How to Claim Missing Aeroplan Points: Your Complete Guide to Getting What You Earned
You've just returned from a wonderful trip. You flew Air Canada from Vancouver to Tokyo, enjoyed your time away, and now you're ready to see those Aeroplan points land in your account. You log in, check your balance, and… nothing. The points aren't there.
If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. Missing Aeroplan points are one of the most common frustrations I hear from travellers (and in my own experience). Over the years, I've helped dozens of clients with the proper steps to track down and claim their missing points, from quick domestic hops to complex multi-leg journeys across Star Alliance partners.
Here's what I've learned: most missing points aren't actually lost. They're just waiting to be claimed. And the good news? Getting your points back is usually straightforward when you know the right steps to take.
The challenge is that many travellers don't know where to start. They're unsure if they should wait longer, worried they've missed a deadline, or confused about what information they need to provide. Some give up entirely, leaving hundreds or even thousands of hard-earned points unclaimed.
That's why I created this guide, to walk you through the entire process step by step. Whether you're missing points from a recent Air Canada flight, a Star Alliance partner booking, or a complex itinerary with multiple segments, I'll show you exactly how to claim what you've earned.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover when Aeroplan points should appear in your account and when to take action, the most common reasons points go missing and how to avoid them, and a detailed step-by-step process for submitting a missing points claim. I'll explain why keeping your boarding pass is absolutely critical and what could happen if you don't. You'll learn about the major changes coming to the Aeroplan programme in 2026 that will affect how you earn points on Air Canada and Star Alliance flights, plus expert tips to prevent missing points in the future and what to do if your claim is denied.
By the end of this guide, you'll have everything you need to claim your missing Aeroplan points with confidence. Let's get started.
Understanding When Aeroplan Points Should Appear
Before you start worrying about missing points, it's important to understand the normal timeline. Points can take up to 2 months to be credited in some cases, though most flights post within 2-3 business days.
Here's what's typical:
Air Canada flights: 2-3 days after your flight
Star Alliance partner flights: 3-14 days after travel
More complex bookings: Up to 6 weeks for partner airlines or trips with multiple changes
You should wait at least 14 days before submitting a missing points claim. This waiting period gives Air Canada and its partners time to process your travel information properly.
Why Your Aeroplan Points Might Be Missing
Several common reasons explain why points don't appear automatically:
Your Aeroplan Number Wasn't Added
This is the most frequent culprit. If you forgot to enter your Aeroplan number when booking, or if you booked through a travel agent or online travel agency that didn't include it, the system won't know where to credit your points. When I book my client’s flights, I do make sure that their Aeroplan numbers are added on, however this brings me to the next reason you could be missing points.
Partner Communication Problems
Sometimes partner airlines don't communicate flight information to Aeroplan properly. Technical glitches, system errors, or data discrepancies between airlines can cause delays or prevent points from posting altogether.
Name Mismatch Issues
Your ticket name must match your Aeroplan member name exactly. Even small differences can prevent points from posting. You also cannot earn or claim points from someone else's ticket, regardless of who paid for the flight.
Non-Qualifying Fares
Not all tickets earn points. Basic economy fares and certain promotional tickets may not be eligible for Aeroplan points. Always check the fare conditions before booking.
Flight Changes and Rebookings
If your flight was changed, rerouted due to delays, or rebooked through customer service, the new segments might not automatically connect to your Aeroplan account. This is especially common with irregular operations (IROPs).
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Claim Missing Aeroplan Points for Flights
Ready to claim your points? Here's the complete process:
Step 1: Log Into Your Aeroplan Account
Visit aircanada.com and sign in using your Aeroplan number and password. Make sure you're within the claim window, you have up to 11 months from the flight departure date to request missing points.
Step 2: Access the Missing Points Request Form
Once logged in, click on the "Activity" tab on your dashboard. Scroll down until you see the "Missing something?" box on the right side of the screen. Click "Submit request" to open the claim section.
Step 3: Select "Flight Booking"
You'll see different categories for missing points. Choose the flight booking option since you're claiming points for a flight you've taken.
Step 4: Gather Your Flight Information
Before filling out the form, have these details ready:
Your ticket number (13-digit number found on your boarding pass or e-ticket)
Airline name and flight number
Departure date
Departure and arrival cities
Booking reference number
Step 5: Complete the Request Form
Fill in all required fields carefully. Double-check that:
Your ticket number is correct
Flight dates match your actual travel
City codes are accurate
All information matches what's on your boarding pass
Step 6: Submit and Track Your Claim
After reviewing everything, click "Continue" to submit your request. If all information is accurate, points should post within 2 to 8 weeks.
