeroplan Points (Business).
- With 35% Bonus: You transfer ~41,000 Chase Points.
Flying 10 hours in lie-flat business class for 41k points is arguably the best math in the entire points world right now. It rivals the old charts we haven’t seen since 2019.
The “Stopover” Trick: Why Aeroplan Wins
The real power of Aeroplan isn’t just the flight—it’s the 5,000-point stopover rule. Unlike United or Avianca, Aeroplan lets you stop in a connecting city for up to 45 days for a flat 5,000-point fee.
Example Itinerary:
New York (JFK) -> Lisbon (LIS) [Stop for 5 days] -> Marrakech (RAK).
On other airlines, this would require two separate tickets (JFK-LIS and LIS-RAK), costing you nearly double the miles. On Aeroplan, it prices as a single Atlantic Zone ticket + 5,000 points. If you are planning a multi-city Eurotrip for summer 2026, transferring now locks in this pricing.
Is Family Sharing Safe in 2025?
Yes. After a long pause, Aeroplan officially reinstated Family Sharing with stricter verification in early 2025. This allows you to pool points with up to 8 family members.
This is strategic for the Chase bonus. If you and your spouse both have Chase Sapphire Preferred cards, you can both transfer to your own Aeroplan accounts and then link them via Family Sharing. This instantly creates a massive pot of miles for a family vacation.
However, be warned: The “Family Lead” must be verified, and you cannot jump between pools. Once you join a pool, you are committed for a minimum duration (usually 3 months).
Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Before the Deadline
Don’t wait until January 5 at 11:50 PM. Technical glitches happen. Follow this workflow:
- Log in to Chase Ultimate Rewards: Navigate to the “Transfer to Travel Partners” section.
- Link Your Account: If you haven’t linked your Aeroplan number yet, do it now. The name on the Chase card must match the name on the Aeroplan account exactly.
- Test a Small Transfer (Optional): If you are nervous about the instant transfer, send 1,000 points first. It should appear in your Aeroplan account immediately.
- Send the Bulk: Transfer the remaining amount. You will see the standard points arrive instantly. The bonus points (the extra 15-35%) may appear as a separate line item.
- Verify on Aeroplan: Log in to AirCanada.com and confirm the balance.
⚠️ Warning: Irreversible Action
Remember, transfers are one-way. You cannot move points back to Chase. Once they are in Aeroplan, they are subject to Aeroplan’s expiration policy (18 months of inactivity). Ensure you have a plan to use them.
Conclusion: To Transfer or Not?
If you have specific travel goals for Europe or Asia in 2026, this is a “Buy” signal. The Star Alliance network is massive, and Aeroplan is its most flexible currency.
However, if you are saving for a Hyatt redemption or a specific domestic United flight, keep your points in Chase. The flexibility of Ultimate Rewards is valuable, and Chase transfers generally happen 1:1 all year round. Only transfer if you are ready to commit to the Air Canada ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 35% bonus apply to everyone?
No. The bonus is tiered based on how many points you transfer (15% to 25%). To hit the full 35%, you typically need to transfer over 175,000 points AND hold a Chase Aeroplan credit card, which adds a stackable 10% bonus.
When exactly does the offer expire?
The offer ends promptly on January 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. We strongly recommend completing all transfers by January 4 to avoid last-minute server timeouts.
Do Aeroplan points expire?
Yes. Aeroplan points expire after 18 months of inactivity. However, any activity (earning or redeeming) resets the clock. Holding an Aeroplan credit card also prevents expiration indefinitely.
Can I book United flights with Aeroplan points?
Yes. Because United and Air Canada are both Star Alliance members, you can use Aeroplan points to book United flights. In many cases, Aeroplan’s fixed distance-based pricing is cheaper than United’s own dynamic pricing.