You can check the status of your claim by returning to the Activity section of your Aeroplan account.
Special Cases: Claiming Points for Multiple Flights
Did your trip include connecting flights or multiple segments? If your trip had multiple flights, you must claim points individually for every flight.
For example, if you flew Vancouver to Toronto to London, that's two separate flights requiring two separate claim requests:
Vancouver to Toronto
Toronto to London
Yes, it takes more time, but the system requires individual entries for each segment to process correctly.
What Airlines Are Eligible for Aeroplan Points Claims?
You can claim missing Aeroplan points for flights on:
Air Canada
Air Canada Express
Air Canada Rouge
All Star Alliance member airlines
Select partner airlines including Gulf Air, Middle East Airlines, Etihad Airways, Sri Lankan Airlines, and Vistara
Passengers of Star Alliance flights and codeshare partners can make a request for missing points, making the programme quite flexible for international travellers.
Why Keeping Your Boarding Pass Matters
Here's a tip that has saved my clients countless headaches: always keep your boarding pass until your points post.
Your boarding pass is your proof of travel. It contains your:
Ticket number
Flight number and date
Seat assignment
Actual boarding information
Air Canada recommends you keep your ticket and boarding pass until the points have been credited to your account. If there's any dispute about your flight or if the airline claims they have no record of you travelling, your boarding pass is essential evidence.
I recommend taking a photo of your boarding pass with your phone as backup. Store these photos in a dedicated folder so you can easily find them if needed. Keep physical boarding passes for at least 12 months, the full window for claiming missing points plus a buffer.
Alternative Method: Emailing Air Canada Aeroplan Support
If the online form isn't working or you're experiencing technical difficulties, you can email your missing points claim directly to credits@aircanada.com.
Include these details in your email:
Your Aeroplan membership number
Ticket number
Flight details (airline, flight number, date, route)
Scanned copy of your boarding pass
Original booking invoice or e-ticket
Follow up after one month if you haven't received a response. This method can be particularly helpful for complex situations like flight changes due to delays or cancellations.
Major Changes Coming to Aeroplan in 2026
If you're a frequent Air Canada traveller, you need to know about the significant changes coming to the Aeroplan programme. Starting January 1, 2026, how you earn points will change dramatically.
Switch to Revenue-Based Earning
Starting January 1, 2026, Aeroplan members will earn points on eligible Air Canada flights based on dollars spent rather than the distance they travel.
Under the new system:
Members will earn a minimum of 1 Aeroplan point per $1 spent on an eligible Air Canada flight (base fare and carrier surcharges, excluding applicable taxes, fees, and third-party charges)
Elite status members will earn between 2x to 6x points per dollar depending on their status level
Distance-flown calculations will no longer apply to Air Canada flights
How This Affects Star Alliance Flights
The changes also impact how you'll earn on Star Alliance partners. Air Canada ticketed flights on United, Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian, Brussels, and Copa earn revenue-based points with an elite multiplier, while other Star Alliance airlines will continue with distance-based earning if not ticketed by Air Canada (ticket numbers not starting with "014").
What This Means for You
For short-haul domestic flights, the new system might earn you fewer points than before. However, expensive international tickets could earn you more points under the revenue model. The key is understanding how much you typically spend versus how far you fly.
As a travel adviser, I'm watching these changes closely to help my clients maximise their earning potential under the new rules.
Elite Status Changes You Should Know About
Along with earning changes, Air Canada is introducing a new way to qualify for elite status called Status Qualifying Credits (SQC). This replaces the current system of Status Qualifying Miles, Status Qualifying Segments, and Status Qualifying Dollars.
Starting in 2026, you'll earn SQC through:
Flying Air Canada and select partners
Spending on Aeroplan credit cards
Shopping with programme partners
The new system is designed to reward members who engage with the programme across multiple areas, not just flying. If you're working toward elite status, now is the time to understand how these changes will affect your goals.
Essential Tips to Prevent Missing Points in the Future
Prevention is always easier than claiming missing points after the fact. Here are my top recommendations:
Always Add Your Aeroplan Number at Booking
Make it a habit to enter your Aeroplan number every time you book a flight. Whether you're booking directly with Air Canada, through their app, or via an online travel agency, that number needs to be in the reservation from the start. You can double check that your Aeroplan number has been applied during the check in process before your flight.
Verify Your Number Is Attached Before Flying
Log into your Aeroplan account and check that your upcoming flights appear in the "Activity" section. If they're not showing up before departure, you can still add your number up to 2 hours before your flight. You can also add your Aeroplan number at the airport when checking in at the desk.
Keep All Travel Documentation
Create a system for saving:
Boarding passes (physical and digital screenshots)
E-ticket confirmations
Booking reference numbers
Receipts from your credit card
These documents are invaluable if you need to claim missing points later.
Check Your Account Regularly
Don't wait months to notice missing points. Review your Aeroplan account within a week after each flight. The sooner you catch missing points, the easier they are to claim.
Set Calendar Reminders
Create a reminder for 10 months after each flight as a final check. This gives you a buffer before the 11-month deadline expires.
Claiming Points for Hotels, Car Rentals, and Other Partners
Missing points from activities other than flights? The process is different depending on the partner.
Hotels Booked Through Aeroplan
If you booked through Aeroplan's hotel partners managed by cxLoyalty, email points@aeroplan.cxloyalty.com directly. Include your booking confirmation, hotel receipt, and Aeroplan number.
Car Rentals
For car rental points, contact the rental company directly:
Budget: Use their online e-receipt page
Avis: Submit through their car rental receipt and agreement page
Other partners: Check the Aeroplan website for specific contact information
You can claim points for a hotel stay or car rental within the last 6 months, giving you a reasonable window to notice and report missing rewards.
Credit Card Points
If points from your Aeroplan credit card aren't posting, contact your card issuer directly:
TD Bank: 1-800-983-8472
CIBC: 1-800-465-4653
American Express: Number on the back of your card
Credit card points usually post faster than flight points, so if they're missing beyond one billing cycle, reach out immediately.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
Sometimes claims are rejected. Common reasons include:
Travelling on a non-qualifying fare
Missing documentation
Exceeding the 11-month claim window
Name mismatch between ticket and Aeroplan account
If your claim is denied and you believe it's an error:
Review the rejection reason carefully
Gather additional documentation
Resubmit with complete information
Consider contacting Aeroplan customer service for clarification
Escalate to customer relations if necessary
In my experience, most legitimate claims are eventually honoured if you have proper documentation and stay persistent.
Keeping Your Aeroplan Points Active
Don't forget about the inactivity rule: your Aeroplan points will expire if your account has been inactive for 18 months. "Inactivity" means you haven't earned or redeemed any points during that 18-month window. The good news? Each time you do something with your account, whether earning or redeeming even a single point, the clock resets for another 18 months.
Easy ways to keep your account active:
Fly with Air Canada or Star Alliance partners
Make a small purchase through the Aeroplan eStore
Book a hotel or car rental through Aeroplan
Use your Aeroplan credit card
Transfer points to or from your account
Alternatively, holding an Aeroplan credit card as the primary cardholder prevents your points from ever expiring, giving you peace of mind.
Ready to Maximise Your Travel Rewards?
Claiming missing Aeroplan points doesn't have to be stressful when you know the right steps. By staying organised, keeping your documentation, and acting within the claim window, you can ensure you receive every point you've earned.
Remember the key takeaways:
Wait at least 14 days before claiming, but don't wait beyond 11 months
Keep your boarding passes until points post
Ensure your name matches exactly on your ticket and Aeroplan account
Understand the 2026 changes to maximise your earning potential
Claim each flight segment separately for multi-leg trips
Work With Me as Your Travel Advisor
While I'm passionate about helping you understand loyalty programmes like Aeroplan (I hold elite status myself and know the ins and outs), my true expertise lies in crafting extraordinary travel experiences that go far beyond a standard flight.
As your dedicated travel advisor, I specialise in curating luxury travel experiences including:
Ocean and river cruises that take you to the world's most captivating destinations in comfort and style
Luxury rail journeys like the Rocky Mountaineer, Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, and other iconic routes
African safaris and wildlife expeditions that bring you face-to-face with nature's greatest wonders
Adventure travel for those seeking meaningful, active experiences in extraordinary places such as to Bhutan, Nepal, Patagonia, and the Galapagos
Wellness retreats designed to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit in Bali, Thailand, France, Switzerland and beyond
Expedition voyages to remote corners of the globe, from Antarctica to the Arctic
I work with clients who appreciate the value of expertly planned travel, those who want someone to handle every detail, anticipate their needs, and ensure their journey exceeds expectations. Whether you're celebrating a milestone, seeking adventure, or simply craving a transformative escape, I'm here to make it happen.
And yes, I'll make sure you're maximising your Aeroplan points along the way when you do fly. But more importantly, I'll ensure every aspect of your trip reflects your vision of the perfect getaway.
Ready to plan your next extraordinary journey? Contact me today to discuss how I can turn your travel dreams into reality. From your first consultation to your return home, I'll be your trusted partner every step of the way. Your most unforgettable adventure is waiting, let's create it together. Click here for more information and to book a FREE travel planning consultation with me.
